The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Page #5

I just read.

If the file she had hidden yesterday was perhaps something she had written, I'd really want to read it.

I wonder if it's science fiction?

It wouldn't be a love story, would it?

Did you write this?

"Program run condition: Collect keys. Deadline: Two days."

Did you write this?

It looks like my handwriting,

but I don't recognize it.

I don't remember writing that.

I see.

I thought as much.

It's fine.

It's better for me that you didn't.

Sorry, just talking to myself.

Nagato!

You left a message for me after all!

I can treat this as a present from you, right?

A hint for how to resolve this situation...

That's okay, right?

Program...

Condition...

Keys...

Deadline...

Two days?

Today's the 19th.

Can I count that starting from right now?

Or is it from yesterday when the world changed?

Assuming the worst case, that means the deadline is tomorrow.

I don't really get it, but it seems I have to collect some keys to start some program.

But what are the keys?

Once I collect them, where do I exchange them for my prize?

If I start that program, will the world return to the way it was?

Besides, "key" is way too vague to begin with.

They're probably not the kind for physically unlocking, but something like a "keyword" or a "key person" kind of key.

But even then the range of possibilities is too wide.

Is it an item or a word?

Can you carry it with you or not?

I wish you'd let me choose that kind of information as optional addons, Nagato...

Key, key, key, key...

It's no good.

I totally don't get it.

Is this Nagato just incredibly shy?

Or is she just not used to being watched?

Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to join the Literature Club here and continue living in this world without Haruhi.

Yeah, right.

I can't just give up so easily.

I haven't had a chance to eat Haruhi's home-made hot pot yet,

and I haven't burned Asahina's Santa outfit into my memory yet either.

I'm going home now.

Okay.

Don't tell me you were waiting for me to say that?

I'm walking home with Nagato.

I don't remember ever doing this.

Hey, Nagato...

Yes?

Um... do you live alone?

Yes.

She's probably wondering how I knew that.

I've actually been to your place countless times.

Though even if I told you about it, it would all be unintelligible nonsense to you as you are now.

If you live alone, why not keep a cat or something?

Cats are great!

Sometimes you get the feeling they understand what you're saying.

Pets are prohibited.

Ah, I see...

Um...

Will you come?

Where?

My apartment.

Go ahead.

Sorry to intrude.

What is it?

Ah, nothing...

Is she shy, timid, or aggressive?

I have no idea anymore.

The layout of her room's changed a bit too.

Nagato...

Could I take a look inside this room?

Go ahead.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

I...

I've met you before.

Outside school.

Where?

Do you remember?

What?

At the library.

In May of this year.

You helped me make a library card.

I remember...

It was the first SOS Brigade mystery search quest.

If I hadn't done that, you wouldn't have budged from the bookshelves.

But this Nagato shouldn't remember that.

Hey, Nagato...

Could you tell me the details?

I think it was towards the end of May.

I went to the public library for the first time.

I didn't know how to get a library card.

But that day, the librarians all seemed busy, so it was hard to ask them.

Also, I'm bad at talking with strangers...

As I was worrying about what to do, someone called out to me.

And then he did all the work to get me a card.

I took the card and walked away without saying anything.

That person was you.

I've always regretted not thanking you.

That's why I was shocked when I saw you at school.

Thank you.

I obviously remember that,

but there are inconsistencies.

We'd gone to the library together because we'd given up on Haruhi's mystery search.

But in your version, Haruhi doesn't exist at all.

Where did the Nagato I know go?

Yes?

Now's a bit...

I understand.

Wait a moment.

Oh? Why are you here?

Same to you, why are you here?

I'm something of a volunteer.

It's far more unusual that you're here.

Did you make this?

Yes, every now and then I cook extra and bring it to Nagato.

If you leave her alone, she doesn't eat enough.

You must be good friends.

We live in the same apartment complex, after all.

So, why might you be here?

Um...

I was walking home with Nagato.

Right, I'm considering joining the Literature Club.

I had a few questions about it,

so I figured I'd ask her for details, and she let me in.

I didn't force my way in or anything.

You, in the Literature Club?

Sorry, but I don't see that at all.

Do you even read books?

Or maybe you write?

I'm just wondering whether I should be reading or writing.

Oh?

You're not going to eat with us?

That's too bad, I'm proud of this dish.

Sorry for intruding.

...but on second thoughts, I think I'll eat.

I'm so hungry I'm about to die.

If I don't eat something, I'll collapse on the way home.

If I went home now I think I'd regret it later.

Nagato expressing her own wishes so openly is a once in a lifetime event.

Oh, welcome back!

Food tastes better when everyone's eating together.

Right?

Oh that's right, today after school, I went to look at clothes with a classmate.

I saw a scarf that would suit you.

I thought I might give it to you as a Christmas present,

but it'd be a hassle for you if you had to return it because you didn't like it.

So how about coming with me to take a look at it?

If you like it, I'll buy the same kind.

I'll think about it.

By the way, the bath...

This Asakura seems to be quite close to Nagato.

She's almost like a meddlesome aunt.

So, is it tasty?

Y-Yeah...

I feel like I'm camping right outside the gates of Hell, though...

Make sure you put the leftovers into a container and put it in the fridge.

I'll come pick up the pot tomorrow, so keep it till then.

Hey...

Is it okay if I come to the clubroom tomorrow, too?

I don't really have anywhere else to go after school.

Hey.

Hey!

What's wrong?

I was trying to talk to you before,

but you're acting like you've just seen an alien or something.

Seeing an alien wouldn't be unusual.

I saw something far more ridiculous.

Never mind.

So, what is it?

I said, do you like Nagato-san?

It's not like I dislike her...

She's my savior after all, the one who saved me from your knife.

But I can't say that.

I guess I was thinking too much.

You prefer weirder girls, so Nagato-san wouldn't really suit you.

How do you know my preferences?

I heard it from Kunikida-kun.

You were like that in middle school too, right?

That bastard...

Spreading unnecessary rumors...

But if you want to date Nagato-san, you'd better think seriously about it.

If you don't...

I won't forgive you.

Why are you so concerned about Nagato?

Why...

Well, it's something like neighborhood friendship?

You know, she's the type you can't just leave alone, right?

Later then!

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