Reina Nanami

This is amazing! It feels like I'm right back at the breakfast table with Mom, Dad, and my brother. I can even taste Mom's freshly baked bread, warm from the oven!

Nyaa! It goes down so smooth! This hits the spot almost as much as that premium fatty tuna Master treated me to! Reina, pour me another, nyaa!

Mmm... it's so warm and cozy! It takes me right back to that one summer when I was little... the first time I finally got the morning glories in our yard to climb the trellis!

Ohhh yeah! This brings it all back! Last year's volleyball finals against the class next door, I nailed the match point, and the whole team lifted me up cheering! I can see it like it was yesterday!

I push open the door to Éternité to find everyone gathered in a cozy circle. They are cradling coffee cups in their hands, every face glowing with warm, genuine smiles.

Welcome, {var:player_nickname}! Please, come in!

Umm, you could say that! This – is "Memoria Latte," made from those magical coffee beans Miss Leia dropped off the other day.

Wow, Miss Leia! You brought that whole bag just for our manager?!

Mm-hmm. Éternité is a place that brings joy to people. I always find such peace here. Reina's a gifted girl, and I wanted to give her happiness a magical touch.

Magical?

Yes. These beans have been blessed with a special magic that stirs up your happiest memories.

Ooh, got it! I'll let Reina know. Thank you, Miss Leia!

And that's the story. Miss Leia is unbelievably thoughtful.

Well... umm...

Just seeing your smiling faces around me... that's all the happiness I need.

Oh, {var:player_nickname}, please try some too! Everyone's been loving it, so I made sure to save you a cup. Here, let me just go get it...

Mm... Zzz...

Hmm...?

Pfft-hahaha! Fuyumi totally dozed off, nyaa! I've never seen anyone pass out from coffee before, nyaa!

Wait, actually...

My head's getting woozy too, nyaa... Nyaa? Is it just me, or is the ceiling going round and round, nyaa...?

Huh?

Ugh, me too... Like I sprinted through every sports club on campus in a single afternoon... Hahaha! I'm totally wiped out, but the good kind of wiped out...

This magic coffee packs a serious punch, hahaha...

Everyone's acting weird. Did I... brew it wrong?

Hinata, did Miss Leia mention anything else when she dropped off the beans? Any special notes?

Hmm... special notes? Oh! There was a small card tucked inside that says... "Thank you for that blend! My ninja energy is fully restored." Wait... no, that's the note Ransei left us the other time...

Oh! Maybe it was... "Stir before enjoying"?

That's... the reminder sticker we put on our new drinks, right?

Oh? Reina, did I ever tell you I write little notes for all my plants?

Looks like the magic's gotten to Hinata as well.

Aha, here it is!

It was sitting in Miss Leia's gift bag the entire time.

...These beans are infused with potent magic. Please drink responsibly, or you may temporarily enter a dream-like state that leads to... adorably unpredictable behavior...

Hey! Is everyone all right?!

.........

Nyaa-hahaha! Never better! I'm pretty sure I could eat a hundred egg tarts in one sitting right now, nyaa!

That's got to be ten times your regular meal... at least!

Nyaa-nyaa-nyaa! Look, there's a huge wild egg tart growing right out of the ceiling up there!

Egg tart? That's the chandelier!

Master! You're up, nyaa! Gimme that shoulder and watch me pull off my Ichihime Cannonball...!

I-Ichihime, wait! That "egg tart"... it's still runny inside!

Nyaa? Really?

Y-yes.

Ahem... I've always heard that a true gourmet waits until a dish is at its absolute peak – fresh from the oven.

Won't you try these instead? My freshly baked seaweed cookies. They're at their absolute perfection right now!

Nyaa! That's our Reina, always knows best! All right, I'm digging in, nyaa!

Munch! Nyaaa... It's sooo good!!!

Oh no, please... this is so embarrassing! I had no idea it'd turn out like this...

It's okay, Reina! And {var:player_nickname}, everything's fine...!

Heave-ho... heave-ho... Employee of the Month Hinata Takanashi, at your service!

Thanks, Hinata, I appreciate the spirit, but... where are you hauling Fuyumi off to? She's sound asleep, you know.

This poor water lily is in terrible shape. Her leaves are drooping something awful! I need to get her outside for some proper hydration and sunlight.

Oh, I should mention – I'm actually an expert at taking care of plants!

I'm sure you are... but please put her down first!

Hinata, look! Your new sunflower is wilting! I think it's feeling left out!

Wait, really?! I didn't mean to ignore it... How do I make it better?!

Umm, Hinata, how about you leave this "Miss Water Lily" to {var:player_nickname} and me? We'll take good care of her.

Yep! We'll get her the sunlight she needs!

Oh wow, thank you both so much! That's a huge help! I'm off to check on my sunflower. See ya!

Phew...

Finally, things are back under control. Reina, you were like a commander out there!

Thank you, and I'm so sorry for dragging you into this mess!

It's okay. I'll bring Fuyumi to her seat so she can sleep properly...

Oh no you don't!!

??

Just as I steady Fuyumi to guide her back to her seat, Nana suddenly springs to her feet –

Everyone's completely off their game! I need to get them pumped up again!

First up, we take out whatever's making everyone woozy!!

Nana, you can barely walk straight. Just leave the unfinished coffee to me.

I'm fine, really! I'm walking totally straight... See?

The rug! Watch your step!

What?

Oof...

