05 Correction
...Day 2 of the walkthrough, the library...
Shiomiya Shiori is a character whose location is fixed.
Of course, they don't stay in the library 24 hours a day, so there's a chance you might encounter them elsewhere, but basically, events take place in this library.
Therefore, you'll basically be spending all your time here while you're trying to complete the game.
...It seems the event has already occurred.
It looks like several library committee members are having some kind of meeting in a corner of the library. Of course, Shiori is there too.
I'll play a game in the corner and keep an eye on things.
"Wow, we're finally getting an audiovisual booth in this library starting next week!"
The library committee member with braided hair and glasses made a clear, resonant announcement. Judging from her demeanor, she was probably the class president.
In response to that statement, the other library committee members, except for Shiori, were excited, saying things like, "Wow!!"
"Now I can borrow CDs and DVDs too!"
"Wow! I wonder why I didn't make it sooner!"
"The extension took up a lot of the budget. DVDs are expensive too, you know."
Audiovisual booths, huh... Well, that's not really my business.
But does Shiori agree with this? She was furious about what I said yesterday, so I suspect she's strongly against it deep down.
"Hey, hey, what should we put in? I want to put in Bump of Chicken!"
"Let's put in Kanon-chan's song!"
"Then I'll go with Idolmaster!"
"Wakagi, that's just a game."
"What?! Then it's Tokimeki Memorial!!"
"No, that's also a game..."
Surely they can't put video games in a school library. Educational software might be acceptable, but not this.
But wow, it's getting pretty exciting. Is it really something to be so happy about?
"So, we have work to do on next week's closing day. All the regular library committee members, please help out!"
Just as the chairman finished speaking, Shiori suddenly stood up with a clatter.
Everyone's attention is focused there.
"..."
"Hmm? Secretary Shiomiya? What is it?"
But Shiori just stood up and didn't say anything. Or rather, she probably couldn't say anything.
It conveys that there is something they want to say, but it's meaningless if the person themselves remains silent.
".........
"Ah... Well, if there's nothing else to report, then we'll disband! See you next week!"
With that, the chairman ended his remarks.
That's a reasonable decision. If we waited for Shiori to speak, it would be dark by the time we finished.
"Hmm, I wonder what's wrong, Shiori."
Elsie, who was sitting across from me at the desk, spoke to me in a carefree voice.
"I'm sure there was something he wanted to say."
"In that case, you should explain it more clearly. It's not getting through like that!"
"What's the big deal? If you don't want to talk to the person in question."
"It's fine if you don't want to talk, but I wonder if that's really the case?"
"...I wonder."
I opened a book while nodding along to Elsie.
Then I take out a ballpoint pen from the pencil case I had placed nearby... no, a mechanical pencil will do.
So, what kind of monologue will we hear today?
I wish they would just wait until I start talking.
Why do we even need conversation to communicate with people in the first place? Our ancestors should have evolved telepathy instead of conversation.
I wish I could have telepathic abilities, even if it's through modern science, not necessarily evolution. That way, I wouldn't have to worry about being bad at talking.
I wonder if some important person in the world could create something like that?
As I was walking along absentmindedly, lost in thought, I noticed two figures sitting in the corner of the library.
Normally, I would just pass by without paying any attention, but for some reason, I kept looking at it.
Then I noticed that one of the male students was sticking a mechanical pencil into a book.
At that moment, I ran forward and snatched the book. Even if the heavens allowed it, I wouldn't allow someone to scribble on a library book!
I made eye contact with the boy who turned around in surprise after I took his book. And then I noticed something else.
This is the same person who was spewing insults yesterday!
Not content with just making fun of books, they even scribbled on them! What kind of person is that?! I can never forgive them!!
When I flipped through the earlier pages of the book that had been opened, I found that they were covered in scribbles, with lines drawn under the text and strange markings.
"Oh, God, that's not allowed! You shouldn't scribble on library books!"
A female student sitting nearby also leaned over to look at the book and reprimanded the male student.
That's right! I want them to say it more.
But the graffiti vandal, abusive person, showed no remorse and said this:
"It's not graffiti. It's a correction."
