CLUE 1: A Miracle ?

POV: Rika

Sitting by the slightly ajar window, allowing the silver glow of the full moon to filter in, I gazed out into the night's darkness. The moon cast a deep red hue on my glass of wine, making it almost appear to glow in my eyes as I gently swirled it between my fingers. My thoughts drifted, filled with a silent melancholy.

I was situated in my small house, discreet and removed from the other villagers of Hinamizawa. My purpose was to remain quiet, not to disturb the sleeping figure by my side, without causing unnecessary worries. It was a place where I could finally be myself, without pretense or facade.

In this place, a figure was present, a person who seemed to be of a similar age as me. Their purple hair, distinctive little horns, and attire resembling that of a priestess or a religious ceremony left no doubt as to their identity. They sat across from me, silently gazing at me. This child's name was Hanyū, and even though she could be capricious and annoying, she was the only one who truly understood the pain I had to endure. I strangely felt relieved to see her. After all, what could she do if I left her alone? I was the only one with whom she could interact, the only one who could see her. Without me, she would wander aimlessly through the streets of Hinamizawa.

It has been years, perhaps more than a century, since our first encounter. Incredible, isn't it? Despite her whims and childish nature, I've grown attached to her. After all, she is the only one who retains her memories, even through the countless time loops we traverse. A true companion, in a way.

We sat in a heavy silence for a while before she finally decided to speak, in her own irritating and timid voice.

Hanyū: R-Rika... A-are you sure you're okay? You've been sitting there for an hour now, um... thinking, you know. I mean, I understand it's complicated, but um... I-If you're facing any trouble, I'm here, of course... Auu~ auu...

After Hanyū finally broke the beautiful silence, I let out a slight cluck of my tongue, causing her to jump for a moment. With a tired sigh, I spun my glass in my hand before finally turning my head toward her. A smile finally broke across my face, after searching for my words for a while, after letting my mind absorb all the new information from this new fragment where so many things had finally changed.

Rika: Hanyū, do you really think this time could be different from the countless previous ones? Look at this... After over a century of cursed repetitions, this guy just shows up out of nowhere, and he seems quite resourceful on top of that. Maybe he could be the miracle we've silently hoped for, don't you think, Hanyū?

It's true, after all... The biggest disruption to this world, without a doubt, is the mysterious arrival of this Ayanokoji Kyotaka. In fact, he's even more mysterious than the term itself. He appeared here without anyone really knowing how or why. Even Mion was clearly surprised, she clearly didn't expect this, which was obviously suspicious from the start.

But at this stage, given my situation, whoever he might have been, any help would have been welcome... However, watching him closely in action, it's undeniable that he hides many things. His behavior is very strange at times, and he seems to deliberately cultivate the mystery surrounding him. Good grief, he's really insistent on playing enigmatic. Like I needed that right now.

Anyway, I don't care. What matters most is that he not only seems kind but also intelligent and cunning. I'm convinced he could be of great help, but I don't know where to start... After all, I don't even know if he'll reappear in future fragments, so I can't let this opportunity slip through my fingers without trying something! I must at least seize it, exploit it to the fullest, even if only once...

I really don't know how to go about it, honestly. Moreover, he's completely imperturbable, devoid of expressions; he almost looks like an empty man, lacking a soul... Which complicates the task of trying to understand his thoughts.

Yet, at first glance, he seems to be a good person... And even though I only saw him today, I like him. He awakens something positive in me. Whatever happens, he's now on my list of people I want to see survive for a fragment of happiness... Well, I'm not finished if I have to keep adding names to that list.

What a burden, for heaven's sake. I hope I can learn more about him... I have a lifetime for that, at least if he reappears later. This fragment will be a bit different, at least I won't get bored, and the element of unpredictability gives it a certain charm.

Unfortunately, as I expected, Hanyū looked at me with an embarrassed and sorry expression... Even in moments like these, she didn't seem to have much faith in my decision. This girl, seriously, she's really not good at encouraging people, is she? Anyway, her opinion mattered little to me.

Hanyū: Auu~ Auu~ Auu~ Auu... I understand what you're thinking, R-Rika... It's good to have hope, but, please, don't hold on too tightly. That's all I ask... Alright? I don't want you to, uh... disappear or lose yourself even more...

Rika: I know, I know very well! But you can't deny that this fragment is quite different from the others, right? Look, first, Keiichi joining the club even before our visit to Hinamizawa... And then the arrival of this Kyotaka, bringing a whole new freshness to the day. I even had fun today; it was quite a surprise!

Hanyū: Auu~ Yes, I understand, but I... I mean, we shouldn't have too high hopes... I don't want to lose you; you're the only person I can talk to, so... please promise me. I mean, yes, he's a new person and uh... he seems kind and all, but um... he's just a new person, and he can't do much either, so... please, R-Rika... Auu~

Rika: Alright, Hanyū, I get it! Stop bugging me about it... I know, for heaven's sake, after a century of these damn loops! But for once, it seems that things are taking a different turn, and I want to believe in it! So allow me to hope, just this time! Forget the damn pessimism for a moment and let me have faith in something, even if it's just this once! I replied with a hint of irritation and anger, catching her off guard and making her hesitate slightly.

After that, Hanyū remained silent, and a calm settled in... In fact, it was quite alright; she had seriously annoyed me this time. Always on the negative side, this girl, tch. I'm aware she wishes to break out of these loops as much as I do, but if we always stay in this state, how is it going to progress? I've spent all this time holding back, waiting for things to happen, like a mere spectator... After a century of suffering, I've finally had the opportunity to roll the dice, with a genuinely miraculous chance granting me only one shot! I can't just let it slip away... I must seize it. No matter how long it takes, I must learn more about Kyotaka...

Yes, I must get closer to him, discover his abilities... And who knows, maybe even ask for his help. I wonder. Could he be the savior who will end my suffering? At least for this time, I'm ready to put aside everything else and give this miracle a chance. I must believe in it, at least once.

Kyotaka Ayanokoji, this miracle has undoubtedly hurled you into hell... But for me, it's a real chance. I'm convinced you'll have a great time with us and that you can quickly become one of us. Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for, and I won't let you slip away like this. No, I must seize you and find out who you are... Your impassive face, devoid of a smile in any situation, isn't obtained without reason. Perhaps you were added for another cause, a reason that concerns you directly... And I promise, in exchange for your help, your miracle, that I will help you through this hell, just as much as the others.

"Well, it's not so bad to welcome a new member into our club, after more than a century."