Ep. 18

Summary

Source-backed · Version: v1 · Original

Okabe tells Luka that another world line exists in which he was born male and asks him to reverse the D-Mail that changed his sex. Luka initially believes the claim is another of Okabe's performances, but eventually accepts it on one condition: they must go on a date while Luka is still a girl. Kurisu and Daru offer elaborate advice, encouraging Okabe to behave like a conventional romantic partner. Their rehearsed outing becomes stiff and uncomfortable because both participants suppress the familiar way they normally interact. As the day continues, Luka begins remembering fragments of the previous world line and understands that reversing the message will also close the possibility of openly pursuing feelings for Okabe. Okabe realizes that treating Luka according to a role, rather than as the friend he knows, ruined their limited time. He returns to the shrine and practices sword forms with Luka as they always have. After an honest farewell to that version of their relationship, he sends the corrective D-Mail. Mayuri remains endangered, and Okabe must now confront Moeka, whose concealed message removed the IBN and whose future actions led directly to the laboratory attack.