This book is full of errors. Even the quotations from the sources contain typos and grammatical mistakes.
Books are essentially information. What's the point of something being inaccurate?
Well, now that you mention it, that might be true.
But, graffiti is not allowed!
These kinds of people use the same logic to reveal the culprit very early in a mystery novel.
I also want you to consider the feelings of those who have to mark and erase all the questionable words in the dictionary!
"The fact that corrections can't be made immediately just proves that books are really outdated."
When I heard those words, I completely lost it.
"Ahhhhh! You idiot..."
Ugh, if only I could talk more eloquently, I could spout every insult I can think of!
Why can't I say anything but "idiot"!?
I really wanted to say a lot more, but there was nothing I could do, so I took the book back to the counter and started erasing the graffiti.
Seriously, what's wrong with that person?!
"Hmm, things are progressing smoothly."
"It just looks like they were complaining..."
"I told you before that 'like' and 'hate' are interchangeable."
Besides, nowadays, communication is far more important than likeability."
"Even if you call it communication, all I got was being called an idiot."
"That's enough, isn't it? Those types of people talk more than anyone else in their minds."
Even if the outward changes are slight, the inner workings can be vastly different.
"Haa..."
"By the way, Elsie, what book are you reading?"
"Oh, this? It's a book about fire trucks!"
Fire trucks are amazing! They're red and really cool!!
(...Why a fire truck?)
06 Branching Point
...Day 3 of the walkthrough, the library...
As I was doing my usual rounds at the library, I found the same person who had vandalized and scribbled insults yesterday writing something on a book in the same spot.
I don't know if it's a correction or whatever, but today I'm going to give them a piece of my mind!
I approached quietly but confidently and took the book away from the person who had vandalized it with graffiti and abusive language.
Now, Shiomiya Shiori, say it. Today's the day to really hit them hard...
"...And you shouldn't doodle on library books."
Oh man, I'm such an idiot! Why can't I say anything but canned phrases?!
No, no, at this point even a canned response would be fine. I'll make sure to say it properly today!
This will prevent that graffiti-speaking, abusive person from acting so arrogantly in the library...
"That's my book. It's not a library book."
...picture?
I was surprised by what he said and checked the book I had picked up, but there was no library stamp or sticker on it.
This is definitely not a library book.
"Please return the book soon."
Why is it that only on the days I try to be strong does something like this happen...?
Should I say I'm sorry? No, there's no need to apologize to someone like this!!
But...
...I'm sorry.
"You're banned from graffiti, banned from coming, no, you're banned from everything!"
Excuse me.
"I just want to have some quiet time, but when you're around, I get all flustered."
Excuse me.
"If we get audiovisual booths, it'll just be full of people like you and ruin my library!"
...Huh? What did I just do...?
"What you're thinking and what you're saying are the opposite."
"!!"
What am I doing, saying exactly what I'm thinking!?
I turned around and started running.
This, this is a strategic retreat. I'm not running away from that man!
"M-my book..."
... 4th day of strategy...
Today, as usual, that man was sitting in his usual spot.
I couldn't stand them doing whatever they wanted, so I hid behind the bookshelf and watched.
"I told you you're banned from coming here. But you're harassing me again."
"...You're talking normally today."
"Huh!?"
Huh? That's strange.
I was only thinking it, but it seems my mouth started moving naturally.
Why is that? Ah, it must be because the other person is a graffiti-loving, abusive person. That must be it. The power of anger is truly terrifying.
"This is such a quiet and nice place."
It's noisy everywhere outside.
I just want to live without anyone bothering me."
I'm a foul-mouthed person who's always complained about books, but I could agree with this one statement.
Not that it was the reason, but I sat down in the chair opposite him and started talking to him.
"...Yes, that's right. Libraries are wonderful places."
"...It's a paper fortress that protects me from the hustle and bustle of reality."
I could speak.
I was able to deliver such a long line without stumbling over my words.
The man smiled slightly after hearing this and then said:
"I'm Keima Katsuragi."
For a moment I wondered what was going on, but it seems they just introduced themselves.
"...I'm Shiomiya Shiori, but..."
"Please... take your time."
I also gave my name, but something feels off.