The moment Nana loses her balance, Reina spins her wheelchair around and reaches out to catch her.

I didn't... fall?

Oh gosh, I-I'm so sorry, Reina...!

Nana is unhurt, but the coffee pot in her hand goes down with her, splashing every last drop across Reina's skirt.

Zzz...

Zzz...

Hmm... I got in touch with Miss Leia just now. She's gone out of town for the day, but she assured me everyone will recover fully after a good hour or two of sleep. She'll come by later to check on us... Thank goodness.

You did amazing, Reina. Managing this whole mess on your own... that's just incredible!

Oh, I just did what I could... But having you by my side really helped me stay calm, {var:player_nickname}. Thank you for being here...

Her voice trails off as she looks down at the dark stain on her skirt. She tries to hide it, only to realize her hands are stained with coffee as well.

Ah...

A moment ago the calm "commander" seemed so in control, but now there's a sudden hint of panic in her smile.

S-sorry you had to see that...

That must have happened when you caught Nana. Want me to go get some wet wipes for you?

No, it's okay. It's just a little coffee stain. I can take care of it myself.

Really, {var:player_nickname}, just go sit over there and relax!

She's still smiling, but there's a strange stiffness in the way she moves her wheelchair. The chair creaks oddly, like it's taking way more effort to move than usual.

She struggles to steer her wheelchair over to the sink behind the counter, turns her back to me, and fumbles to get the water running.

Eep!

She accidentally turns the faucet on full blast, and a sudden burst of water splashes right onto her.

Reina...?

Umm... please ignore that. Just a quick wipe and I'm fine...

Eh?!

Reina quickly shuts it off, but as she reaches for a hand towel on the shelf, she ends up knocking it right off the edge.

And the hand towel drops right into the narrow gap between the sink and the wall.

Oof...

She edges her wheelchair closer to the gap, bending forward and stretching her arm out, desperately trying to reach the towel. But the chair gets in the way. No matter how much she twists, leans, and stretches, the towel remains just beyond her fingertips.

Reina, want me to pick that up for you?

N-no, I can do it... just give me a minute.

Umm... actually, {var:player_nickname}... you've already helped me more than enough today. Would it be okay if you... just leave for now?

Eh?

I'm asking you... please!

She cuts me off before I can finish, her head sinking low.

Reina, usually so calm and warm, looks completely flustered.

You always step up to take care of everyone else. But even a commander needs someone to lean on sometimes. Let me take some of the pressure off, Reina.

{var:player_nickname}...

You want to be... someone I can lean on?

Yeah. Wait here, I'll be right back.

...!

This whole coffee accident was a close call, but looking back, it was actually pretty fun.

Especially for me – getting to fight side by side with you is a true honor, Miss Commander.

...

Oh, {var:player_nickname}... you always have a way with words, but... thank you.

She eventually surrendered, admitting the truth in a voice so soft I could barely hear it.

Actually... the bearings on my wheelchair seem to have gotten jammed when I caught Nana. I don't think... I can deal with that on my own.

After a close look at the wheelchair...

I see the problem. This shouldn't be too hard to fix, but I'll need you out of the wheelchair to work on it, Reina. Can you manage that?

Mm-hmm.

Opening my arms, I gently lift her up out of the chair, being as careful as I can.

She feels impossibly light in my arms, her body stiff and tense with nerves, like a startled little kitten.

Following her lead, I lay her down on the cot in the break room, where she keeps some daily necessities for emergencies.

Spare clothes, towels, a basin of warm water... anything else you need?

These will do for now... Thank you, {var:player_nickname}.

I place everything she asks for right where she can reach it.

Okay, I'll go fix the wheelchair now. Take all the time you need, and let me know when you're done.

Okay...

{var:player_nickname}... I'm done changing.

I step inside to find her in fresh clothes, sitting on the edge of the cot. She's awkwardly trying to slide her feet into her shoes, but her legs don't seem to have the strength for it.

Every time I saw Reina at Éternité, she was always beaming, greeting me with an upbeat "Welcome!" Her smile was so bright that it was easy to forget – the confident manager who had everything under control was managing it all from her chair.

Need some help, Reina?

If you wouldn't mind...

Mm...

The moment I touch her, I feel her foot instinctively curl away, just slightly.

Reina... your feet?

Yes. I can still feel them. I can even wiggle them a tiny bit.

But no matter how hard I try, I can't make them carry my weight...

I hate that you have to see me like this, {var:player_nickname}... It's awful.

Do you really mean that, {var:player_nickname}?

Always.

...

But... I didn't actually see a thing.

That magic coffee from Miss Leia... I had some too.

I was just hoping... I might be able to see my mom and dad again.

But nothing came – no warmth, no joy, no happy memories... I saw nothing at all.

I don't understand... Am I the only one who couldn't see anything?

Oh, Reina...

But when I think about it... maybe this was for the best.

If I'd gotten woozy along with everyone else, it would have been a complete disaster, right? Haha.

But even if you had, Reina, you'd still have me.

Oh... no, I-I couldn't let that happen. With my condition, I can't imagine how much of a burden I would be to you...

Listen to me, Reina. In my eyes, you are never a burden. Not now, not ever.

Eh...?

You always try to take care of everything and do it all perfectly, and that's truly remarkable.

But if you ever get tired, or if you just want to let your guard down for once, I'll always be there by your side.

I'm not just here for the capable manager. I'm here for the real Reina, too. The one who gets tired, the one who needs someone to lean on.

