05/10/22 - Small update to grammatical fixes and dialogue!


At first glance, the outsider couldn't be recognized as they were masked by the shade of the background, hidden from plain sight even when the sun was directly above us, shining its way while the water fountain completely drowned out any sound this outsider could be making. And all I could do was stare in wonder... as they continued making their way to the entrance way. Only to find out that this person... was actually somebody I know.

The bluish, twin pigtails dangling over their shoulders...

The blue eyes. And their short body and small proportions...

The distinction became clearer.

I knew who this was.

(Naomi): "Shinozaki...?"

Calling out her name didn't raise her head. She was more focused on her hands. Or rather... the bandages on them.

Whoa!

Did she get into an accident?

Shinozaki's footsteps were becoming smaller, but for her blue eyes, they were growing in size as she finally recognized my existence.

(Ayumi): "Nakashima...? What are you doing out here...? Didn't class start already?"

Confused, she then began searching for something in her pocket, most likely checking for the time. But before she could take it out, I raised my hand high and waved it around. Holding my chest as I fumbled with my words.

(Naomi): "O-Oh yeah! Class is going on! But I didn't make it here in time, so I'm just here... thinking for a bit!"

Really, from how I sounded, it came off as if I was trying to hide something. And I couldn't blame her for suspecting me. This was the student council vice president who had shown up. If it was anybody else... I would be doing my own thing. But unfortunately, it seemed like I was in trouble... the one thing I didn't really want to deal with.

(Ayumi): "That sounds awfully a lot like skipping!"

(Naomi): "Oh I'm not!"

(Ayumi): "Well! Let's see what your friend has to say!"

Friend?

Oh...

Shinozaki then took one look at our surroundings, only for her face to lose that lively smile. Replaced with this low-spirited look.

Why does she look down all of a sudden...?

(Ayumi): "She's not here...?"

(Naomi): "If you're talking about Seiko, she actually made it to class before I did! So yeah! It's just me and you right now."

Shinozaki's warm attitude made a quick return. Back to smiling. It must be my lucky day!

(Ayumi): "Well then! That's one less person to send back to class!"

Maybe not.

Is she joking...?

(Naomi): "Oh uhhh... am I in trouble?"

(Ayumi): "Haha! No! Just teeeaasing you! You're fine where you're at! But I have to say... it's weird seeing you alone like this! You and Shinohara are always seen together!"

Me and Seiko were always together...

(Ayumi): "Mind if I take a seat?"

(Naomi): "Go ahead!"

Then what led next was a loud, thunk sound, and weight being felt throughout the bench. Didn't take long before we met eyes again. Although, I was really hesitant to say a word, as I was still trying to understand who Shinozaki was considering she constantly went after Kishinuma last night.

So far she had been playful. The sort of thing I'd never expect coming from the vice president.

I mean, the way she handles troublemakers like Kishinuma... always had me on constant watch of what I did around her.

But now being with her like this... all alone, outside without any third party close by... raised my anxiety tenfold.

It made me wish I stayed home.

(Ayumi): "Now I get why you're out here! The weather today is remarkable! No rain, no clouds... well there are some clouds up there! But the sky overall is just gorgeous!"

(Naomi): "It's... quite refreshing!"

Already I'm making this awkward!

(Ayumi): "...It really is! It's the perfect day to be outside! That's for sure!"

(Naomi): "Heh yeah!"

What am I supposed to say...?

It's not like I'm that interesting to talk to...

Why is she talking to me...?

Why me...?

Why can't she just go on with her day and leave me out here...?

(Ayumi): "Planning to go somewhere special today?"

(Naomi): "Mmm, not really! But I wouldn't be able to go out since I got chores to do later..."

(Ayumi): "Ah the chores! Those would be in the way of fun!"

(Naomi): "Oh always!"

Shinozaki didn't seem upset.

However, for me I was just... really having a hard time lightening up. Even my face couldn't stay in the same direction as hers. Not only by the fear of getting on her bad side, but this was also my first time in a while, trying to talk to someone who wasn't Seiko. And that made this even more difficult to remain calm.

(Naomi): "How about you um, vice president?"

(Ayumi): "I do have plans! Though I might just cancel them all and stay home honestly! Can't imagine myself having a good time if my hand is like this!"

Undoubtedly, Shinozaki was referring to her injury. Which then my attention stayed on it as she was stroking her patch.

(Naomi): "I've noticed that! So um... what happened there? Was that from last night?"

(Ayumi): "Today! Before I got here, I was helping my sister move around some stuff, and well... my hand moved where it shouldn't have, and then I ended up cutting myself!"

(Naomi): "Oh that's terrible! Is it doing better now?"

(Ayumi): "All good! Thanks to the painkillers! So far, I feel nothing but ease!"

(Naomi): "And what about your patching? Does it feel comfortable for you...?"

(Ayumi): "More comfortable than I expected! Not that my sister did a bad job putting this on me, but it got really scary seeing my blood spill everywhere!"

...It was that bad?

(Ayumi): "Good thing she was there! Or I'd be in a hospital room right now!"

(Naomi): "The way you're describing this situation to me... it sounds like you struck an artery!"

(Ayumi): "Oh no! Actually! The cut itself isn't at all deep! I bleed regardless since my injuries don't heal as normally!"

It takes longer for her to heal...?

Oh!

(Naomi): "If I had to make a guess... that's because you're...an anemic?"

Although there were other kinds of medical conditions that would relate to Shinozaki's descriptions, the guess I made seemed to shock her.

(Ayumi): "Wow, that's a good guess! Where did you hear that from?"

(Naomi): "Huh, hear what...?"

(Ayumi): "My condition! Usually, I'd have to tell them! But you? You are actually the first to know what it is!"

(Naomi): "Oh, well I like to do some reading in my spare time!"

(Ayumi): "You must read a lot then! That's amazing for you to just know that!"

Is it really that impressive?

I'm pretty sure it's common!

(Ayumi): "Are you planning to become a doctor?"

(Naomi): "Maybe I don't look like it, but nursing is what I'm aiming for!"

(Ayumi): "Well Nakashima! Down the line you're going to be saving LOTS of lives! I can just tell already!"

Then I looked down at myself, while my face felt the familiar pain I was honestly not expecting. It almost made me forget why I even stayed outside in the first place!

(Naomi): "Oh I don't think it's that big of a deal! I mean, I have my reasons for wanting to be nurse! But there are quite a lot of them out there already! I'm just gonna be working alongside them! You know?"

(Ayumi): "And you even got the modesty for it! That'll make patients fall in love with you!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Thanks...!"

Man, Shinozaki is actually pretty cool!

Who would've thought!

(Ayumi): "Though! If you asked what I wanted to do for a living, it's incomparable towards yours!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Well, if you're saying that... what are you planning to be?"

(Ayumi): "It's better if I show you!"

(Naomi): "Show me?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah! Give me ONE moment!"

Shinozaki then grabbed for her bag and began reaching inside for something.

Though, waiting for her had me feeling all those sorts of pains again.

(Naomi): "..."

Seiko...

Just by where the bag was, and how nice Shinozaki had been... somehow, it just began reminding me of her.

But then again, it also doesn't help where we are sitting. After all, this is the very spot where everything started. And just by sitting and doing nothing... had me really messed up. I would've already gone insane if it weren't for those calming fountain splashes in the distance.

Splash, splash... splashing.

But the soothing sounds were still not enough, I had to hear Shinozaki talk.

(Naomi): "Do you uh! Need help there?"

(Ayumi): "I'm good! Just finding- Ah! Got it!"

Shinozaki then brought out a tablet. One swipe of the screen, she then passed it over to my lap.

(Ayumi): "Go ahead! Take a good look at them yourself!"

(Naomi): "...?"

I lifted the tablet in my hands, looked at the screen and found a drawing of a worn-down staircase. Though, what stood out the most were the two girls in matching high school uniforms, who were idly standing by them together in the center of the drawing. Both staring back at me with confusion.

(Ayumi): "...What do you think?"

At first it didn't register to me, but the more I became adjusted to the clean visuals, it was when I realized this wasn't just some kind of promo art Shinozaki found on the internet. Small text at the far bottom right read, "By: Ayumi Shinozaki," with "Seal: Eternal Cycle," text located right by in special characters.

(Naomi): "Wow...! You actually made this?"

(Ayumi): "I know what you're thinking! 'Wow! The vice president is into this weird, creepy crap?!' Yes! Yes, I am!"

(Naomi): "I mean! I am shocked! I thought you'd be more into like... gardening or knitting clothes! But this is definitely something else!"

(Ayumi): "First impressions are magical! Aren't they?"

(Naomi): "Heh!"

Shyly I kept my face hidden to the screen, still observing every detail of her drawing. Being enthralled by the layering and shadowing of the realism shown. Shinozaki seemed to pick up on how consumed I was as she carried an overwhelming smile in her voice.

(Ayumi): "Swipe away! There's more to look at!"

Checking through the rest of her work, I found more "ghoulish" art pieces in the same style. Just like the first drawing I saw, the others all shared this similarity of a "horror" theme. Presented by how the backgrounds shared similar locations of a rundown building and characters who all shared similar expressions in matching fashion.

If I had to put it in better words, it's like... if I was reviewing cover art for an upcoming horror manga series based on a group of high schoolers. But viewing them more so kept giving me this "nostalgic" feel, as I kept rereading these certain captions off the artwork. One read from "Blood Covered". Then in another, "Blood Covered: Repeated Fear!" Then there were two other drawings that caught my attention. One having the text "Book of Shadows," and on the other with "Blood Drive".

Somehow, reading these names were biting at me.

Like if... I should be knowing what they are. As I tried remembering all the things I've read in my spare times.

(Naomi): "Okay! You have to be some part-time manga artist! This is like something I'd find when I shop, and this... these are just too good to be only in your tablet! The quality really stands out more compared to what I've read on the shelves!"

An affectionate smile took over Shinozaki's face. My words really did reach her.

(Ayumi): "Why thank you! I promise you I'm not one of them! But manga is a great source for my inspiration! It's one way to help me develop my own illustration style!"

(Naomi): "Illustration?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah! What I'm showing you right now is one of my recently developed portfolios! So far, this preview has gotten me quite a bit of clients! Give or take a few months, my work will make it somewhere in a studio!"

(Naomi): "Ah! So, you've already been working as an illustrator?"

(Ayumi): "That I have! Creating and selling illustrations is what I've been doing for the past year!"

(Naomi): "Wow! So how does that work? Do you need to apply somewhere or...?"

(Ayumi): "Not necessary! My work can all be done at home! It's also a freelancing job! So, it really depends on how active I am with advertising and how good I am with marketing! For this kind of work, social media is what attracts business! And that's the one thing I have really going for me! With enough followers, I'll eventually start my very own blogging business! Then I could expand even further into my illustration career!"

(Naomi): "Sounds like you got this all figured out!"

(Ayumi): "Right?"

Next moment, Shinozaki began hugging her tablet.

(Naomi): "...?"

(Ayumi): "If I just keep up with what I'm doing, I know she'll come across one of my works! And then... I could really live the dream!"

(Naomi): "Who now?"

A simple question but asking that seemed to scare Shinozaki. Unlike the confidence she had, now what I saw was a girl hiding her embarrassment like a bad case of skin blemishes. Her voice even muffled in pure unease.

(Ayumi): "Oh! Did I say that out loud? Haha!"

Did she really forget that I'm here...?"

Though, she calmed down.

(Ayumi): "Yeah... there's someone who I really look up to! A very, very talented individual! Who's been a huge inspiration for my works!"

(Naomi): "Someone we know from here?"

(Ayumi): "Oh I wish! But no! She lives in a completely different district! She's actually a really famous figure who's been successful at every given turn! You could even consider her a superhero to the eyes of the public!"

Superhero...?

What's that gotta do with drawing...?

Dumbfounded as I was, Shinozaki continued before I could completely process what I just heard. Leaving me in even more confusion.

(Ayumi): "Have you heard of the name... Naho Saenoki?"

Naho? Saenoki...?

Somehow, this was a name I've heard before. Not sure where, but it was definitely a name calling back to me.

(Naomi): "No, I don't think so? I mean, that name does sound familiar... Is she also an illustrator?"

(Ayumi): "Well she has done some wonderful illustrations in her past! But that's not the only genre of work she's known for! She's also a passionate author who constantly publishes novels! And! She's a blogger who's dedicated to her findings of paranormal research!"

Paranormal... research?

Did I hear that right...?

(Ayumi): "Recently! She's been active at conventions! Doing book signings, pictures with fans, special giveaways and even hosting art contests! Which in hindsight... it's another opportunity to get her to acknowledge me! But oh... designing in front of a crowd, especially... right in front of her...? I don't think I could pull that off just yet! I need way more time to prepare to get to that level...!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Yeah... I wouldn't be good at drawing in front of other people either... but she really does sound incredibly talented!"

(Ayumi): "Right?!"

(Naomi): "But there's one thing you said about her that has me super curious!"

(Ayumi): "What's that?"

(Naomi): "You mentioned that she not only blogs, but she also does... what? Paranormal research? If I heard that correctly?"

(Ayumi): "Indeed! Your ears did not deceive you!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Yeah... what does that mean exactly?"

(Ayumi): "Well! She's a consulting paranormalist!"

Okay! This is not what I was expecting!

(Ayumi): "Do you know what paranormalist are?"

(Naomi): "Would that be like...a ghost hunter?"

(Ayumi): "That's one way of putting it! Paranormalist mainly are there to gather evidence of entities lurking in households! When it turns out there are unwelcoming visitors, they try to cleanse them out However with Naho, she's a bit different! Considering she's an established psychic!"

(Naomi): "A psychic...?"

(Ayumi): "Do you know what those are?"

(Naomi): "I think so... are those the kind of people who can communicate with the dead?"

(Ayumi): "Indeed they do! But there's more to being a psychic than just channeling spirits! As they possess various supernatural talents!"

(Naomi): "..."

This is an actual conversation...

(Ayumi): "And I mean! Let's just say... mysteries are no longer mysteries when Naho takes over! In a lot of crime-related investigations, psychics are used as last resorts to solve them! Unfortunately... they don't get the respect and recognition they deserve! But with Naho offering her support to those cases! She's gradually changing that!"

(Naomi): "They call her in for...investigations?"

(Ayumi): "Uh-huh! Quite often enough she gets articles written about her! Not to mention that she has made special appearances on TV!"

So that's why she labeled her as a "superhero"!

(Ayumi): "Sorry if I'm talking too much about her! My friends don't seem to feel the same way as I do! So, it's rare for me to find an opportunity to be this geeky towards anyone!"

(Naomi): "Oh I don't have an issue with that! But now, I can definitely see why you admire her so much! She sounds like someone I should keep an eye out for!"

(Ayumi): "Isn't she amazing though?!"

Whoa... the fangirling in this one is real!

(Ayumi): "...!"

At that moment, the shock in Shinozaki's face suggested she knew what I was seeing.

(Ayumi): "*Cough* Pardon me!"

(Naomi): "Heh! You're fine!"

(Ayumi): "But anyway! Yeah! That's why...I'm so determined to keep up with what I'm doing... it's because of her, I know my dream can easily become a reality! If she can do all those things on her very own, I don't see why I can't! It's just a matter of time before I make it big!"

Yet again, Shinozaki hugged her tablet, but also uttered those familiar words with more context.

(Ayumi): "...Once I do! I'll be the girl they'll contract me to design the cover for one of her books! It'll definitely happen one day!"

(Naomi): "Heh! You seem really dead set about it! I'm convinced that you will!"

And with those words, Shinozaki's smile kept growing...

(Ayumi): "And your feedback has been really reassuring, Nakashima! If you're ever looking for a designer, you have one right here! With a MASSIVE discount next to your name!"

(Naomi): "Really? Haha! Awesome!"

I don't think I'll ever need anything designed...

But then again, her drawing skills can come in handy one day!

(Ayumi): "The discount will only last for the first hour though!"

Shinozaki then winked, coming off more playfully.

(Ayumi): "I can't afford to miss one of her conventions! Hope you understand!"