Let's go back to the reception desk and clear our heads. Yeah, I'll do that.
Should I have even revealed my name to that dangerous person who vandalizes and spouts graffiti?
...But I feel like I connected with that person somehow.
No, no, it's just your imagination. There's no way I'd associate with such a dangerous person.
Let's forget about that person for now. I've been worrying about them so much that I haven't even finished organizing my paperwork for today.
I'll make copies of this handout to distribute to the library committee at the next meeting, and fill in the blanks on this one and submit it to the office.
This is posted on the bulletin board at the entrance... huh?
"That's amazing, God! I'm even becoming friends with someone as quiet as him!!"
"Ah, yes, that's right."
That being said, it's meaningless if it doesn't fill the void in your heart.
Where is the void in your heart?
Is it the despair of wanting to live by rejecting people, yet being unable to cut ties with them?
Is it the despair of yearning for human connection but being unable to achieve it?
I think it's pretty much decided between these two, but if we make a mistake here and force our way through, it could lead to irreparable consequences.
If only we had a strong event that could bring out Shiori's true feelings...
As closing time was approaching, I made my way to the exit at a leisurely pace.
I stopped as I was about to walk through the bookshelves to get to the reception counter.
Shiori was sitting at the counter. She seemed to be staring expressionlessly at some kind of printout.
After finishing reading the printout, Shiori tore it to shreds and ran off somewhere.
"What's wrong, Shiori? You seemed a bit off."
"He seemed quite unusual."
While Shiori is out of sight, I approach the counter and examine the remnants of the paper, but it's been torn to shreds, making deciphering it a bit tricky. Not impossible, though.
Let's retrieve it for now and repair it later...
"Oh, I can fix something like this!"
Hagoromo-san, please!!
...I was thinking of repairing it myself, but Elsie quickly fixed it with her feather robe.
How incredibly convenient is that celestial robe? It can automatically repair torn printouts.
Well, that doesn't matter. What's important is the content.
The small print in the torn areas is illegible, but the larger text, such as the title of the printout, is easily readable.
Notice Regarding Large-Scale Disposal of Books Due to the Installation of Audiovisual Booths
That's what was written at the top of the printout.
"...Elsie, I can see the ending."
"Huh?"
While writing my novel, Shiori started to seem like a tsundere character to me.
Though her "tsun" side rarely shows on the surface.
07 The Silent Girl's Will
The library is closed today.
According to the schedule, today is the day we'll be installing the audiovisual booths.
...According to the plan.
However, judging from the current situation, I don't think the work will be finished today at all.
A crowd has gathered in front of the library. They are the library committee members who have come together for today's work.
However, no one dared to enter.
After a while, the head of the library committee, who knew nothing of what was going on, came over and nonchalantly called out to everyone.
"Hey everyone, look like everyone's here."
Huh? What's wrong? Did something happen?
"Oh, Committee Chairperson! The door won't open. The password doesn't work either."
"Hmmmm?"
"Also, please come to the door...just come here."
"What's going on?"
The committee chairperson is dragged to the entrance door by one of the library committee members.
On the other side of the locked door was a small whiteboard, and the following was written on it.
"Opposition to the introduction of audiovisual booths! - Shiori Shiomiya"
"...Huh?"
So, to put it simply, the conclusion is that "Shiori has taken over the library and barricaded herself inside."
That's quite a lot of initiative.
"Wow, so much has happened since I last saw you..."
"Characters like that may not talk much, but deep down they think more than anyone else."
Rather, perhaps it's because they can't speak that they feel so cornered that they resort to such actions."
"W-w-w-what's more important than that, God, what are we going to do now?!"
We are currently invisible and near the library.
Today is the final day of the strategy, so Nakagawa is with us.
"What are you going to do, Keima-kun?"
Should I stop this? Or should I help?
"Let's wait and see first."
I can pretty much predict Shiori's actions, but I have no idea about the chairperson or the other library committee members.
If they were the type to steel themselves and easily break a windowpane or two, this kind of standoff would collapse in no time."
"...He's a radical committee chairman."
"We're talking about possibilities."
But I doubt he would do something like that, and I think he's the kind of person who could stop other committee members from doing something like that on their own.