...

{var:player_nickname}...

You are far too kind.

The more time I spend with you, the more I see it.

Everyone says I'm the kind one, but the truth is... it's you, {var:player_nickname}.

So... is it okay if I get used to... you taking care of me like this, {var:player_nickname}?

The way any ordinary girl would be?

!!

Huh?

Her first instinct is to pull away, but I hold her hand with the softest grip.

As our hands meet, a quiet warmth flows between us – slow, steady, unwavering.

I can feel her tension melting away, little by little.

Okay. I understand.

At last, her familiar, gentle smile returns. But this time, there's a newfound warmth beneath it.

And I can feel it. Her heart is finally opening up to me, just a little.

Well then, Reina, shall we head back out?

Mm-hmm.

Later that night

...

Hmm...?

Reina, what flavor would you like your coffee to be today?

Reina, come try my seaweed cookies fresh from the oven!

What...?!

Dad...? Mom...?!

I can finally see you again! The magic coffee really works!

Silly girl... we never left. And we're so glad you have someone so kind by your side.

Yes, Reina. Now it's time for you to go out and make some new, happy memories of your own.

New... memories?

...

No... please, don't... Mom, Dad – stay! Don't leave me again! I don't care if it's just a dream!

Reina... please, help me.

?!

Who... who's there?

Oh, um – hold on a second. {var:player_nickname}, could you turn around for a bit? I-I just need to fix myself up.

I turn around to give her some space.

Behind me, I hear soft rustling, water splashing in the sink, and the sound of her breathing – hurried and uneven, as if she's trying to hide it.

Just waiting here like this... is that really okay?

Reina, are you sure you don't need any help?

No, it's alright. Everything's fine now.

She's tied a clean apron around her waist, perfectly hiding the stains on her skirt as if nothing happened. And on her face is that same flawless, gentle smile.

Sorry for keeping you so long. Please, accept this... just a little something from me.

Oh, Reina's handmade cookies? Thanks.

Everything is back to exactly how it was before.

She's back to being the perfectly capable manager, and I'm just a regular customer on the receiving end of her thanks.

Take care on your way home, and please come back soon!

Well, maybe it was just easier for her to pretend today's little accident never happened?

But still...

Why wasn't Reina affected by the Memoria Latte?

I wonder when I'll ever find the answer to that question.

H-help... help me...

Somebody... please!

The voice... it sounds like someone's crying... I-I turn around, and I see...

What did you see?

This monster... It doesn't have a face, and its body's all bent and tangled up...

{var:player_nickname}... I... I-I'm so scared!

Whew...

I've noticed Reina hasn't been quite herself lately.

It took some gentle pushing before she finally admitted it. She's been having the same haunting dream, night after night.

I wasn't going to let it go, so she finally agreed to come with me to Leia's herb shop.

There now, Reina. Promise me you'll find me earlier next time, hmm? Don't let things sit for so long.

Leia set two cups right in front of us. The tea gave off this curious scent.

Drink up, now. This blend is meant to soothe your nerves. You've been wound too tight, dear. Just let yourself rest.

Thank you, Miss Leia.

Hmm... Miss Leia, this flavor is really... something special...

You know, if you cold-brewed this and added just a little citrus syrup... it might actually make a really lovely summer special!

Ah! I did it again, didn't I? I just... kind of slip into thinking about the menu. Sorry...

Hehe... But that's exactly what makes you so good at what you do, Reina.

Mm. Thank you...

The calming tea works fast. Curled up on the sofa, Reina's breath grows slow as she sinks into a light sleep.

(whispers) Leia, so what's really going on with her?

Hmm... she's been weighed down by an awfully heavy heart.

Let me guess. That Memoria Latte didn't work on her at first, did it?

Yeah, but she did tell me that she finally dreamed of the happy memories she wanted to see that night.

But not long after, that "monster" started creeping into her dreams too.

Just as I suspected. I understand what's happening now.

You see, Reina's heart is like a house with every door and window bolted shut. Ordinary magic simply cannot find its way in. But you, somehow, got her to open a window just a crack. That's what let the magic sneak through...

And the same goes for that sudden nightmare. Something she's kept locked up tight felt that crack, and now it's rattling its cage.

I believe so. But I can't tell for sure if it's a lingering ghost, or childhood trauma, or perhaps something else entirely... What I can do is help stabilize her mind so she has the strength to face it when the time comes.

{var:player_nickname}, you're the reason she could see those happy memories. And you're the only one who can help her escape this nightmare.

I see. Thank you, Leia.

Then, I dig up everything I can find about the accident on my phone. Unfortunately, nothing particularly unusual turns up for now.

Mm...

Reina? You're awake.

Oh no... you've caught me in a mess again, {var:player_nickname}.

Don't be silly, you look fine. In fact, you're looking a lot better. Ready to head to the next place?

Eh? Where are we going?

Leia said the herbal tea can only settle your nerves for a while. Her magic alone isn't enough to rid you of the nightmare for good.

But I want you to sleep peacefully every single night, Reina. I don't know how yet, but I'll figure it out. Will you trust me?

...

Okay. I trust you, {var:player_nickname}.

And so, we set out for our next stop in search of a true cure.

Rest assured. I've checked thoroughly, and there are no ghosts or curses present. But... I can feel it – a sorrow so deep, lingering around her heart... The nightmare probably comes from there.

Sorrow...? If we can help her let go of some of it, she might feel better.

