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Common Route
Chapter 0: Desire
"I've been watching over you all this time. All this time. Honestly, part of me wasn't sure how this was going to turn out. But... I always believed that our wish would come true... And I still believe it now. Don't you?"
— Sakaki
Chapter 1: Fraise
"In the past, we used to try to sympathize with their circumstances. Not like they borrow our money for the fun of it. Well, there are some scumbags out there, but most have no other choice. So there have been times when we felt, even if we couldn't be lenient, we should at least be a tiny bit compassionate. But at the same time, I had to wonder if it was in their best interests. So I consulted someone whose opinion I respect very much. The advice I got went something like this: Hesitation is arrogance. You can never truly know how another person feels. You're not them. Even if you're family, you can never fully understand them. So trying to show compassion is the height of arrogance and hypocrisy. No point wondering about something you can never know. I have to say... Looking back, those words really pierced right through my heart. I felt utterly gutted. After that, I stopped feeling guilty about lending or collecting. I decided the most important thing was to follow my instincts."
— Sakaki
Taku's Route
Chapter 2: Doctor
"...I don't entirely understand it myself. I do like children— I sincerely find them endearing. But I've never touched them in that way. I don't understand where these baseless rumors got started, but... then everyone at my old job started looking at me like I was a monster... That's why I fled to this city. I promised myself I wouldn't let the same thing happen again... But it happened anyway... I couldn't shake off the desire I feel... I just... don't know anymore. Am I really attracted to children? Or am I just paranoid because other people think I am?"
— Asakura, halfway to cracking completely as he confides his fears to Towa.
Chapter 3: Nostalgia
"...I really don't think I can forgive Asakura for what he did to you... but... At the very least, I can understand that... he was really struggling. Asakura was too attached to Hayato-kun, and as a result, he got too involved. Normally, a doctor's expected to remain objective and keep a certain distance with all his patients. Asakura couldn't do that... but at the same time, doctors are only human. You can try to be rational at all times, but your emotions are bound to overtake you sooner or later. ...Maybe he was led astray by temptation. No one knows when those moments will strike, not even you yourself. So... basically, what I'm trying to say is... I can't completely hold it against him, is all."
— Taku, blurting out his thoughts to Towa upon reflecting on recent events and coming to an epiphany of his own.
"You have your mother's good looks, and yet your body is completely in tatters. It's utterly hideous. However, that sort of contrast can be morbidly arousing. Allure and disgust are two sides of the same coin. I imagine most people avert their eyes when they chance upon someone like you, but surely not all of them. Some are subconsciously drawn to your scars. And for that matter, there are actually quite a lot of people who secretly yearn to tarnish something beautiful. If that sort of person were to see you, it would spark desire. Since you're already damaged goods, they figure they can get away with a little rough handling."
— Toono, explaining how Towa has managed to attract attention from all kinds of people.
"I just... can't do it. No matter how much time we spend together, I just can't seem to express how I feel. In that case, maybe... it's better if I just take him by force."
— Taku, as he begins to fall off the deep end in his Madness ending.
Taku: I've made up my mind.
Toono: About what?
Taku: If I hesitate for even a moment, I'll lose everything. So instead... I'm never going to let go, even once.
Toono: ...I don't know what's going on with you, but it certainly seems you've overcome something. You've got a different look in your eyes.
Taku: My eyes?
Toono: Yes. You used to have the most despicably reproachful look in your eyes. But now they're as sharp as honed blades. They're not the eyes of a doctor, I can say that much.
Taku: ...I've let go of my hypocritical desire to save as many lives as I can. I only need to focus on what I truly want. Nothing else matters.
— Taku as he makes his resolve, ultimately for the worse.
"Over the years spent looking after you... at some point, I started wanting to protect you. At first, it was purely a fatherly sort of instinct. I wanted to watch over you as you grew up. But the more you grew... the more I sensed something else in me starting to bloom. I figured they were feelings that developed through years of looking out for you. At least, that's what I told myself... but... Do you remember that time you came home all scuffled up? Back then, I was so bitter and hurt, I thought I was going to lose my mind. Funny story looking back, but... While I managed to keep calm during your treatment, deep down, I was in a panic. I couldn't suppress it. I kept worrying and worrying and worrying... Then finally, I stopped thinking. I figured I was just freaked from seeing you like that, and I'd forget it over time. But... when I saw what Asakura did to you that night, it brought all that bitterness right back, and... then I realized. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to ever let go... But no, you're not like your mom. Not one bit. I want to stay with you. I want to protect you for the rest of my life... These feelings haven't changed."
