"It's me." Bai Shi responded briefly, then fell silent. He knew that every word he said next would have a profound impact on "the present Bai Shi."
"I really have Shiraishi here..." There was a hint of disbelief in Hayasaka's voice. She might have realized that this was not just a simple call, but a major event concerning time, fate and choice.
"Please transfer the call to me over there." Bai Shi finally asked, his tone full of determination that could not be refused.
"...You need to explain this to me tonight." Hayasaka's voice was filled with a hint of helplessness, but more so with trust and support for Shiraishi. Then, a slight ringing sounded from the other end of the line, as if Hayasaka had handed the call over to another Shiraishi.
Shiraishi could feel the breathing coming from the other end of the phone, a strange yet familiar feeling. He knew that at this moment, two of his selves at different points in time were about to be connected by this invisible line, and together they would face the upcoming challenges.
A short breath.
It is a habit that I am very familiar with.
"Hello?" His own voice sounded a little hesitant now. Bai Shi thought to himself, it really feels strange to be talking to myself on the phone.
"You must take what I'm about to tell you completely seriously. Believe it or not, but I am you, you from two days in the future."
Shiraishi tried to calmly tell his other self on the phone.
Chapter 226 I Save Myself
"Soon, something will happen to Mai. So what you have to do is to save Mai."
"But I'm not sure where Mai is right now."
The future Shiraishi briefly explained the location of the accident and hurriedly urged the present Shiraishi to rush there.
However, if the current Shiraishi were to stop Mai, it would likely be Shiraishi himself who would be in trouble. Although he should be able to avoid the damage through magic, it still felt wrong.
The anxiety in his heart led Future Shiraishi to the intersection where the car accident occurred early. He put on his mask early. According to the theory of quantum mechanics, he and Present Shiraishi cannot meet. They cannot be perceived in the same time and space.
However, I have already communicated with myself, so as long as I am not recognized, then simultaneous existence is possible.
It is enough to construct the situation that "it is Shiraishi but no one recognizes him."
The one locked in the box now was Shiraishi, and he would be the one to open it. He could hear his own heavy breathing beneath the mask.
In the winter twilight, the snowflakes are still falling gently.
At this moment, "Current Bai Shi" was walking on the snow that had not yet completely melted at a speed that was almost escaping, and every step seemed both hurried and firm.
All of this was in the eyes of the future Shiraishi. His gaze pierced through the gap in the mask and focused on the familiar yet unfamiliar figure in front of him - that was himself in uniform.
Looking past the hustle and bustle of the street, Shiraishi's gaze locked onto the dragon lantern, a place where a certain destiny seemed to be hidden. At that moment, his sight caught a touch of gentle color: it was Ma Yi. She was standing in the soft light of the lantern, like a ray of warm sunshine on this cold winter day.
However, this tranquility did not last long. A sudden burst of car horns pierced the air, like a wake-up call of fate, foreshadowing the impending change.
Almost instinctively, the "present Shiraishi" froze in place, but his eyes revealed a resolute and carefree attitude, a choice without regrets about self-sacrifice. Shiraishi had experienced this emotion countless times in his heart, knowing that if he could exchange his own life for Mai's safety, that would be the greatest happiness he could offer.
But after experiencing the abyss of despair of losing Mai, this thought had long been replaced by deep regret.
At that moment, a white figure flashed by like lightning. It was the "Future Shiraishi," dressed in cosplay costume. With incredible speed, he rushed toward the center of what was about to become the scene of tragedy, and used his body to knock the stunned "Present Shiraishi" aside. In that moment, time seemed to freeze, and between the two Shiraishi, a resonance and understanding transcended time and space.
The moment he was knocked back, Bai Shi felt an unprecedented shock, a double shock to his body and soul. As he struggled to his feet from the snow, the cold pierced every inch of his skin, but even more chilling was the reassessment of his past choices. He opened his eyes and looked at his hands, still etched in the snow. They were cold and powerless, yet they also heralded the beginning of a new life.
The crowd around him erupted in a clamor, the police's inquiries and the cries of passersby intertwined, but to Shiraishi, all of this seemed distant. Only one thought resonated in his mind: Mai was saved. This belief, like a fire on a winter's day, warmed his heart and illuminated his path forward.