Also, I don't think they'll even bother to talk to a teacher about it."
"Huh, why?"
"If this causes a fuss, the audiovisual booth project, which they apparently worked so hard to get approved, could be scrapped."
I have a feeling that the committee chairman would give that much thought..."
"Is it... going to be okay...?"
"To confirm that, let's wait and see for a while."
"Yeah"
"Um...Okay!"
After observing the situation for a while, it seems that things will generally proceed according to plan.
Some students tried to break the windows, but the class president stopped them firmly.
Some students tried to go and get a teacher, but they were firmly stopped.
For now, all I've been doing is yelling at bookmarks in the library. Or rather, that's all I seem to be capable of.
"Okay, then let's storm into the library at the right moment."
"...how?"
"It's simple."
"Just make a hole in the ceiling and climb down from there."
"Isn't that too extreme?! I mean, how?!"
"Elsie, you could probably get there using a feathered robe or a broom."
"Yes! Leave it to me!!"
"...So a broom is a perfectly normal option there, huh..."
That thing is a weapon disguised as a broom.
There's a slight possibility that it could wipe out the entire library, but... I hope that can be managed by adjusting the broom's output.
"So, what about cleaning up the hole we made...?"
"I'm sure Hagoromo-san will be fine!"
"...I wonder if I'll die from overwork someday, this feathered robe."
"Shiori! Open it!"
Wow, I've done something really audacious, even if I do say so myself.
I can hear Chairman Fujidera's shouting from outside. Why are shouting voices so frightening?
But, don't worry. We're well-prepared for situations like this!
If I just put on these earplugs I went to the trouble of buying yesterday, I won't hear any shouting...
"Heyyyyy!! You idiot!! Open it quickly!!"
It's still scary even with earplugs in!
Hmm, maybe I should have just given up on this hostage situation...
No way! They must have been prepared for this kind of outrageous behavior!
No matter how infrequently these children's books are checked out, you can't just throw them away and replace them with CDs and DVDs that you can buy anywhere! A library isn't a convenience store!!
I've prepared thoroughly for today. I've stocked up on a week's worth of food and water. I'm going to fight to the bitter end!
We absolutely will not allow audiovisual booths!!
Yes, these children are mine...
...Huh? I'm kind of sleepy...
Maybe it's because I woke up early this morning...
...My consciousness is...far away...
Boom, rattle, rattle...
"Hah!!"
Wow, how long have I been sleeping?!
What was that sound just now!?
I heard something from upstairs... Should I go and check it out?
But, but what exactly is there? I'm sure I checked this morning to make sure there wasn't anyone there!
Could it be that some kind of supernatural being, like a ghost or a monster, has appeared?
Or perhaps a library fairy, enraged by the installation of audiovisual booths, has appeared!?
As I was in a state of confusion, I heard a tapping sound, like footsteps, approaching from above.
What should I do? If the opponent is some kind of non-human, there's no chance of winning. All I can do is run or hide.
Wait a minute... Could this be the committee chairman's scheme?
I don't know how, but are you trying to get me to open the library by scaring me like this?
That's it! It must be!
You're a hundred years too early to try and fool me with something like this!
Now that I know the truth, I'm no longer afraid.
I hid in the shadows near the stairs, clutching the Daruma doll I had bought for today.
If anyone comes along, I'll swing this Daruma doll down with both hands and defeat them!
A tapping sound is getting closer.
Only the lights near the counter were on, and it was getting dark outside, so I couldn't see the suspicious person very well, but I could make out a faint silhouette.
The moment you reach the bottom of the stairs and turn your back, that's when you've called it quits!
If I show my face, the other person might notice me, so I wait quietly in the shadows, holding my breath.
As the footprints reached the bottom of the stairs and began to recede into the distance, I started running.
The mysterious intruder, sent by the chairman, be prepared!!
"Huh? Whoa!!"
They noticed me at the last moment and dodged it. If this were the world of a book, that would have been the end of it!
But the opponent has fallen on their backside. Now's my chance. I'll raise the Daruma doll once more, and then bring it down...
"W-wait a minute, Shiori!! It's me! I'm not your enemy!!"