— Taku, finally coming clean with how he feels for Towa.
I had never felt this before. For some reason, it made me want to run. His affectionate gaze, his gentle touch... It all viscerally repelled me.
Just then, I thought back to everything he'd done. The way he touched me, slowly and carefully, like a treasure. The way he caressed me and kissed every part of my body like he was savoring me.
He said all the sex I'd had up until now was just "punishment". The reason I felt this urge to run was because... I knew he wasn't going to treat me like an object. And I was afraid to know what that was like.
Instead of using me like a plaything, he wanted to make love. I could feel how much he cared for me in every tiny gesture.
— Towa, in the midst of feeling love and affection during sex for the very first time.
"Towa, I will atone for my crimes and come back to you, I promise. So please, wait for me. And thank you, for accepting who I am."
— Taku (in the climax of his Euphoria ending)
Towa: So, what were you going to say back then, anyway?
Taku: [frowns in confusion] Back then?
Towa: You know, at Toono's hotel... after you slept with me.
Taku: [gets flustered and looks away] ...! I was going to say something?
Towa: Yeah, but you stopped halfway through.
Taku: Oh, right... I was going to say that I wanted to be your one and only. You've always enjoyed sleeping around, right? So, I was going to ask you not to do it anymore. ...How about it?
Towa: [sighs] How ridiculous. (softly) I'm standing right here, aren't I?
Rei's Route
Chapter 3: Contradiction
"Like I said, I want you to witness the whole thing... until the moment I accept my true self. But the truth is... I have another wish... I've always watched you, yearning to be more like you... But when Kirihara was about to kill me, you protected me, didn't you? Ever since then, I've been so self-conscious around you... My admiration of you has evolved into something more. And sometimes, when I'm watching you... I get this weird feeling... Your fingers, your lips, your scars... At first I thought I was admiring you as a work of art, but... I wasn't. You told me you like having your scars touched, and... I can't help but wonder how you would react... When you said you like pain, I pictured myself biting your lips. That's the kind of stuff I keep thinking about, and it makes me feel aggressive. It puts me in a really violent mood, and I suddenly feel like beating the shit out of somebody. So if we're to be honest, I'm really turned on right now. Now that you're under me, I really want to mess you up. I've never felt this way about anyone before, and truth be told, I don't know if I like it. But... I want you to accept me. Heh, I'm still talking all girly. I know it'll take time to change how I talk and all, but I do want to change, little by little. ...I'm a man. I love you, Towa. I want you. And I want to do it with you. Is that alright with you?"
— Rei, admitting his feelings to Towa in full after their brawl.
Towa: (teasing) I see you're very well-prepared.
Rei: Better safe than sorry, right.... [mumbling] Not that I've ever used these things.
Towa: [has a realization] You've... never done this before?
Rei: [tenses and blushes] ...!
Towa: You're a virgin?
Rei: [blushes even harder] ...!
Rei: (snapping) What does that have to do with anything?!
Towa: I'm your first?
Rei: (pouting in embarrassment) So what?
Towa: You've never hooked up with anyone else?
Rei: [silently looks away]
Towa: Why not?
Rei: I'm not just interested in having sex with random strangers. That's not weird, is it? It's pretty normal.
Towa: If your virginity's that important to you, are you sure you want to waste it on someone like me?
Rei: ...! Are you seriously asking me that? I just told you that I love you, didn't I? Weren't you listening?
Towa: [smirks] Well, congratulations on your first time.
"All this time, you always saw me for who I was. You accepted me, warts and all. It was that selfless gesture that truly healed me. Thank you so, so much..."
— Rei (in the climax of his Euphoria ending)
"Countless times in the past, I've wanted to throw it all away and end my life... But I didn't... and now it actually feels like the right choice. Back when I was suicidal, I've never imagined this was waiting for me in the future. I mean, nobody knows what's just around the corner. Every day, we make all sorts of choices, some of which are bound to be wrong. But we have to live with those choices. I refuse to pretend I'm glad those bad things happened to me in order for me to get this far. I'm not going to look at it like that. But at the very least, I guess... I'm glad I didn't kill myself. After all, I wouldn't be standing here otherwise."