Thanks, Mai. I've got an idea.

I bring Reina to the magnificent ancient tree standing within the Temple of Moons. A soft wind rustles through its branches, and countless prayer slips of every color flutter and sway, like a thousand flowers blooming all at once.

Wow, it's beautiful... I've heard the regulars at Éternité talk about this. The place at the Temple of Moons where people leave their hopes and dreams. It's... really nice.

Would you like to give it a try, Reina? They say if you hang a prayer slip on this wishing tree with your own hands, the gods above will surely notice.

Really? Me?

She looks at the paper and pen I hold out, and for just a heartbeat, her eyes light up. Then the light fades, and she looks away.

No, it's okay. The tree's far too tall for me... I could never hang it up on my own. Honestly... just being here and seeing it with you is already more than I could ask for.

Eh?! No, no, that's... too much to ask of you.

Reina, remember what we talked about? I want to be someone you can lean on.

And you don't have to ask for it.

Besides... I have a feeling the gods built this tree so tall that they could witness moments just like this – people supporting one another, reaching up together.

Reina Nanami looks at me for a long moment, hesitating. Then, at last, she nods, as if she has finally made up her mind.

Okay then... I'll be leaning on you, {var:player_nickname}.

She takes the pen and begins to write, taking her time with each word.

Gods above, please hear me. I wish for everyone to be safe, always, and for happiness to find all of them.

Okay. I did it. It's up there now!

It feels like... a little bit of weight just lifted away from my chest.

Hmm... The sorrow weighing on Reina's heart has definitely eased a bit!

You might want to try to find more ways to keep her spirits up. Then she'll get all better in no time.

If happy memories can drive out the nightmares... I know exactly where to take her.

Ehh?! A W.I.N concert?! W-we're actually going to their live show?!

But it's going to be so crowded... My wheelchair will just get in the way and ruin it for others.

Don't worry about that. The venue is equipped with accessible ramps and a huge reserved platform. You won't be in anyone's way, I promise.

And when Kana heard you were coming, she personally saved us the best seats in the house. All we have to do is show up.

Um, okay...

I'll stop worrying from now on.

S-so... actually... I really do want to go! With you!

Good. Then let's head inside!

Three... two... one.

Gooood evening, everyone! We're W.I.N! Are you ready for an unforgettable night?!

Whoa!

The music roars through us like thunder. Blinding lights shatter the darkness, and thousands of light sticks dance in sync – a kind of magic you can never feel through a screen.

The light pouring from that stage swallows Reina whole. She has never, ever let herself be part of a crowd this wild and passionate since her accident. But tonight, she does.

Right now, she has forgotten the crowd around her, and the wheelchair she sits in. All that remains is the stage, the music, and the wonder on her face.

The first song wraps up. She blinks, staring at her raised hand – she's been waving it to the beat right along with the crowd without even realizing it.

D-did I just...

That was perfect, Reina. This is what a live show is all about. Just let go and enjoy every moment.

You deserve to enjoy a night of pure, simple joy just like anyone else, Reina.

Okay!

Oh, {var:player_nickname}, look at the stage! The next song's coming up!

And just like that, she finally let go and let the music take her.

Wow! Kana is completely different from how she is at the café! She's literally glowing!

Now I get why Hinata is such a huge fan of hers... I guess that makes two of us!

I slowly push Reina's wheelchair along the riverside path. She has this rare, peaceful look on her face.

Your happiness is all that matters.

{var:player_nickname}...

I just realized... it's been forever since I spent a whole day out like this. Most days, I just stick close to Éternité to catch a little sun...

Honestly... it didn't really feel like we were looking for a way to stop the nightmares... More like you were just... taking me out, {var:player_nickname}.

I felt so bad at first, thinking I was asking too much of you... but before I knew it, I was completely caught up in the fun.

I'm really happy!

Reina tries her hardest to smile, but for a split second, her expression freezes.

Anyway... don't worry about it. Getting to be with {var:player_nickname} the whole day is already enough for me. You've done so much today... Let's head back now, okay?

Not quite yet.

Eh?

I know you're smiling, but deep down, you're still scared that nightmare is going to come back tonight, aren't you?

Umm... nothing ever gets past you, does it?

Now that we know the monster in your nightmares isn't some ghost or curse, there's nothing left to be afraid of.

I know how hard this is, but could you tell me about the monster one more time? Let's drag it out into the light together.

Okay... What else do you want to know, {var:player_nickname}?

I remember you said...

Yeah... I was shaking so hard I couldn't make out its face. It was like... you know when latte art gets ruined, and the coffee and milk bleed together into this murky swirl of brown and white? It looked just like that.

Yeah... I always hear it crying out first, and then... it suddenly appears right in front of me. I started shaking so hard I couldn't make out its face.

It was like... You know when latte art gets ruined, and the coffee and milk bleed together into this murky swirl of brown and white? It looked just like that.

Brown and white?

As she says that, a certain face flashes in my mind – a friend with a unique gift for translating raw emotions and intuition into striking colors.

Reina, let's go see one more friend, okay? She's an artist with a pretty special talent. Maybe she can help us fix this latte, and show us what the foam art was supposed to look like.

{var:player_nickname}... you mean... draw the nightmare out?

D-drawing something so terrifying... is that really a good idea?

Reina, I know there's more to your dreams than just fear and darkness.

...

Okay. I trust you, {var:player_nickname}. Let's do this.