(Naomi): "*Snork* No I get it! Being a fan isn't cheap!"

(Ayumi): "Ahhhh don't put us down like that!"

(Naomi): "Hahaha!"

Already, the dynamic between me and Shinozaki felt so natural... it's like I could be myself with her now, without any worry of overstepping boundaries. And it even eased that anxiety from other "stuff". But that talk about her inspiration kept me intrigued, but also... feeling strangely nostalgic. I had to know a bit more about this Naho person. I had to understand... why I felt the way I did.

(Naomi): "I'm curious, how did you come across finding her?"

(Ayumi): "Surprisingly! My sister mentioned her in one of our conversations!"

(Naomi): "Oh? So...your family is aware of who she is?"

Shinozaki put down the tablet, rested her hands on it and just spoke from a time of sentiment. Noticing how her voice changed into softer tone, sounding like... pain had struck her.

(Ayumi): "Only my sister! Our parents aren't as keen about my occupation as she is..."

Did I step on a land mine?

(Ayumi): "But that's fine! As long as I get there, then they'll just have to accept my achievements! After all, this is only just the beginning of our lives! Like Naho, for example..."

There she goes again!

(Ayumi): "She started accomplishing her goals at middle school! Goes to show you can start anywhere!"

(Naomi): "That young? Wow! She must be in like her late 30's or something, isn't she?"

(Ayumi): "Actually! She's about the same age as us!"

(Naomi): "...? No way! You're joking? She's gotta be older!"

(Ayumi): "Haha! I know! That's what I first thought when I learned more about her! But she's just a highschooler!"

(Naomi): "Okay, I'm totally looking her up later!"

(Ayumi): "We could tune in to one of her podcasts right now if you want!"

She even has her own show.

Is there anything this girl doesn't do?!

But at such a young age...?

Some of these things have to be exaggerated...!

(Ayumi): "But we might never get to class at this rate! Best to hold that off for later!"

(Naomi): "Am I gonna end up binge watching her stuff and end up pulling all nighters?"

(Ayumi): "View at your own risk! Or Naho will become your insomnia!"

(Naomi): "*Snork* Okay! This is already sounding more like a cult!"

(Ayumi): "Several hours of rest is always a good trade for Naho!"

Then we both just laughed.

(Naomi): "You really do like this girl a whole lot!"

(Ayumi): "..."

Then what beheld before my very eyes was no longer the same, confident vice president. Shinozaki appeared more like a first-day student crumbling in their seat. Kinda reminding me of myself honestly...!

(Ayumi): "...Is it really that obvious?"

(Naomi): "I dunno! You have talked about her for more than like...10 minutes straight! Then yeah! Pretty obvious!"

(Ayumi): "Well! Those are the BEST 10 damn minutes I've had today so far! Thank you very much!"

(Naomi): "Hahaha!"

So that was our conversation. That being Shinozaki fangirling over this Naho person, and practically giving me a verbal biography of her. Even after being exposed for that obsession, Shinozaki seemingly tried diverting the attention.

(Ayumi): "Give me a second here! My phones been going off like crazy!"

(Naomi): "No problem! Take your time!"

During that silence I just kept thinking. Amazed by the fact that me and the vice president, were having a chat right in-front of the school, when we should be in our homerooms. There was something oddly comforting about that.

But then those thoughts changed.

Thoughts focusing on what Shinozaki had shown me, as those illustrations just couldn't stay out of my head.

Neither that Naho person, as if the name was becoming more familiar...

(Naomi): "..."

Strange...

It feels like we had this conversation at least once before...

Why is that...?

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "..."

Although our talk was getting good, it wasn't enough to stop me from... looking back.

I shouldn't be enjoying myself like this...

It's not fair...

(Ayumi): "So Nakashima..."

(Naomi): "Huh? Yeah?"

(Ayumi): "..."

However, there was this... sudden change.

The warm mood that was once in our interaction has completely vanished. Shinozaki's worried eyes were telling me something I didn't know.

(Ayumi): "What slowed you down this morning?"

(Naomi): "Why I got here late?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah! Did something happen along the way here?"

Don't see a reason to lie to her.

It feels like I can tell her anything...

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Naomi): "If I'm being honest... I really didn't feel like coming to school today. My mom even noticed and considered that I should've stayed home."

(Ayumi): "You still feel that way now?"

(Naomi): "Honestly, I'm not sure how to feel... I mean, staying home woulda been really nice! But I know after a certain amount of time, it'll just be like any other day. Where I'll be stuck in bed. Bored. Thinking about all the assignments I missed... and then getting stressed out about my grades..."

(Ayumi): "That's how I'd see it too! If I missed school anytime of the week... knowingly, I'd be giving myself a lot more stress to take home!"

(Naomi): "But it's not just the schoolwork, right? You can't miss school because...you also have the student council to look after."

(Ayumi): "Haha! Yup! That I do!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "But that feeling you're describing... you're definitely not alone! My friends have been having a hard time leaving for school too. Even myself! I mean..."

Quietly I gazed at Shinozaki and found her flashing her hand for me to see.

(Ayumi): "If I paid more attention, this wouldn't have happened! I'd already be in class. But you know! Things seem to work out for the better... just like... how we are here. Getting to know each other better!"

I couldn't help but crack a smile, knowing that she felt similar...

(Naomi): "Heh, true..."

(Ayumi): "And it's been a really good distraction! Away from the horrible stuff... happening here in our district."

But then... my body felt stiff. As Shinozaki started to lose the energy in her voice...

(Ayumi): "It's definitely harder to feel motivated to go out when you don't know who could go missing the next day."

The mere mention of the serial kidnappings made my blood run cold. Bringing me to look back at the nights when my home was being stormed by an intruder. Thoughts that were becoming more and more frightening to keep to myself.

(Ayumi): "Makes you wanna keep your friends and loved ones even closer... even though they can't stop what they're doing either."

Nowhere is safe...

(Ayumi): "Which all we can do is pray and worry for them. Hope that they go to where they need to go. And return to their homes in good health."

Why is she saying this stuff?...

I thought she was trying to distract us...

(Ayumi): "The whole thing is stressful... That's why I try to text everyone when I can! Helps me have a clearer mind! Helps them too! You know?"

(Naomi): "...!"

Oh my God!

Has she texted me...?!

(Ayumi): "Speaking of text messages! You should check your phone more often!"

(Naomi): "Huh...?"

(Ayumi): "Someone's been worrying sick about you!"

Shinozaki out of nowhere pulled her phone out and exposed all the contents of her inbox. No filter. Every word clear enough to be read as she intended to show everything. And by skimming at the large number of conversations... one recipient came above the rest of the other conversations, with multiple alerts. And by reading that recipient name, my whole body ached.

They've been keeping in touch...?

(Ayumi): "Don't worry, I already told her that we're together! But you should message her back! She's been wondering where you've been!"

(Naomi): "*Sigh*"

Great...

Another screw-up...

Before I could respond, I read every message. Of course, all from Seiko. From her constantly spamming me with worried emojis and of her frequently asking if I was doing fine, or if something happened. Apart from those messages, there was one recent message with a completely different response. Read out like this:

"Thank goodness! I'm glad Shinozaki is with you! Please answer back when you can!"

I replied with:

"Sorry for making you worry again... I should be heading to class very shortly!"

After sending, an immediate reply followed:

"Don't sweat it! Just remember that I'm here for you! Take all the time you need!"

Ouch...

(Naomi): "..."

Then a sensation was felt on my lap, and looking down at that area, it was no other than Shinozaki's hand. Resting on there and reminding that I'm far from alone. However, that didn't stop me from feeling those deep, continuous stabs. Not that her touch made me uncomfortable or that it had worsen it, but rather, it just reminded me even more of Seiko. Since she's the only person who has touched me that way...

(Naomi): "..."

How am I this selfish...?

She's been inside... freaking out... for the last hour or so... thinking I gone missing too...

Just... like her mother...

(Ayumi): "Soooo! From what I read, and seeing how you are now... I'm convinced that there's something you're not telling me!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "Not that I'm expecting an answer out of you! At the end of the day, it's not my business to step in! But I'll tell you this... Shinohara really thinks you're avoiding her."

(Naomi): "Does it look that way...?"

(Ayumi): "Well besides not texting back... You walked here without her. And neither of us are in class, so... you can bet she's confused. Even more confused now since I messaged her where we're at.

(Naomi): "I didn't mean to make her feel that way..."

(Ayumi): "So you're not at all upset at her?"

(Naomi): "No...! Of course not..."

Then I turned my head down, with my hands squeezing the edges underneath me.

(Naomi): "...If there's anybody who should be upset, it should be her..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "And I'm the only one who's responsible for it..."

(Ayumi): "...Why do you say that?"

At that point I was so close to exploding, which led me to shut my... welled-up eyes.

What am I doing with my life?

(Ayumi): "Hey! What's the matter?"

My wrist met my face immediately, wiping as I had my face towards the other direction to clean the running tears. Though, it seemed I wasn't quick enough.

(Naomi): "Ah! Bad timing...! My allergies sure do come in the worst of times! Heh..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "A-Anyway! I think I'm ready to go in now!"

Before I could stand, Shinozaki held my arm. Preventing me to move any further.

(Naomi): "Shinozaki...?"

(Ayumi): "Letting you go in like that would be incredibly irresponsible of me."

(Naomi): "Huh...?"

(Ayumi): "The way you look right now. It's obvious something's been really bothering you. And as your vice president, I'm supposed to help students. And you certainly need my help."

(Naomi): "I-I'm fine! Really! There's nothing wrong-"

(Ayumi): "Nakashima, please. Sit down."

Looks like I can't talk my way out of this one...

It wasn't long before I adjusted myself back to my seat. Miserably trying to not cry while Shinozaki struggled to carry the conversation. Back to where we last left off.

(Ayumi): "What started all this?"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "Between you and Shinohara? What caused you both to have a falling out?"

One deep breath, and then I saw Seiko's crying face. And then... tears could be felt on mine.

(Naomi): "The moment when I slammed the door shut on her... *Sniffles*"

(Ayumi): "...?"

It came out so badly I tried explaining myself, but only to freeze up on the spot.

(Naomi): "It's not like I wanted to shut her out, but... that's all I knew what to do."

(Ayumi): "Both of you had a heated argument?"

(Naomi): "No, I... I overreacted..."

(Ayumi): "...?"

I began struggling to keep my head up. Avoiding all attention from Shinozaki as I wiped my tears and stuttered.

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*" I... I tried to talk to her... I tried letting her know what I had been feeling... but the words just wouldn't come out. No matter how hard I tried... I couldn't tell her..."

(Ayumi): "Tell her what?"

(Naomi): "..."

Shinozaki can't know...

But...

What if...Seiko had told her something like that?

What then...?

(Naomi): "...?"

Then I felt Shinozaki's bandaged hand on my arm, resting on there as our gazes met. Equally sharing these cold glints from our eyes with an urge for wanting things to return back to normal. And somehow, I could feel that radiating out of her. She was more concerned than I expected. That's for sure.

(Ayumi): "If there's anything you don't want Shinohara to know, I won't say a word."

She really wants to know...

(Ayumi): "Though, it's up to you if you want to talk about it! Up to you!"

(Naomi): "I mean, that's the thing too... I haven't even told her yet... so it would be really unfair to just tell you everything..."

(Ayumi): "That's fine! You don't need to get into it! But there's one thing I like to reassure you!"

(Naomi): "Yeah...?"

(Ayumi): "Even if things didn't go well before, it hasn't changed her feelings of you."

Life got brought back to me once I heard her say that.

(Naomi): "You guys have...been talking?"

(Ayumi): "Of course! We are friends after all!"

(Naomi): "She deserves a good friend like you..."

(Ayumi): "And you don't think you're good enough for her too?"

(Naomi): "..."

I looked even further away.

(Ayumi): "She never stops talking about you. You know?"

I held my chest, holding down to try and stop the aching in my heart, but that seemed to have caused more pain than anything.

(Naomi): "You're making me feel worse..."

(Ayumi): "But why don't you clear the air with her? Last night, clearly you both were having a good time! And it's not like she's holding a grudge against you. Quite the opposite from a grudge! Because well, that's not what it is! She really misses you..."

(Naomi): "Yeah... she does..."

(Ayumi): "So you've been aware of that?"

(Naomi): "I mean, yeah... I know she misses me... I miss her too..."

(Ayumi): "Then what's stopping you?"

My mind went blank. Silence was all I had before Shinozaki took over and reassured me with more of that wisdom.

(Ayumi): "If I had to guess... you're probably just scared, right?"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "Not only by confronting with her. You're also scared of moving toward the future with such a heavy burden, right?"

(Naomi): "Yeah..."

(Ayumi): "Hmm."

(Naomi): "I mean... I don't wanna hurt her again..."

(Ayumi): "Ah."

(Naomi): "But I'm also worried things won't be the same. I'm worried that... I already ruined what we once had. And that makes me feel like... it's too late... it also makes me feel like...I don't deserve her... like...at all."

Silence.

However, Shinozaki seemed to have a lot more to say. And soon enough, her words woke me up.

(Ayumi): "What about her?"

(Naomi): "...Huh?"

(Ayumi): "You already know she misses you. So..."

(Naomi): "So...?"

(Ayumi): "So if you're having these thoughts about yourself, what about what she feels? What she sees about you? Because... she's clearly not thinking what you're thinking. And if she did, then she wouldn't be worried sick about you. She wouldn't be talking to you. She wouldn't be talking to me about you!"

I clenched my chest harder...

(Ayumi): "Things might not go back how they used to, but whatever has happened between you both, won't stop her from trying again."

She's totally right...

I sighed.

(Naomi): "I'm being really selfish, aren't I?"

(Ayumi): "In a way!"

Man, she's honest...

(Ayumi): "But that's normal! Everyone does that to an extent. But since you have such a kind heart, it's easy for you to blame yourself for everything. When in reality, you're just trying to figure out life just like everyone else. So, you can't be blamed for feeling the way you do. And if that's how you feel... then what's stopping you?"

(Naomi): "But I'll end up hurting her again..."

(Ayumi): "And she might hurt you! And you might hurt her even worse than before!"

(Naomi): "You're... confusing me..."

(Ayumi): "Life isn't meant to be easy, Nakashima! Sometimes, it's unavoidable to hurt the people you love. Which means... you can't always depend on the other person to do everything... you can't always keep holding back!"

Holding back...

(Ayumi): "It's better to treat life as an everyday adventure. And if you're not treating it that way, then... you can't really have wonderful things to hold and cherish with others. Just like your friendship with Shinohara."

Suddenly, the bench vibrated. That being Shinozaki scooting closer.

(Ayumi): "Those memories you've made with her are very special! And because of them, it's what makes life worth living for."

(Naomi): "When you put it all like that... I guess I've been acting like a child..."

More silence. And then, Shinozaki asked.

(Ayumi): "Do you want her to be in your life?"

My hands gripped the bench tightly.

(Naomi): "I do..."

(Ayumi): "Are you absolutely sure?"

Before I answered, those memories of all our times were running through my eyes. All the times of me and Seiko being happy and having a good time. Each second aching me yet bringing me that addicting pain of fire burning my insides. A feeling I haven't had for a while, and the same feeling Seiko probably hasn't felt either.

(Naomi): "I mean, I can't picture my life without her..."

(Ayumi): "Then you know what really matters to you, right?"

And just like that, I started tearing up again. The motivation in Shinozaki's words really had me worked up. In a way, reminding me what Seiko had said to me last night...

(Naomi): "God! How can I be this stupid...?"

(Ayumi): "Stress and negative emotions are easy to succumb to! Every now and then, you just need a reminder is all!"

The tears were now overflowing that I started wiping them off with my sleeves, but before I tried using them for my nose, Shinozaki held me back by her next words.

(Ayumi): "Here! I got something for that!"

Conveniently, she then pulled out a tissue box from her bag and left them right next to me.

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

(Ayumi): "Grab as many as you need!"

Once I cleared my system, we then got off our seats.

