Part 156: Okabe Rintarou shows a girl a bad time

Faris might be visiting the lab, because right after I came to this world line, Faris was at the lab today. Since my actions shouldn't have influenced Mayuri's, she should've called Faris over to look at her cosplays.

I don't want to see anybody right now. I suffer alone, on the overpass.

In the end, no matter how much I use my brain, I can't think of a good idea. Rukako said 'if we become temporary lovers, then I’m okay with going back to being a guy.' I've stayed faithful to that, so...

Faithful? How? I just made a huge mistake back there. I've done nothing but make Rukako sad. Tomorrow...



At the very least, I need to make our relationship last until that evening. Tomorrow is the end, but I'm not confident I can give Rukako a fun time as a lover.

Alright. Instead of fussing over a date, I'll just try something that won't make Rukako sad.



I'm going to meet Rukako just like yesterday, tell her "Let's go meet with Mayuri," and take a train. Today won't be a date with just the two of us. We don't have time, and I feel like I've already hurt her.

And so, the strategy I took was…





People, people, people... People cover the land as far as the eye can see.



Since it's the first day, Big Sight is more crowded than usual.

Correct, my strategy was to take Rukako out to ComiMa. Of course, I didn't make her cosplay. Rukako said it was embarrassing, and she wouldn't listen to Mayuri's persistent pestering. I don't want to make Rukako do something she doesn't like, either. So, we just came to look. Besides, if we join up with the ecstatic Mayuri and Daru on the grounds, then they can keep talking about this and that. The conversation won't get paused like this.

"Rely on companions." What wonderful words!



And with that said, I head to the meeting place we decided beforehand, weaving through the crowd of people. Rukako also seems frantic, fighting the mental battle.

"Tutturu♪ Okariiin! Rukaaaa!"



Mayuri meets up with us at the edge of the parking lot. There aren't as many people here.

"Welcome to ComiMa, Ruka."



"Take it easy!"

"Where's Daru?"

"Well, Daru's lined up to get promo goods, so he doesn't want to get out of line. He said maybe he'll join us after he gets some spoils of war!"

So he won't join up with us until about an hour later, huh. Oh damn him, prioritizing himself.

Rukako seems nothing but overwhelmed, anxiously looking around. There really still is awkwardness between Rukako and me. Maybe she's not over what happened yesterday. After all, even during the train ride, we haven't had any conversation.

I just don't understand why we became lovers if it's come to this. It seems like Rukako and I talked more naturally and had more fun when we weren't lovers.



(Yes it was, Okabe.)

But Rukako didn't refuse. Even when I told her we were going to ComiMa, she just obediently nodded.

"Mayushii will guide you through the grounds today! Well, there are a lot of people, so we have to try not to be a bother. Let's go to the cosplay grounds first, and then I guess we'll go inside!"

Mayuri really is more ecstatic than usual. She's clearly in good cheer.

"Hey, hey, is there anything you guys want to see?"

"...Rukako, is there anything you want to see?"

"Ah, no..."

Rukako shakes her head left and right.

"I don't really know, so... if Okabe wants to see something, I'll go see it..."

"It's not like I'm really interested or anything."

Rukako's expression is unclear. Crap, I shouldn't have answered like that...

"Hey hey, Ruka. If you come to the cosplay grounds, you'll definitely change your minds about cosplaying!"

Mayuri talks happily to Rukako. Relying on this optimistic girl who can't read the atmosphere was the right choice after all.

"It's not embarrassing at all, see? 'Cause everyone's having fun! I've told you about cosplayers who wear Mayushii's costumes, Kaede and Fubuki, but I'll introduce you to them now! So, if you can, I want you to come tomorrow too! Because then, I'd prepare costumes for Okarin and Ruka, too."



"If Okarin does it too, Ruka can cosplay at ease, can't she? What do you think? Mayushii thinks it's a good idea!"

"Rejected."

"S-Sorry..."

"Ehh, no way..."

When Rukako and I refuse, Mayuri drops both her shoulders in disappointment.



We took the direct shuttle bus to Akiba that only runs during ComiMa, but it was so cramped inside, I thought I was gonna die.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

When we return to Akiba, Rukako and I are so tired we can't even move our mouths. My feet are so heavy I thought they turned to lead. I can't even hear the traffic's noise, the cicada's cries, or the sounds of cars and bikes.

The two of us return to the shrine with shut mouths like Spanish monks under vows of silence.



But it was obvious that taking her to ComiMa was a mistake. Rukako’s expression has been stiff ever since Mayuri showed us around the grounds. Maybe she's still traumatized by otaku.



At that time, he was in a fight with otaku, so maybe that didn't leave a good impression.

We don't talk. For a long time, we weren't alone, but packed like sardines. I can probably count the words I said directly to Rukako today on my fingers.

When we arrive at the shrine, our time as lovers will end. So this is our last chance to talk like lovers do. But I'm confused. Just what should I talk about? I try looking for a topic we have in common. About the demon sword, Samidare. About the Seishin Zanma style's swordsmanship. But those pretentious hipster bullshit topics are prohibited, according to Kurisu and the manual. So, something else...

And then I realized.







When we get there, I seem calm, but I am not. I safely escorted Rukako home. Today is the day Mayuri is killed. The time limit is within three hours.

So...



Then I just need Rukako to give me her mother's pager number. But...

Is it really okay to let it end like this? In the end, what have I done for Rukako? I haven't done squat, have I? Rather, haven't I done nothing but hurt her?

"Ugh... hic..."

I'm startled. Rukako sobs convulsively, cupping both hands over her mouth. Tears overflow from her eyes.

"Rukako..."

When I try coming closer out of concern, Rukako draws back.

"Uugh... ugg... sniff..."

Rukako wipes the corners of her eyes, but the tears keep flowing, forming a glistening line down each cheek. I was pushed into endless chaos. A girl is crying before my eyes. Even though I, as a man, can't leave that alone, I stand stock still, saying not a single word. The source of Rukako's tears is undoubtedly me. Even though it was only temporary, I still didn't treat her right as a girlfriend.

And this is how it ends. It ends without either of us saying a word.

Rukako... she was hurt, and started to cry, because of me. And yet, Rukako...



...said that and bowed her head to me.

"Eh?"

On her face, wet with tears, were signs of lovely shyness.

"You being... my lover... sniff... made me... really... happy..."

That's a lie.

"I'm... glad... I fell in love... with Okabe..."

Isn't that a lie?
To my surprise, Rukako gently holds my hand.
A very warm hand.
A very thin hand.
Touching Rukako's hand.
Touching Rukako's body.
The first time since we became lovers.
And also, the last time.

Rukako places a memo pad in my hand, and then our hands part. She bows her head again.

"...Bye now."



I look at the memo pad. A number was written there. That's probably Rukako's mother's pager number. She kept her promise. But...

But, I can't.



I dash back to the lab with all my strength, disregard Kurisu, who was watching over, and decisively time leap...