Oh... you're not here about a deadline. I love people who lead with that. Come on in.

We step into the creatively cluttered studio where Murphy, the manga artist, does her work.

Reina stumbles through the details of her nightmare, piece by piece. When she finishes...

Hmm. A faceless "monster" in your dreams, huh? Don't tell me you've been blessed by the Ancient Gods of Inspiration too? Though I doubt it's the same thing...

But with the way you've described it, drawing it out is a piece of cake for a pro manga artist like me.

Hmm... so the form it takes... from what you've described... goes here... and here... like that...

Whoa. Didn't expect it to look quite like that.

Wait. Already? What does it look like?

I've already got the line art mapped out in my head. But... before I add the color, there's something I want to ask.

{var:player_nickname}, in your eyes... what kind of person is Reina?

Reina... she's like the winter sun. She's so gentle, but she's the strongest person I've ever known.

I-I'm not that great!

Reina tugs at the edge of my sleeve.

Mm. That's it then.

Now I get it.

...

Murphy gets to work, effortlessly weaving the colors together. Warped shapes, broken lines... little by little, the chaotic fragments from Reina's description begin to take form, pieced back together by Murphy's instinct.

There. Done.

This is...

This isn't a monster at all. It's... a flower spirit trying to break free?

She is flawless, breathtaking, her wings shimmering with traces of magic. And her face...

EHH?!

Yeah. What you've been dreaming of was never a monster. It was her. Or rather... yourself.

You saw a monster because of the way you've been looking at yourself. The fear came from inside you.

Keeping who you really are locked up inside... you can manage that when you're awake. But once you fall asleep, you can't hold the door shut anymore.

Hmm... crying out for help, but only deep inside your own heart... Reina, you're way too hard on yourself.

N-no... that's not...

Every trace of color drains from Reina's face in an instant, as if her very soul has been ripped away.

That's not me. It can't be.

I'm nothing like that!

She wrenches her wheelchair around and bursts through the door.

Huff... huff...

Reina, calm down! Ack!

She's so panicked that she pushes her wheelchair forward without looking. I step in front of her to stop her, and she runs right into me.

Ah... I'm so sorry! {var:player_nickname}, I... I didn't mean to...

She buries her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking violently.

I'm fine, Reina.

I'm just worried about you. Why does it shake you so badly to know that it was yourself in that dream?

...

Because...

Because... I don't deserve wings like those at all...

I... I was never meant to fly again!

What do you mean?

My life should've ended that day... in that accident, with Mom and Dad.

Of all people... why me? Why did I get to live?

Reina... that accident wasn't your fault.

...

Yes it was.

You know nothing, {var:player_nickname}...

If I hadn't asked to go out for my birthday... If I weren't so powerless, they'd still be...!

I was right there with them.

But my legs wouldn't move at all... I could only watch as the fire took them...

I couldn't save them...

There was nothing I could do... nothing!!

Fire?

(Wait, that doesn't add up.)

(According to the news articles from back then...)

Sigh... I guess the one small mercy was that the car never caught fire. Otherwise, even Reina in the back seat might not have made it until help arrived...

(Wait, does this mean...?!)

Reina. You just said... you saw fire, didn't you?

The flames were everywhere...

Mom and Dad... they must've been in so much pain...

I can't... I'll never, ever forgive myself for this!

...That's why you've never been able to talk to anyone about the accident. Not your doctors, not your family... not even your closest friends.

I draw a deep breath. This might be it – the one chance to defeat the monster in her heart.

Reina. Look at me. I need you to listen to every word I'm about to say.

I pull out my phone and bring up a screenshot of an old traffic report.

Before I say anything else... please forgive me.

Today, while you were resting at Leia's, I was desperately trying to find a way to stop your nightmares. So... I looked up the accident.

What?

I only searched through old news articles. I was just hoping to find a clue about your "monster"... but that's when I found this. It's an official report from the city.

!!!

I know how painful this must be. You've been running from everything about that day for so long... But please. Let's look at it together. Just this once.

Right here, the article says: "Though the vehicle suffered severe damage, it did not catch fire or explode, allowing emergency crews precious time to arrive."

And Reina...

It says you were pulled out of the car by bystanders right after the crash.

Which means, at the moment of the accident... you were already unconscious from the impact.

So... the fire. Watching your parents in the flames while you couldn't move... Reina, it never happened.

!!!

H-how... How is that possible...

But I was definitely... I know I was!

I was right beside them... I was there, and I saw...

I... I don't know... I only remember my legs couldn't move... and then... and then everything just... went blank...

Something shifts in Reina's eyes. Her anguish and stubbornness slowly give way to a wavering confusion. It's as if, for the very first time, she's actually looking at the memory that's tormented her for so long.

And that confirms everything for me.

Reina... do you know what a "false memory" is?

When someone goes through something deeply traumatic and is left with that desperate feeling that they should've done something... sometimes the mind creates memories that were never real. It makes them up to answer that need.

You were drowning in grief after losing your parents, and you couldn't stop blaming yourself for being helpless. So your mind invented a fire... to give you a reason to punish yourself.

It twisted the truth. Reina, all this really proves is how much you loved your mom and dad. And how desperately you wished you could have saved them.

...

She's too stunned to speak, staring at me like her whole world has just been turned upside down. I try with everything I have – my eyes, the warmth of my hands – to pour some courage into her.

For a long, long time, Reina just sits there. Then, slowly, her gaze drifts down to the news report still glowing on my phone.

