NOVEL WEB Memory and record. There’s a significant difference between these interdependent concepts.
Ding!
It’s all about accuracy.
Doi!
Memory isn’t accurate. To elaborate, it’s strongly influenced by individual subjectivity and tends to reconstruct itself in a favorable direction for the person recalling it. That’s how I would explain it.
Woop woop!
Memory is something that can easily be distorted for various reasons, but if one could remember everything accurately… without a single detail missing, things would be a bit different.
Bam!
The likelihood of distortion in the wrong direction would vanish, and one could control the reconstruction to their advantage. It’s like turning memory into record, right?
Kaboom!
However, since humans are creatures far from perfection, the process of leaving memories as records often gets mixed up with personal subjectivity and ideology.
Whoosh!
History is written by the victor.
Zing!
This saying holds true because the history recorded from the winner’s perspective inevitably grants legitimacy to the winner while recording the loser negatively.
Ding ding!
Of course, in this case, it was intentionally recorded, but the conclusion remains that any record strongly mixed with personal subjectivity is inaccurate. That much is the same, right?
Wink!
Therefore, as the secretary of the seminar, I am always wary of my subjectivity influencing the records.
Boop boop!
Since I can remember everything, if I set my mind to it, I could embed my thoughts from trivial details and, like crafting a detailed blueprint… I could present in my records the picture of myself that I want the reader to see, as if it were the truth.
Shimmer!
A record completely devoid of my colors. A narrative based on facts grounded in perfect memory.
Ta-dah!
That is the correct attitude I, Ushio Noa, strive for as a secretary.
Fizz!
But suddenly, a wave of emotion crashing down on me shook me to my core…
Whoosh!
The solid reef I had firmly anchored myself to transformed into a buoy swaying in even the smallest waves when I turned around.
Splash!
Records remain forever unless lost. No matter how perfect they are, my memories are destined to fade at the moment I draw my last breath.
Dum dum!
That’s why I was caught in thought.
Hmm…
Should I leave a record of the deep love I feel for someone, or should I preserve it as a cherished memory within me?
Tick tock!
It’s a bit different from media like photographs. Those could serve as evidence of my relationship with Yuuka and Misono Mika, but… they can’t provide proof of a person’s heart—
Whoosh!
“Actually, it can…”
Bing!
When was it? That time we three traveled to Hakgwiyaeng. A warm spring day when the nature of our relationship changed entirely.
Ding ding!
A photo from our trip that solidified the triangular relationship filled with love towards each other, unlike those who juggle multiple relationships under the pretext of polyamory.
Snap!
…It’s something I shouldn’t have done as a secretary, but I will turn a blind eye to Mika’s relationship.
Oopsie!
No matter how much I treasure others more than myself, I can’t deny that I open my heart too, and I’m also one who has benefited from that.
Whisper!
I gaze at the smiling three of us in the photo and trace it gently with my fingertips. The dolls we each held bring forth good memories to the surface.
Flick!
The doll representing Yuuka, created by me.
Wink!
The doll born from Mika’s fingertips that looks just like me.
Twirl!
And the doll that Yuuka clumsily imitated from Mika.
Swoosh!
These have been carefully cherished by the three of us to this very day. If our love bears fruit someday… our own Hinamatsuri will come to pass.
Whoo-hoo!
This kind of photo transcends mere evidence of relationships; it stands as proof of the heart. A special record that fully captures our memories.
Boom!
In this context, it would be better to say there’s more of a memory than just a photo.
Dum dum!
Returning to the starting point, my memory, Ushio Noa’s memory, is perfect. It cannot be distorted in any form without my permission.
Zing!
Even so, I cannot let my guard down. The weight of being a secretary and the tasks associated with record-keeping are not light.
Bam!
I have been given the duty to record the affairs of the Millennium Seminar, and I am obligated to fulfill it. Just as I have done until now.
Tick tick!
As I fell into a moment of contemplation, the path I chose was the same as always. Opening up the recent call log on my mobile phone, I am welcomed by the records of calls with Mika that regularly occupy a spot on the list.
Ding!
Looking back, Mika is such a cute person. It’s her actions rather than appearances that are particularly adorable, I’d say!
Giggle!
Previously, when Mika mentioned how her phone battery never seems to last, I asked her why, and she explained it was because she was on the phone for too long with others throughout the day.
Chuckle chuckle!
Hearing that, I couldn’t help but tease her a bit. I said I would refrain from calling her to save her phone battery life.
Hee hee!
Her response was quite interesting, but… I think I want to keep that as a precious memory of my own. Mika’s clingy, persistent nature is something I want to cherish alone.
Toot toot!