0Request flowers
He gently shook his head, dismissing the young officer's concerned inquiries. Shiraishi knew he didn't need the hospital's care, but to keep moving forward, embracing the future he was willing to protect with everything. He made his way through the crowd, down the underground walkway, and once again stood before the dragon lanterns. The two lanterns flickered in the night, as if telling stories of the past and the future. Shiraishi gazed at them, a surge of unprecedented resolve and relief welling up within him.
......0 ...
"Mai is saved." He personally opened up the future for Mai and himself.
The warm and alluring aroma of toasted bread quietly permeated the morning air, seemingly engaging in a silent dialogue with the poached eggs dancing on the pan, each sizzle a joyful note in the morning symphony. Amidst this tranquil prelude, the soft patter of slippers echoed softly, like the first greeting of the morning light, gently passing over the edge of Bai Shi's room. Then, the curtains slowly opened, accompanied by a soothing sound. Soft light quietly peeked in, gently brushing against Bai Shi's sleepy eyelids, awakening the slumbering world.
Footsteps echoed softly throughout the room, finally stopping beside Shiraishi's bed. A warm and familiar presence slowly approached, fingertips gently touching and tapping Shiraishi's forehead, as if gently awakening his slumbering soul. "It's past ten o'clock, time to get up." The voice carried a hint of undeniable tenderness, tinged with a touch of doting.
Chapter 227 Return to school
Shiraishi responded drowsily, his eyes still closed, as if he were still lost in a dream. "Ms. Mai, I woke up a long time ago." There was a hint of laziness and a smile in his voice, as if it was a response to this gentleness and an anticipation for a new day.
Mai's soft laughter echoed in the air, her breath fading away, leaving Shiraishi alone to face the morning's tranquility. He tried to open his eyes, but found them dry at the corners, as if trapped by last night's tears. Those dried tear marks still stubbornly clung to his eyelashes, making it difficult for him to fully open his eyes. Shiraishi gently rubbed the tiredness from his eyes with his fingers, blinked several times, and finally sat up from the warm kotatsu.
"Where are you going?" Shiraishi asked casually, but he already knew the answer. He looked at Mai, who was dressed in her Shuchiin uniform, with a coat draped over her. She looked exceptionally capable and elegant. Her outfit seemed to silently reveal her destination: "school."
"Isn't today a holiday?" Shiraishi asked, somewhat puzzled, but he already understood her intention. He knew that Mai had taken leave yesterday to film, so she had to go back to school today to pick up her transcript. So, without hesitation, he decided, "Then I'll go with you." Then, Shiraishi couldn't help but yawn loudly, as if making final preparations for this sudden decision.
Mai meticulously prepared breakfast, each bite imbued with the taste of home. Shiraishi hurriedly finished his meal, then changed into his uniform and headed out with Mai. On the way, Mai attempted to smooth Shiraishi's slightly disheveled hair, but the stubborn curls seemed unwilling to yield to her gentle touch. The two naturally held hands, their unspoken promise speaking volumes. To others, they might have been just a naive high school couple, but their shared understanding and care moved every passerby.
Fujisawa Station, after a heavy snowfall, seemed exceptionally tranquil and beautiful. The roadsides had been cleared of snow, leaving only a few snow-capped mountains piled in the corners as testaments to the winter season. People and cars continued to circulate as usual, but only the sparsely populated alleys still bore the marks of last night's snowfall. Shiraishi and Mai walked hand in hand across the snow, each step a unique and personal one. Gazing at the world shrouded in silver, Shiraishi's mind drifted back to the thrilling moment of yesterday.
Just as he was lost in his memories, something cold suddenly touched his cheek—the snowball in Mai's hand. He gasped in surprise and quickly pulled away to check. Mai was beaming, as if transported back to her carefree childhood. "Shall we build a snowman tonight?" she suggested, her tone filled with anticipation and joy. Shiraishi smiled and shook his head, saying, "Mai-san, you're becoming more and more like a child." But then he changed his tune and said, "Well, let's build one in the school playground." He knew Mai wasn't really interested in building a snowman, but rather in spending more quality time with him.
