The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes (夏へのトンネル、さよならの出口)

Hey, have you heard about a tunnel that grants you wishes?

Seriously?

They say when you go through the gate at the end, your wish comes true.

But the thing is, you'll be a hundred years older.

Whoa!

What tunnel is it?

People call it...

the Urashima Tunnel.

Then I guess I'd wish for tons of money.

So I can just buy whatever I want.

Too bad there's nowhere for you to spend it on.

Got that right.

I'm totally going to Tokyo when we graduate.

There was an unexpected accident involving a deer along the Osara-Tsugemori track.

As a result, the next train will be delayed for approximately thirty minutes.

We deeply apologize for the inconvenience and request your patience at this time.

What?

Nothing.

People get creeped out when you stare at them like that.

It's just my first time seeing you here.

It's pretty normal for these trains to get delayed because of deer.

Here.

You need it, right?

For what?

You don't have an umbrella.

It'll be a problem if your bag gets soaked.

Why're you trying to be nice?

You'll lend it, but what about you?

Do you have an extra one?

I don't, but my house isn't too far from here.

That answers one question.

It wouldn't be nice if you caught a cold.

That'd make your parents worried.

Yours too, wouldn't they?

Well...

I've got no one left to worry about me.

I don't have... parents.

Must be nice.

Actually, could I have that umbrella?

Sure.

And your name and number, too.

What?

I always return the stuff I borrow.

So I'll call you, okay?

Tono Kaoru...

Hanashiro Anzu...

Alright, everyone settle down!

We'll start homeroom!

Also, I'd like to introduce a transfer student who'll be joining our class starting today.

Sweet, we're getting a new classmate!

This is Hanashiro Anzu, and she's from Tokyo.

How about you introduce yourself, Hanashiro—

There's not much to say, so may I take a seat?

S-Sure...

We're in the same class, huh?

Then I don't need to call you anymore.

I'll give the umbrella tomorrow.

What's this about an umbrella?!

Do you think they know each other?

What's up with them?

Let's go talk to her during recess.

Okay, okay!

Let's start the meeting!

So, where are you staying now, Hanashiro?

You have any hobbies?

Would that be any of your business?

Uh...

What's that you're reading, Hanashiro?

Wanna go to a café after school?

Could you please not talk to me?

Huh?

What're you having for lunch, Hanashiro?

We should eat together!

I already ate.

Oh...

Whoa, it's like talking to a wall.

She stands out for sure.

Kawasaki's gonna be after her, ain't she?

Where do you get off acting high and mighty?

Called it.

You think you're all that on your first day, huh?

Like you're some city princess, is that it?

Hey!

Huh, it's just a comic book.

And an old one, at that.

Could you give it back?

Thought it was fancier since you looked super serious reading it.

Give it.

Sure thing.

Whoops, clumsy me!

I thought I was touching super slimy mold that it just slipped right out of my hand!

It's nasty!

Hey...

Are you... trying to pick a fight?

And if I am?

Hey, she's bleeding!

This is bad!

Get the teacher!

O-Okay!

I-I'm coming with you!

What the hell was her deal?!

Dammit.

She thinks she can say that to my face?!

Did that hag think I was stupid?

Huh?

You were here?

What're you doing?

I'll bring you a glass.

Earlier today, this old lady showed up at the town hall, right?

"Isn't it almost Karen's death anniversary?"

"I'll come back to pay my respects."

That's what she said...

Think you were being nice, you damn witch?

You think she's faking too, right?

Yeah.

Don't just fucking say "yeah", punk!

Ya looking down on me, huh?!

When everything's your goddamn fault!

You're the one who killed Karen!

Always listening to music with this shit!

Give her back to me, dammit.

I don't care if you'd died instead!

Just bring her back to this house!

Where are ya goin'?

Karen!

Ouch...

What is this place?

Wow.

Karen?

But why is this here...

She's already...

Karen? Karen!

Ow!

A bird?

It's a parrot?

I hear... the froggy's... song...

calling out... to me...

No way...

I thought you died, Ki?

The Urashima Tunnel...

I'm back?

This can't be real.

Karen and I taught that song to Ki.

Is it really you?

Hey, is someone up there?

Kaoru?

What do you want?

Oh, thank god!

I don't know what I would've done if I'd lost you, too!

Can you forgive me?

That was just the alcohol talking back then, alright?

So please, don't run away anymore.

It's been hard dealing with messages from school, y'know?

Could you tell me where you were staying?

You didn't sleep somewhere outside town, did you?

Nowhere, really.

I was just out for a walk.

Fine.

I'm not gonna pry if you won't tell me.

But I won't stand for it the next time you disappear for a week, you got that?

A week?

It's dead?

It's the 22nd?

Where've you been the entire week?

I caught an unexpected flu.

And you couldn't text me the whole time?

I forgot to charge my phone.

You idiot.

You finally decided to show.

I'm feeling better now.

Glad to know you haven't died.

Right.

You're here tomorrow?

That's the plan.

Alright, I'll bring your umbrella.

About time I give it back.

Sounds like she's worried!

With who?

With you, dude!

So it wasn't a dream.

The tunnel was real.

If I can...

bring Karen back...

Karen...

Karen!

What is this place?

Hanashiro?

Tono, where—

Get out of here!

Hey—

What did I just see?

You'll tell me what's going on, right?

I get it now.

Time behaves completely differently inside that tunnel, huh?

Only a few seconds for us inside, but five hours had passed outside.

No wonder it felt unnatural, like straight out of fantasy.

But in exchange, you can have anything you want.

So?

Did you get what you wished for?

No.