We then stretched, grabbed our belongings and head over to the entrance way.

I threw away my used tissues while Shinozaki was seen standing right by the door, smiling ever so lightly.

However, a suggestion filled the warm air.

(Ayumi): "Later today, why don't we eat lunch together?"

(Naomi): "Oh... like... just the two of us?"

(Ayumi): "Actually, I'm thinking of having you and Shinohara, and possibly Suzumoto if she isn't too busy! So that we could have..."

(Naomi): "An intervention...?"

(Ayumi): "Oh no! To help set the mood so you and her could work it out!"

Wouldn't that all be really awkward?

(Ayumi): "When we're done eating, we could chat for a bit! Maybe walk around the school and leave you two alone somewhere private! When nobody is around, then you could tell her how you really feel!"

Tell her how I really feel...

(Ayumi): "It's just an idea! But opening up to Shinohara shouldn't be too hard! That girl knows her ways!"

(Naomi): "Heh, true... but um, I'll think about it!"

(Ayumi): "Here! Have my number!"

After exchanging our digits, my phone received a notification with Shinozaki's name appearing on my screen.

(Ayumi): "Sent you a text!"

(Naomi): "Got it!"

(Ayumi): "Anytime you need help with something, just let me know! I'll respond to you as soonest as I can!"

(Naomi): "Awesome!"

Soon enough, the both of us headed inside as we were greeted by the everyday, chilling ventilation of the school.

(Ayumi): "You know... I'm feeling thirsty! And I'm sure you are too!"

(Naomi): "A drink does sound really good right now!"

(Ayumi): "Let's go get some then!"

Instinctively I reached for my bag and realized... I was too short to buy anything.

(Naomi): "...I'm not sure if I got enough yen for one. I already burned through my allowance this week."

Ahhh!

Too honest!

(Ayumi): "Oh don't worry about that! I'm buying them!"

(Naomi): "...?"

(Ayumi): "Would you like one?"

(Naomi): "Um sure!"

How could I turn that down?

This is the vice president offering me!

Even if I wasn't going to homeroom right away, Seiko at least knew I was with Shinozaki.

And maybe spending extra time outside class could help me figure out how to make the situation better with her.

(Ayumi): "Be right back! My locker is over here!"

(Naomi): "Okay!"

Shinozaki walked to hers, then I walked to mine, unlocking it and well... footwear weren't the only items inside!

An envelope appeared before my very eyes. Delicately slipped in.

(Naomi): "...!"

Nobody else but her would've slipped this in.

It was a small letter, which already... had this familiar brown sugar scent, used in some of the other messages that were written for me. Even knowing and enjoying, gradually I unfolded the message, doing my best to open without tearing any of the wrapping around it, with my weak, shaky hands.

After it was finally out, my eyes were then all over the paper.

Next me being given the sight of that... beautiful handwriting, along with doodles of little hearts, a small castle, a crown and a knight sword surrounding the writing.

But focusing on the message...

It read out:

"No hard feelings? Your bestest friend, Seiko!"

(Naomi): "...Seiko."

Undoubtedly, I wobbled and pressed my head into the locker.

Even though my insides were being stabbed repeatedly, the pain couldn't outweigh the joy and love from this... one-of-a-kind sentiment.

And it didn't belong to anybody else. This was... just for me.

I couldn't stop reading it and yet, I couldn't stop turning my face away after every line, sometimes... repeating what I just read as if the words were filling me with all sorts of life. Taking in every piece of that sentiment. Smelling and then... pressing it against my face, like some kind of obsessed stalker.

(Ayumi): "Nakashima? Something happened?"

(Naomi): "In a sec! Heh!"

So, I put the letter back into its envelope and tuck it into my pocket.

Then after that I caught up Shinozaki and then we made our way down the halls, until we found ourselves the massive, glowing vending machine. In the display, various cans and bottles were shown, all stocked up. Just like how they always been.

(Naomi): "..."

Being here without Seiko is so weird...

It almost feels wrong...

(Ayumi): "Anything specific you like?"

(Naomi): "I'll have what you're getting!"

(Ayumi): "Alrighty then!"

Besides the venting sound done by the machine, a few other automation noises became present, as it began with the ZIP noise by Shinozaki inserting her yen, and then the beeps followed by her simply prompting the buttons. One for the selection of our drinks and the other for confirming the purchase.

Then not too long, two cans were seen sucked down, accompanied by those loud thunk sounds. While the leftover yen came in coins, sliding out and into the change compartment.

(Ayumi): "Here we go!"

After Shinozaki collected everything, we both sat at the bench right by the machine.

Then she handed over my drink.

(Ayumi): "I can never go home without buying one of these! It's a MUST! Though drink at your own risk! This is the type of stuff that can get you really addicted!"

She's making this sound like alcohol!

(Naomi): "Heh! I think I'll be fine!"

(Ayumi): "You've been warned!"

What followed then were the sounds of our drinks being opened. Although, I actually had trouble opening mine. Not that I was unable to open it, but rather, I realized this was the same exact brand.

(Naomi): "..."

No way! It's actually the same drink Seiko used to get me...

(Ayumi): "Mmm. Sure hits the spot."

I guess Seiko shared all this with her friends too.

I mean, why wouldn't she?

Even then, it's not like I was going to abandon the soda. However, Shinozaki could certainly tell something had changed inside of me. As I hardly moved or said a word.

(Ayumi): "Something wrong, Nakashima?"

(Naomi): "Huh?"

(Ayumi): "You haven't opened yours yet! Do you not like that brand?"

(Naomi): "Oh, no. Actually! I had this soda before. Didn't realize it's gotten that popular!"

(Ayumi): "Haha! Yeah! The members in my class can never get enough for themselves. Considering the soda brand is very new!"

(Naomi): "The brand is new?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah! The company behind the soda has only been around for a month! And I only know this because Naho is actually sponsored by them! That they even launched this huge, massive campaign ad about her!"

(Naomi): "Really?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah! Like! They actually had her hold their soda and had her say these nice things! It was honestly really funny and cute when it's kinda like out of her character! Haha!"

(Naomi): "..."

I didn't know how to take in this information. Not that I had trouble trusting in Shinozaki, but rather, had trouble trusting in what I already knew. As I kept looking over the can, seeing absolutely no difference in the design from now and before. But remembering something so different from that special night.

"Hits all the right spots, huh? It's a brand I've been drinking for years!"

(Ayumi): "Mmm!"

(Naomi): "..."

Seiko said she had been drinking this soda for years?

I'm not totally misremembering?

Or am I...?

Either way, I just took in my drink and well... suddenly felt my skirt being wet.

(Naomi): "...!"

Oh my God!

No, no, no!

How did I let this happen?!

(Ayumi): "Such a great flavor, don't you agree?"

On instinct I tried hiding the mess.

(Naomi): "Oh um, yeah!"

Thinking I was free from suspicion, her eyes then directed to my wet spot.

(Ayumi): "Nakashima? Oh my! Are you alright?"

(Naomi): "Ahum...! Yeah! Dang! I made a mess..."

And then... she placed her can down and began grabbing for something from her bag.

(Ayumi): "You need to be more careful!"

(Naomi): "Ha-Ha! Yeah... I wasn't really thinking for a second there! Ha-Ha..."

Man, this is so embarrassing...

Soon enough she turned up with a small cloth in her hand.

(Ayumi): "Let me dry that off for you!"

(Naomi): "Alright!"

Although, she was eager to get me cleaned up, I quickly learned how difficult this became for me. Not knowing how to handle this sort of friction when I'm used to only one "person" doing things with me.

Okay! This is awkward as hell...

(Ayumi): "...?"

Crap! Does she notice? I need to say something!

(Naomi): "You sure uh... keep a lot of stuff in that bag! I wouldn't be surprised if you pulled out a rabbit!"

And just like that, Shinozaki chuckled.

Phew! Thank God!

(Ayumi): "Well I'm not really an animal person!"

(Naomi): "So is that why you didn't want Mei last night?"

(Ayumi): "Mnnn... no! I like having pets! It's more to do with..."

(Naomi): "Allergies?"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "So you are allergic to cats?"

(Ayumi): "I honestly don't know..."

(Naomi): "Oh?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah around with other animals they don't make me sneeze or cough or... anything! It's just normally they don't like getting close to me. But yesterday I did sneeze way too much! I guess I might be allergic to them... no idea!"

(Naomi): "I see..."

(Ayumi): "And since we're bringing up your kitten, how is she doing? Doing fine?"

(Naomi): "Oh she is! She actually feels right at home!"

(Ayumi): "That's great to hear! You're so lucky to have something as adorable as her!"

(Naomi): "Heh, yeah..."

(Ayumi): "..."

Ahhh!

She's still rubbing me!

This is so awkward!

Somehow, I couldn't tell her to stop. Reasonably, there's no way I wouldn't come off sounding like a weirdo since my people skills... are absolutely crap! My only hope was to take it like a champ and survive it until she was done. But as I took my glances around the hall, something... caught my attention. As there is an item resting across the floor, poking out like a sore thumb. A rectangular, thin piece of paper, bent in a certain angle. The more I looked at it, I realized it's one of those omamori charms. Ornaments that I've seen hanging around on certain shops at the district. And somehow, one of them was inside school, just sitting there...

(Naomi): "...?"

(Ayumi): "...?"

And it seemed like the vice president saw what I saw. As she stopped drying me, fidgeted and then nervously called it out.

(Ayumi): "Oh my! What's that doing there...?!"

Then she immediately walked over to the charm, with me following along right behind her.

(Naomi): "What is that? Does that...belong to you?"

No doubt it was hers... as she had it already in her hands before I even asked, and the panic on her face was... well, what could I say... priceless? But in a hilarious way as she tried explaining herself in such a roundabout way, like a child who'd been caught for bringing something she shouldn't have. Which she realized somewhere halfway in her words that her lies wouldn't hold up.

(Ayumi): "Oh this? This is um! This is work! Yeah! For an upcoming proje...ehhh! No, it's... it's just something I carry around."

(Naomi): "Isn't that like an omamori charm?"

(Ayumi): "Not exactly... it's something a bit more different!"

(Naomi): "I'm guessing you carry those because of that Naho girl, right?"

Again, the panic in her face told me everything. That was probably the reason why she didn't want me to know. And her voice just kept playing the same, nervous tune to my ears. Further exposing herself.

(Ayumi): "No! That's... okay that's fair to say but I'm not THAT obsessed with her! I mean, I'm not obsessed at all!"

Totally obsessed!

(Ayumi): "You don't believe me?"

I tried not to laugh.

(Ayumi): "I'm serious!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Alright so why are you carrying those around then?"

(Ayumi): "..."

Given that question, Shinozaki then dimmed her eyes somewhere towards the background of my direction, deeply contemplating as if answering that question would cause issues. Not only that, but I could also even feel that sudden tension emanating throughout the hall now. And her silence kept going on for too long. Making me more worried than anything else.

(Naomi): "Shinozaki?"

(Ayumi): "We should sit down."

(Naomi): "Umm...alright!"

So, we returned to our seats and sat accordingly. The change of atmosphere and her behavior was too sudden, it had me on the edge of my seat. Literally!

Now I kinda had to know what was up... and I just stared at her, waiting... anticipating...

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "I've never shared this with anyone before..."

(Naomi): "...?"

Now I was more anticipated. As I leaned closer to her.

(Naomi): "Yeah...?"

(Ayumi): "I've always... kept all this to myself. For quite some time actually. That even I've forgotten how worried I should be feeling if anybody found out..."

(Naomi): "Huh, this really sounds big!"

(Ayumi): "You have no idea..."

(Naomi): "But if you're not supposed to tell anyone, then I'm fine if you keep it to yourself!"

That's a lie, but I didn't like seeing the way Shinozaki was. She just seemed... uncomfortable. Not in the same way when I teased her for having an idol. But I knew this felt... like something else. Something far more important to her.

(Naomi): "Yeah! I'll just pretend I never saw this! I'm sure you get enough people ragging on you for your love of that psychic girl!"

(Ayumi): "It has nothing to do with Naho..."

(Naomi): "If you say so! But really, I'm fine without knowing!"

(Ayumi): "..."

She's getting pretty insecure...

Does she really not like being teased that way...?

(Ayumi): "I mean, I think it will help me a lot if I share these things with somebody whom I trust. And well! You'd be the very first person to hear this..."

(Naomi): "The first person you trust?"

Shinozaki nodded.

(Ayumi): "I trust you, so yeah..."

Hearing that made me smile.

(Naomi): "Well alright then! Let me in on your secrets!"

(Ayumi): "..."

Sounds like she really has a lot to say...

Over a charm?

...

Huh, charm...

(Ayumi): "So..."

(Naomi): "So?"

(Ayumi): "Crazy as this may sound... I'm also... well... I'm sorta also involved in what Naho does."

And again, I almost poured my drink on myself... for a totally obvious different reason!

(Ayumi): "Then again... 'sorta' is an understatement..."

(Naomi): "...Uhhh what?"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "Involved in that how...?"

Shinozaki sipped. Then shortly after, continued on with her explanation.

(Ayumi): "Well it so happens my family has a long history of dealings with the occult. As they inherit...certain powers. Handed down by numerous generations. Centuries even..."

(Naomi): "Powers...? Like as in... being able to see, talk to spirits and ghosts...? Just like that girl...?"

She nodded.

(Ayumi): "It's almost second nature for us to stumble upon paranormal activity! Mostly, my sister is the one who has the experience, but she also frequently engages these sorts of activities in her spare times! However, for me, I just follow her around, like a shadow... only able to watch."

(Naomi): "Your entire family can do this? Even you...?"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "Are you... psychic as well?"

It took her a second before she could respond.

(Ayumi): "Can't really say... but my family on the other hand, are specialized in many fields of occultism. Some from fortune telling, to participating as spiritual mediums, and some like Naho! Who actually are paranormalist or spiritual detectives who solve cases, and that's sorta like what my sister does!"

(Naomi): "Uhhh! Wow! You really aren't kidding...!"

Ah crap... am I coming off really rude...?

But Shinozaki didn't seem to catch that. She continued on as if she got lost in her memories.

(Ayumi): "There's even a background of witches in our blood... as they are the ones who really come up with spells, unlike anything you've ever were to witness!"

Okay, that's fucking nuts!

No way any of this is legit!

Some of this has to be exaggerated!

(Ayumi): "But I can't get too far into that. Not because I'm not supposed to talk about this, but mainly because I've been recently told about our background, so I lack a lot of information..."

(Naomi): "I'm... not sure what to say! I never thought you'd actually have something like that...going on."

(Ayumi): "You and me both!"

(Naomi): "So uh, I don't think you've answered this before, so um... this stuff about your family, you're not like the rest of them? Are you?"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "...?"

More hesitation, but she came with an answer.

(Ayumi): "For the past few weeks, I've been having... visions."

(Naomi): "Visions? Like... being able to see into the future...?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah, you could say that...! But what goes on in them is a completely different story... not even sure if it has anything to do with the future at all... since it's always the same vision... somewhere in the middle of nowhere..."

(Naomi): "How do they start?"

For a moment, everything went quiet. But when I heard Shinozaki's low voice... this became more serious than everything before. But the way she spoke... she had this...discomfort inside her. As if she a real hard time sharing this with me...

(Ayumi): "Sometimes I'll be leaving from a train, other times... I'll be meeting the residences of the area, like if... I'm trying to find something. I'm not sure what exactly... but it always seems that way..."

(Naomi): "And do you remember anybody in these visions?"

(Ayumi): "..."

More silence... but she eventually gave an answer. One that filled the quiet halls with pain.

(Ayumi): "There's always one person who accompanies me. I think... it's somebody from class."

(Naomi): "Somebody from class?..."

(Ayumi): "Yeah..."

(Naomi): "You sound unsure..."

(Ayumi): "Well.. I can never tell who she is."

(Naomi): "...?"

What does she mean by that?

(Ayumi): "Everyone's faces are always blurred out. But it's not just their faces. Whenever they speak... it's like... static... kinda like hearing radio frequencies as you're trying to find the radio station you want to listen to... but when the people talk, it's just pure static and distortions... like if... they shouldn't exist... but um, yeah... there's not that much I can say..."