So it was... all in my head?

As her eyes trace line after line of the article, tears begin to fall, heavy drops splashing onto her lap one after another.

It was never your fault, Reina. You wanted so desperately to undo that accident that your own heart built a terrible cage to lock yourself inside.

Trapped in the past all this time, torturing yourself day after day...

To think you've been enduring these nightmares all alone... while still finding a way to show everyone that gentle smile of yours...

It breaks my heart.

The real you... the Reina I see, is exactly like that little flower spirit. You were always meant to have beautiful wings. You should have been flying free in your own sky a long, long time ago.

That's not just me hoping. Your parents... I know they're watching. I know they want you to fly too.

So, Reina... I need you to trust me completely. This time, no matter what it takes...

Ah...

I... I...

...Aaaaaaah...!!

At last, she lets it all out. She buries her face in my shoulder as the tears come flooding down.

Her heart was never meant to bear so much. But here, now, under a sky full of stars, the sorrow finally, finally begins to ebb away.

Can we... just stop here?

Thank you, {var:player_nickname}. For everything today.

Now... I think I just need some time alone. To talk things through with who I am now, and who I used to be.

Of course. And if you ever need me. I'm right here.

Okay!

We may have put her nightmares to rest, but protecting her in the waking world – that's a promise I've only just begun to keep.

This is Reina's first step toward embracing who she really is. And as for the two of us... our journey together is just getting started.

Let's call it a day then. Get some good rest, Reina. I'm sure you'll have sweet dreams tonight.

Yeah. Thank you for everything, {var:player_nickname}. Today... was the happiest day I've had in a long time.

That night, for the first time in a long while, Reina didn't have a single nightmare.

I really thought that one happy day was enough to fix it. That the nightmare was gone for good. But I was wrong. Because a few days later...

Umm...

Reina! Are you okay?! Did you have another nightmare?!

Haha... sorry... you noticed, huh? Are the bags under my eyes that bad?

This isn't funny, Reina. We can't just let this keep happening...

It's okay, really. I know what the monster in my dreams is now... so it's not going to hurt me anymore. Don't worry about me, {var:player_nickname}.

Huh?! You know what it is? Explain it to me!

Oh, that reminds me... Miss Leia sent some new coffee beans over. Apparently, they're infused with the same calming herbs from her tea. She called it "Nighty Coffee"!

Let me brew you a cup! I already tried it, and it's actually really, really good!

You're not being subtle at all, Reina... You're deflecting.

What exactly did she dream about? Whatever it was... she's buried it back inside, behind the locked doors to her heart once again.

Ladies and gentlemen, this finalist is about to present a coffee crafted using a unique technique passed down from her parents –

The air tastes of new spring and fresh coffee. Sitting in the audience, I keep my gaze fixed on the girl under the spotlight.

And there is Reina, gently polishing her gooseneck kettle. Her long lashes catch the light, casting tiny shadows. The noise of the crowd, the weight of this moment... none of it seems to reach her.

Nobody else knows what she went through – all the obstacles she overcame just to stand here today.

Two months ago.

With the truth of the accident finally laid bare, Reina made two decisions. The first was to restart the physical therapy she'd once abandoned.

Miss Nanami, I have to say, you really surprised me. You came in on your own and asked for a full checkup. There's something different in your eyes. I'm so happy for you.

Umm... thank you, Doctor. Things have... really changed lately.

So, what I really came for... is to know the truth. The real truth.

My legs... Is it still possible for me to stand? Whatever you tell me, I'll be okay with it.

Relax. Just like all your previous checkups, your nerves and muscles are at normal levels. Physically, there's no reason you can't stand. You just need to train and break through that mental barrier.

Mental barrier?

Yes. Subconsciously, you've grown reliant on the wheelchair. It's become your safety net. In my experience, what breaks that cycle is almost always a sudden, powerful emotional trigger.

In other words, you need a trigger so intense that your desire to stand overpowers your fear. And to be perfectly honest, experiencing a moment like that takes a bit of luck.

We can't just wait for that to happen, though. Starting now, consistent physical rehab is how you'll build up every bit of strength you can, so when that moment arrives, you'll be ready.

I understand.

Thank you, Doctor. I'll push through every bit of it, no matter how hard it gets.

And her second decision? To enter the City Brewers Cup.

Oh! Aren't you the manager of Éternité? You're competing in this too?!

Sorry, I got a bit excited! I'm a regular at your place, actually. Your coffee is incredible.

Oh, that's so kind of you!

However... compared to the other competitors, you might be at a bit of a disadvantage given your circumstances... Are you sure about this?

Umm... I suppose I really am at a disadvantage.

Oh, because making pour-over coffee needs really steady hands when you're pouring.

Usually, when standing, you use your entire core to keep the water flow steady. But sitting down... you're relying entirely on arm strength, which makes it much harder to keep the kettle from shaking. If your pour isn't stable, the coffee suffers.

Exactly... the fact that you can make coffee that good while seated is already remarkable. But to go up against standing baristas...

I know.

But... if I let the odds stop me from even trying, then I haven't really changed at all, have I?

The harder it is, the more every little success will mean to me. That's exactly why I need to compete.

I'm sure about this. Sign me up!

They kept telling her she needed luck, that her chances were slim... but none of it ever seemed to faze her.

Instead, she threw herself into a grueling training routine.

Reina was focused on her pour-over. She paused for a tiny moment when she heard me, but kept going.

