Ageha finished the massage.
Tobio was still lying on the futon, his breathing ragged. His body felt like it had been hit by a truck—but strangely, the stabbing pain was starting to subside. Replaced by a deep ache, but more... bearable.
His grandmother's massage oil was working.
Ageha wiped her hands with a small towel. Her eyes looked at Tobio—not angry, but tired. Tired from worrying.
"How do you feel now?"
Tobio moved his hand. Slowly. It still hurt, but he could move it.
"Better." His voice was hoarse. "Thank you, Grandma."
Ageha sighed. She sat beside Tobio, reached for her grandchild's hand. The bracelet on Tobio's wrist—black stone with silver veins—was still intact.
"Tobio... Grandma knows you want to know the limits of your power." Her voice was soft. "That's natural. Grandma was like that too, when she was young."
Tobio looked at her.
"But you have to remember." Ageha looked directly into his eyes. "That power is not a toy. Not something to be experimented with. Every time you use it, you borrow something from the universe. And the universe always asks for payment."
She held the bracelet.
"This isn't just jewelry. I made this artifact for you." Ageha paused. Her eyes glistened. "So you wouldn't get hurt."
Tobio was silent.
But she was still here. Still protecting him.
Still loving him.
Why?
Why wasn't she angry?
In the old world, his father would have been angry. Not out of worry, but because Haruto could damage his image.
But Grandma... She was just worried.
'Worried because I might get hurt.'
Not because I might embarrass her.
For the first time, Tobio felt something in his chest. Something warm, but also painful.
He swallowed. His throat felt tight. "I'm sorry, Grandma."
Ageha stroked his head. Gently.
"It's okay. Grandma forgives you." She smiled—tired, but sincere. "Now rest first. You don't have to go to school today."
Tobio shook his head. "I can go."
"Tobio."
"I can, Grandma." Tobio forced himself to sit up. His body protested—his muscles still ached—but he could. "I don't want to miss school on the second day."
Ageha looked at him for a long time. Finally, she sighed.
"Alright. But if it hurts, tell the teacher. Grandma will come pick you up."
Tobio nodded, then slowly went to the bathroom.
Water flowed over his aching body. His muscles still felt stiff, but movement was starting to return to normal.
He looked at himself in the mirror.
Stomach—there was a change. Abdominal muscles were starting to show. Faint, but clearly not an ordinary child's stomach.
Shoulders—broader. Posture—more upright.
This was the effect of his desire last night.
A healthier body. Able to lift 15kg.
But the payment—this pain. And tomorrow? Maybe worse?
He touched the bracelet on his wrist.
Grandma said this bracelet protects. Last night he took it off, maybe if he had worn it, the pain wouldn't have been this bad.
Or maybe... this bracelet absorbs part of the payment.
Stores it. For when?
He didn't know.
But one thing he knew: next time, he would be more careful.
Or at least, he would wear the bracelet.
Tobio came out of the room in full uniform. His hair was still slightly damp. Bag on his back.
Ageha had already prepared breakfast on the table—the same menu, but today the portions were larger.
"Sit down. Eat first."
Tobio sat down. "Itadakimasu."
They ate in silence. But a different silence than usual. There was a weight in the air. Worry that hadn't completely disappeared.
After finishing, Ageha said, "Tobio."
Tobio looked up.
"Promise Grandma." Ageha looked at him seriously. "Don't use that power again without Grandma's permission. No matter the reason."
Tobio was silent for a moment.
A promise.
But... what if it's an emergency?
What if something happens and he has to act quickly?
What if Sae is in danger?
Or Grandma?
But he nodded. "I promise."
Ageha smiled. Relieved.
"Good. Now go. Don't be late."
---
Tobio walked alone.
His steps were heavier than usual. His body still ached. But he could manage.
Halfway there, he met Sae.
Sae waved from a distance. "Tobio! Morning!"
Tobio waved back.
Sae ran closer. As soon as she was beside Tobio, she blinked.
"Tobio... what's wrong? You look tired?"
Tobio shook his head. "Nothing. Didn't sleep well."
Sae pouted. "Don't lie. Your face is pale."
She was too perceptive.
Or maybe close friends really can see the small things.
"Seriously, it's nothing." Tobio forced a smile. "Come on, we'll be late."
They walked together. Sae chattered as usual—but occasionally her eyes glanced at Tobio, worried.
The schoolyard was starting to get crowded.
Tobio and Sae entered the gate together. Some children greeted them—Sae answered enthusiastically, Tobio just nodded.
In the classroom, Tobio sat at his desk. Put down his bag. Sighed.
Today was going to be long.
But he could do it. Definitely could.
The bell rang for class to start.
Saki entered the classroom with her cheerful smile. "Good morning, children!"
"Good morning, Saki-sensei."
Saki put down her bag. Her eyes scanned the classroom. Stopped for a moment on Tobio.
"Ikuse-kun, are you feeling okay? Your face is pale."
Tobio shook his head. "I'm fine, Saki-sensei. Just didn't sleep much."
Saki looked at him doubtfully. But didn't ask further. "If you're sick, rest in the infirmary, okay?"
"Okay, Sensei."
Lessons began. Mathematics—easy. But Tobio had trouble concentrating. His body still hurt. His mind wandered.
---
Recess bell.
Sae turned. "Tobio, want to go to the cafeteria?"
Tobio shook his head. "I'll just rest in class."
Sae pouted. "Want me to stay with you?"
"No need. You want to buy snacks."
Sae hesitated. But finally nodded. "Okay. I'll buy you some snacks, alright? Later we'll eat together."
Tobio smiled faintly. "Okay."
Sae ran out.
Tobio was alone in the classroom. He rested his head on the desk, closed his eyes. Resting.
The classroom door opened.