(Naomi): "Wow, that's pretty creepy! No wonder why you were iffy bringing it up! I'm sorry for that!"

(Ayumi): "Oh! Don't be sorry! I actually feel a lot better now after sharing that with you! For so long, I had to keep that all to myself... and the only person who I can talk about it with is my sister... but lately... she's been too occupied! So really... I should be thanking you!"

(Naomi): "Aww! Well I'm glad to help! Usually, it's hard for me to say much... and you, well.. heh! You really said a lot of things there! I honestly don't even know how to respond to this stuff! Your family, and your visions... that's like nothing compared to anybody I talked to!"

(Ayumi): "Oh stop it! I'm still your average high school student! Only... weirder...!"

(Naomi): "And creepier!"

(Ayumi): "Yes! Now you understand!"

(Naomi): "Heh!"

Man this is crazy...

Shinozaki, our vice president... could be literally a witch or something like that...

I still can't... believe that magic, voodoo stuff or whatever...

I don't know...

...

But those visions she has huh... they sound so familiar.

Why is that...?

What she told me had me speechless... I didn't know what else I could say, besides talk about the soda I just sipped. Refreshed by the sour yet sweet taste smoothening my sensitive, but now cool taste buds.

(Naomi): "Mmm."

So I kept drinking, some in burst samples, while I squeezed the can and just chugged a bit down.

(Naomi): "*Burp*"

(Ayumi): "Heheh!"

(Naomi): "Haha!"

(Ayumi): "*Burp*"

(Naomi): "I agree!"

Then we just laughed and continued drinking slowly.

Until eventually I realized... nothing changed.

(Naomi): "..."

Why are things feeling... more familiar now...?

It's like... we've already talked about all of this...!

But having those thoughts then brought in a new strange, yet uneasy feeling... more than familiarity, but like... a stronger rush of anxiety. Which had me tapping my heel on the floor, while I drank more. More so thinking about the "charm" she was carrying around. And how it ties with her background. And when I think about it more, these unnerving feelings grew worse...

Charm...

Why is that feeling more and more familiar?...

And why is it bugging me so weirdly now...?

The feelings were really bad, and all I could think of was just asking for Shinozaki's reassurance. To at least know if this was just me... or if there's something else to this.

(Naomi): "So uh, Shinozaki..."

(Ayumi): "Hmm? Yeah?"

(Naomi): "Is there like... anything for us to be worried about?"

(Ayumi): "I don't think so? Unless if we're talking about the lunch menu, then yeah! They held back on the eggrolls! And the steamed beef!"

My question should've been phrased better, but then hearing this piece of news derailed my thoughts. Helping me lose that sudden anxiety.

(Naomi): "Wait, are you talking about your club?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah!"

Assuming she meant her classmates from the student council, as she had her phone in her hands, eyes on her screen.

(Ayumi): "From what I'm reading here! What we're eating today instead is roast pork, salad with shirasu and of course, rice! That actually doesn't sound bad at all! Those all go so great together!"

(Naomi): "You're making me wish I was in the student council..."

(Ayumi): "Hmmm! I could let you stop by!"

What? She's actually being serious?

How would that even work?

Even then, I still couldn't lose that strange, unnerving feeling. I had to ask more about "charms". Or my entire day would have me questioning everything.

(Ayumi): "What do you think about that?"

(Naomi): "If I'm allowed to come over, I mean, why not? Heh!"

(Ayumi): "Hahaha!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Yeah. But honestly, my mind is still wrapped up in that occult talk...!"

(Ayumi): "Oh? Well, feel free to ask about anything!"

(Naomi): "I don't have that many questions to ask right now, actually, just one in particular... and it's about... the charms you carry."

(Ayumi): "Oh yeah? What about them?"

(Naomi): "So they are used for like... warding off evil and bad stuff? Right?"

(Ayumi): "That is indeed their purpose! They are meant to prevent bad omens!"

(Naomi): "Do you always carry them around with you...?"

(Ayumi): "I usually do! It's always best to carry protection! And as of lately... well, this might sound a bit weird, but I've been feeling a strong presence lingering in the air. More than usual per say!"

(Naomi): "Strong presence?..."

(Ayumi): "Yeah... it's a feeling we get when a spirit, or a ghost... passes by!"

(Naomi): "Is that what you're feeling right now...?"

That chance for having a warm mood was now completely gone again, as I saw the seriousness in Shinozaki's face. But it wasn't just her looking serious, there was also... some pain reflecting back from her eyes. Which she darted her eyes around the hall as if she could... tell something was different. Something that I could also relate to. By what I already had been feeling...

(Ayumi): "Actually, yeah... since you're bringing it up, I do feel a sudden presence. Huh, that's kinda weird..."

(Naomi): "The way you're saying that is making me creep out! Makes it sound like if the school is being haunted!"

(Ayumi): "..."

And silence...

No, she can't be serious now!

This is exactly just like last night!

Yeah, when she was pretending to be "possessed" to get Kishinuma back!

It must be just her fooling around!

Right...?

Although I was having those thoughts, the silence was too deafening that I had to keep my eyes on Shinozaki. But when I did look at her, that's when I noticed... she wasn't just moving, but she also had her eyes shut.

(Naomi): "...Shinozaki?"

It wasn't just her... I also began feeling... confused and dizzy.

(Naomi): "...!"

Whoa... what's going on...?

Shinozaki still remained dead silent, and by knowing that I turned to her, and she still remained the same way.

(Naomi): "...?"

Why isn't she saying anything...?

(Naomi): "...Hey Shinozaki! Is there...something wrong?"

Still, no response.

Of course, I wanted to hold her and shake her, but an even more overwhelming feeling kicked in. Rather, a strong realization. As I began realizing... these moments were...

(Naomi): "...?"

Why is this all so familiar...?

What is going on here...?

If I had to describe it, it's like... if we were following a "script".

Despite that these were our first times EVER being alone together, it was just too familiar to not discount for. Even by how the room felt, and with the sudden emptiness of the hallway, and with the lower lighting to the building, it kept providing that uneasy, eerie feeling. But then, another strange occurrence began, and it involved... a sound.

Loud drumming coming at me in rhythms.

At first, I thought they were drums being hit from somewhere, until I realized... the source came from my body.

It was my heart...

And as each of these beats were echoing, the area around me were starting to give me these "vibrations", making me feel even more detached from reality, like if I was slipping off my seat and being taken somewhere else.

(Naomi): "...!"

But it got even worse... to the point where I even had trouble breathing. Like if I was being suffocated by lumps of torn cushions that were clogging my lungs. Causing me to cough out anything I had inside my throat, which nothing would come out no matter how hard I coughed.

(Naomi): " *Cough* *Cough*"

What's going on here?!

I kept coughing and coughing, and soon enough my airway cleared up as shallow breaths followed. Although, it was far from over. The dizziness was getting worse and somehow my eyes were getting blurry too.

This moment was unexplainable... too surreal... it's like if these "spirits" Shinozaki just talked about were attacking me!

The timing is just... too coincidental!

The worst part, Shinozaki was still there, not reacting or showing any sign of being conscious. And even when I tried moving to her again, everything in my eyes spun worse, making it harder to do anything without wanting to collapse. So I did the only thing I could do...

(Naomi): "Anybody there?! Please help...help us! Hello?! Anybody...?!"

But no one was showing up. Not even a single sound of footsteps could be heard. And the more I tried calling for help, the more my voice got weaker.

(Naomi): "Help! Please... somebody help...! Please...!"

What's going on...?!

Why is this happening...?!

What can I do to stop this...?!

(Naomi): "...!"

Immediately I grabbed for my phone and dialed in the digits I needed until her name appeared.

Please see this Seiko!

Before I could hit call... my shaking hands lost grip of the phone.

(Naomi): "N-No!"

Leading the phone to fall and slide across the floor. Too far that it required me to leave the seat and crawl to it.

(Naomi): "No...! Damn... damn it...!"

I tried reaching but... the spinning would get worse in every attempt. All I could really do was just sit back and hold on... but then I thought about that letter, and tried reaching for it, in hopes that a part of Seiko could just make everything stop...

Please make this go away!

Please!

One dig inside, and...

(Naomi): "...?!"

What...?! I had it in there!

I kept digging and digging... and all that was being touched were the insides of my pocket, with some of its fabric being torn off after desperately reaching. Even when it's not there, I just kept searching until... what I first thought to be just an imagination.

"Naomi?!"

(Naomi): "...!"

"What happened?! Are you okay?!"

Then I realized how real the panick was, as this voice belonged to the most important person in my life.

S-Seiko?!

Just hearing her, I knew everything would be over... and somehow, it's what exactly happened! As if all the weird and scary symptoms suddenly vanish without any lingering traces. Leading me to quickly stand up and look for Seiko. But looking at both ends of the hall; she was nowhere to be seen. What I saw though, was the unnatural darkness further swallowing the light from every direction. Slowwwwly closing in...

(Naomi): "S-Seiko! Where...Where are you...?!"

Scared as I was, Seiko's panicked voice continued reaching out to me. Reassuring me that I wasn't alone... but also... confusing me.

(Seiko): "I'm so sorry for leaving you by yourself! Why did I leave you alone?!"

But then I realized... her words are only echoes of a time that couldn't be remembered... however, my body seem to know more than I did as these familiar feelings outweigh my doubts. And then I just... kept pondering over the words in what felt like an infinite loop. Trying to remember...

Was this... in the past?

The future?

Or was this... coming from a dream?

Those were the thoughts I was constantly having... and she didn't stop talking.

(Seiko): "Naomi! Please say something! Anything!"

Just when I thought things couldn't get more surreal... my body suddenly became light, but at the same time heavy as if... I was being pulled down by some strong, yet gentle force.

(Naomi): "Ahhh!"

Until my body slammed against the floor... without control.

(Naomi): "...!"

What is happening to me?!

I tried screaming but I couldn't say anything! And at that point, it got even worse to where my vision was losing color. As I was becoming... blind. By pitch black darkness, with layers of dark purple blending in all sorts of cloudy shapes. Up until... a familiar texture was able to be made clear of. A floorboard, with holes and scratches and... some fluid dripping onto the ground, as it was falling off from my face. Fluid that looked like...blood.

(Seiko): "Oh thank God!"

Although, I was aware of Seiko, I couldn't move my body to see her... or even... utter a single word. It's as if...I was suffering paralysis. But even so, I could feel her moving me into her arms and rubbing my back as she rested my head on her shoulder. The feelings were too real to consider any of this an imagination.

(Seiko): "You really had me worried there! I was so close to having a heart attack!"

What's going on...?

(Seiko): "God I'm so stupid! What was I thinking of leaving you alone...?!"

What is she talking about...?

But then... our memories were caught in my eyes. Slightly blurring my vision as they were gently leaking out those untold days.

(Naomi): "But it's not your fault... it never was..."

(Seiko): "...?"

(Naomi): "If anybody should be apologizing, it should be me... I am the one who left you behind. You know...?"

Yet Seiko acted quickly, like how I expected her. Except... the things she said, were unexpected... and more so confusing than anything.

(Seiko): "What are you saying?! I'm the one who did the leaving! Splitting up in this place was my idea! Not yours!"

This place...?

My mind was definitely not prepared for what I began seeing, as I took one glance at our surroundings and realized... we were no longer at Kisaragi Academy. Rather, it was an old, abandoned building that resembled to another school but in the worst shape possible, as there were cracks on the bleak walls. Broken floorboards barely holding some parts of the flooring, with little to no lighting as each end of the halls were submerged in complete darkness. A place you'd expect out of a nightmare. But feeling the warmth and softness from Seiko's body proved the entire situation to be more than an obscure dream. Reinforced by her concern and fears, while they were overwhelming me more to where I couldn't reciprocate or follow along with what she was saying...

(Seiko): "Without even considering how long I'd be gone, or... what can happen to you? It's careless! No... It's more than careless... it's unforgivable!"

(Naomi): "Seiko, hold on a minute... where... where are we...?"

(Seiko): "Huh...?"

But then I remembered...her.

(Naomi): "Wait, wait... where's Shinozaki...?"

(Seiko): "Shinozaki...?"

Seiko looked utterly confused, but I was starting to really panic.

(Naomi): "She was with me! Oh my god...! Where did she go...?!"

(Seiko): "Naomi, slow down...! You're gonna hurt yourself!"

But once I stood up and moved a few steps, a strange sensation could be felt on one of my ankles. And looking over them, that's when I found one of them to be wrapped up in cloth, with two pieces of wood underneath the wrapping. That being a... makeshift splint.

(Naomi): "What the...? What happened to my... m-my ankle...?"

(Seiko): "You've sprained it! Remember?"

(Naomi): "..."

Am I dreaming?

No...

This all feels too real to be a dream...!

And yet Seiko isn't as shocked as I am...!

Next thing I knew, Seiko had her hands on my arms.

(Seiko): "Naomi, you seem a bit out of it! We need to get you back into the infirmary!"

(Naomi): "Infirmary...?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! Right over here! Follow me!"

Although I didn't understand anything that was going on, somehow... my body knew one thing too well more than I did, and it was that word. A word that made my insides swell with irrational fear. Even when Seiko tried guiding me to the nearest door that seemed to be the very room she mentioned, I pulled back until she noticed and stopped.

(Naomi): "N-No...!"

(Seiko): "Huh? What's wrong...?"

(Naomi): "I...I can't go in ther-"

But it wasn't just fear, a sudden itch scorched my throat... causing me to gag, then uncontrollably cough.

(Naomi): "*Cough* *Cough* *Cough*"

(Seiko): "Are you- Are you okay...?!"

(Naomi): "*Cough* *Cough* *Cough*"

(Seiko): "Naomi!"

It was so sudden, and yet, there was nothing coming out or in my throat for it to happen so sporadically. Just like... before we got here. With this going on, Seiko kept rubbing my back.

(Seiko): "Go ahead! Get it out of your system... you'll feel a lot better when it's out!"

But thankfully, it wasn't long before it stopped. Although, nothing literally came out. It was just my droplets of saliva covering the dry, broken flooring.

(Naomi): "Whoa... *Pant* That's *Pant* That's weird...!"

(Seiko): "Yeah... you're seriously worrying me right now!"

(Naomi): "..."

How are we not on the same page...?

Doesn't she realize how crazy all of this is...?

(Seiko): "Anyway um...! Seems like you really don't wanna go inside! Instead, we can try um... that one room! The custodian's closet? It might still be locked but you never know with this place!"

(Naomi): "Uh, yeah...! Sure! Let's go there!"

(Seiko): "..."

The worried look on Seiko's face only worsen.

(Seiko): "Are you sure you're fine...? You don't feel like barfing, passing out or anything...?"

(Naomi): "I-I am fine, but... can you explain what's going on? Why...are we even in a place like this...?"

The scare in her eyes grew drastically. Even the volume of fear in her voice.

(Seiko): "Naomi why... no, okay you're really out of it!"

(Naomi): "But... weren't we just in Kisaragi? Becuz I was with Shinozaki, and you were supposed to be... in homeroom. Weren't you?"

(Seiko): "...?"

Seiko just looked at me confused, while I kept voicing my concerns.

(Naomi): "Why are you looking at me like that?... Did I... say something weird?..."

Suddenly, we stopped. But Seiko moved closer to me, then...placed her hands on my shoulders.

(Seiko): "Can you tell me what month it is?"

Why is she asking that?...

(Naomi): "Wouldn't it be... um... June?"

(Seiko): "...!"

(Naomi): "Wh-What's wrong?"

(Seiko): "It's November...!"

(Naomi): "Wha-?"

(Seiko): "It's been November Naomi!"

(Naomi): "No way... really? Four months didn't go by just like that!"

Then there, Seiko looked taken aback, as she also looked overwhelmed in questions.

(Seiko): "Okay... do you remember today? Do you remember the culture festival?"

(Naomi): "...We had one?"

