Iwanako

Iwanako (岩魚子, Iwanako) is a former classmate and the ex-girlfriend of Hisao Nakai, at the school he attended before transferring to Yamaku Academy. She only appears once in the game (in the prologue), but she is mentioned throughout the story.

Plot

The letter, written in Iwanako's signature pink pen

In the opening scene, Iwanako asks Hisao Nakai to meet her in a forest during winter. As she's asking Hisao to go out with her, a strange pounding occurs in his chest. He passes out and has the heart attack that sent him to Yamaku Academy. Iwanako visits Hisao every day in the hospital for a month and a half. Hisao notes her to be the "last one to stop visiting" among his friends. However, when she was there, they barely spoke to one another.

While at Yamaku, Hisao receives a letter from Iwanako. It comes via mail, but is delivered to Hisao in different ways (sometimes by the Student Council). It contains little but small talk, describing the school they once attended together and changes with the new term. At the end, she wonders if they will ever meet again, but surmises that it's better if they don't.

Hisao receives the letter no matter which route is taken, however the response and reaction differs. In most cases, Hisao is suprised by the casual tone and comfortable distance the letter takes. At the end, Hisao tends to either dismiss the letter or realizes it as an example why he shouldn't let his life stagnate because of his condition.

Etymology

• The name Iwanako means "rock" (岩) (iwa), "fish" (魚) (na) and "child" (子) (ko).