The two continued walking until they reached the familiar Fujisawa Station. Although it wasn't a holiday, the students were already on break, and a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere permeated the air. Shiraishi's mood gradually calmed down with this sense of relief. He knew that while yesterday's incident had been exhausting, life had to go on. He had learned to accept the world's indifference and impermanence, and to cherish every moment he spent with Mai.
In Shiraishi's view, the world may be truly indifferent, but it is also full of infinite possibilities and beauty.
"It's so beautiful."
Mai, who was sitting next to him, whispered softly, her eyes quietly turning to the window, as if she was deeply attracted by the boundless scenery.
"Are you praising yourself?" Bai Shi asked jokingly, with the corners of his mouth rising unconsciously.
"No, I'm talking about the sea." Mai turned her head, a hint of anger flashed in her eyes, and the expression was vivid and slightly surprised.
"Oh, I see... But then again, Miss Mai, you are so dazzling in person that people can't help but want to look at you a few more times." Shiraishi responded with a chuckle, trying to ease the awkwardness in the air.
"Me?" She was slightly stunned, then a faint smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, "Are you praising me?"
"Of course I'm praising you, and I mean it sincerely." Shiraishi looked at her seriously, hoping she could sense his sincerity. However, Mai deliberately avoided Shiraishi's gaze and turned to look out the window at the sparkling sea again.
Shiraishi shrugged helplessly and followed her gaze. The winter sky was a pale blue, and the sun danced across the sea, shimmering with dazzling light. Shiraishi had seen this view countless times on his way to school, but today it was exceptionally different, breathtakingly beautiful.
This beauty may be due to Shiraishi's choice to move on, to spend every moment of the future with Mai. Her existence makes the world more colorful, and gives new life to all ordinary things.
The tram moved slowly along the coastline, its unhurried pace offering them a visual feast. Shiraishi savored this tranquility and beauty, his heart filled with gratitude.
Chapter 228 Seeing Futaba Again
When the train slowly stopped, Shirahama Station arrived. Shiraishi stood up, naturally took Mai's hand, and walked towards the platform together. At this time, a whisper came from the car, and the voices of several high school girls could be vaguely heard.
"Is she Mai Sakurajima?"
"No way? Why is that popular idol here?"
"Is that boy next to her her boyfriend? Why does he look so ordinary?"
Shiraishi didn't look back, but those words inevitably drifted into his ears. Mai didn't seem to care. She still maintained a cheerful expression and gently placed her commuter pass IC card on the ticket machine.
"They actually said you looked ordinary. How discerning," Shiraishi said to Mai with a smile, trying to cheer her up.
"Yeah, in the eyes of such short-sighted people, I'm probably just an ordinary person." Mai responded to 08 indifferently, but Shiraishi could sense a hint of mischief in her tone.
"Then, what do I look like in the eyes of Miss Mai, a discerning person?" Bai Shi asked curiously.
Mai turned to look at Shiraishi, a gentle glint in her eyes. "You, although you look ordinary, but your handsomeness is something only I can see." She said, a blush on her face.
A warm feeling welled up in Bai Shi's heart, and he held her hand tightly. "Ms. Mai, tell me again," he said deliberately in a coquettish tone.
"No, you'll be proud if I tell you." She refused with a smile, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her.
"Okay, I have to go find the teacher to do something. You can just walk around the school. I'll be there in a moment." Mai said.
"You were saying it so nicely just now. Now you can't even bring your boyfriend to see the teacher?" Bai Shi teased her deliberately.
"Teacher, you've seen so much and you're still chattering. Be good." Mai patted Shiraishi's head as if coaxing a child.
Shiraishi didn't insist and sent Mai into the teaching building. Then he thought to himself where to go next.
Suddenly he thought of a place.
In the cold winter wind, only one thought swirled in Bai Shi's mind—he had to go to that place. Although his mind told him that nothing special might happen today, that inexplicable worry was like a magnet, pulling him towards the physics laboratory.