(Seiko): "You don't rememb- wow! Okay! Now I'm really worried! Did you happen to hit your head on something while I was gone?"

(Naomi): "No?..."

(Seiko): "..."

Just by our interactions, it seemed as if... I came from a completely different world, and to my eyes that Seiko came from the future. Making the situation harder to comprehend.

(Seiko): "Yeah let's just keep going! We definitely need to talk about this more when we get there! Well uh... that's if the room isn't locked! If it is, we'll just find another room that's safe!"

(Naomi): "Umm alright! So... where is that...?"

(Seiko): "Right this way!"

So we remained quiet and focused on our surroundings. Further moving along until we found ourselves the stairwell. Seiko then held me tighter and moved us closer to the rails.

(Seiko): "Watch your step!"

It was hard to not look at those broken, cracked walls. The dread radiating off of them crawled under my skin, slowly consuming all of my motivation as I was left questioning myself...

I don't get this...

She's still not as freaked out as I am...

But she's made it clear that we've been in this place for awhile...

And apparently, we're not even following the same calendar!

...

What could this all even mean?...

(Seiko): "Careful now! Move slowly!"

(Naomi): "..."

It's not even just that...

This place feels very familiar... also this... situation... it's all too familiar!

Why...?

Why is this all so familiar...?!

Past the stairs, now we were in approaching an intersection. One with these massive, gaping holes at one direction. The holes were so deep that darkness is all that could be seen from our level. Even so, across the broken deck, an entrance way shined itself in the open. No signs of locks on the door.

(Naomi): "Is that... an exit?"

(Seiko): "Yup!"

(Naomi): "Are we able to get there?"

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "...?"

(Seiko): "Those doors are locked too... You don't remember that either?"

(Naomi): "I...I guess I don't..."

Seiko didn't flinch this time, but she was definitely worrying more. Probably thinking to herself that I was suffering amnesia, first-hand. Considering how I've responded and behaved, it's not too far from the truth. After all, everything about this situation felt more than just "familiar". It's like if... we've been through this before... and that feeling only grew stronger the more we walked inside this place.

This place... being a "school" of some kind.

(Naomi): "So uh... there isn't another way out of here?"

(Seiko): "As far as I know, there isn't... we've already tried the windows and none of them won't even budge a little! Some objects around here are like... super-glued to the place! Breaking our way out isn't an option! Believe it or not!"

That sounds supernatural...

Supernatural...

Shinozaki...

Huh...

(Naomi): "...So it's just the two of us?"

(Seiko): "Apparently we're not the only ones! We heard Yuka crying earlier. That's why... I left you alone for a bit, so I could see if she was around. But I couldn't find her, so it might've been just our imagination. And at this point... we've already explored the building like nonstop! Hardly we have any other options... besides like... waiting for something new to change."

So many questions... it's making my head hurt!

(Seiko): "Sorry if I'm not being clear enough! You seem to have forgotten a lot!"

(Naomi): "Seems... that way."

Again, this is too real to be a dream!

This is just too real...

Everything...

(Seiko): "Don't let it get to you though! Once we're there, we'll figure this out!"

Although she was doing her best to reassure me, the next thing we came across made things...more complicated.

(Naomi): "Wait a second... what is that...?"

(Seiko): "Naomi! Don't look!"

(Naomi): "Why...?"

(Seiko): "Doesn't matter why! Keep your eyes on me, please!"

But it was already too late...

(Seiko): "Naomi, no! Stop! Don't look!"

(Naomi): "Hey! Those look like... actual people! But why are they lying down like that...?"

But once I noticed the unnatural body positions and the torn clothing, it came together...

(Naomi): "Wh-What the hell?! Oh my God...! Are they...Are they dead...?!"

(Seiko): "Nothing to see there! Let's move along now!"

(Naomi): "..."

Literal corpses...

(Seiko): "This way!"

No...

Those can't be...

(Naomi): "Se-Seriously... what's going on here Seiko?"

(Seiko): "...I wish I knew."

(Naomi): "..."

They can't be real...

(Seiko): "We're almost there! Please keep your eyes on me! Don't look at anything else, okay?"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah..."

And eventually, we found ourselves this red door that had a sign "custodian closet" on it

(Seiko): "...! It's actually unlocked!"

(Naomi): "Is that a good thing...?"

(Seiko): "Probably not!"

That's awfully reassuring...

(Seiko): "Anyway! If you see something weird, just let me know! We'll run right out and back to where we came through, got it?"

(Naomi): "Uhh... alright!"

With all that being said, Seiko then slowly opened the door. Not all the way, but just wide enough for her to see if we weren't walking into anything dangerous. And that didn't seem to be the case once I saw that smile.

(Seiko): "I'm going in now!"

(Naomi): "Right behind you!"

Once inside, it seemed everything was fine. But that one lingering feeling... only grew even stronger.

(Seiko): "Not as filthy as I remembered! But more importantly! The room does look safe!"

(Naomi): "..."

We've never been here before... yet it's like... we have...

Just...why?

Why do I keep feeling this way?

Before making the final call, Seiko approached what seemed to be like... the closet of the room. And as she was in front of it, she gripped onto the handles and pulled as hard as she could. Only to struggle without any sort of movement seen from the doors. It's like if... they were nailed shut from the other side.

(Seiko): "Seems like I can't get these to open... but this room, yeah... it's good enough for me! What do you think?"

(Naomi): "Compared to where we were, it does feel a lot safer in here..."

(Seiko): "Glad you feel the same!"

Even then, my eyes were still all over the room, taking in more of this familiar atmosphere... as a part of me desperately wanted to "remember" what my body knew... yet nothing came to me besides the numbing cold and the deafening silence. Well, that only lasted until I heard the sound of the door being closed and locked by Seiko. Followed by her touch as she guided me further into the room.

(Seiko): "Let's sit you down over here!"

Soon enough, we sat on the tatami mat. Sitting together as Seiko continued holding me closely. However, I just couldn't stop staring at our surroundings.

The counters.

The space heater.

The bookcase cabinet...

That closet...

The tv set behind us...

Everything in this room was eerily familiar. But thankfully, I was paired to the one and only person who would never allow me to shoulder these things alone.

(Seiko): "How's your ankle? Has it been getting better?"

(Naomi): "It's been doing fine! I think?"

Though, being asked... I tried to straighten my leg and ankle, resulting me to jump from excruciating pain.

What the hell?!

THAT HURTS!

(Seiko): "Hey! Careful there!"

(Naomi): "Ow! Ahhhh! Haha! Okay... bad idea!"

Seiko immediately went down to check on the makeshift splint and its bandages. Adjusting them until I could comfortably rest.

(Seiko): "Hold still for me! I'll fix this!"

It wasn't very long though. Once I felt the wooden pieces aligned correctly, I knew I could walk for another thousand miles without collapsing.

(Seiko): "I thought I had this wrapped up tightly! I guess it must've loosened on its own..."

She did this for me...?

(Seiko): "Here we go! How does it feel now? Better?"

(Naomi): "Yeah... feels great! Thanks, Seiko!"

(Seiko): "Anything for you!"

Soon enough, Seiko sat right by me again. Closer than ever.

(Seiko): "Wish we had ice for that... can't imagine this place having a working fridge in any of the rooms..."

This place...

This was the perfect opportunity to ask anything, so I took advantage of that. I needed to know.

(Naomi): "Yeah about that... what place even is this? It looks kinda like a school... but that can't be, right?"

An appropriate question to ask, but for Seiko... it seemed to cause her pain rather than easing her worries. As her next words triggered another set of uncomfortable feelings, which have caused me to question my sanity even further.

(Seiko): "So you've forgotten all that too..."

"Forgotten"...

(Seiko): "But um, yeah... it's exactly as you said! The building we're in is a part of a school. An elementary school to be exact..."

(Naomi): "...An elementary school?"

(Seiko): "Yeah."

Already I had a tough time keeping up with the situation, but Seiko didn't plan to leave me in the dark. She kept all of her attention on me and just filled in the missing blanks. Piecing the events together as we went further in the conversation.

(Seiko): "Believe it or not, this is the first place we both woke up to."

(Naomi): "Have we been...kidnapped?"

(Seiko): "Not exactly! Kidnapped wouldn't be the word for this situation..."

(Naomi): "Really? Then how...did we end up in a place like this? And why can't we just leave...?"

Next second, Seiko had this tense expression on her face. As if I asked her some of the hardest questions in the world. Not that I was trying to make our situation any more complicated... But asking for clarification seemed to only worsen her feelings, as she gazed at the floor and spoke in such a low voice. Easily could've been missed if I wasn't paying attention.

(Seiko): "This might have something to do with that earthquake back at our school..."

Earthquake...?

(Seiko): "It's the last thing I can remember...before everything that's happened to us."

(Naomi): "Sorry, umm! I must've misheard you but uhhh! Did you just say... we had an earthquake?"

(Seiko): "After the culture festival, those who stayed behind for cleaning duty were the ones who got caught in it. That being of course... you and me and the rest of our class... since we were the unlucky ones who had to stay."

(Naomi): "But we got out? R-Right...? Did we...?"

(Seiko): "..."

But then I had a strange thought... as I began paying closer attention to our surroundings, thinking that...this building could possibly be the same Kisaragi Academy we once stood in. It would explain... why everything seemed so "familiar". But that didn't make sense either. The color and layout and design of the building didn't match with our school's architecture. There was no way that was the case, but with what Seiko said about this being... an elementary school... I was beginning to believe it... even if it didn't quite make sense. I know she wouldn't lie to me. Not in a situation like this. But her following answer just left me more confused and horrified.

(Seiko): "We fell in..."

(Naomi): "Fell...in what?"

(Seiko): "When the earthquake erupted, the flooring of our classroom tore apart. Massive holes formed and well, everyone inside the class... fell through."

She's actually serious...

(Seiko): "Looking back at it. Nobody could've made it out. All of us fell in... so I can tell you nobody had kidnapped us."

That really doesn't answer anything!

An explanation like that had me utterly speechless. No amount of her explaining could clear up how I felt. It had to be obvious just by looking at me.

(Seiko): "Yeah! I know this all sounds unbelievable! But that's what really happened!"

(Naomi): "Every one of us... fell in?"

(Seiko): "...Yeah."

But then... a quick chill ran over my back. As I remembered the bodies sprawled in those disturbing positions.

I had to ask...

(Seiko): "...?"

(Naomi): "But from what you're saying, it's not just you and me...right? Our entire class were also involved in it too...?"

(Seiko): "..."

My question seemed to troubled Seiko even more. Probably because...my lack of "remembering". But she didn't panic. Instead, she continued on as strong. Still handling this situation better than I ever could.

(Seiko): "Not everybody! Just...our closest friends..."

(Naomi): "Could you tell me who those friends are...? Who...Who was there exactly...?"

(Seiko): "Weeeeeell...!"

Surprisingly, one of her gentlest smiles unfolded, as if she had a way to turn this horrible tension on its head. And well, it kinda did... only for a second.

(Seiko): "I'm not sure if he's considered as your 'friend', but there's Mochida!"

W-What?

But then she listed the other names.

(Seiko): "Then there's Shinozaki! Kishinuma, Morishige and Suzumoto..."

Wait a minute... why is she mentioning all their names?!

We aren't in the same homeroom!

(Seiko): "And of course...our homeroom teach Ms. Yui!"

That's not our teacher!

(Seiko): "And unfortunately... Yuka also got involved. So yeah... that would be all nine of us who were caught in the earthquake."

What the hell is going on here...?!

(Seiko): "...?"

(Naomi): "Where... Where are they...?"

Seiko hesitated, but soon enough she spoke in that uneasy tone.

(Seiko): "No idea."

(Naomi): "..."

Seiko didn't look any more comfortable. And seeing her like that just made me realize... how closer I could be from hearing the cold, harsh truth. The one that I wanted to deny but couldn't. It was the only thing I could think of as that would explain what I saw earlier.

No way...

Is Seiko just... not telling me?

However, she tried covering up that discomfort by putting on one of her forced smiles, while talking in a higher tone. Just as close as she would normally talk, but still off enough to tell that she wasn't being honest about something.

(Seiko): "But don't you worry about them! Our friends should be fine wherever they are! For right now, it's best to not question any of this!"

Seiko did all she can to keep me calm and made aware of the situation. But her explanations just left me more confused and afraid than anything. And the thoughts I had were too horrifying... I couldn't accept that.

Our friends...

Satoshi... no... that can't be!

(Seiko): "Naomi...? What's wrong?"

(Naomi): "You say that... but there are...LITERALLY corpses in the hallway! And somehow, you expect me to treat this like it's no big deal...?!"

(Seiko): "..."

Pain could be seen stretching across her face, with unbearable silence eating at my core. But it wasn't just that. Seiko's words from earlier then began repeating over and over.

(Naomi): "Now that I think about it... you said we heard Yuka...crying... Does that mean she's... Oh my God... is she...?!"

(Seiko): "No? No! Oh no! Of course not!"

(Naomi): "But earlier! Those were dead bodies we saw, right...?!"

(Seiko): "Trust me! It's not what you're thinking!"

(Naomi): "Then who are those people?! What happened to them...?!"

It was now abundantly clear that not a lot was being said. And Seiko just struggled there. Trying to tell me, but also trying to not tell me too much.

(Naomi): "Who are they...?!"

(Seiko): "Nobody we know... that's for sure."

(Naomi): "..."

Does this all tie in with that serial killer...?!

Is he here too?!

(Seiko): "Naomi...?"

Before I even knew it, I was already at the door. Ready to leave as my hand was on the door slider. But... my arm was caught by Seiko, as she was preventing me to go any further.

(Seiko): "What are you doing?"

(Naomi): "We need to get out of here and call for help!"

(Seiko): "We can't do that!"

(Naomi): "Why not...?! Don't you wanna leave...?!"

(Seiko): "Of course I do! But it's just not that simple!"

(Naomi): "Why not...?!"

(Seiko): "Naomi... please calm down! I'll explain everything to you if you just let me-"

Even if she was going to help me understand... my impulses just...got the best of me.

(Seiko): "N-Naomi...?! Naomi! Where are you going!?"

None of this is real!

(Seiko): "Naomi! Why are you-ahhhhh! Come back!"

None of this is real!

I ran.

None of this REAL!

I ran and ran and ran... ran from the most important person. Skipping past the gaping holes and the scary looking doors until I met... the same row of corpses.

This was something I had to do...

I had to check if this... was real...

I had to check!

I just... had to!

I had to know who these are!

I needed to know!

I needed... to know!

(Naomi): "...!"

Oh my God!

Once I knew what I was looking at, my stomach instantly turned inside out, as the foul, decaying odor of the corpses made it's way further into my system... causing me to gag and cough and fumble back as I slammed onto the floor with hands covering over my mouth.

Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!

These really are dead people!

Dead, dead, dead people!

(Seiko): "Naomi!"

(Naomi): "...!"

Though I wasn't alone for very long.

(Seiko): "What on Earth are you doing...?!"

Seiko didn't hesitate to drag me into her arms. Now with my head over her shoulder as she continuously rubbed my backside.

(Seiko): "I thought I told you to not look at them!"

I didn't resist at all. Not that I wanted to. I was too horrified and confused to do anything by myself. At that point, my life depended on Seiko...

(Seiko): "C'mon! You've seen enough already...! Are you able to stand?"

(Naomi): "W-Why...Why are they like that...?!"

(Seiko): "Don't worry about them! Leave all that thinking to me! Alright? Let's just get you back to the room!"

Next second, we were then standing, as Seiko never released me. She kept me supported all the way through until we found ourselves back in the custodian's closet. Back to sitting at same exact spot as before. But even when we were in the "safe" area, my body just couldn't stop trembling... as all I could see were those skeletal remains.

(Seiko): "God! You really had me worried there!"

(Naomi): "Sorry about that... I-I really panicked..."

(Seiko): "No, it's okay! I get you have a lot going through your mind right now! Just... please don't run off like that again, okay?"

(Naomi): "...I won't."

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "..."

Those bodies look like they've been here for awhile...

But God!

They look so horrible!

