Chapter 164: The Night the Thread Was Cut
After returning from Mount Itomori, night had already fallen.
The mountain’s air still lingered on Yukima Azuma’s skin—a mix of pine, soil, and the ghost of autumn wind. The soft, steady scent of tatami grounded him back in the Miyamizu household, but his heart felt strangely adrift.
He quietly stepped into Mitsuha’s room. For the final time.
This small, ordinary room—neatly arranged, girlish in its touches, humble in its decor—had become something of a second home to him during the swap. Now, standing within its silence, he could feel the end approaching.
He didn’t turn on the light.
Instead, he sat cross-legged on the futon, folding his hands in his lap.
"Tonight... it ends."
Time passed slowly.
The town beyond the window fell silent.
The air cooled. Insects chirped less frequently.
Midnight crept closer.