The stream held steady as it swirled into the dripper, filling the room with a deep, rich aroma. When the pour was complete, she finally set the gooseneck kettle down gently.

{var:player_nickname}, thanks for worrying about me.

The old me would have already run off to cry somewhere by now.

But I'm not her anymore.

...

Let me show you something.

From the very back of a drawer behind the counter, she pulled out an elegant card and handed it to me.

It was a greeting card with pretty handwriting that had faded a bit with time.

..."May you find eternal happiness, Reina." Is this... from your parents?

Yeah. It was the year Éternité opened. I was four years old, and they wrote this for me.

When you helped me find the truth... I could finally bring myself to open up their things. This card was waiting in a photo album.

Mm. Being at Éternité all these years... I think I finally understand the meaning behind the name.

My parents' wish was for me to always be happy. But {var:player_nickname}... you're the one who gave me the courage to love again, and to let myself be loved.

I won't let this wish for "eternity" go unanswered... and I won't let you down either. Not anymore.

I want to stand. I want to compete. And that's not just for them.

It's for me, too. I want a new start, one that doesn't have to carry the past.

As for whether doing both of these at the same time is too much...

Making coffee is what I love most, anyway! There's really no better way to shake off the stress of rehab. Besides, building up my core in physical therapy is only going to make my pours even steadier.

So yeah... it's going to take a lot more than this to keep me down!

She gave me a bright, shining smile, full of nothing but determination.

{var:player_nickname}, will you stay with me through all of this?

Thank you!

Then let's do this!

From that day forward, Éternité after closing hours became our secret training ground.

I can't believe how much you've improved in just a week. You're seriously talented.

Wait – {var:player_nickname}! When did you record that?! That's so embarrassing!

(softly) It's not talent. I just... don't want to let you down. Or my parents.

Well then, I think you've earned a reward –

Hehe, thank you!

Wait, what gift?!

That's a secret for now. You'll find out when the competition's over.

How about we start with some warm milk to help you relax and recharge?

Ugh...! You always leave me hanging like that!

But... I promise I'll give it everything I've got.

Reina, if this is too much for your body, we can skip the standing exercises for today.

I'm... I'm fine... Just give me a second... to get ready...

Wh-what? This doesn't count as dancing...!

Hehe, when there's someone you trust to lean on, your body relaxes on its own.

Blushing, Reina placed her hand in mine. I braced myself and gently pulled her up.

She was standing, yes. But she was leaning her full weight against me.

Umm...

But... somehow, I feel twice as strong right now.

Can we... stay in this dance... just a little longer?

Okay... just a little more control...

Final touch... a sprinkle of golden turmeric powder...

Ta-da! It's done!

You'll have to be the judge of that, {var:player_nickname}!

I figured you would say that, {var:player_nickname}. Here, I made this for you!

She placed the beautifully crafted drink and a slice of cake in front of me.

Hehe, this one's a winter special I made just for you, {var:player_nickname}. No coffee involved!

You've kept me company this late. You must be hungry. Please, enjoy it with this chocolate cake!

Oh... I... th-thank you...

...If you enjoy it, that's all that counts.

Hehe... it's you, {var:player_nickname}. To me... you just have this warm, brilliant energy. It's so comforting to be around you.

Through all those days together, winter melted into spring. And then, the competition was here.

In most cases, brewing from a seated position makes it incredibly hard to control the water flow because you lose the stability of your core. That usually risks an uneven extraction.

But just look at Reina Nanami! She's pushed past those limits. Her focus and muscle memory are absolutely incredible, and she is giving us a flawless performance. You do not reach this level of stability without endless, grueling practice!

For her coffee, she chose a high-altitude, sun-dried heirloom variety. These beans are packed with bold, untamed fruit and floral notes, and they are infamously difficult to work with.

However, her precise pulse pouring brought out the bright acidity and delicate florals right from the start. Then she eased off to build more sweetness and body... Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful!

Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for the winner of our Rising Star Award... Miss Reina Nanami from Éternité! Such a phenomenal young talent, already displaying skill and taste well beyond her years. She is truly destined for greatness!

The audience bursts into applause.

She did it! It may not be the top prize, but this award means more to her than anything.

Me...?

That's right, yes, you! Don't look so surprised! Miss Nanami, would you like to say a few words?

Thank you, everyone... And thank you to all the judges.

Most of all, I want to thank my mom and dad. Even though they aren't here today, they have always been my guiding light...

And finally... there is someone very special to me...

You stayed by my side through my darkest days, and you showed me that as long as I never give up, there's always hope.

So this award is just as much yours as it is mine. Thank you, {var:player_nickname}.

Hope I didn't keep you too long!

To be honest... being able to say what I really feel out loud makes me even happier than winning the award.

{var:player_nickname}, there's something... I'd like to ask.

Could you...

...come with me to visit my parents?

I want to bring this award to them myself... and tell them everything that I've been holding in my heart all this time.

It's just up ahead.

Alright.

A muted early spring sky hangs overhead. The cemetery is cool and moist, with trees whispering in the wind. Gently, I push Reina toward the spot where her parents lie at rest.

Wait... hold on.

What is it?

{var:player_nickname}, I'm kind of nervous. H-how do I look right now? Do you think... they'd be happy seeing me like this?

Mm...

She takes a deep breath and looks down, gently running her fingers over the award certificate in her hands.

...I was hoping that when I came to see them after the competition, I would be fully recovered.