I can't stop seeing them now!

(Seiko): "Naomi?"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah...?"

(Seiko): "..."

Before she could continue, she held my hands in hers as this stopped most of my shaking.

(Naomi): "...?"

(Seiko): "We are safe! Nothing will happen to us as long as we're together!"

Seiko did her best of course. Trying to put me back together. Although she was doing her best to reassure me, my emotions were still outweighing her comfort by a little.

(Naomi): "But Seiko... There are skeletons... scattered inside the hallway..."

(Seiko): "Yeah there are, but those were already there before we woke up to this place!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "I know it's hard to forget them! I'm not completely over them either..."

That's right...

I'm not the only one who saw them...

(Seiko): "But I promise you! Our friends are safe! Those bodies are only students from another school, and they have absolutely nothing to do with them!"

(Naomi): "Students..."

(Seiko): "Strangely enough, yeah... I'm sure you've noticed the uniforms they were wearing."

That can't be coincidence...?

(Seiko): "Not sure why that's the case! But I do know that nobody else is inside this school. Apart from us of course!"

I sheepishly nodded.

(Naomi): "...And we still can't leave? Have we really tried everything?"

(Seiko): "There are other rooms that are still locked... but if we give it some time, another room could just open up! Since things around here tend to change on their own!"

(Naomi): "You did say something like that before..."

(Seiko): "Yeah! Believe it or not! We were never able to get into this room initially! So one can assume the front doors to this place could magically open too!"

(Naomi): "How does that even work...?"

(Seiko): "Beats me! Wish I knew!"

(Naomi): "But it's not just that. Didn't you also say the windows here can't be shattered? And that certain objects can't be damaged, let alone moved...?"

(Seiko): "If you want, we can go test this all out in one of the classrooms! It'll help you understand what I mean exactly!"

(Naomi): "No, that's fine! I don't see why you'd ever lie about that... but you're making this situation sound more supernatural..."

(Seiko): "Ha! Yeah, well...! There's ONE other thing I can tell you about this place!"

There's more...?

(Seiko): "But I don't expect you to believe a word I'll say! With what you're going through, it'll definitely be hard for you to take in!"

After being told that, I squeezed Seiko tighter. This making her stare at me in awe.

(Naomi): "Don't hold back anything. Tell me everything you know..."

(Seiko): "Okie dokie...! Let's see... umm...!"

I was expecting her to feel less pressured by what I said, but instead... she now had her hair in her hands. Seemingly thinking over what she wanted to say. I couldn't understand why it became that hard on her. But as she continued on nervously... it became painfully clearer as to why.

(Seiko): "Along the way here, we've actually encountered... um... how should I put this?"

(Naomi): "Yeah...?"

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "...?"

The tension in the room was now all inside her, and all I could do was stare. Watching her eyes as she had this immense worry in them. Which only took her one word to break the forbidden spell. Of mentioning...the unmentionable.

(Seiko): "Ghosts."

(Naomi): "Uhhh... what?"

(Seiko): "There are ghosts inside this school!"

Her sudden enthusiasm didn't help. It only made the whole thing more unsettling as I couldn't bear the thought of meeting one in a place like this.

(Naomi): "Okay, that's kinda terrifying!"

(Seiko): "Ohh! Don't you worry! They aren't as bad as they sound! In actuality! They are the MOST friendliest things that have ever existed! Some might act a little strange, but it does add more to their charm! At least, that's how I feel about them!"

What am I hearing right now...?

It did sound pretty far-fetched hearing her go on about them. Just like the earthquake stuff. Even so, she did a good job putting my mind at ease of their existence. Though, it made me more confused by how nonsensical it all started to sound. I had to get a better understanding.

(Naomi): "So, let me get this straight. We have been talking to ghosts. Ever since we first got here? We can go to them. Face-to-face, and have a conversation with them about the weather?"

(Seiko): "Preeeeetty much, yeah!"

(Naomi): "Then they aren't a threat to us? So, we can put our trust in them?"

(Seiko): "Naomi! I can promise you that they won't lay a finger!"

That goofy voice with her cracking smile just sold it for me, knowing what she was going for.

(Naomi): "You and your corny jokes..."

(Seiko): "Heheh! Anyway! Yeah! The ghost here are nothing to be worried over! They can be rather helpful when you're feeling lost! Although, they do come up with the most confusing things for your brain to handle!"

(Naomi): "Like what?"

Seiko then started to look nervous.

(Seiko): "The details aren't something I'd worry over! It must be a part of their nature to scare us! Since you can't be a ghost if you're not scaring the living a little! You know?"

(Naomi): "What did they say?"

(Seiko): "Ehhh some far out there stuff! It's better if I don't get into it!"

(Naomi): "Seiko, what did they say...?"

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "I gotta know now! Especially if you're saying stuff like that!"

Seiko went silent but resumed again shortly after. Not in the same cheery, goofy vibe. Just overall serious now.

(Seiko): "Well! From what I gathered, everyone who ends up here are 'brought' by vengeful spirits. And the place we are trapped in has no connection to the outside world."

(Naomi): "What does any of that even mean...?"

(Seiko): "I can't say for certain. But during our chit chat with one of the spirits, they specifically mentioned about 'sensing' multiple people coming all at once. Pulled all at the same time...into this world. It might have something to do with the earthquake, that's for sure!"

(Naomi): "Multiple people pulled at the same time? Wait, does that have anything to do...with our friends?"

(Seiko): "Yeah, I believe so too! But even if they are here, we aren't able to meet them."

(Naomi): "Why not?"

(Seiko): "..."

Seiko nodded.

(Seiko): "From what they said, it has something to do with us being in separate...'confined spaces'."

(Naomi): "Can you explain what that means?"

(Seiko): "Hmm. Well! Picture it like this!"

(Naomi): "Picturing..."

(Seiko): "Everyone, including ourselves, could be in this very room as we speak."

I looked around the room to find no sense in Seiko's words. Though, she continued explaining.

(Seiko): "We might not see them. We might not hear them. But everyone is here. Sitting down where we are seated. Even though we can't see or hear them, that's because...we are all in our very own separate worlds. Occupying in our very own space."

What the hell...

(Seiko): "If that even makes any sense? I'd say it's all mumbo jumbo!"

(Naomi): "You're losing me now..."

(Seiko): "Like I said! It's better if I don't get into it! Even I still have trouble understanding what's really going on! So! Don't stress yourself out!"

(Naomi): "..."

Man, but everything she said is making this sound more like a lucid, vivid dream... but all this has been too real, and yet... it's all becoming more and more familiar...

The earthquake...

This school...

Ghosts...

"Confined spaces"...

The atmosphere...

Our situation...

Why is everything about this...so familiar...?

Is it possible that I've forgotten everything...?

Am I really suffering...amnesia?

I was too overwhelmed to think straight or remember the other things I wanted to ask. Everything about this just kept coming off as a bad dream, and Seiko undoubtedly noticed how distant I became to the reality of our situation.

(Seiko): "Anyway! It's probably better if we focused on something you remember. It might help you recover your memories!"

Recover my memories...

(Seiko): "Try looking back at the very last moment."

(Naomi): "The last memory I had? Before I woke up here?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! What happened before you woke up to this? Where were you at exactly?"

(Naomi): "..."

After what she's shared... I'm sure this has nothing to do with amnesia.

But then again, maybe that's what it is?

(Seiko): "Take your time!"

(Naomi): "Umm, well..."

And so, I gathered my thoughts, and eventually... I began speaking about it.

(Naomi): "Back at school. Me and Shinozaki were talking. Then one moment... things got...really weird."

(Seiko): "How did it get weird?"

(Naomi): "Well, Shinozaki...she...she stopped talking... but she also stopped... moving... I started having problems too... problems with breathing... I couldn't call for help... I couldn't do anything..."

Suddenly I felt a grip over my hand. As it was Seiko holding onto me. Concerned for my life.

(Seiko): "Are you doing okay...?"

(Naomi): "Oh yeah, I'm fine! This stuff only happened during that moment! Right before I ended up here...with you."

(Seiko): "I see! So that's why you were bringing up Shinozaki earlier!"

(Naomi): "Yeah..."

(Seiko): "..."

Why is she confused?

Doesn't she remember this day?

Or is that just me overthinking?

(Seiko): "Where was I at?"

(Naomi): "...?"

(Seiko): "When this happened... was I there?"

Something's... not right.

(Naomi): "You were in homeroom."

(Seiko): "Really? So...I wasn't with you guys? At all?"

She's talking as if this day never happened!

No... I'm sure she'll remember if I get more specific!

Since I can't remember everything after that moment... maybe things really turned out fine than how I'll remember... right?

(Seiko): "...?"

(Naomi): "This morning, or uh... I guess that morning, me and Shinozaki were late for class. So... what we decided to do was get to know each other a little better. Grabbed ourselves some drinks and killed some time. Pretty much talking about things we liked and... learning our passions..."

(Seiko): "Awww! You didn't even think to invite me? I'm jealous!"

Does she really not remember...?

Or is it that I'm... misremembering?

...

No!

There's no way I'm remembering anything wrong!

That moment is still fresh in my mind!

(Seiko): "Anyway! That does sound like something I should remember..."

And now she's saying that...

(Seiko): "We rarely ever walk to school alone, you know?"

But if she can't remember, I guess there's no point in dwelling on it...

What's more important is knowing what she knows!

If I get her to talk more, maybe it'll all come together?

(Seiko): "Naomi?"

(Naomi): "How did the culture festival go?"

(Seiko): "...? The culture festival?"

(Naomi): "Yeah! I wanna know how that went...!"

The change in conversation didn't seem to faze Seiko at all. Rather, life gradually began shining through her eyes as she spoke in a burst of energy. Like if she had been reliving the whole day in her head. Stuck in a loop of endless happiness as she didn't hesitate in a single breath.

(Seiko): "Oh it was the best! You wouldn't believe how much fun we had! After all! We became famous for our red bean soup! Or should I say! My grandma-ma's family recipe!"

Again, that sounds so familiar...

(Seiko): "Seriously! Every time when we thought we were done, more of our classmates would just show up! Waiting outside, as tables would continuously be filled! Throughout the day! Nonstop! It felt like... by the time when we actually did finish, the festival would already be over!"

(Naomi): "It's amazing how food could just bring everyone into one room..."

(Seiko): "Heheh! Well, I don't think that's the only reason! We did have this one beautiful girl who'd been serving them! Since she's known to have the perfect smile! And ahhh, those wonderful big brown eyes!"

Then I felt Seiko nudging me while I caught her winking. Along with a burning sensation spreading across my cheek. A sensation reminding me more that this was all very, very real. Even if I couldn't recall the things she was saying, I knew the girl she was suggesting was me.

(Seiko): "You really did look great in your kimono!"

Even in a moment like this, she still finds ways to be flirty!

I couldn't help but stumble and humor her.

(Naomi): "Heh... well, thank you!"

(Seiko): "But you actually don't remember that at all, do you?"

(Naomi): "..."

And just like that, we were back to the dilemma at hand. As Seiko continued on, talking with those glassy eyes while she had that pain mixed in her smile.

(Seiko): "Though at one point, we did check out all the other class projects!"

The squinting in her eyes, the smile unfolding... each creased even further as she basked herself to these fondly, yet painful memories. Soothing through her soft voice.

(Seiko): "You were so amazed by all of it... It made the whole thing much, much better! Made me happy knowing we could experience an amazing day like that together...! But...it really seems like you've forgotten even that..."

(Naomi): "..."

Damn...

Now I feel like absolute crap...

This isn't what I had in mind...

(Seiko): "So you really don't remember any of that...?"

(Naomi): "No, I don't, unfortunately..."

Yet whenever she brought something up from that day, the pain could be seen traveling through her body. Every time I spoke.

(Seiko): "What about the concerts? The art galleries outside? Or the big firework display that they did?"

(Naomi): "No..."

(Seiko): "Not even the haunted house? Or the musical parade...?"

I shook my head.

(Naomi): "Sorry, no... Everything you're saying is new to me..."

(Seiko): "..."

So far, this conversation has only brought us pain. And I just couldn't find the words to tell her how bad I felt... but it seemed Seiko knew exactly what was on my mind.

(Seiko): "Hey, don't worry your pretty little head about it! I'm sure it'll all come together again! You forgetting might be due to the stress of our situation! If anything, a quick nap should resolve this problem!"

(Naomi): "..."

I'm so confused...

Am I really going through amnesia?

Is that really it?

It became quiet again. Left to our own thoughts as the whole room incubated the cold and gloomy atmosphere. But eventually, Seiko had something to say.

(Seiko): "However! There's still one thing I wanna get off my chest before we call it a night!"

(Naomi): "Yeah? What is it, Seiko?"

(Seiko): "..."

The room went silent again. Though, Seiko's word shattered the silence with... even more tension.

(Seiko): "Earlier, you also said something that didn't quite make any sense! And since we're both not on the same time frame as it seems, I think you know something that I don't!"

(Naomi): "Things I said...?"

(Seiko): "Back at the hallway, you were apologizing for leaving me behind."

(Naomi): "Oh... yeah. I did say something like that... didn't I?"

(Seiko): "Mmhm!"

She really wants me to settle that now, huh...

Before either of us could speak, something made its way over my lap...

It was Seiko's hand. Resting on there just like those other times when I would feel... overwhelmingly infatuated by her presence. And this moment was no exception. She opened up to me just like always. Reassuring me that... I wasn't alone.

(Seiko): "Mind telling me what that's all about?"

I need to get this out of the way.

Before it's too late...

The confused look on her face had me feeling more anxious. Knowing that I could simply make things more...complicated. But she wanted to resolve this. I couldn't run away from this anymore. She had me where she wanted. All alone, in a room to ourselves... away from everything else.

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "..."

Though, her silence and stare overwhelmed me. Leading me to direct my attention that's...not her. With my hands tightly gripping my uniform as I continued on as anxiously.

(Naomi): "...I was really scared."

(Seiko): "...?"

(Naomi): "I know that's not an excuse. But that's why... I did what I did. Because... if things continued the way how they were going, there's a good chance I'll never...get back the friend I made."

(Seiko): "Naomi... what are you talking about...?"

I tugged even harder. With my hair covering over my eyes.

(Naomi): "Our friendship really matters to me, Seiko... that's why... I couldn't go through with our...date."

(Seiko): "H-Huh?!"

Even with Seiko's stammering, cracking voice... I was too lost in my own thoughts to realize that or how she looked. But I didn't stop. My regrets kept torturing me as I began picturing the very day when... Seiko broke down and cried her eyes out.

(Naomi): "But then I look back at everything you've done... looking back at all the nice, kind things you went out of your way to do for me. All that just... made me felt... even more ungrateful..."

(Seiko): "...Naomi?"

(Naomi): "But in the end, it turns out I'm just... I'm just an ungrateful coward...who can't reciprocate crap..."

(Seiko): "Naomi!"

Tears were now welling up in my eyes. Any minute, I could bawl and become a huge mess.

(Naomi): "And yet, you still choose to be with me! Even though, you're the one who reached out and... comforted me when I should've been the one doing that for you. I should've been there by your side, helping you... taking responsibility for my actions and making it up to you..."

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "But even after...all that... there's no way things will return how they used to be...! Anything I do now... has to mean very little compared to what I should've done before! *Sniffles* So...So I don't expect you to...to hold me like you used to...!"

Before I could get even further with my thoughts, Seiko pulled me in for a hug and rested her hand behind my head.

(Naomi): "...?!"

(Seiko): "My my...! This must've been one strange nightmare you had!"

Nightmare...?

(Seiko): "Now Naomi! I want you to listen to me very carefully!"

The warmth and softness in her voice and hug made my pains go fuzzy, even though I was becoming more confused to by what she just said. But also, overwhelmed by these amazing feelings. As her next words just completely crushed those doubts and regrets.

(Seiko): "Never, never in my life will I turn my back on you! And there isn't anything you can say or do that'll convince me otherwise! It's meant to be, Naomi! No matter where your mind goes, I'll just pull you back and we'll continue on being happy! Together as we go!"

