The path into town wound through the edge of the forest, where sunlight filtered through the leaves and painted golden patches along the dirt trail. The air smelled of summer and fresh grass, and the quiet crunch of their footsteps filled the space between them.
"So," Mitsuha began gently, glancing at him, "you said it was a dream? The comet?"
Shirogane 'Ughh... I don't really know how to explain it to her. Should I go with the "I'm from the future" route or Taki's perspective?'
'Screw it. Taki's perspective it is.'
'Here goes nothing' Shirogane nodded. "At first. But then I saw things. I remembered seeing… you. On the way to the festival with Tessie and Sayaka." His brow furrowed. "And then—" He hesitated. "Then everything turned to light."
Mitsuha's fingers tightened slightly around the stick she was still carrying, now resting casually against her shoulder. "…You're not lying, are you?"
"No," he said quietly. "I wish I was."
She sighed, looking down at the dirt path. "It's strange. I kept thinking my dreams were just that — dreams. But I'd wake up with the muscle that aches I didn't earn. Notes on my phone I didn't write. People calling me 'Kaichou.'" She gave a small laugh. "For a while, I seriously thought I was going crazy."
"You weren't," Shirogane said, voice sincere. "I'm real. You're real. Whatever's happening to us… it's not in our heads."
They walked a little more in silence, the distant sound of laughter and chattering growing louder as they neared town. The food stands had started opening near the main street — the smell of yakisoba and roasted corn drifting toward them.
"Want to grab something?" Shirogane offered, trying to keep things light for a moment. "My treat."
Mitsuha looked at him with a small smile. "That depends. Are you paying with your money or my money?"
"Touché."
She laughed softly, her eyes sparkling now. "Alright, but only if you explain more while we eat."
"Deal."
They reached a food stand and ordered two servings of yakisoba, sitting down under the red-and-white striped tent nearby. Shirogane watched as Mitsuha took a bite, her eyes lighting up.
"Mmm… Okay, this was worth the trauma."
Shirogane chuckled. "Glad to be of service."
Mitsuha looked at him again, more seriously this time. "So… this comet. When is it supposed to happen?"
Shirogane's thoughts raced. 'The comet… it hits on October 4, around 8:40 p.m. Today's only September 30. There's still time—plenty.'
"It's on October 4," he said quietly. "At night. Around 8:40. We don't have much time, but… enough, if we act fast."
Mitsuha's eyes widened slightly. "You really believe that? That you're here to stop it?"
Shirogane nodded. "I don't know how or why… but I think I was brought here for a reason."
She paused, her gaze softening. "Like fate?"
"Maybe. Or maybe we're just the only ones who can do something."
Mitsuha nodded slowly, placing her chopsticks down. "Then… let's try. Even if it's just the two of us."
He looked at her, surprised by the resolve in her voice.
"You're not scared?" he asked.
"I am," she admitted. "But I think… if we're switching places, if the universe chose you for this… then maybe it's not so hopeless after all."
Shirogane didn't know what to say to that. So instead, he just smiled — a real one this time.
"…Thanks."
They sat there a little longer, the summer evening settling in around them. The lanterns were starting to glow faintly, flickering like stars.
And for the first time in a while, he didn't feel completely lost.
After a bit of talking
Mitsuha had just finished her last bite of yakisoba when Shirogane suddenly sat upright, as if struck by lightning.
"Wait," he muttered, squinting like he was solving a complex math problem. "I completely forgot—we need to establish rules for what we do while we're switched. Boundaries. Ground rules. Code of conduct. We can't just… freelance each other's lives."
Mitsuha blinked, then burst out laughing. "You sound like a student council president drafting a formal agreement."
Shirogane looked almost offended. "Because I am one. Or—was. Or… you know what I mean."
Mitsuha leaned her chin on her hand, eyes glinting with playful mischief. "Alright then, Kaichou… first question: while you're in my body, are you planning to flirt with anyone?"
Shirogane nearly choked. "What?! Of course not!"
She smirked. "What if I told you someone in Tokyo was starting to like you back?" She raised a brow. "Maybe… Kaguya?"
Shirogane paused, caught off guard. He glanced away, a faint flush creeping up his neck.
"I-I have no idea what you're talking about," he muttered. "That's… a very bold assumption. And besides, even if that were true, it would be highly inappropriate to act on her feelings while in someone else's body. Not to mention unethical, dishonorable, emotionally manipulative—"
"So that's a yes?"
"Mitsuha-san," he said, adjusting his posture with robotic formality, "I refuse to confirm or deny any romantic inclinations without proper context, evidence, or her consent."
She burst out laughing again. "You're hopeless."
"I'm principled," he corrected firmly. Then he pulled out his phone and began typing. "Okay, here's the list so far: No confessions of love while switched. No unnecessary body examinations—especially not in front of mirrors. No deleting the other's messages. No spending money on expensive food. And above all—"
"—No flirting with Kaguya," Mitsuha teased.
He shot her a look. "Especially that."
They sat quietly for a moment, the laughter fading into a calm silence.
"I'm glad you're the one who ended up here," Mitsuha said softly. "You're weird… but you care. Even if you talk like a walking ethics textbook."
Shirogane allowed himself a faint smile. "I guess… if I can do something good while I'm here, it's worth it."
Today's Battle Result: Both Shirogane and Mitsuha wins.
Shirogane won Mitsuha's trust.