With my fingertip resting on the screen, I slipped into thought for a moment.
Hmmm…
If I call, how should I start? Where should I begin and end? Should I reveal everything, or hide a bit?
Ding dong!
Truth be told, it’s unnecessary worry. Conversations with Mika naturally flow differently depending on the moment.
Whoosh!
Sometimes Mika will chatter away with her stories while I listen, but often we actively participate equally in the conversation.
Blah blah!
And sometimes, quite unexpectedly, Mika manages to draw out the words hidden in my heart.
Wham!
If we converse today, I’ll likely end up sharing my inner thoughts naturally. Yes, just like I always have.
Ding!
Just as I resolved myself to make the call,
Ta-da!
“Whoa?”
Bloop!
As if mocking me for taking ages to make a simple decision, a phone call comes through.
Ring ring!
And what a twist of fate— the caller is none other than Mika herself!
Surprise!
Every time, I find Mika to be an intriguing person. Isn’t it a skill to have such a sense of connection between each other, just like now?
Wibble wobble!
My fingertip glides across the screen.
Hello!
[Oh, you’re still awake? Hey, is Noa-chan someone who casually calls anyone ‘dear’?]
Giggle!
“Of course not! So, what brings you to call today, Mika-chan?”
[Come on, Noa-chan, that’s a bit harsh… We’re not the kind of friends who need a reason to contact each other, right?]
Ehehe!
“Just to avoid confusion, I only asked whether you had a reason out of courtesy to check if it’s okay to take Mikachan’s time.”
Whoosh!
[Hmm… Whether there’s a reason or not, I welcome it! But, actually, I plan to stay at the Millennium today. If you’re up for it…]
Ding ding!
“I’ll go get ready right now.”
[Ahaha, you’re quick! I’ll send the location to Momotalk after a bit!]
Bam!
I had something I wanted to discuss over the phone, but suddenly, I got carried away by the schedule and couldn’t even start the conversation…
Twinkle twinkle!
Since it’s late at night, nearing midnight, I made an impulsive decision… but isn’t it irrational and unreasonable to hesitate to act when a chance to monopolize Mika is right in front of me?
Zip zap!
As I quickly changed into casual clothes, I mustn’t forget to equip my secret weapon. Yes, with this, I’m fully ready!♪
Boom boom!
“…Noa? Where are you going at this hour? No, you don’t need to tell me!”
Hehe!
“Oh my, Yuuka-chan, what on earth were you thinking to turn your face as red as a tomato?”
Bloop!
“Never mind that, just hurry up and go!”
Zoom!
*
Following Mika’s address, I arrived at a hotel in the Millennium downtown. It’s a hotel I had visited once before.
Ding dong!
As soon as I let them know I’d arrived, Mika promptly replied that I should head up to room 413.
Bing!
Unlike my previous visit, it’s just a standard room, but for the two of us spending some cozy time together, this is far too much luxury.
Slide!
Ding! I stepped out of the elevator and slowly walked down the hallway. Room 413… 413… Ah, here it is.
Click!
…Huh?
Eek!
Standing in front of room 413, my brain momentarily stalls.
Mmm…
Mika-chan… Even if she knows I’m coming, what’s with leaving the door wide open like this?
Hmm…
I silently resolved to give her a piece of my mind as I pulled the door open, only to be greeted with a sudden splash of water.
Splash!
A ridiculous sound, as if water was gushing out to welcome me.
Whoosh!
I hesitated on how to react to this situation, but I figured I’d close the door first. Thus, I stepped inside the room, standing awkwardly before the half-closed bathroom door, pondering how to begin my words.
Uhh…
After a brief moment of indecision, I swallowed and knocked gently on the door.
Tap tap!
“Uhm… Mika-chan?”
Hmm…
“Yeah, it’s me, Mika-chan. But what were you thinking leaving the door open for someone else to get in?”
Whoosh!
“Haha, it’s fine! I don’t think anyone would be reckless enough to come in, and even if they were, they wouldn’t be my match.”
Pfft!
…It’s not entirely incorrect, so I’m a bit stumped for words. Worrying about someone ambushing right next to me would feel like a waste of time.
Huff!
But what’s with this intuition that her lack of safety awareness might one day get her into trouble?
Duh dum!
“I’ll be out in a jiffy so wait just a bit☆”
Yay!
…
With nonchalance, Mika-chan said that, and then started humming a tune while busying herself with a shower.
Shhh!
But I certainly believe I know Mika well enough by now. I can say that I understand her preferences even better than Nagisa, so I can clearly see what Mika-chan exactly desires right now.
Blink blink!
Given the situation, it’s best to save my secret weapon for another time.