So that's how she really feels...

(Seiko): "Not to say there won't be more bad times! But when they do arise... you can count on me! All the way through! You got that missy?"

(Naomi): "So...*Sniffles* you're not upset at me?"

(Seiko): "Of course I'm not!"

Those were the words that I needed to hear.

(Seiko): "Let's get that off your face!"

Then she wiped the tears clean and kept pressing her hands into my cheeks. Holding me still as she went on.

(Seiko): "There you go! Now I can see that precious smile cleaaarly!"

(Naomi): "You...You really are something else... you know that...? *Sniffles*"

(Seiko): "And that very something belongs to you!"

Then I just smiled like a complete idiot... with her still cleaning my face with much care and love in her hands.

(Seiko): "Ahhh look at you! Your nose is all runny! I bet nobody in class has seen you with this much snot before!"

(Naomi): "Don't...mock me you dork! *Sniffles* Or I'll blow into your shirt!"

(Seiko): "What's stopping you?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* *Snork* Heh..!"

(Seiko): "Heheh!"

Even if she was being perverted or not, undoubtedly this was all her trying to make me happier. And like always, it worked. No more tears were coming out. Just our smiles.

(Naomi): "...And to think of all the trouble I put us through! When all I really need to do is...talk more! Better yet, think less and just do the things that make us happy!"

(Seiko): "Yeah! Exactly! That's the spirit!"

(Naomi): "Heh!"

(Seiko): "Still... never thought a nightmare would cause this much trouble for you!"

But then, the tension in the room crept its way over. Slowly suffocating the wholesome mood, as fear could be heard traveling from miles away... going at such rapid speeds that I felt breathless...

(Naomi): "It really did feel like a horrible nightmare! But it really did happen...y-you know?"

(Seiko): "Huh...? What did?"

No...

(Naomi): "What I just...shared with you...?"

(Seiko): "..."

Something's obviously wrong!

(Naomi): "Seiko?..."

Please no...

(Seiko): "Sorry, I'm just confused as much as you! But yeah, I don't know what you mean exactly... could you elaborate more?"

No...

No...

No...

No...

No...

No...

No!

(Seiko): "Naomi? What's wrong...?"

Why can't she remember?!

What the hell is this?!

(Seiko): "Hey!"

Even when I was having a meltdown.. she immediately placed my face into her chest. Rubbing my head as she kept nursing me in her motherly ways.

(Seiko): "It's okay... It's okay! I'm right here!"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

(Seiko): "There, there!"

The thought of Seiko... forgetting... is one of the scariest feelings. Like if at any moment, I could lose her too... lose the reason why I've made it this far in life...

(Seiko): "This whole situation feels unreal, huh?"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah...! *Sniffles* It's...It's really freaking me out...!"

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "I don't...I don't get it...! Out of everyone... you'd be the one to know!"

Seiko still didn't say a word, but she kept stroking me as I pulled on her uniform as hard as I could.

(Naomi): "I mean, you're the one who... who asked me out...!"

(Seiko): "...Did I really?"

(Naomi): "..."

If she couldn't remember, explaining to her was the only way to figure out what was going on.

(Naomi): "Yeah, you did... it was on the same day when you cooked me that oyakodon you promised me."

(Seiko): "...?"

(Naomi): "That's when you brought up the idea to cook dinner at my place. We agreed to it and carried on with our normal daily lives. But when the day finally came...the pressure got the best of me, so I cancelled the whole thing last minute..."

Seiko dug her fingers through my hair, stroking me gently.

(Seiko): "Is that so?"

(Naomi): "Yeah..."

(Seiko): "..."

How does she not remember...?

(Seiko): "I dunno Naomi! This person doesn't sound like me! In fact, she has way more guts than I do for her to come out and do something like that! But I will say! What did in fact happen was our sleepover from last night!"

(Naomi): "We...had one last night...?"

(Seiko): "Mmhm! We were spending the whole night! On your bed! Cuddling..."

(Naomi): "...?!"

(Seiko): "Heheh!"

Somehow, hearing that melted away all the anxiety. With a blush marking it's way over my face. Burning me as I could feel Seiko's heart beating stronger than ever. A melody sharing many untold stories per second. Things that... I wish I knew.

(Naomi): "Don't remember that either..."

(Seiko): "At least I do! God! It was such a great day...! Hanging out with you, meeting your mother for the first time! If only we could go back to that!"

(Naomi): "..."

She already met my mom though.

It's like we are from two completely separate worlds...

Huh...

(Seiko): "Maybe it's best if you try resting right now! When you wake up, I'm sure everything will make sense again!"

(Naomi): "I am feeling exhausted..."

(Seiko): "Let's cuddle it out then! But first! Let's see if I can find something comfortable for us to sleep on! Don't want you accidentally banging your head!"

(Naomi): "...Heh!"

Soon enough, Seiko conveniently found a pair of pillows and blankets. Surprisingly, clean...

(Naomi): "Are those... safe?"

Seiko then felt through them. Making sure they were.

(Seiko): "They sure are! Now! Let's get ourselves comfy! Here, I'll help you get adjusted!"

With that being said, Seiko rested me onto my side. Followed up by having herself right by me. As we had our eyes on each other while resting ourselves in fetal positions. Both of us tucked in as she occupied me with her smile and attention.

(Seiko): "There you go! Comfortable?"

(Naomi): "...Heh! Yeah! But Seriously! This feels like a really weird dream... seriously!"

(Seiko): "I hope it's a dream! It'd be perfect to wake up on your bed and talk about all this!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "..."

Everything went quiet, but then I felt Seiko's grip on my hand.

(Seiko): "Everything will be okay!"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah?"

Seiko moved even closer. But this time... she held my body and began cuddling me.

Wow... she's so soft and warm... I mean, just like when she first stayed over after the Vein Artery concert...

But it feels like...we've done this more than once in our liftetime...

(Naomi): "...!"

But then...Seiko started nuzzling my neck. Rubbing her nose in, brushing off the cold and replacing it with her warm tenderness. Soon enough, she moved up to my ear and reassured me even more with a gentle and sweet whisper. The warmth of it trickling down every cold part of my body and engulfing me in that tenderly, flaming love.

(Seiko): "...I promise! When you wake up, I'll still be right beside you! Just like this morning!"

Just like this morning...

Hearing her say that and feeling her holding me tighter made my eyes heavier. Along with our breaths and... even my chest. But that was because Seiko began resting on me. With a question that seemed to have lingered through her mind. Those big eyes... showed me something was in fact still gnawing at her.

(Seiko): "And Naomi?"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah, Seiko...?"

(Seiko): "..."

(Naomi): "...?"

It got quiet, but then... Seiko suddenly moved closer to my face. So close it's like... if we were about to...kiss.

What is she doing...?

Even with her eyes, they went dim. And her hand just started... caressing my cheek. Holding me in place as she was leaning in closer and closer... until I could feel her breath, touching my ear.

(Seiko): "...Our relationship doesn't need to change at all."

(Naomi): "H-Huh...?!"

Suddenly, Seiko straddled on me. Gently pressing her body against mine as I fumbled a bit.

(Seiko): "What matters to me is your happiness. So don't ever feel like you're expected to change anything becuz of me! Change becuz... you want things to change between us. Not because of how I feel."

(Naomi): "W-What are you...?!"

(Seiko): "Don't even try to hide it now! I heard every word you said!"

Seiko then turned away, blushing as hard as me without ever losing that embarrassed, pained yet hopeful smile.

(Seiko): "Never thought I'd out myself like this...! But after hearing you go on like that, how can I keep myself quiet? It's like... the only opportunity I can speak my mind before...it's too late."

One squeeze to my shoulders, already I could tell Seiko had "that" building up inside her the entire time. And she didn't shy away. She kept talking.

(Seiko): "I mean, there's no telling what can happen next... if I don't say it now, I'll never know... but then again, maybe I'm not helping you at all by being honest about this! You are forgetting a lot of things right now. But even so, I feel like... I'm not alone here...!"

(Naomi): "...Seiko, I'm...really confused. W-What do you mean by all this...? Do you... Do you actually see me more than... more than a friend?"

An obvious way of denying the truth, even when it's been literally in front of my face, burning in blushes for the last minute. Blatantly confessing itself as I tried to disregard this moment as if it was one of her same old stunts. Although, I already knew what this all had been leading up to... and she didn't plan on giving up.

(Seiko): "You really don't make these things easy, do you?"

(Naomi): "S-Sorry..."

(Seiko): "Heheh! Always such a cutie when you're getting so worked up! It's one of the million reasons why I fallen for you..."

(Naomi): "...!"

I wasn't the only one who jolted. Seiko did too, as if she said too much by accident.

(Seiko): "W-Wow! Did I really say that out loud? How embarrassing...!"

(Naomi): "Seiko... This isn't the time for jokes...! You're making me more confused than I already am... a-and you didn't even answer my question...!"

This was the opportunity for her to change her mind.

Her final chance to leave this behind us...

(Seiko): "..."

But she didn't back out. She kept...going for it.

(Seiko): "I'm not fooling around, Naomi. I really do feel that way..."

Seiko rested her hand on her chest, where her heart is... firmly holding that area as she whispered.

(Seiko): "...Always have."

(Naomi): "...W-Why?"

Denial.

(Seiko): "..."

Seiko didn't say a word. And I was becoming more anxious by the second. Unsure what to do... what to think... what to say... I was completely depended on her. Nothing could get us out of this timeless void of uncertainty. Unless Seiko shattered it and freed us. And that's what she did in a few tugging and a couple of deep, silent breaths. Coming out without shying away or talking in circles. Oh no, she got to the point... and it... had me clinging on. With the pulsating in my head ringing out, as she said those very three words.

The words that changed our worlds... forever.

(Seiko): "Because I love you."

(Naomi): "...!"

My body trembled as I began agonizing endlessly. With what felt like explosions going off around the building, shaking the room and numbing my sense of reality. Ears becoming deafened. Eyes becoming hazy... breaths becoming empty... as everything in the moment froze while my heart burned and burned and burned for what felt like an eternity... so, so helplessly left alone in my own prison of anxiety... with joy and fear, intertwining in chains and keeping all in one place.

She said it!

She actually said it!

I was in complete disbelief... even though she had only confirmed what I always suspected...

And still, I couldn't leave it right there without having her to reaffirm what she meant. These feelings of mine were just killing me in all of that ongoing doubting and fear...

I had to really hear her out...

(Naomi): "...You're serious?"

Seiko hung her head low, shrugging her shoulders as she gripped her chest tighter.

(Seiko): "Happiness throughout my life...cannot be compared to what you bring to my heart..."

No way...

(Seiko): "Because of you, I've learned what life is really worth living for... so yeah..."

No way!

(Seiko): "I'm madly, deeply in love with you, Naomi. I'd marry you if I could..."

No way no way no way no way!

(Seiko): "And maybe even... move to a place so far and wonderful... a place that we could really call home and start our very own family...!"

I couldn't maintain myself for much longer. These feelings were too extreme to stop me from trembling in excitement. Similar to a kid opening their Christmas presents on Christmas morning. An irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind gift resting so comfortably in my hands, outweighing everything around me, as I didn't know what to do with it. Even when I was told what's inside her waiting to be unraveled, the denial still had me wrapped up. Trapping me in doubts and insecurities as the truth dangled before my very eyes. But I wasn't the only one of course... Seiko's hurting voice reminded me of her conflicted feelings over my past words. With a faint, hurting smile as she tried to cover up those pains in the best of her ability.

(Seiko): "But that's probably going a bit too far...! There's no way you like me that much... heh...! You even said it yourself. What really matters to you is...our friendship. That's something you don't wanna lose. Right?"

I tried to reach her, but then realized... she wasn't wrong. Those were the exact words I used to describe one of my greatest fears. With my hesitation giving Seiko the opposite idea.

(Seiko): "And if that's how you feel, then I'll just keep loving my best friend! Like how I always have! And I'll just... keep these embarrassing thoughts to myself! Haha! Y-Yeah!"

(Naomi): "..."

Like how she always has.

The realization came crashing as I began to remember all those times...

From school. From being over at her house. From her being at my house. From spending time outside, going to places we both loved and enjoyed. The realization really had me looking at it all differently, or... looking at it for what it is, as the fear gradually lessen, and as my realization of Seiko and our relationship grew... pushing me, pushing me... to do what I couldn't have done before.

(Naomi): "..."

It wouldn't be so different, would it?

I mean, it's not like the Seiko I knew would go away...

Our friendship has always been like that.

Hasn't it?

(Seiko): "...N-Naomi?"

And if she's capable of coming out like this... being well aware of the risks... then what does that make me?

What kind of person would I be if I just kept relying on her for everything?

...

(Seiko): "I got too ahead of myself... didn't I?"

As I struggled with those thoughts, my hands made their way onto Seiko's shoulders with confusion in her eyes. A cold shock that had her freezing in place. But with her cheeks still igniting that rosy, red color throughout this moment, as mine were doing the same.

(Seiko): "...?"

I could've said something, anything... but my mind kept going blank as I couldn't bother figuring out the words. I just kept... staring and staring. Taken by her mesmerizing stare.

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "..."

But the more we stared, the distance between us shortened, little by little... with our eyes squinting along. And before I knew it, Seiko's warm breath made contact with my face, and immediately after... her soft lips. Fitting into mine perfectly.

(Seiko): "Mmm..."

With tingling and jittery feelings pressed throughout my body. Every doubt I had just... suddenly vanished into those soft lips. What was left was our passionate heat being exchanging into each other. Where the both of us eventually broke off, wanting more...

Her eyes just said it all.

The life in them showed how completed she felt. I mean, words couldn't describe these feelings... and the both of us just sat there silently... as Seiko began rubbing her lips. While I became breathless and squirmy...

(Seiko): "...!"

Did I just...?!

Somehow, regret lunged its way back at me and placed distance between me and her. And from there, I just spazzed out like a complete idiot... unable to keep myself in order as Seiko tried to brush off her stumbling.

(Naomi): "Oh my God...Oh my God! I'm so sorry, Seiko!"

(Seiko): "...Naomi?"

(Naomi): "I-I don't know what came over me! That was really out of line...! I-I shouldn't have done that!"

In my panic, Seiko's giggle resonated throughout the room. Though, that didn't stop me from overreacting. I was freaking out too much to calm down or even notice how Seiko really felt by it.

(Seiko): "Heh! Naomi!"

(Naomi): "What have I done?! I can't believe I just did that! Seiko! I'm really sorry! Please forgive m-"

And soon enough, me and Seiko were reunited again in an instant.

(Naomi): "Mmm...!"

I didn't fight it at all. I just accepted her and let my mouth be filled by her... tongue. Bringing in new yet familiar feelings, with a hint of the red bean soup she mentioned, sweetening my buds as she stimulated me. Soon enough, Seiko pulled out as a trace of our saliva stayed connected, but quickly splitting apart once we were inches away. Although she made the move, her brave font didn't last. She immediately went soft as me. Head low, of course still blushing ear-to-ear with her eyes shining. And a smile curving.

(Seiko): "How...did that one feel?"

(Naomi): "Uhhh... really...good..."

(Seiko): "Heheh!"

Seiko had a look of disbelief too. She couldn't stop feeling her lips as I tugged down on my skirt, wiggling my hips in anticipation.

(Seiko): "...Your lips are a lot softer than I thought they'd be."

(Naomi): "Same...here..."

(Seiko): "..."

She kissed me...

She kissed me!

I kissed her...

Oh my God!

(Seiko): "But you know... if that's how you really feel... then there's nothing stopping us, don't you think?"

I nervously stuttered, bashfully trying to hide my embarrassed smile from every corner of the distant, hazy room.

(Naomi): "I-I guess so! I-I mean... It was a matter of time before one of us came out with it..."

(Seiko): "Heheh! Gosh... sounds like you had these feelings for a long while!"

(Naomi): "I mean..."

The anxiety I had before finally caught up, taking away the bashful smile and leaving me to pinch my sleeve countless times.

