On the TV monitor, the end credits of a movie are rolling.
This French film, depicting a romantic story, turned from joy and hope in an instant. It was a movie that tested one’s sensitivity to embrace the beauty, sadness, and even despair.
Kentarou, Minoha, and their older friend are all seated on the couch, but their spirits feel as if they’re kneeling on cold floors.
Even though he’s seen it before, Kentarou gently wipes away a tear. When he looks over, he sees Minoha trying her hardest to hold back sobs.
Staring at the monitor without even blinking, their older friend suddenly explodes. Stretching both arms forward, she leans forward, emitting a loud sound:
“Aaaaaaaaah…”
It’s a strange cry, somewhere between a wail and a shriek.
Minoha, startled for a moment by the loud cry, also begins to speak out, as if her own restraints have broken.
“What is this? What is this ending? No, this is too much…”
“It’s too sad. Guf! Too sad. Guff! Uuuh…”
“A movie that lets you feel so refreshingly, deeply sad—there’s nothing else quite like it.”
Buuurp! Kentarou blows his nose.
“Watching something like this could seriously disrupt your life. It could interfere with work. But it makes you richer as a person; it deepens your thinking. That’s what art does. That’s what I believe,” their older friend murmurs, adding, “Earthlings are so mysterious.”
“But still, it feels amazing, doesn’t it?” Minoha says thoughtfully. “To cry like this feels really good.”
Then, once again, the three of them sit silently, absorbing the feelings.
“Good evening! I’m here!” Suddenly, the living room window opens, and Haruko Kasumi arrives. “What’s up? Why is everyone crying?”
“Harukooooo! I’ve been waiting for youuuu!”
“Welcome, Haruko. Sorry, we’re kind of in the middle of something.”
“Oh, look! Haruko-san brought beer, so let’s have some fun! Hahaha!”
“Haruko, you’ve already been drinking, haven’t you?”
“Well, there was a party tonight. So, is this the famous ‘older sister’?”
“Yes, this is Nyai-san. Nyai-san, this is Haruko Kasumi.”
“I’m Nyai. I’m grateful to be staying here tonight, thanks to Kentarou-san’s generosity.”
“I’m Haruko. Nice to meet you!”
“Hey, hey, Haruko, I’m borrowing this DVD from Kentarou, so next time let’s watch it together. It’s the kind of tear-jerker that’ll just make your tear ducts explode!” Minoha hugs Haruko, who gently pats her head.
“Alright, I’ll set up the tent. Nyai-san, could you help me out?”
“Yes, if I don’t help with at least that much, I’d feel too guilty.”
Leaving Haruko and Minoha in the living room, Kentarou and Nyai step out onto the wooden deck.
As he sets up the tent, Kentarou gives Nyai a reminder.
“Nyai-san, please, no mentioning of Sampy. I really didn’t want to invite Minoha and Haruko tonight. If they find out, they might get suspicious, and I might not be able to stay here.”
“Understood. I’ll keep my lips sealed.”
“I mean it, not just in theory—please stick to it.”
“Don’t worry. You can count on me.”
“It’s just that you look a bit too laid-back sometimes, so I’m counting on you.”
“Yes!”
The night of the sleepover continues on.