— Rei
Madarame's Route
Chapter 2: Immutable
"To hell with connections and moral obligations. How do I stand to benefit from letting that weigh me down? I don't care what anyone else thinks. I'm going to live life my way. The same applies to what's happening now. Get it? Trust me, it's not some pathetic revenge. That said... There was no need for him to die. And besides... Towa... "
— Madarame
Madarame: I despise being chained to the past. The past and the future don't matter. The only time that matters is the moment we're living in right now. Only an idiot would get hung up on old grudges. So no, I don't plan to crush the Takasato-gumi out of some pathetic desire for revenge. I just don't like the bastards, that's all. I don't care what happens as long as the Takasato-gumi ceases to be. Same goes for you, Towa. In this moment, you're here with me. That's my reality, and that's all I need. So don't leave my side ever again.
Towa: (teasing) If I was a chick, I would have ditched you by now.
Madarame: [scoffs] So you aren't going to?
Towa: Unfortunately not. But I admit, I enjoyed getting this passionate love confession out of you.
Madarame: That sounded like a love confession?
Towa: If it wasn't, then what were you implying?
Madarame: Nothing. I meant exactly what I said and that's it.
Towa: [crouches and leans closer to Madarame] Well, what I heard was a love confession.
Madarame: Interpret it however you want.
Towa: What do I get out of staying with you?
Madarame: Well, you won't be bored.
Towa: That's it?
Madarame: What else do you really need?
Towa: [smiles] Nothing.
"You are the only person in the world who I consider my match. You want what I want. You feel what I feel. With you, I'll never be bored. And you feel the same way, don't you?"
— Madarame (in the climax of his Euphoria ending)
Fujieda's Route
The Last Chapter: Equal
"I'm so close now. Just a little farther, and it should be within my reach. All this time, I've dedicated my life to one thing only: finding the truth. And I don't regret a single second. Once it's all over, I'll... I'll lose all reason to live. But I can accept that. To me, this world... is hell on earth."
— Fujieda
Towa: Don't... say it...
Fujieda: Say what? What word?
Towa: ...
Fujieda: You mean 'okay' *?
Towa: ...!
Fujieda: Did you remember something?
Towa: My mother... used to say it all the time... Always smiling... No matter what happened to me... no matter what she put me through, it was always okay.
Fujieda: ...So you've remembered your past.
Towa: ...Yeah. At some point, every time I heard that word... a part of me would die on the inside. No matter what crushing despair I felt, she would always say it with a smile. That word was a witch's curse.
— The Reveal on why the screen will always flicker at the mention of a certain word.
Here I was, moments away from my own demise, and my heart was as peaceful as a moonless night.
No fear, no impatience, nothing. Just the faint hope of freedom. A glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel.
— Towa, as he comes very close to ending it all
Fujieda: (after he catches Towa attempting to burn himself alive) Are you planning to die alongside all the art you created? Because you regained your memories?
Towa: As euphoria, I capture the moment my model's desire reaches its peak. But as it turns out, it's the exact same thing Maya was doing. That woman ran a business called Euphoria where she helped clients vent their hidden desires. And she even... I mean, your sister...
Fujieda: ... [frowns slightly]
Towa: I was her son. Her property. She would hurt or kill people at the drop of a hat if it would achieve her goals. That's the kind of person who raised me and taught me how to survive. So what kind of education do you think I got from her? She only ever taught me how to manipulate people. While other mothers read picture books, she read me psychology books. Her teachings are rooted in my core. That's why I do the same thing she does without even being conscious of it... I'm nothing more than just her clone. But I won't let her win. If I die, it's all over. For good.
Fujieda: ...Will your death change the past? You and I... and my sister... We're all victims of Maya. You really think your death will change that?
Towa: (snaps) What do you even know?
Fujieda: You're not the only one who's suffering, that's what. If you die, it's all over? You're just looking for an easy way out.
Towa: (voice shaking) And what's wrong with wanting an easy way out?