He gently gripped the doorknob, and the familiar, light touch told him that the door was unlocked. This seemingly unnoticed detail seemed particularly heartwarming at this moment, as if welcoming him. He pushed the door open, and despite the dimness of the room, Shiraishi, relying on his familiarity with the place, softly called out, "Futaba?"
His voice echoed in the empty laboratory, carrying a subtle hint of anticipation. Though the lights were off, the snowy scene outside the window provided natural illumination, casting a soft and luminous glow on the room. The snow-covered playground contrasted sharply with the warm air inside, as if they were two worlds apart.
It was in this scene that Shiraishi spotted Rio. Still clad in her signature white robe, she stood at the lab table, her back to the door, focused and alone. The moment she turned and saw Shiraishi, the test tube in her hand seemed to lose weight, and she froze.
"Hey, look how scared you are. Did you think you saw a ghost?" Bai Shi half-jokingly broke the silence, closing the door behind him. The moment the door closed, it seemed to isolate the cold outside, leaving only the warmth and tranquility inside.
However, Rio's reaction was beyond his expectations. Instead of smiling, her legs gave way, and she sat down on the ground in a state of near collapse. Shiraishi's heart suddenly tightened, and he quickly stepped forward to support her.
"Futaba, are you okay?" He asked with concern, taking the test tube from her hand and carefully placing it back on the test tube rack. Although the test tube was empty, Shiraishi knew that it might contain Rio's countless days and nights of hard work and expectations.
"...Not good." Rio's voice was weak and trembling, as if squeezed out from the depths of her throat. Shiraishi tried to see her expression, but all he saw was her lowered eyes and tightly pursed lips.
"Futaba, tell me, what happened?" Shiraishi squatted down and looked at Rio at eye level. At this moment, he felt an unprecedented anxiety and helplessness.
"Not at all!" Rio finally raised her head, tears streaming down her face like pearls from a broken string. Her eyes were filled with pain and despair, as if she had cast off all pretense and strength at that moment. 497 "I'm sorry for worrying you." Shiraishi's voice was filled with apology and self-blame. He understood how much trouble and anxiety his sudden disappearance had caused Rio.
"Not at all..." Rio repeated, lightly punching Shiraishi's thigh. The force was so light it was practically negligible. However, it was this feeble protest that instilled in Shiraishi an unprecedented sense of guilt and heartache.
"I'm so sorry." Shiraishi couldn't find any better words to comfort Rio except to apologize. He could only repeat this sentence over and over again, hoping to ease the pain in her heart.
"I thought I'd never see you again... I always thought so... I thought you would sacrifice yourself..." Rio's words were filled with fear and helplessness. Her words were like a sharp blade cutting through Shiraishi's heart, causing him to feel a wrenching pain.
Rio's tears burst forth like a flood. She no longer concealed her feelings, letting them flow freely. Her words were filled with worry and longing for Shiraishi, as if she wanted to pour out all her emotions.
Chapter 229 Making a Snowman
"Okay, okay, it's okay now."
"...Huh? Isn't that Sakurajima-san?" Rio's voice was filled with surprise. She gently stood up from her chair and slowly walked to the window. Her fingers deftly unlocked the window and gently pushed it open a crack. Suddenly, a cold and refreshing air rushed into the room, forming a sharp contrast with the warmth inside.
Shiraishi followed closely behind, standing beside Rio. They both gazed out the window at the snow-covered playground. A thick blanket of snow blanketed the playground, like a vast, pure white canvas, waiting for the winter painter to adorn it. This time last year, this magnificent snowscape had never been seen here, so for Shiraishi, this scene was both novel and unforgettable.
The playground was deserted and serene. The usually bustling baseball and soccer clubs had apparently suspended practice due to the heavy snow. Amidst this vast white world, a lone figure slowly moved. It was Mai-senpai. She treaded through the knee-deep snow, her steps unsteady yet remarkably firm, each step carefully chosen, as if she were performing a sacred ritual. Her face shone with childlike innocence and joy, her love and yearning for the snow captivated both Shiraishi and Rio.
"What is Sakurajima-senpai doing?" Rio asked curiously, her voice full of confusion.