Hearing that voice, I stopped what I was doing. It was a voice I'd been hearing a lot lately.
And then, when I took a good look at the other person's face...
"K-Katsuragi-kun?"
The man who had introduced himself was there.
08 To the outside world
Even I never expected to be nearly hit with a Daruma doll out of nowhere.
I mean, why a Daruma doll? If it's a regular Daruma doll, wouldn't it just get crushed if you hit it, so it wouldn't do much damage?
If you were to use it as a weapon, I think the corner of a thick book lying around could seriously kill someone depending on where it hits them... I wonder if Shiori, being a book lover, never considered using books as weapons?
"K-Katsuragi-kun?"
"Oh, it's me."
Shiori looks like she wants to say something, but she can't seem to put it into words.
In a situation like this, even without a bookmark, there would be so many questions that it would be overwhelming.
While Shiori is confused, let's take this opportunity to move the conversation forward at our own pace.
"I heard you're working hard all by yourself."
It would be more convenient for me if there were still some quiet places left. I'll help out."
Upon hearing this, Shiori thought for a moment, then silently nodded.
"...It's a small hideout."
"Thank you"
Large stacks of books are piled up both inside and outside the reception counter.
Is it supposed to be a barricade...? Or is there some other reason?
Perhaps the books placed here are scheduled to be disposed of today.
...If an earthquake hits, won't we be buried alive?
I wouldn't mind if it was just a game, but I'd rather not die like that.
A period of silence followed between us.
Shiori occasionally glances over, seemingly wanting to talk.
If I were considerate of the other person, I should bring up a topic of conversation, but I have absolutely no intention of doing so. I remain silent and immerse myself in PFP.
Now that things have progressed this far, there's no need for me to take any further action.
The route has already been narrowed down to two options.
Which is the right choice? Let me hear your monologue.
The air is heavy...
I was happy when he suddenly showed up in a place like this and offered to help, but...
I wonder if this person is really willing to cooperate?
He's always fiddling with his game console and doesn't even look at me.
It's more uncomfortable than before because I have to be more careful around them.
If they came to help, they should have noticed and brought up a suitable topic of conversation.
"...If I don't explain, will you not understand?"
...
...! Did I say that out loud again!?
Wh-wh-what should I do? I wonder if they didn't hear me?
"...I see, well, I guess that makes sense."
"!"
Were you listening?!
What does "Well, I guess so" even mean!?
"Huh? Oh, don't worry about it. It's nothing."
"But there's something I'd like to ask you."
"...Is there something you want to ask?"
"Ah. Shiomiya Shiori, you are..."
Just as Katsuragi-kun was about to say that,
Suddenly, the lights went out.
~At that time, somewhere in the school~
"Heh heh heh, I'll turn off the power and reset the password to the entrance!"
"Wow, the committee chair is so extreme!"
"I don't want to hear that from you, who was the first one to try and break the window."
"Ugh, I'm, I'm sorry."
"Okay then, let's open it quickly."
Shiomiya Shiori, you're a hundred years too early to think you can outsmart me!
"The committee chairman is really getting into it!"
My eyes gradually adjusted to the sudden darkness.
I looked around and saw Katsuragi's face was very close by.
No, that's not all.
Upon checking my own condition, I realized I had somehow ended up hugging him with my whole body.
"Huh!? Huh!!"
I hastily pulled away, but immediately bumped into a pile of books behind me, which then collapsed towards me, pushing me back.
Oh, it's heavy. Or rather, it's close!!
"Haa... It would be a tragedy to be crushed to death by a book."
"match..."
"I wonder how far reality will always follow us."
"I wish they'd just leave me alone."
reality,reality...
Yes, reality is just scary. Socializing is also difficult.
My feelings that I can't talk about with anyone.
I'm sure Katsuragi-kun will understand.
"...I just want to live quietly with these children."
I want to live without interacting with anyone.
All I need are books.
Real people are unnecessary.
"...No, Shiomiya Shiori."
That's a lie."
"...picture?"
"If you really thought that, you wouldn't have said what you just said."
If you truly don't care about other people, you won't feel the need to communicate anything to them, nor will you even wish for them to understand you.