Fujieda: ...I concede that death is the fastest escape. Whereas choosing to live on with these memories will almost certainly be hell for you. Nevertheless... there is meaning in gritting your teeth and fighting on. It is a way to atone, is it not?
Towa: ...
Fujieda: Like you, I... I have fought my way through hell. My only purpose in life has been to learn the truth about my sister.
Towa: ... What will you do now that you found your answer?
Fujieda: At first, I wanted to kill the culprit. But Maya died a long time ago. So I... I didn't know what to do with all the hatred I'd built up over the years. My heart felt empty. Then I thought about my sister. If I was Mei, what would I say? What would I do? Only after I learned that she was dead did I finally start to think about it that way. I finally found the strength... to think about how she must have felt. Before that, all I cared about was hunting down the culprit. Finding the culprit. Killing the culprit. I believed that Mei was alive... or I tried to, anyway. But deep down, I always knew. I knew Mei had left this world behind. I was just afraid that if I accepted it as fact, I'd shut down. But by the time it became clear that she was actually dead, all the anger and hate had left me. Too much time had passed, and that fire had long since burned out. So... With an empty heart, I was finally able to come to terms with Mei. And the Mei I knew wouldn't want me to kill the culprit... or myself either. The Mei I knew would pray for me to live on.
Towa: ....
Fujieda: If you remember her... if you remember the time you shared with her... then surely you know I'm right. She tried to save you, didn't she? She didn't abandon you. She fought for both of you. If she pulled you out of that pit of despair, as you said she did, then... please, live on. All I ask is that you grant her dying wish. Your paintings capture the moment people's desires are realized... the moment theirs souls catch fire. Isn't that right, euphoria? If so, then make Mei's wish come true. Please... don't waste the life she died to protect. If she ever meant anything to you at all, then please...
Towa: ... [concedes and slowly lowers his lighter whilst still looking down at the floor]
Fujieda: I'm glad I was able to learn the truth about my sister. The mystery is gone, and... I feel a lot better now, that I know for sure. And you... you're a victim just like she was. It just so happens that the culprit gave birth to you. So you're not the one at fault for this. [chuckles] Funny to think that this is the conversation I wanted to have with you over the phone, and now look at us.
[Fujieda takes a step forward towards Towa]
Fujieda: All this time, I've despised your way of life. I judged you harshly. And yet... Truth be told... I always understood it. I could relate. This is the person Maya turned you into. My parents sold my sister to her, you see. For the money. They ruined both of our lives, and... From the moment we first met... deep down, I knew... I could have turned out like you instead. But I couldn't let myself admit it. Otherwise, what was the point of all the hard work I put in? I fought tooth and nail to find Mei, all while wearing the name 'Fujieda Ryou' like a suit of armor. And yet... the more time I spent with you, the more I realized that you and I were the same. Then we found out about Mei, and when I finally sorted out all my feelings... all I had left to care about was you. [takes another step] I can't just leave you alone.
I'd never met anyone else like him. I spent my whole life telling myself I was better off alone— that catching feelings would only make things complicated. So I never fell in love. The second I got attached to anyone, I cut ties with them. But Fujieda...
— Towa, feeling something blossoming inside him as he and Fujieda make love for the first time.
"To be honest, I love Shinkoumi from the very bottom of my heart. Where else can you find a city with the perfect balance of order, chaos, and endless possibilities? This place is an enigma, teetering on a tightrope. One wrong move and it could all come toppling down. You don't find a city like this every day."
— Eiji
"The human heart is soft, like a fistful of fine sand. So you must be very careful with how you handle it. But, when done well, you can shape it into whatever form you desire. Think of it like playing in a sandbox. You're entirely in control. You can sculpt all those tiny grains of sand into the shape you like best. And if you decide you don't like it, you can flatten it back down, like a sandcastle. It's just that simple. The sand you flatten will be grateful to be freed. It's easier compared to an eternity of reshaping. You won't hurt anyone by doing it. You'll be making them happy."
— Maya
"I watched you with my own two eyes. You aren't your mother's property. You reclaimed your pain and overcame it. You're strong. And now I realize, that strength was what drew me to you. We have the same scars. We support each other. Looking back, I'm truly fortunate to have met you."