Bai Shi didn't answer directly. Instead, he lightly placed one foot on the window frame, as if preparing to climb out. "Hey!" With a cheerful shout, he nimbly climbed over the window frame and landed steadily on the snowy ground in the playground.
"Shiraishi, you..." Before Rio finished her words, Shiraishi had already walked towards Mai and responded loudly: "She's making a snowman! Futaba, do you want to come with us?"
Upon hearing this, Rio's eyes moved back and forth between Shiraishi and Mai, and finally a gentle smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.
"No need, I'll just watch here. It's too cold outside." She said as she gently closed the window. Although there was a layer of glass between them, Bai Shi could still feel her delicate thoughts and warm care.
"But..." Although Rio's voice was low, Shiraishi still read the unfinished words from her mouth shape - "I don't want to disturb your time, so I won't be a light bulb." This tacit understanding made Shiraishi feel warm in his heart.
Soon, three snowmen of varying shapes appeared on the playground. Two, about 70 to 80 centimeters tall, were the work of Shiraishi and Mai, each completing their own creation. The third, a massive structure roughly the same height as Shiraishi, was a collaborative effort, a masterpiece of snowballing. While these snowmen held no profound meaning, the moment they were completed, Shiraishi and Mai felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment and joy. Like guardians of the campus, they stood quietly by the school entrance, witnessing this beautiful moment.
On the train back home, Mai was still immersed in that joy, constantly flipping through the photos she had taken on her phone—pictures of the snowman, Shiraishi, herself, and with Yuma and Rio. Although these photos seemed ordinary, each one carried their shared memories and laughter.
Mai smiled and said to Shiraishi, "It seems like we're back in high school." Shiraishi nodded in agreement, his heart filled with nostalgia and cherishment for those youthful years. At that moment, he seemed to have truly returned to those carefree, dream-filled high school days, and all of this beauty was forever frozen in the camera's viewfinder.
Some time later, Shiraishi sat in a tea shop that offered "All-you-can-drink for just 1,200 yen for two hours," his eyes flickering between his cup of oolong tea and the clock on the wall, silently calculating how to maximize his "return on investment" within this limited timeframe. As his third cup of oolong tea finished, he instinctively called out to a passing shop assistant.
"Please give me another cup of oolong tea, thank you."
It seemed as if Bai Shi's gentle call resonated with the people around him. For a moment, the customers at each table in the store seemed to have received some invisible call and joined in ordering.
"A beer, please," "Another Highba11," "Two lemon sours, please!", "And oolong tea and shochu, please!"... The endless stream of orders kept the waitress very busy, but she still maintained her signature smile and agreed to all the requests.
"Okay, everyone, please wait a moment, I'll be right there!"
The waitress's voice was clear and melodious, and she disappeared around the corner to the kitchen with her light steps. Shiraishi took the opportunity to take the remaining ice in his cup, enjoying the brief coolness. However, before the ice had completely melted, the waitress had already returned with a fully loaded tray and gently placed a cup of fresh oolong tea in front of him.
Chapter 230 New Pick-up Girl
"Please enjoy your oolong tea."
Shiraishi picked up the straw and gently stirred the tea in the cup. A slightly bitter yet strangely familiar flavor blossomed on his tongue, not unlike the bottled oolong tea on supermarket shelves. He silently calculated that a two-liter bottle of oolong tea only cost 200 yen. To recoup the 1,200 yen he had invested in two hours, he would theoretically need to drink a full 12 liters of tea, a task undoubtedly impossible.
Just as Bai Shi was immersed in his own thoughts, a gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?"
He looked up and saw a female student standing before him in a long dress and a military-style jacket. She wore a bow-shaped belt around her waist, and her long, bright hair was casually tied into a half-bun, giving her a stylish and playful look. A teardrop mole beneath her left eye added a touch of unique charm.
However, her expression seemed confused and hesitant.
"Actually..." Bai Shi hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell the truth, "This location may not be very convenient."
The female student didn't leave immediately after hearing this. Instead, she stared at Bai Shi silently for a while, as if to confirm the truth of his words. After a few seconds, she finally asked, "Why?"
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