“Is it really in a place like this?”

Toudou Mizuki had come to an unfamiliar entertainment district, accompanied by his aide, Mikado Rei.

In the early evening, the streets were overflowing with women returning from work.

“Yes. According to the map, this is the correct address.”

Hearing the assigned social service location was an euthanasia facility, Mizuki had imagined something quieter and suburban.

He couldn’t hide his confusion.

The women passing by looked at him — curious, intrigued, evaluating.

“Here.”

Rei stopped and looked up.

It was a tall and narrow building — a so-called pencil building — its outer walls cracked and worn.

“…For now, let’s go inside.”

Rei stepped forward protectively, shielding him from the crowd.

Inside was only a row of mailboxes, an elevator, and a door to the emergency stairs.

“There is no mistake, it’s on the third floor.”

After confirming the facility’s name on the mailbox, Rei led the way.

The elevator groaned as it rose.

On the third floor was a small reception desk.

The interior was clean and white — completely unlike the shabby exterior.

“You must be Toudou-sama, here for the visit?”

“Yes.”

“Today, there is only one patient waiting. She will be very happy — receiving a final visitor is a great comfort. Please, follow me.”

The receptionist smiled softly and walked down a hallway with five private rooms. She knocked on the first door.

“Nakamura-san, the young gentleman has come to visit you.”

She opened the door. Mizuki and Rei stepped inside.

“Oh my… how lovely. To think an angel like you would come to see me at the end.”

An elderly woman lay in the bed, an IV line in her thin arm.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Toudou Mizuki.”

“My, such a young voice. Are you a high schooler?”

The receptionist brought a chair. Mizuki bowed slightly and sat in front of her.

“What grade are you in?”

“First year.”

“I see, you just entered. Did you make any friends?”

“Yes. I’ve become close with a few people.”

Hearing that, Nakamura smiled — gently, happily.

“What school do you attend? Oh—should I not ask that?”

“I think it’s fine. I attend Shirayuki Academy.”

“Oh! The red brick school? I once attended the cultural festival when I was young.”

She clapped her hands together in delight.

“You actually entered the grounds of Shirayuki?”

“Yes. I still remember it clearly. There were wonderful food stalls, and a boy was grilling yakisoba. You know, we hardly ever get the chance to eat food made by a man. I was so happy.”

Then she coughed — dry and shallow.

“A-are you okay?”

“Yes. My medicine is working well today. On bad days, everything hurts.”

Though she said I’m fine, her voice trembled faintly.

All Mizuki could do was rub her arm nervously.

“It’s cancer. Treatment is expensive… and painful. So I came here.”

“…Um… when…?”

“Tomorrow. Today is just preparation. They serve a nice meal.”

She laughed weakly, as if resigned.

“I don’t have much appetite anymore, though… So eat lots of things you love while you’re young.”

“…Is there anything I can do for you?”

“I would love it if you’d talk with me. Talking dulls the pain.”

She leaned forward again, coughing, a sheen of sweat on her brow.

“So—tell me about school. What have you been doing?”

“Today… we were choosing events for the sports festival.”

“Boys participate too?”

“Yes… I’m supposed to be in the three-legged race.”

“Oh my! The girl you pair with will treasure that memory forever.”

“I’m… I’m not anything special…”

“To a girl, moments like that are precious. More than you imagine.”

Suddenly, Mizuki felt lightheaded.

His vision blurred.

“So be gentle with them, okay? I know I shouldn’t be saying this. I just… wanted to.”

Someone from his memory overlapped with the image before him — indistinct, blurred, unreachable.

“Have you visited other social service placements?”

“No… Actually, not much. I was… afraid of people.”

“Oh… You don’t look that way. Are you forcing yourself now?”

“It’s okay now. I… got better.”

The boundary of death.

Something he should not have seen, yet had glimpsed anyway.

An image surfaced — hazy, far away — aligning with the room before him.

“You look pale. Are you alright?”

“…I’m alright.”

Beyond death, he saw another death.

His breathing quickened, heart pounding erratically.

A high ringing filled his ears. A sharp pain shot through his head.

His vision pulsed.

“I’m sorry. Just a little light-headed.”

He forced a smile.

“Does it still hurt? Your body.”

“Yes. Even when the medicine works, it’s tiring.”

“…Like this — does it help?”

He gently held her hands between both of his.

At the same time, the pain in his own head eased slightly.

“Does it feel a little easier?”

“Yes… yes. Very comforting. But these wrinkled hands—”

“I think… they’re hands that show how hard you lived.”

“Goodness… You really are kind.”

From behind, Rei’s voice came.

“Mizuki-sama, your time is up.”

“Oh my, already? Thank you, dear.”

“Thank you for speaking with me today.”

“You eased my heart. Please take care on your way home.”

Mizuki bowed deeply, then followed Rei out.

Nakamura waved until the door closed.

“Thank you for your visit.”

The receptionist bowed. Mizuki did the same and stepped into the elevator.

“Mizuki-sama… are you alright?”

Rei called his name softly.

Mizuki felt drained — like something heavy had sunk into his chest.

He didn’t know what to do with it.

It simply hurt.

“…”

The elevator doors opened onto the night.

The noise of the entertainment district felt like another world.

“Rei… can we walk a bit?”

His body felt weightless, unstable.

He couldn’t breathe right.

He tried to sound normal, but his voice came out strangely bright.

“If you’re feeling unwell, we should return to the car—”

“I just… want some air.”

Night had fallen completely.

Women on the street stared at him openly.

Mizuki pushed through the crowd, moving forward into the night.