Sayaka jolted awake in a dimly lit classroom, the atmosphere thick with an unsettling stillness that seemed to cling to her skin. The windows were tightly shut, sealing her in a suffocating silence that felt almost alive. Confusion enveloped her as she scanned the room, her mind a blank canvas, void of any memories—no hint of how she had come to be there or the purpose of her presence. Rising unsteadily to her feet, she stepped into the eerie hallway, only to find it utterly deserted, the windows barred like the gates of a high-security prison. As she ventured deeper into the unknown, she stumbled upon a chamber dominated by a colossal circular vault door, its surface adorned with intricate designs that appeared to pulse with a life of their own, as if whispering secrets of the past. The locking mechanism bristled with ominous bolts, and a central control panel loomed like a dark sentinel, watching her every move. Robotic arms, each crowned with skull-like heads, flanked the entrance, serving as a chilling reminder of the dangers that lay beyond. Nearby, a group of students whispered nervously, their voices barely rising above a murmur, heightening the palpable tension in the air. Sayaka resolved to remain with them, seeking solace in their shared uncertainty until more information emerged. Moments later, the heavy door creaked open, and Makoto Naegi stumbled in, late and visibly shaken, his presence a jarring contrast to the stillness. Kiyotaka's sharp reprimand sliced through the air, but the tension quickly shifted as he suggested they introduce themselves. Sayaka's gaze fell on Makoto as he made his way toward her, and her face brightened with a warm, cheerful smile.

"Hello! I'm Sayaka Maizono, and I'm really looking forward to getting to know you better," she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

She let out a light giggle, but her laughter faded as she scrutinized him more closely.

"Wait a minute, I recognize you! You're Makoto, right? We went to middle school together! I remember you rescuing that poor little crane. Ever since then, I've wanted to thank you for what you did. I was that crane, you know!"

She paused for a moment, her eyes sparkling with mischief before she added with a soft laugh,

"Just kidding! But I really did want to talk to you back then; I just never found the right moment."