You must want to talk. More than anyone else."
"Th-that's..."
"But I'm even more afraid."
What if talking to someone makes them dislike me, or reject me?
...I forgot to ask this earlier, so I'll ask it now.
What are you protecting?
Are they protecting this book? Or are they protecting a refuge from the outside world?
Now, which is it?!
"...I, I..."
I love books! I want to protect this place because I love books...
No, that's not it, I wanted to talk!
That time, and that time, and that time too!!
I've wanted to talk to you for so long!!
...But it's too late to realize it now.
My mouth has long since atrophied. There's no way I can talk.
Katsuragi-kun is right.
But the outside world is really scary, really scary.
Yuki isn't appearing.
I'll just get buried in books and quietly disappear.
My words no longer reach anyone.
No one anymore...
At that moment, someone grabbed my arm tightly.
To whom? That's not even something to think about.
"Your words definitely reached me."
It reached even me. It will definitely reach someone else, a complete stranger."
I was pulled out of the dim, suffocating piles of books into the warm light of the outside world.
"Now, lift your head, Shiomiya Shiori, there is hope there."
To eyes accustomed to darkness, the light was dazzling.
But I didn't look away.
Because Katsuragi-kun was there.
As I was pulled up, I continued to move towards Katsuragi-kun with the same momentum.
and...
The distance between me and him became zero.
Confidence and courage
The library, now brightened by sunlight and electric lights, is entered by the library committee members, led by the committee chairperson.
"Hey Shiori! If you have a death poem, I'll listen to it!"
"...I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused."
The chairman was surprised, apparently not expecting a response at all.
"I'm so sorry."
I just couldn't stand the thought of books being thrown away.
There's something I want to convey in every book!
It may be a small, very small voice, but it definitely exists.
I want this to be a library where you can hear those little whispers!
As soon as Shiori said that, the library committee members started murmuring and making a fuss.
"It's talking," "It's talking."
"...Well, if that's the case, you should have just told me instead of doing something so stupid."
"I'm so sorry..."
"Oh well. Let's have another meeting about which books to get rid of."
"Oh, thank you!!"
"However, the audiovisual booth is confirmed."
It's practically impossible to get rid of zero books!
"That's enough! Thank you!!"
"You've suddenly become quite talkative..."
Well then, since you caused us to be so late, I'm going to put you to work."
"Yes!"
Shiori slips out from behind the barricade of books and begins the task at hand.
But the moment he reached for the book, he suddenly turned around as if startled.
"Um, excuse me! Was there anyone else here besides me?"
"? Who? Who?"
"Huh? What? ...Who could that be?"
"Were you dreaming or something? Get back to work already."
"Y-yes..."
After being told that, I immediately went back to work.
Her expression was much brighter than when we first met.
"That settles it, doesn't it?"
"Ah, yes, that's right."
"There was a moment when I wondered what would happen. I'm glad that everything ended safely this time too!"
After watching the ending from behind a bush, Elsie and the others, who were on the rooftop, pulled me up and I sat down right there.
It seems the hole created during the attack was repaired by the power of the feather robe.
"...In the sense that I wanted to talk but couldn't talk normally, I might have been similar to Asami Yoshino."
"Really? I think they're similar but completely different."
"...Right. That's the only thing we have in common."
There's quite a difference between Asami, who was suffering because she could only have bland conversations, and Shiori, who was suffering because she couldn't express her feelings.
"I wonder why people go to such lengths to connect with others."
"...I think it's because I lack confidence."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I lack self-confidence, so I want someone to acknowledge my existence."
But I still lack confidence, so I can't be my true self.
That's why it becomes painful.
I think that's probably the case."
"...Maybe."
If Nakagawa says so, then it must be true.
I can understand it, but... I can't really feel it.
"God! Princess! The roof repairs are finished!"
"Okay, then let's go home."
"Oh, look at the time! I have work to do!"
"Now, I'll see the princess off!!"
"Please drive safely!"
"It's alright! I won't let the princess get hurt!!"
"Don't hurt the ground either, okay?!"
"Hey you guys, let me down first before you go. Are you planning to leave me on the rooftop?"
"Oh, that's right! Let's go then!!"