the death of Iroha"2
(He hits the doll and it falls.)
Vendor: There it goes. You can take it.
Misaki: But you knocked it down yourself!
Vendor: It's fine. I own this place, and nothing makes me happier than seeing smiles on my customers' faces. Take it—it's a gift.
Iroha: Thank you, kind sir!
Vendor: Goodbye. I hope you both visit again.
Misaki: We definitely will.
---
[Butterfly Garden]
Iroha: After all this fun, let's go to the Butterfly Garden.
Misaki: Why the Butterfly Garden?
Iroha: Because I love it. Their colors are magical, and their movement is so gentle.
Misaki: Alright, let's go see them together.
(Inside)
Iroha: Misaki, look at this one… and that one… They're amazing!
Misaki: Yeah, they're beautiful.
Iroha: Look at that green butterfly—how it adds to the beauty… and that one too!
Misaki: Why did you stop here?
Iroha: I wanted to see this butterfly in particular.
Misaki: That one is called the "Emperor Butterfly."
Iroha: Yes… Even though its life is short, it fills nature with beauty through its royal colors… Isn't it incredible?
(Misaki feels something strange.)
At that moment, Misaki felt a tightness in her chest...
She didn't know her friend's life was like an hourglass, slowly flipping over with each passing day, silently approaching its end.
---
[On the Day of the Contract Signing]
Misaki: Iroha, come look at this!
Iroha: What is it?
Misaki: It's the new device. The contract to develop it will be signed today.
Iroha: And what does it do?
Misaki: I'm not sure exactly—we'll find out soon.
[Misaki's father gives a speech in front of the audience]
"First, I'd like to thank everyone for attending this important event. Today, we announce a major step in the future of energy: a new battery that works at double the efficiency of traditional ones. Before you is the first functional model.
And because we believe in actions over words, we'll start the demonstration now."
(The lights go out and come back on.)
"As you can see, this medium-sized battery is generating enough power to run this entire system. Yes, it's real. However, we are facing some challenges—mainly the sourcing of raw materials. That's where our partnership with Mr. Han's company comes in to help with production. (Contract is signed.)
We promise that within one year, this innovation will be available on the market. Thank you."
(Applause fills the room.)
Misaki: What do you think?
Iroha: It's amazing, but I couldn't really see the device.
Misaki: Really? Then you'll see it now.
Iroha: Really?
Misaki: Yes, I'll ask my dad.
(Misaki goes to her father and asks to see the battery. He refuses at first, then…)
Misaki: He agreed! But we have to go quickly before they lock the place.
Iroha: Really? Okay then.
---
[At the Device Room]
(Workers are moving equipment.)
Worker 1: Is it safe to put it next to that machine? What if it generates heat?
Worker 2: It's fine. The machine won't operate now. Don't worry.
(The worker closes the door.)
Misaki: They're gone. Let's go see the device.
Iroha: They locked the door!
Misaki: I have the key—don't worry.
Iroha (laughing): You've become quite the troublemaker—and I like it!
Misaki: Stop it. Let's go. That's it… What do you think?
Iroha: It doesn't look that big, but it's amazing! It can power an entire company!
Misaki: We've seen it, let's go back.
Iroha: Wait, what's that device next to it?
Misaki: It generates thermal energy… I don't know much. Let's just go.
---
[Voice from Outside]
Misaki's Father: Misaki, are you inside?
[10 Minutes Earlier]
Misaki's Father: Where are Misaki and Iroha?
Iroha's Mother: The presentation was wonderful. You did great.
Misaki's Father: Thank you, but where are they?
Iroha's Mother: I don't know. They disappeared after the show.
Misaki's Father: Maybe they went to eat. I'll look for them.
Iroha's Mother: Should I come?
Misaki's Father: No, I'll find them quickly.
---
[Back Inside]
Misaki's Father (from behind the door): Misaki, are you in there?
Misaki (nervous): I panicked and pressed something…
Iroha: What did you press?! The welding machine is turning on!
Misaki's Father: What are you doing?! I'll come in—the key isn't with me!
Misaki: It's working! What do I do?!
Iroha: We need to stop it! (Presses a button)
Misaki: Don't! That's not how it's turned off!
(The battery is affected by the high heat.)
Iroha: What do we do?!
Misaki: Calm down first. What's wrong?
Iroha (frightened): I don't know—I'm really scared!
(The battery explodes, filling the room with fire.)
Misaki's Father (from outside): What's going on in there?! Hold on, I'm getting the key!
Misaki: Are you okay?
Iroha: Misaki, you're injured!
Misaki: It's fine—we need to get out of here!
(The fire rushes toward them.)
Misaki: The key… Where is it?
Iroha: Let's look before the flames spread!
Misaki: I can't find it!
(Iroha moves closer to the fire.)
Misaki: Iroha! What are you doing?! Stay back!
Iroha: Misaki… I've always been afraid of death. Every second of my life was a nightmare. Even when I laughed, I feared the moment would be stolen. I used to see my mom cry because she couldn't help me. But now… for the first time, I feel at peace.
(Misaki grabs her and screams.)
Misaki: Don't say that! We'll survive! This is my fault—I'll fix it!
(The battery sparks and injures Misaki.)
Iroha: Misaki!
Misaki: It's okay… We need to get out—now!
Misaki's Father (from outside): Hold on! I'm coming!
Iroha: We need to reach the door! (Carries Misaki)
Misaki: We're almost there!
(The welding machine launches a massive metal piece toward Misaki.)
Iroha (pushing her): Watch out!
(The metal hits Iroha.)
Misaki (horrified): IROHAAA!!
Iroha (breathing heavily): It's okay… Death has always chased me… but thanks to you, I'm not afraid. For the first time… I feel peace. Thank you… for everything…
(Her tears fall, and she loses consciousness.)
Misaki (holding her, screaming): IROHAAAA! NO! Don't leave me like this!
---
[Misaki's Father Enters]
Misaki's Father (shocked): Misaki… Iroha…!
Misaki: Iroha, wake up! Please! (Holds her hand)
---
[Final Scene]
Misaki and Iroha were taken to the hospital.
Misaki was saved,
but the doctors… couldn't save Iroha.
---
[Back to Misaki and Kaito]
Misaki: …Now you know.
Kaito: Why did you insist on bearing that pain alone?
Misaki: You must remember our first agreement—
First, you won't interfere in my affairs.
Second… you must take responsibility. (A tear falls to the ground)
Take responsibility for these tears, because you made me remember.
But I didn't remember the past… I remembered its pain.
And since you'll never understand, I accept that. (She walks away.)