I'm not quite there yet, but...

The doctor said I've already come so far... I'm going to keep going. I promise.

And I'll be right there with you.

Umm... I think it's going to rain...

Okay, I'm not nervous now. Let's go.

Ah!

A sudden gust of wind, damp with oncoming rain, rushes straight at us.

Nooo!

The certificate slips from her hands, flies down the slope beside the steps, and disappears from sight in an instant.

Wait here!

Without a second thought, I sprint down the slope –

{var:player_nickname}... be careful...!

The rain finally breaks, lashing the branches. Reina's heart hammers in her chest. The wait is agonizing.

She grips her wheelchair until her knuckles turn white, eyes locked on the exact spot where {var:player_nickname} disappeared.

And then, suddenly –

Ah!

...?!

Following {var:player_nickname}'s yelp, the muffled thud of someone falling comes from down the slope.

Though faint, the sound explodes in Reina's ears like a clap of thunder.

{var:player_nickname}? What happened?!

...

{var:player_nickname}?!

There is no answer. Just the wind and the rain hissing through the air.

Please, no...

This can't be happening...

The memories come flooding back.

The shadow of her past – the one she thought she'd escaped – swallows her whole again.

(It's my fault. It's happening again because of me.)

(If I hadn't come here today... If I could just... stand up and run after it on my own...)

(If I could... stand up?)

(If I could... stand up... right now...)

(Would it change everything?)

That's right. Reina, you need to calm down. You're not that helpless little girl anymore.

You can't run from this. You have to protect... the ones you care about!

Yes... I can do this...

I won't let it happen...

Not this time...

Not ever! I will NOT let anything happen to {var:player_nickname}!!

It's okay. Just take my hand.

Care for a dance, Miss Nanami?

Words overflowing with love and encouragement surface from the depths of her memory.

The warmth of their time together breaks through the fear in her heart, like sunlight cutting through dark clouds.

A fierce, burning strength, unlike anything she'd ever felt, surges up from deep within.

With trembling hands, Reina tries to push herself up from the armrests.

She slams onto the cold, muddy ground. Her legs, still weak, buckle uselessly beneath her.

But she doesn't cry. She doesn't even feel the pain.

Fear, guilt, love, courage... it all comes together into one single thought –

Ouch...

(I rushed too fast, slipped like an idiot. At least nothing's broken.)

(But I got it, her certificate. It's okay now.)

...{var:player_nickname}!

I run back up the slope faster than I ever thought possible.

What I see next is something I'll never forget for the rest of my life.

Reina's thin, frail body wavers as if she'd collapse any second, yet she keeps moving toward me, one stubborn step at a time.

She looks up and meets my eyes.

{var:player_nickname}!!

Reina!

Right before she collapses, I lunge forward and catch her, wrapping my arms around her as tightly as I can.

Oh, thank god.

Thank god you're okay... you're... really okay...!

I can feel her trembling in my arms, and beneath that tremor, her legs straining, trying to support just a little of her own weight.

Uhh... I-I'm standing...?

The rain stops without either of us noticing.

Sunlight breaks through the heavy clouds, bathing the world in a soft, golden glow as a rainbow arches across the sky.

After catching our breath, I steadily help Reina walk the rest of the way to her parents' grave.

With great care, she places the certificate – a little wet, but perfectly intact – in front of the headstone.

Dad... Mom... It's Reina. I got my first barista award! Pretty cool, right?

And... this is {var:player_nickname}.

She glances back at me, her face rosy, a smile touched with tears.

I'm doing well now... and I'm really happy. So please, you don't have to worry about me anymore.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a beautiful butterfly lands softly on the headstone. It rests for a moment before fluttering up into the bright, clear sky.

She laughs, even as the tears still shine in her eyes.

...I hear you. Thank you for your blessing, Dad, Mom.

As we leave, her walking is much steadier with my support. She still leans on me, but she's taking every step on her own.

Reina, remember that surprise I told you about?

I take the gift I'd prepared out of my bag.

I was going to give her this painting when the competition ended.

Oh...!

It's the flower spirit painting, but remade. The things that had trapped the flower spirit are now gone, and the spirit is finally... smiling.

This is a new portrait for you. The real you.

Reina, you can fly anywhere you want now, on your own wings.

And I'll always be right there beside you.

Reina doesn't say anything. Looking deep into my eyes, she gives a warm smile and gently holds out her hand.

Together, you and me!

Reina, I think it went all the way down to the bottom of the slope. I can't see where it landed from here.

Do you want me to go get it?

No, don't. Really, it's just... a piece of paper. Mom and Dad will still hear me without it.

I'd much rather you stay safe than get hurt over this...

Though she says that, I can clearly see the disappointment in Reina's face.

I reassure her before finding a safer path down. A short search later, I finally spot the certificate.

...Thank you, {var:player_nickname}.

Her tight grip on the wheelchair finally relaxes.

I step back, giving her space for a quiet moment with her parents.

On the way home, she's quieter than usual, but her eyes are more determined than ever.

{var:player_nickname}, I've made up my mind. Starting tomorrow, I'm pushing myself twice as hard in rehab.

Eh?

Not just so you won't have to take risks for me... it's for me, too.

I don't want to live with any more "what-ifs." I want to stand beside the people I care about, on my own two feet.

And when I do... you'll be the first to know!

I know you will. I'll be waiting.

Her legs have yet to heal, but her spirit has already taken flight toward tomorrow.