Chapter 15

Inna seemed to come from a wealthy background. She hadn’t mentioned money since I told her I lost my memory. Even afterward, she never brought up the money she’d been giving me every morning.

If she had felt any financial burden about the meals she cooked for me, she would have dropped some subtle hints—something like, “Since I’ve cooked for you, you should pay me back in some way.”

However, since she hadn’t said anything like that, I assumed she wasn’t desperately in need of money—at least not immediately. She even packed me breakfast and lunch every day, which would have cost quite a bit, yet she continued without any complaint.

Either she was receiving enough financial support from her family to not worry about money, or simply had a generous allowance.

Living alone in a two-story house, my financial situation might have seemed decent, but compared to Inna’s place, it paled in comparison.

“Ooh…”

“How’s it look? Do you like it?”

Instead of being a simple house with just an entrance, hers had a small garden attached. A vibrant mix of colorful flowers and, to top it off, a red-furred dog barking enthusiastically nearby.

The dog looked somewhat like a Chinese guardian lion—though surely someone wouldn’t leave such an expensive breed in the garden where it could be stolen. It was probably just a similar-looking dog.

After briefly crossing the small garden, Inna typed in the door lock’s password even though I was right there watching.

“The password is 13652444860.”

Although I couldn’t memorize the excessively long number, Inna helpfully announced it as though expecting me to remember. Did she not think I’d steal anything from here?

Regardless, a “ding” sounded, and the door opened. Instead of explaining why she gave me the password, Inna smiled, grabbed my hand, and led me inside.

Even though there was a room on the first floor, we casually took off our shoes and went straight upstairs, stopping in front of a room. Oddly enough, it was positioned exactly where my room would be.

“This is your room.”

…She could’ve at least explained why she made a room for someone who doesn’t live with her. It was baffling, but despite my confusion, Inna opened the door without hesitation.

Far from reminding me of a sterile mental ward, the room was adorned with blue wallpaper—an unassuming background that suited both a boy or a girl. I appreciated the neutrality.

Some pleasant aroma lingered in the air. Though I couldn’t identify the exact kind, it was refreshing without being overwhelming.

…Of course, there were a few complaints.

“Why are there two pillows on the bed? And why’s there even a king-sized bed when the room is this small?”

“Good question.”

Inna crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and nodded thoughtfully. I expected her to explain, but instead, she seemed lost in her own thoughts, so I began exploring the room. There was an air conditioner, unlike in my old place, and the computer had a completely different build.

I had assumed there was a significant time gap between this world and mine because the computer I had back home was extremely outdated. But upon seeing the latest model here, I realized the time difference wasn’t that large. Perhaps this world was just ahead technologically.

I’d seen a few phones at school that were better than the one I used, so it was possible that superhuman abilities had accelerated technological development here.

Noticing me staring at the computer like a love-struck teenager, Inna grinned and asked,

“Would you like a snack while you wait?”

[+1 Favorability (26/50)]

To be honest, I was a little flustered. Someone had once told me that when I helped out, I wanted them to be by my side. Pretending to forget that, I nodded.

Even though I felt like an addict going through withdrawal without my phone, I thought of playing a few rounds with Inna.

I naturally reached for the power button on the computer.

Finishing the pancakes Inna brought over, I was plunged into unprecedented contemplation. I already knew this world wasn’t the one I remembered.

But the games whose endings I’d been looking forward to…were they all gone? The news was hard to swallow, and I nearly cried.

Would I never see the conclusions of those games if I couldn’t return to my old world?

The young cat swordsman traveling through a fantasy world to undo time, the teacher who sacrificed everything for her peace-seeking student, the damaged woman, and the brave heroines fighting creatures from another dimension.

After searching online, my resolve only hardened—I would return to my original world. Though missing daily check-ins and events here hurt, I would see those three games’ endings.

“I have something to ask.”

If I wanted to achieve that, it might be easier to ask her outright rather than waiting for some “consultation event.”

“What is it?”

“The reason you approached me again.”

Fights aren’t caused by one person’s fault alone. Inna was probably also hurt by my earlier reaction.

But then why approach me again? It didn’t make sense, whether thinking about human behavior or a romantic visual novel.

“Not really a reason specifically. Just that the vile woman who kept us apart is gone now, so I thought there was a new opportunity to get closer.”

“What opportunity?”

“Hmm, do I have to say?”

The girl’s attempt to pretend innocence irked me. If I were to live here, I’d have to deal with Inna regularly.

If she harbored intentions, they could pose a threat to me, whether from genuine kindness or some hidden scheme.

While pretending my room, the girl who had been lying in the same bed with the lights off slowly closed her eyes. As her gaze dimmed, the room felt enveloped in darkness.

“The chance to be friends again. I thought if I didn’t try that day, I’d lose you.”

“Even with the CCTV installed where I live?”

“Ahaha, it was installed at my behest, and I can access it—but it wasn’t my decision. Did you never wonder? Even though you lost your memory, your daily living skills remained intact. How was it you could function so well without knowledge of certain things?”

I had been puzzled too, as I lived comfortably but never saw parents or other guardians. One could live alone in a studio apartment easily enough.

Her explanation finally clicked. Why I lived on the second floor.

“It was your sister who asked for the cameras to be put in place. Supposedly you even attempted self-harm, but I think she was more concerned before that, right? Anyway, you already knew the CCTV wasn’t just installed three days ago, right?”

“…Yeah.”

I thought I was an only child, but I have family?

And they monitor whether I leave my room via CCTV?

From a romantic visual novel perspective, it felt familiar.

The presence of a domineering, oppressive older sister—an antagonist.

“I know why you can’t trust me. Unconsciously, you probably think I’m not trustworthy—but I care about you…”

Her voice trailed off as I drifted into a heavy darkness.

Maybe it was because of all that had happened today, but I couldn’t stay conscious long enough to hear her finish.