Chapter 10: A New Name"We should get out of the water before you catch a cold."

  I paused.

  "Well... I guess it'd be impossible to catch a cold in this pond."

  As soon as we stepped onto the shore, I pulled off my shirt and handed it to her.

  "It might be wet right now, but it'll cover more than what you're wearing."

  She hesitated.

  Then—she took it.

  "I'll go behind the tree and wait for you to put it on. I promise I won't peek."

  I turned around and walked a few steps into the trees.

  Then I stood there.

  ...

  How am I supposed to know when she's done changing if she won’t speak to me?

  I sighed.

  Then—

  Suddenly—

  She was right beside me.

  Wearing my shirt.

  "Shiro."

  I nearly jumped.

  "Ahh— you remember! Yeah, that’s my name."

  How the hell didn't I sense her sneaking up on me?

  Is it because I’ve let my guard down this whole time?

  ...

  All this stuff I'm doing...

  The choices I’ve made…

  I never had the resolve or confidence to do any of this before I came to this world.

  I guess that shows my growth as a person.

  I shook the thought away.

  "Uh... what's your name?"

  Silence.

  A long one.

  Then—

  "I don't have one."

  I frowned.

  "Well, we can't have that. Shall I give you a name?"

  She hesitated—

  Then nodded.

  I thought for a moment.

  "What about Iris? It symbolizes rebirth and growth."

  Maybe I'm being a little selfish, naming her after something I’ve gone through myself.

  But—

  She looked at me.

  With a big smile.

  My heart nearly popped out of my chest.

  I think she likes it.