— Fujieda (in the climax of his Euphoria ending)
Eiji: Oh, Towa-san? It's been a while.
Towa: ...Eiji?
Eiji: Ah, I see Fujieda-san is with you. Long time no see!
Fujieda: ...I never would have guessed you were a special agent.
Eiji: I'll take that to mean Lisa-san has already passed along my little present.
Towa: You mean this stack of keycards?
Eiji: Yes, that's correct. They'll let you into Sakaki's properties, so have fun going through them.
Towa: ...Was everything you said in the car a lie?
Eiji: Huh? What, that I love Shinkoumi? That's not a lie at all. I mean, the mainland's always been eager to destroy Shinkoumi as we know it. But the city's kind of notorious, so no one wanted the assignment... except me, that is. Obviously, since I'm a big fan of the place, I volunteered myself right away.
Fujieda: ...But the mainland was clearly using the intel you acquired to pinpoint the perfect time to take over... Why would you help them?
Eiji: Quite the opposite! I restricted the amount of intel they received, thereby protecting Shinkoumi in the process. I almost got away with it, too... Alas, what a shame. I was so eagerly looking forward to Towa-san turning into Maya-san. What could possibly be more entertaining?
Fujieda: [growling] Why you...
Eiji: Now, now, don't get upset. Sakaki-san's plan failed, so that's that. It's all over. From here on, Shinkoumi will lose the bizarre equilibrium that I so dearly loved. It's a real shame, but I'm glad I at least got to witness Towa-san performing as Maya-san. [smiles] You really knocked it out of the park. Anyway, I'm heading back to the mainland so my bosses can rip me a new one. We probably won't see each other again, but... Thanks for all the fun times we had while I was around.
— Eiji, performing one final favor for Towa.
Every now and then, I think to myself: I'm broken.
I can't love anyone or feel affection. I'm all alone, and I hate it. But I can't suppress the cold, dark urge I feel inside me. I can't kill the monster that lurks within. I'm powerless. So this is the only way I know how to live.
If I could have killed that monster, would I have learned to love? Could I have been a better mother for my son?
I love him very much... At least, I think I do. As far as I'm aware, I gave him my everything. But I just don't understand. I can't make it work. No matter how hard I try... I can't get through to him.
I am alone.
— The final entry of Maya's diary
Fujieda: (after he and Towa playfully splash water at each other) We haven't had the chance to do things like this, have we?
Towa: ...?
Fujieda: Neither of us really got to have a childhood. But from now on, we can build a better life. (smiles) You and me, together.
Towa: How silly. [turns away before smiling brightly] Oh well. If you insist, I guess I'll stick with you! [splashes water at Fujieda]
Quietly, I wondered... was the sky always that bright?
For the first time in my life, I was seeing everything in its true colors.
This was reality. I was alive. And for the first time in my life, I cherished it.
— Ending Narration
Extra Content
Childhood Memory 2
Maya: Listen, Haruto. I've got another important lesson to teach you today.
Towa: Yes, Mother.
Maya: The human heart is soft, like a fistful of fine sand. So you must be very careful with how you handle it.
Towa: All right.
Maya: Whenever you speak to someone, gaze deep into their eyes and don't look away, like you're trying to stare into their soul. Then you must smile softly and sweetly. Smile at them warmly, like you love and cherish every tiny thing about them.
Towa: All right.
Maya: Then ask them lots of questions about themselves. Everyone has secrets, and the majority of them are painful. Painful things tend to linger in the heart, you see. Everyone's just dying for someone to ask them about it. Dying for someone to understand them. That's why you must ask them. Agree with them and tell them you can relate. But every now and then, be honest with them and point out their faults. The truth makes people vulnerable. When you say it out loud, it puts them under a magic spell, and they'll start to trust you. At that point, you must coddle them.
Towa: All right.
Maya: Tell them you understand their dreams— and that you're the only one who can make them come true. Make them think you're all they have. Some people will take a while to reach that stage, while others will trust you quickly. But don't let that affect you. Just focus on what it is they yearn for.
Towa: All right.
Maya: Once you get that far, the rest is easy. Grant their wishes and their hearts will flow to you... like an hourglass. It's your job to catch them and hold them in the palm of your hand. It's a very fun little game.. and I want you to play.
Towa: Yes, Mother.
