"What is this strange feeling in my chest?" As I finished listening to the last words that, distorted, the APA of that girl reproduced, I pushed my right hand hard against my chest as my heart would not stop beating.

At that moment, I could not think how I should react to his words. Neither, could I articulate the right words to deliver a response to him. My mind had gone completely blank.

Then, the fleeting memory of one of the many stories my aunt Hikaru used to tell me appeared, which caused a small tear to show itself sliding down my right cheek.

Upon seeing me, the girl's APA reacted.

[A-are you all, right? Did I say something I shouldn't have?]

—...Eh? N-no, no! On the contrary, I am experiencing a happiness that I find very hard to believe.

[T-that means...]

I took a couple of seconds to organize my thoughts as I looked down at the grass that was covered with leaves. Then I took a deep breath and let it out very slowly. Once I was mentally prepared, I gave him my most sincere answer.

—Perhaps it may be a bit selfish of me, after all you have told me. However, right now, I cannot give you an answer to your feelings.

[W-why...?]

—I don't know your real self.

She was silent, I just kept talking.

—I don't know the reason why you hide your name from me, and even went to the trouble of distorting your voice. Even though you gathered enough courage to call me to this place and open your heart to me.

I looked up at the huge crimson-colored evening sky.

—For two years now, I can't understand the people of this country and their obsession with APA. By using them they have denied themselves from experiencing so many moments in their lives... moments that can only be experienced if you are not using an APA.

I quickly returned my gaze to the face of that girl's APA, then showing her a huge smile, I determinedly extended my hand towards her.

—Put aside your APA and let's be friends! Let's get to know each other better! What do we like the most? What do we dislike the most? Our hobbies, our interests… I want us to live our youth together! Then, only then..., I will be able to give you a clear answer to your feelings.

The strong wind that was blowing stopped, the leaves on the big tree stopped falling and the crimson red of the evening sun faded. The scene that had been etched in my eyes was gone.

[I…, I-I don't know what else I can do... I-I need someone to help me... O-or it will be too late...]

—¿Uh…?

Suddenly, my breath stopped short. For some reason, even though the girl's APA voice was distorted, I felt it crack with each of her words. It was as if the girl on the other side was about to fall apart.

Then, out of nowhere the APA turned around and walked away from me without another word.

—…W-wait a minute.

"Why?" I clenched my fists tightly as I slowly started walking towards that girl's APA.

—Please stop, let's talk!

For an instant, his APA turned around and replayed his last words.

[This Saturday at the main entrance of the school at twelve o'clock in the afternoon! That will be the place where I will show you my real self.]

After this, his APA continued on its way and disappeared around one of the corners of the main school building.