Boogiepop and Others (ブギーポップは笑わない)

I'm late, but I made it.

No surprise there.

Sorry.

Ehh, I just got here, too.

The mobile customer you're trying to reach

is unable to answer right now.

Please leave a message after the tone.

Look who it is. Hey, Takeda.

So, what're you up to?

Just waiting for someone.

You do realize dating's against school rules,

don't you?

Yeah, speak for yourself.

I think somebody got stood up.

Looks that way.

This man's crying.

And all you can do is stare? Don't you feel anything?

It's unbelievable.

And you call this a civilized society.

Hmph.

Uh, Miyashita?

Morning, Keiji.

So how'd your date go yesterday? Hey, what's wrong?

You're looking kinda down.

I mean, people just flake out sometimes, you know?

She's not answering her phone or any of my texts.

Yeah, well.

You gotta understand, girls her age are going through a lot.

Do they cope by wandering around

downtown in a cape?

Huh?

Never mind. It's nothing.

Morning, you two.

Getting a late start?

Actually, this is early for Kamikishiro.

I had something to take care of.

Fine, go ahead and be vague about it,

just make sure you hurry up and get to class.

Yeah, yeah, Kei.

Thanks for looking out for us.

Don't forget!

We're supposed to show up for a committee meeting

after school lets out today!

She's so got a crush on you.

Get real.

Hey. "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may."

You're certainly in a good mood.

I take it that things are going well

with that first year, Tanaka?

Of course!

I'm sorry, but...

...Miyashita didn't show up for class.

I see.

Since the beginning of the school year,

there's been a total of four female students who've decided

to run away from home.

If you suspect any student of knowing something,

tell the administration immediately.

I'm sure these girls would've talked to their friends

before leaving.

Also, it appears Ms. Kirima chose not to show up

for school today.

No telling what trouble she gets into when we can't watch her.

I don't want anyone here socializing with her.

There's no reason to be violent.

Can't you see he's shaking?

--Ah. --Hm?

And what exactly is your name?

Hey! What'd you do to him?

Where do you think you're going?!

Hold it!

Next on the agenda,

tegarding the use of smartphones during school hours.

Seems there's a large number of students that've been reported

sneaking around, using social media in class,

so keep an eye out for that.

What is it?

Ahh, you're worried about Miyashita,

aren't you?

Yeah, a little.

I'm sure it's nothing. Just busy with life.

That's pretty mature of you.

Hmm?

You've got your eyes focused on the future.

And you won't let anything stand in the way.

Not really.

I'm just--

Is that her?

Sorry. You go on ahead!

Huh?

Miyashita.

Why're you up on the roof?

Let me guess.

You must be one of Touka Miyashita's friends.

Well, now I feel guilty.

It seems she ignored you the other day.

I need you explain what's going on,

'cause I don't know if you're playing a joke or what.

Don't leave me in the dark.

Come on.

First of all, I should make it clear,

I'm not Touka Miyashita. Currently, I am Boogiepop.

What? Boogiepop?

The best way I can describe it,

is a "split personality." Understand so far?

You can't be serious.

None of you have noticed it yet,

but danger lurks nearby. This entire school--

No. All of humanity, is in danger.

And that's the reason why I appeared here.

I'm really sorry.

I see you called me a bunch of times.

Yeah, I did. How're you feeling?

I'm fine now.

Hey, I got a question.

Yesterday, did... Did you go anywhere?

Nope. Just stayed in bed and snoozed all day.

I didn't have any plans, so I stayed in.

Sure. Makes sense.

I told you.

She's unable to remember anything.

Her memory corrects to whatever's convenient.

But why?

Who knows?

Maybe it's a defense mechanism to keep her from feeling guilt.

She probably doesn't want you to hate her.

Just who, or what, are you?

And how long have you been possessing her?

I can't say I like your choice of words.

It's not like I chose to appear.

Then why did you?

Because... I am automatic.

Whenever I detect adversity in my surroundings,

I pop up naturally from Touka Miyashita.

It's not too hard to see how I came to be known as Boogiepop.

I rise to the surface, just like a bubble.

What did you mean by "adversity"?

There's a monster residing within this school.

At the moment, it's laying low, but once it makes its move,

the world is finished.

Sounds kinda like you.

I'm aware of that, which is precisely the reason

I never come out for long durations.

For a majority of the time,

I live peacefully as Touka Miyashita.

Conversing with you about love, et cetera.

Give me a break.

"Multiple personalities are suppressed possibilities

that eventually take on a life of their own.

No matter how pathological or destructive it may be

to themselves or those around them."

"There's no good or evil within the possibility itself."

Hmm... It's not a bad explanation, I suppose.

But it's different in my case.

I'm not exactly one of Touka Miyashita's

suppressed possibilities.

Okay, so what are you, then?

I'm this world's possibility.

I have absolutely no autonomy.

You see, while it's entirely feasible

Touka Miyashita may have

possibilities or some hidden desire within her that resulted

in giving me life, it has nothing to do

with me personally.

I have no dreams.

I'm here only to carry out my purpose.

I have a mission to complete.

I don't really get it,

but it has to do with the danger humanity's facing?

Mm-hmm.

Okay. So why does it have to be you?

Who can really say?

I wish I knew the answer myself.

In your eyes, it's wrong.

Sounds like you're trying to figure out a way to "cure" me.

I... No. I dunno.

You're a good person.

Hmm?

I think I finally understand

what Touka Miyashita sees in you.

Huh?

This monster you mentioned earlier.

Just what exactly is it?