(Naomi): "I can never tell what it was... At first, I thought they were just simple feelings you get when you're happy... when you know you have something really special going on with a friend, but then... we both kept doing a lot of stuff together... and as more of those days went by, those feelings only gotten stronger, and harder to deny what they were...becoming! Or maybe... these feelings were always there... and I just didn't realize what they really meant at the time..."

(Seiko): "Oh yeah?"

(Naomi): "..."

I held my chest.

(Naomi): "But now... I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to do with them. Not that I don't...want to express them with you! It's just... I mean, if we're no longer...friends... what can we call ourselves then? And how... where will we go with this...? There's no telling how things will be once we get out of here..."

(Seiko): "Naomi."

(Naomi): "...Y-Yeah?"

Seiko's hand went to my face, holding me as we stared into one another.

(Seiko): "What do you want?"

(Naomi): "..."

I darted my eyes left and right to her, having difficulty keeping my attention on her without burning her hand with my blushes.

(Naomi): "I want you..."

(Seiko): "...Heheh!"

But then I grabbed for Seiko's hand and held it in my own. Now staring into her as we both were connecting our souls. Forming like some kind of...soul-binding contract.

(Naomi): "But... I need to...love myself more. I know that's something I lack pretty badly, but with your help... we can definitely get there... so... will you...continue being there for me?"

Seiko leaned in and kissed me again. Causing me to squirm to her touch, as she continued smiling with that wholesome look on her face. Same look of someone who just has everything in their possessions with life bursting inside them.

(Seiko): "...Of course I will! Count on me as much as you need! I'm with you! Every step of the way, Naomi!"

So much was going on in my head, but I couldn't bother with anything else... my mind was all on this moment. It felt like all the problems we had finally vanished, like if... there was no real danger in wherever we are.

(Seiko): "But if I catch you holding back your feelings again, I'm just gonna smother you!"

(Naomi): "Smother me...?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! Like this!"

And then I was greeted with pecks all over my face, then to the neck... losing control as I squirmed and giggled and held onto her tightly.

(Seiko): "Mwuah! Mwuah! Mwuah!"

(Naomi): "Heheh! Ohhh! Oh! Seiko!"

(Seiko): "Mwuah! Mwuah!"

(Naomi): "Ahhh! That tickles! N-Not there! Ohh!"

(Seiko): "Nyeheheh! Had enough? Becuz we're just getting started!"

Seiko then nuzzled her way into my neck, cuddling my trembling body as her red-hot, burning skin touched mine.

(Naomi): "...!"

(Seiko): "When this is all over! I'm gonna introduce you to my family and let them know how important you really are to me! They'll have no choice but to accept you as their very own!"

What she said had me... felling confused. Which her words were another reminder of how surreal this whole situation is. Since it kept feeling like... the both of us belonged from two completely different worlds, as she kept saying things that contradicted what we both should know. But feeling Seiko on me, feeling her warm breaths and her warm body with tickling being done by her nose... made those lingering thoughts fade away quick.

(Seiko): "I can't wait to go back home! Everything will be so, so so much better!"

But when I heard "better", I thought of the word "worse", while remembering all those faces back when we ate ice cream together, and the faces back when Seiko pulled that "stunt" back at school. Even when things are clearly fine between us, a part of me just couldn't accept it. Like if... there had to be some sort of catch. Things were truly too good to be true.

(Naomi): "...So it'll all be fine?"

(Seiko): "...?"

(Naomi): "I mean, coming out like this can bring in a lot of attention... and uh, I'm not referring to just the good kind... there are lots of people too who'll think it's weird, or-"

(Seiko): "That doesn't matter."

(Naomi): "H-Huh?"

(Seiko): "Whatever other people might think, doesn't change how I feel for you. And it wouldn't change how I'll treat you, or how I want to live my life with you."

(Naomi): "Seiko..."

She began stroking my head, comforting me as she went on speaking in that motherly tone.

(Seiko): "It's scary, I know! But now you don't have to worry about this stuff by yourself! Just like right now... you can rely on me as much as you need! And together, we'll deal with everything! Head on! Just like we always have!"

(Naomi): "..."

I tried to let go of these conflicting feelings, but they still couldn't stop making me ache for more attention.

(Naomi): "What if I keep relying on you too much...?"

(Seiko): "Naomi!"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah...?"

Seiko moved up to my face, held me close and stared into my eyes... as I got lost into hers while she eased those tension with unexpected words.

(Seiko): "There you go! That's it! Just keep doing that!"

(Naomi): "Do...what?"

Not only that I felt confused, but also her lips...kissing my cheek, then our faces began touching as she pressed further into my body. Finding myself back into her arms, fully grasped and cuddled endlessly.

It took a second before I could realize what she meant.

(Seiko): "Better?"

(Naomi): "...A lot better..."

(Seiko): "Good!"

She then left yet another slow and soft kiss on the lips. This time putting in no fear. She already became an expert at it while squirming is all I could do.

(Naomi): "...!"

(Seiko): "Everything's gonna be alright!"

The smile on my face couldn't have gotten any bigger.

(Naomi): "I don't know what I'd do without you! Seriously..."

(Seiko): "Heheh! Guess that means we are meant to be together!"

I had to hear those words.

(Naomi): "...Together forever?"

(Seiko): "Together forever...!"

From that point on, the room went silent as Seiko kept stroking and cuddling up against me. A moment that just felt too... perfect. Where I even started feeling... irrationally scared. Like if... she'll completely disappear from my life.

But her gentle breaths, warm skin, the lingering sensation of those kisses... and her continuous soft rubs were only keeping me closer to her, with her soothing voice guiding me even further to her love. Although it all felt wonderful, my fear was still getting a hold of me.

(Seiko): "Mmm..."

(Naomi): "..."

Please don't let this end...

Just a bit longer...

But it was getting harder to keep myself up. The feeling of Seiko was gradually declining, as if everything... was disappearing. But Seiko's words were still being whispered into my ear, holding off these departing feelings.

(Seiko): "You mean the world to me, Naomi. I hope you know that...!"

My grip gotten tighter, with my smile weakening.

(Naomi): "Heh, I do... I've known that for quite awhile actually...!"

(Seiko): "Ohhh have you?"

(Naomi): "Heh! Yeah... for so long...!"

Though, I had to get out my thoughts... before it was too late.

(Naomi): "But there's one thing...I want you to know too, Seiko."

(Seiko): "Annnd what's that?"

(Naomi): "I..."

(Seiko): "Yeaaaah?"

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "...?"

It took me a second, but those words were muffled out gently under the covers, as my heart ached in such pain.

(Naomi): "I love you too..."

(Seiko): "D'awww! You don't need to say that...!"

(Naomi): "I know. But I just...want to let you know..."

(Seiko): "Ahhhh stop this! If you keep this up... my heart's gonna burst from all of your adorableness! I'll literally die in your arms right now!"

Die...?

Though, the fear I had heighten after hearing that word.. For what it felt like... our last moment together, before the worst thing possible will occur. As if...we'll both become completely separated... forever.

(Seiko): "I could get reeeaally used to this! Heheheh...!"

(Naomi): "..."

My physical body was literally giving up, but I kept holding on...

(Seiko): "...?"

Why were these feelings happening now? Was it because... I remembered something? In a way, that's how it strongly felt... as there were these blurry memories running through my eyes. Some where they seem to take place inside of this building of me crying in a restroom, but in other memories... some take place in my room with me sitting at my desk, writing words over and over until my pencils broke and stabbed into my hand. But then... there was this one memory of me being outside of a house, staring at the front door... oddly resembling... Seiko's place. For whatever reason, these memories were suddenly coming to me, and I didn't know what to make of them... as I clung harder onto Seiko, trying to not cry...

(Seiko): "...Naomi?"

(Naomi): "Don't ever leave me..."

(Seiko): "...?"

Somehow, I was getting weaker and weaker... but that didn't stop me from speaking on behalf of these strange feelings.

(Naomi): "If anything happened to you... I really wouldn't know what to do with myself. I just can't imagine my life without you... So please, don't ever leave me alone..."

In her next words, I could hear the smile in her voice.

(Seiko): "...Oh I would never do that! I promise!"

There were many more things I still wanted to say, but I became too weak to utter another single word. However, that need of telling her just simply died off under all that love and comfort she continuously gave. Done in such confidence to where I couldn't feel the fear anymore. I mean, just how? Seiko made it seem like she knew how this would all turn out.

(Seiko): "Just watch! As we get older, we're gonna look back at this and laugh like nothing ever happened! But it'll definitely be one hell of a story to tell to our grandchildren!"

Our... grandchildren...

One kiss on my forehead, then suddenly... my eyes were glued shut, with a huge smile forming.

(Seiko): "Now that's better...! That's the smile I love to see!"

Seiko began stroking my head as she kept telling it as it is.

(Seiko): "Think of all the wonderful things we're gonna create together!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "Think of that beautiful home we're gonna have one day! Think of all the lovely honeymoons, and the countless dates we'll have to ourselves...! I mean, there will be so many memories that we'll be needing a whole bookcase to hold all of our scrapbooks! No! We'll be needing a whole room dedicated to them!"

(Naomi): "...Heh!"

(Seiko): "Life is just beginning, Naomi! So be prepared when you wake up!"

(Naomi): "I'm totally ready for it...!"

(Seiko): "Heheheh!"

I was unbelievably exhausted. But I was able to still hear Seiko as I slowly drifted into all these imaginations of our future. With her last words ending the conversation and leaving me to rest.

(Seiko): "Rest up my dear!"

(Naomi): "..."

Then I felt Seiko stroking my head, slowly and gentle. As I counted every stroke to myself, imagining more interactions of her doing this to me. Though, for awhile... Seiko whispered something. Seemingly to herself, but loud enough I could hear her saying this directly to me. Like if... she thought I was already asleep by then.

(Seiko): "...Maybe this time. We'll finally get that happy ending!"

Somehow, those words didn't make sense. But I couldn't really argue against them. Or even ask what she meant by them. I was too exhausted, and in such a comforting position... I wanted it to stay like this forever. But those words... they were the same ones she used in our "perfect night". They were also said at the observatory with her family. It's like... this specific moment was a missing link to Seiko's vague talks.

(Naomi): "..."

Our happy ending.

That's right. She would bring that up.

Huh, our happy ending.

And I wanted to tell her, but I was just... too exhausted. To a certain point that even her strokes couldn't be felt anymore. But not just her strokes, any part of her body. Not that she got up and left me alone. No... I couldn't even feel the sheets or the floor. Like if... I began "descending", floating through space with weight being pressed into my eyes. But it wasn't long before a faint sound could be heard. As it was some popular J-pop music escaping from the speakers of a computer, with ventilation being on and cooling my skin.

(Naomi): "...!"

My eyes were now open. Only to find that...I was inside Kisaragi Academy. More specifically... the school's infirmary, as the familiar taste of that soda Shinozaki offered, lingered on my buds. However... the taste from Seiko lingered too. Blending together as one.

"N-Naomi...?!"

But immediately, I heard my name from the one and only person who had been with me not too long ago. As she seemingly had been by my bedside, waiting...

(Seiko): "Naomi! Oh my god! You're awake!"

She didn't stay put as she instantly climbed over the medical bed and put her hands on my arm. As those big, round, and lively hazel-brown eyes would take the bitterness of my days, and replace them with all that sweetness hiding inside her body. Guiding me with that simple, perky nose... and those smooth lips, soft and natural as momo petals. Those sleek, twin-curls, along with the rest of her natural hair, and that glowy, pristine white skin... beauty like this would normally have me speechless...

(Seiko): "Ahhhh! Thank God!"

(Naomi): "...S-Seiko? What...happened?"

(Seiko): "Both you and Shinozaki had been unconscious!"

(Naomi): "Unconscious? Like... we've both... passed out...?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! Our classmates found you both in the hallway!"

I looked around but couldn't see Shinozaki anywhere in the room.

(Seiko): "She's not here right now! She woke up way earlier while you were resting..."

Seiko couldn't hold herself back. She just went in and hugged me. Held on tightly as I tried adjusting to this sudden transition. My body really did felt like it's been in bed for an entire day. And strangely, Seiko reacted so differently... like if she had been waiting and worrying, compared to... wherever we were.

(Seiko): "But thank God! You're finally awake!"

(Naomi): "..."

Was all that... just a dream?

(Seiko): "I was so worried! So, so, so so worried about you! I really thought you were never gonna wake up again!"

(Naomi): "..."

I didn't know how to react. It was too confusing for me to move along like nothing happened. As those things we've done were still lingering through my nerves, and even the things we had talked about... all that was too real to disregard as a dream.

(Seiko): "But now! *Sniffles* I can finally rest knowing you're back with us!"

Is she... crying...?

(Seiko): "Don't ever scare me like that again!"

(Naomi): "...Seiko."

(Seiko): "Ohhh!"

Seiko seemed to noticed what I thought which lead her to let go of me and wipe her own face.

(Seiko): "Sorry about that! My feelings got the best of me! *Sniffles* Heheh! But thankfully school's almost over so it won't be long before we go home and relax! And with Summer break coming around the corner, we can finally spend some more time catching up!"

(Naomi): "...!"

"Can you tell me what month it is?"

(Naomi): "W-What month are we again...?"

(Seiko): "...?"

The question I asked left her with confusion. I must've came off like a crazy person, and it felt that way the more I spoke to her.

(Naomi): "Isn't it... November?"

(Seiko): "What? Oh no! Hahaha! It hasn't been that long! You'd be waking up from a hospital if that were the case!"

(Naomi): "So it's...still June?"

(Seiko): "Still June!"

I tugged on the sheets...

(Naomi): "So it's still our first year..."

(Seiko): "Naomi! You're kinda freaking me out now!"

(Naomi): "Huh?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! You talk as if you were in the future or something!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Yeah... does seem that way. Does it?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! But oh! Don't you worry! It's only been several hours. You haven't missed much!"

(Naomi): "So I've been here...resting all day?"

(Seiko): "Yup!"

(Naomi): "..."

That's why that dream felt so long...

But... everything that happened in that dream... was so real...

I can't accept that... it was just a dream.

There's has to be more to that than what I'm feeling!"

(Seiko): "But you really seem out of it! The dreams you had must've been freeeeaaaky!"

(Naomi): "Oh it was something else alright... the dream I had was...definitely out there..."

(Seiko): "You gotta tell me!"

The opportunity was right there, but then I realized... what me and her had done... and that would lead to a lot of things I didn't want to touch on, just yet!

(Naomi): "Maybe another time! Right now I just want to, uh... you know... not think too hard about it..."

(Seiko): "That's fine! What's more important anyway is getting you familiar with the real world once again!"

(Naomi): "Heh!"

When things couldn't get any better, they did.

(Naomi): "...!"

Seiko was now holding me closer than before. Brushing my hair as we were now cuddling together.

(Seiko): "Naomi?"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah, Seiko...?"

(Seiko): "..."

Next thing she did was lean into my ear, then... whispered those very familiar words.

(Seiko): "...You mean the world to me! I hope you know that!"

All I had left was that smile on my face and the warm aching inside my fast beating heart. With my eyes shut to the thought of everything that happened in that dream. Reliving every second of it... over and over.

(Naomi): "Heh! Always have..."

And then like that we just lied down and cuddled.

(Seiko): "I'm so glad you're alright! Thank God...!"

(Naomi): "Heh! Same..!"

Seiko continued coddling me, and reassuring me that everything was going to be fine.

Things are definitely going to get better from now on.


HAPPY HALLOWEEN! This was SORTA rushed, but hopefully you all enjoyed this one too! I sure did enjoy writing these! Have a great time everyone! Thank you all for reading! :)

04/14/21:Well this chapter got what it deserved! And now... I can finally rest knowing I shaped it the way it was intended! I'm sure some of you will be upset with me going around and making changes, but know that I really care about this story and want to make the best out of it! Thank you everyone!

05/10/22: Besides fixing grammatical errors, the dialogue between Seiko and Naomi has improved. You'll notice some changes when they talk about ghosts and trying to recall their memories. Other than that! It's a solid read!