Editing Sorairo Pandemic:Volume 1 Prologue

Should I save this world or you?

Every time I see protagonists agonized and hesitant in a dilemma, I, in my days as a youngster, always immerse myself in my own small dreams.

What would I do if I was the protagonist?
   
Should I follow my love for you and safeguard you...

Or fight for humanity's future, for this world?

Watching the world collapse with you is a good idea.

However, to protect the world, to yearn for the non-existing you, and to be glorified in pain by the people and become their saviour is yet another good idea.

Of course, I then, was not a lover to you as you were to me. My 'world' was narrow as my age was small. But it maybe was of this case that I can enjoyable choose with ease.

Back to topic—

Should I save this world or you?

This is such a beautiful line that touches a youngster's heart.

The future of the protagonist, no matter which choice he makes, is destined to be fill with sorrow. However, nobody can be as handsome as a protagonist having a traumatic experience and lying in a lonesome corner.

When I was young, a story setting called 'The World' prevailed. 

The protagonist will have a deep correlation with the essence, root and the way of living of the world. His actions can even relate to the life and death of the world. People call these stories 'The World'.

Though as it name gives it is a story that uses the life and death of the world as its theme, its content actually revolves around people in small communities with small inter-personal relationships. And in some times only the protagonist and the people who are very close to him knows that Armageddon is on its way.

Under some circumstances that nobody in the world knew of, the protagonist sacrificed a 'thing' that he values pricelessly and fights for the world of humans.

In some cases, the 'thing' maybe his beloved girl.

Yeah, he certainly is handsome.  

Why am I not arranged with such destiny? Only as a child, I once grinned my teeth for not reconciling with my destiny.

But, after many years, after I have entirely forgotten my childhood dreams, the final choice is now laid on my hands.

"You should already understand?  You are now confronting a choice that is about to change the world. That is...to protect the world, or to protect her?"

I chose the latter promptly.

I have no means to abandon the world, but at the same time, I am unwilling to let you become isolated from the world and quivering all alone.

"...Kei, it's enough."

That is when I, being forced on the ground by police officers and neglecting my uncontrollable body, fixed my eyes on you. The asphalt road, which was cooled by the cold winter wind, slashed on my cheeks. Police cars surrounded us. The lights of the police cars flew around and around in the night sky.

Even though elegantly lying on the floor with severe cracks on its oil tank, SHADOW classic 400 still ran its motor adamantly. It was as if waiting for a knight like me. 

Having your hands held behind your body by a teenager in a white vestment, you lightly lowered your head.

"Do you not want to live, Yui-san?"

"I don't want to die. But in this world there are too many people that I cherish. I don't wish to see them die...If my death can save this world...it will be good."

Your faint voice was carried away by the wind.

I can still thrive. I can still do something. I have a power hiding within me that can save you. Though without any evidence, I'm strongly convinced.

"I don't wish Yui-san to die either."

You swung your head.

"Already, it's enough...really enough. I know that Kei-san is very gentle. So...stop it already."

Though your face was covered by your bangs, you must be crying.

I started to remember every day that I spent with you.

Our impulsive encounter, the classroom where you always sat beside me, the movies that we watched together, your shadow on the bridge when you quietly whispered your feelings and thoughts...

When I closed my eyes, every single scenario flashed in my mind with bright and vivid colours.

It was even more real than that. The distance was so short as if I could have touched it with my bare hand.

I made up my mind and determinedly said,

"I...It was pleasant to spend my time with you, Yui-san. Though I was messed up at times, I still think that our time was precious and pleasant. To this date did I found out that the days we spent together were priceless and irreplaceable. Therefore, I don't wish to lose those days. I will do whatever I can for them."

You raised your head and looked at me.

Other than you, there was nothing I could see. Other than your voice, there was no sound that I could hear.

It was a world of us, we too, with flying snowflakes all over the place. I asked,

"...From now till onwards, are you still willing to live with me?"

Tears rushed from your eyes.

"Yeah...!"

You had a trembling voice, but you still replied staunchly.

Your simple reply was all that I need. 

I fixed my mind — even if I will turn the world against me, I will still protect you.

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