Aoba:

(flops on his bed and sighs) Clear…I wonder where he went? If he’s worried about yesterday’s bad news…(sighs) I couldn’t really concentrate at work today… Aah…eh! I wonder if I can sort my head out with a bath. (he heads downstairs but stops when he hears a noise) Ah? Was that something at the window…? (opens the window)

Clear:

Aoba-san!

Aoba:

Eh?! Clear! Uwah! You–where did you go?? Though–why’d you come from the window…

Clear:

I’m sorry for surprising you. I went to my grandfather’s house.

Aoba:

Your grandfather’s house…?

Clear:

Yes. I returned by the rooftops but, since I saw your window was open I leapt onto the veranda.

Aoba:

I-I see how it is…ah, is your body all right?

Clear:

Yes.

Aoba:

You said you went to your grandfather’s house, why?

Clear:

…Aoba-san. I have a question for you.

Aoba:

What’s that, all of a sudden…

Clear:

Would you answer me?

Aoba:

…Yeah. I’ll answer.

Clear:

Thank you very much. Aoba-san, if I go before you, perhaps sometime in the near future, if all my functions ceased forever, would you…come to rest with me?

Aoba:

Uh–

Clear:

The fact that I would remain living on even after Aoba-san had been laid to rest forever was a shock to me. I experienced death once.That’s why I needlessly thought felt that way. As I realized that I was a machine, I thought it was heart-breaking. But…since my body is malfunctioning that position is completely reversed. I’m still causing heartbreak for you, Aoba-san. Even still, “as long as you’re living,” if we’re speaking of how I felt before, those were my true feelings. “It’s fine as long as Master survives.” For us that was the most important command.

Aoba:

A-ah…

Clear:

But…it’s different now. Right now…I’m no longer able to think of it like, “as long as Aoba-san is living.” What I want now…is to live with Aoba-san. And then…if I can, to die with you.

Aoba:

Clear…

Clear:

That’s why, Aoba-san, if I wished for it in the end, would you join me in eternal slumber?

Aoba:

…Yeah. If you…wish for that.

Clear:

Aoba-san…

Aoba:

Whether I died first or whether you stopped moving, it’d be painful for whoever’s left behind. That fact wouldn’t change. That’s why I want to treasure the time we have together more than anything. But…when we die it’s all right if we go together. If that’s what you want…that means it’s it’s something you genuinely desire, right? If it’s what you want of your own will, then I’m glad. It feels strange to say this, but…even if I leave you behind and die…if we can end our time together…that’s not bad thing. So it’s fine. Let’s rest…together.

Clear:

(sobs) Aoba-san… (he takes a breath) I understand. I…will replace my body with an Alpha’s body.

Aoba:

H…huh?

Clear:

Hearing your answer now, I’ve decided it.

Aoba:

But, that means…

Clear:

I didn’t ask you because I truly want to die. I’m sorry for asking a cruel question of you. But…since I was able to hear your answer now, Aoba-san, the indecision inside of me has vanished completely thanks to your words. Thank you very much.

Aoba:

Ah…

Clear:

The reason why I went to my grandfather’s house…honestly, I don’t quite understand it. I think it was perhaps to find the answer of what I should do with my body. I went into my room and I found something. That was…this. (he takes out the letter)

Aoba:

Oh…that’s…a letter?

Clear:

Yes.

Aoba:

Ah…

Clear:

I realized something when I read that letter. Of course I was glad that my grandfather said that I was a human. But more than that, I finally realized what was most important to me. If I replace my body with an Alpha’s, I would really feel like I was a machine so I truly didn’t want it. I was annoyed that I would have to borrow an Alpha’s power as well. More than anything…I was afraid of that. If I used an Alpha’s body, the sense of being 100% ‘me’ would fade, and I felt like I would lose myself.

Aoba:

Ah…

Clear:

In any case, something like my body can absolutely be replaced with something better than it is. If it’s better, doesn’t that mean it’s all right even if it means “I” am no longer “me”? But…all of those worries have nothing to do with you, Aoba-san. It’s only my problem. Those insecurities blinded me to something much more important. For me, the most important thing is…it’s living with you, Aoba-san. It’s the fact that I’ll protect you from here on out, Aoba-san. After I read the letter I clearly understood that fact.

Aoba:

Clear…

Clear:

In that case, it doesn’t matter whatever happens to my body. Because my heart that wishes to live on with Aoba-san…it won’t change at all. From the beginning what’s always been the most important to me is to not bring you sorrow, Aoba-san. That won’t change as well either. But now, it isn’t only that. I want to live with Aoba-san. If I think of it that way my body is really just a trivial problem.

Aoba:

(sobs)

Clear:

Aoba-san, shall we go to tell Tae-san now?

Aoba:

Granny…she’s out now…when she gets back… (he sobs and hugs Clear)

Clear:

Aoba-san…

Aoba:

Let’s…live together…Clear… Together…

Clear:

Yes, Aoba-san.

Aoba:

(sobs and cries) Then…about your question before…I know you don’t plan on it but…I…I’m really all right with that… In the end…let’s rest together.

Clear:

Thank you…very much…

Aoba:

(cries)

Clear:

(pats him on the back) Aoba-san.

Aoba:

(between sobs) I’m sorry…I can’t…stop crying…

Clear:

I don’t mind.

Aoba:

(crying) Clear…I’m glad… Thank you…so much…for deciding to live…

Clear:

Aoba-san…

Aoba:

(more sobs) I’m sorry…

Clear:

Aoba-san, your eyes are red. Just like the time when I returned here. They’re so cute, like a rabbit’s.

Aoba:

(laughs, wet) Idiot.

Clear:

(laughs)

Aoba:

Mmh…Clear…

Clear:

Aoba-san, are you all right? Do your eyes hurt?

Aoba:

Nu uh.

Clear:

Shall I wash your face?

Aoba:

(laughs) You…aren’t you too worried over me? But…that’s right. I should…clean up a little.

Clear:

Yes.

(Aoba leaves for the bathroom)

Clear:

Oh…ah–!