Tobio opened his eyes. Kenji entered—alone. His face was still slightly red, probably embarrassed about yesterday's incident.
He saw Tobio alone. His eyes narrowed. "Hey, Tobio."
Tobio didn't answer.
Kenji approached. Stopped beside Tobio's desk.
"Yesterday... you saw it, didn't you?" His voice was soft, but there was an angry tone in it. "Everyone laughed. Because of me."
Tobio remained silent.
"I know you did something." Kenji looked down. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You're... weird. Since you fell from that tree, you've changed."
Tobio lifted his head. Looked at Kenji.
"I didn't do anything."
"Liar!" Kenji snapped. Then realized—the class was still empty, but his voice could be heard outside. He lowered his volume. "I know you're weird. My friends say you're always daydreaming. Your eyes... like you see something others don't."
Tobio was silent.
He... noticed.
This kid—maybe smarter than he thought.
Or maybe just suspicious because he was embarrassed.
"I don't care about that." Tobio stood up. His bag was already in his hand. "I'm going to the toilet."
He left Kenji still standing in the classroom, his face a mix of anger and suspicion.
Tobio washed his face.
Cold water felt refreshing on his slightly warm face. Maybe a mild fever—an effect from last night's experiment.
He looked in the mirror.
Kenji is suspicious.
This is dangerous.
If too many people get suspicious, one day his secret will be exposed.
And in this world... Secrets could mean death.
Or worse—being made into an experiment.
Or being hunted. By Angels. Devils. Or other organizations.
He sighed.
Have to be more careful.
Don't use power for trivial things.
But... What if Kenji keeps bothering him?
What if he spreads his suspicions to others?
What if...
He shook his head. Too many "what ifs".
Focus on now. Live normally.
The Kenji issue—can be dealt with later.
Tobio returned to class. Kenji was gone—maybe to the cafeteria.
Sae was already back. On Tobio's desk, a pack of snacks.
"I bought your favorite chips!" Sae smiled widely. "Let's eat!"
Tobio smiled. "Thanks, Sae."
They ate together. Sae talked about the line at the cafeteria, about her friend who almost fell—again. Small things.
Tobio listened.
And for a moment, he forgot about Kenji. Forgot about the power. Forgot about the danger.
There was only Sae. Snacks. Small laughter.
This was probably what he wanted.
Normal life.
But for how long?
---
Afternoon Lessons
Lessons continued. Science—photosynthesis, again. English—basic vocabulary.
Tobio followed half-heartedly. His body was getting tired. The pain from this morning hadn't completely disappeared.
Sae occasionally glanced worriedly. But Tobio always shook his head—it's okay.
Last period—PE.
Tobio reported not participating. "I'm not feeling well, Saki-sensei."
Saki allowed it. "Rest on the sidelines, okay. Drink plenty."
Tobio sat on a bench near the field. Watched his classmates run, play soccer.
On the field, Kenji played rough as usual. But today he didn't bump into anyone. Occasionally his eyes glanced towards Tobio.
Suspicious.
Tobio ignored him.
Let him.
I won't give him a reason.
The dismissal bell rang.
Children poured out of the classroom.
Sae packed her bag. "Tobio, walk home together?"
Tobio nodded. "Yeah."
They walked together. Sae chattered—but quieter than usual. Maybe because Tobio looked tired.
At the crossroads, Sae stopped.
"I'll go this way." She pointed towards her house. "Tobio... are you sure you're okay?"
Tobio nodded. "Yeah. I'll sleep early tonight."
Sae smiled—not as brightly as usual. "Okay. If you're sick, tell me, okay? I can take you to the infirmary."
Tobio smiled. "Thanks, Sae."
Sae waved. Then ran towards her house.
Tobio continued his journey alone.
---
Home
Tobio knocked on the door. Opened it. "I'm home."
From the living room, Ageha's voice answered. "Welcome back."
Tobio entered. Took off his shoes. Put down his bag.
Ageha was weaving in the living room—cloth with a new pattern. She looked at Tobio.
"How was school?"
Tobio sat on the sofa. "Good. But tired."
Ageha nodded. "Natural. Your body just changed. Rest first."
Tobio nodded. He lay down on the sofa. Stared at the ceiling.
"Grandma..."
"Yes?"
"What should I do... if someone gets suspicious?"
Ageha stopped weaving. She looked at Tobio.
"Suspicious? About what?"
"About my power." Tobio was still staring at the ceiling. "There's a kid at school—Kenji. He suspects I'm weird. Because I changed after I fell."
Ageha was silent for a moment.
"And you think he'll spread that suspicion?"
"I don't know. But he... bothers me. Since before. Maybe he'll use this to attack me."
Ageha thought.
"Tobio, listen." Her voice was soft but firm. "You don't need to worry excessively. Kids your age forget quickly. The day after tomorrow, maybe he'll be busy with something else."
Tobio turned. "But what if not?"
"If not..." Ageha sighed. "We'll face it together. Grandma will talk to his teacher. Or his parents. But—" She looked at Tobio seriously. "Don't use your power to deal with trivial problems like this. Understand?"
Tobio nodded.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Ageha smiled. "Good. Now rest. Grandma will cook dinner."
---
After dinner—leftover curry from yesterday, still delicious—Tobio returned to his room.
He lay on the futon. Stared at the ceiling.
The crack in the left corner—like an old friend.
Beside him, the goldfish in its aquarium swam slowly. Calm. Peaceful.
Why does life have to be this complicated?
In the old world, he was just a puppet. Didn't need to think about anything.
Here, he was free. But freedom is heavy.
Have to choose for yourself.
Have to be responsible for yourself.
Have to face the consequences yourself.
He touched the bracelet on his wrist. 'But at least, I'm not alone.'
There's Grandma, there's Sae.
Then Tobio fell asleep.