02/28/22: Made some slight revisions with dialogue and narration and fixed all the grammatical errors! Enjoy!


All I had to do was listen and keep my mouth shut.

That's all I needed to do...

But instead of listening to my sister... instead of keeping that promise we made.

My temptations took over.

Leading to the outcome of...

This... moment.

Where the entirety of Kisaragi Academy was swallowed before my eyes, leaving behind this... darkish, purple void. Seemingly endless as there was no sort of light to be shown at either ends.

Only pure, foggy darkness.

But it wasn't just the ghastly sight, the temperatures cultivating were as cold as polar caps from a desolated, frozen wasteland. Emanated by this strong, frosty fog entering my body. Causing me to choke and cough without control. Irritating my insides like a scorching allergy.

(Ayumi): "...! *Cough* *Cough*"

But then... the feeling changed from simple irritation into a heavy pressure. Unable to breathe, but as well, feel agonizing pain within my chest.

What's going on?!

Nothing physical could be felt in my throat, but my lungs were undoubtedly being squeezed by some force.

Throttled by... something beyond human.

As if my life... was being taken away.

Which I kicked and threw my arms as long as I could. Fighting back for control.

Though... it wasn't long until I could breathe again.

You could say I was finally "released".

(Ayumi): "...Haahhh!"

The pain no longer existed in my chest. I was breathing normally again.

The background, however, didn't change.

Or so I thought...

The darkness actually began shrinking, once I noticed...a shiny, array of golden light, gradually eating its surroundings bit by bit. That resulted to an overwhelming brightness that blinded me.

A bright flash, lasting for merely a few seconds before an entirely new setting appeared. One that developed into having orange, cloudy skies. Huge grassy mountains that dominated the land. Along with lively, wheat fields at the ground, that seemed to be endless, no matter what direction they were at. To be put in better description... This crop would be the perfect curtain to hide a famine. Disguising danger with peace, simply by a breeze.

Though that wasn't all. Farmhouses and livestock could be seen as each of those areas were fortified by large, metal fencing. Sturdily grounded by the landowners who were undoubtedly prepared for an army of marauders. Which these territories were connected by this worn out, muddled road I was standing on... A road that would be timeless for a person who's been stuck in the 60's. Supported by guard rails placed alongside. Not to mention there were even several telephone poles connecting for miles on.

Where I was at, undoubtedly... this was the middle of nowhere.

But then it dawned on me... as familiarity presented before my eyes in a slideshow.

Frame-by-Frame, slowly unraveling the other memories that were tucked away so far behind my mind.

Unwinding thoughts that smacked me like a jack-in-a-box. An effect so strong my head felt extreme pressure.

(Ayumi): "...!"

Why am I here?

This can't be real!

As I moved a few steps forward, the sand crunching underneath my shoes could be felt, with wondrous, cool breezes that grabbed and pulled my uniform. Followed by this weight being pressed to my ankles and legs, as if I walked for miles.

Goosebumps were even puckering out from my limbs, tingling and aching.

"...?"

I was just at school!

How did I even end up here...?!

Standing in place, I looked at my hands and realized that there were no longer any bandages.

There wasn't even any pain that could be felt, or any sort of marking to proof I had an injury.

I didn't get hurt...?

No, no... I did cut my hand this morning!

I did!

"Hey!"

(Ayumi): "...?!"

Turning to the source of that low tone, it turned out I wasn't by myself.

Nakashima was with me too, slowly walking towards me with this concerned look on her face.

(Naomi): "Watch out! Car coming!"

(Ayumi): "..."

From there she guided me gently to the side of the road.

Which we stood still and witnessed a truck, gradually passing by in a soothing motion. And for whatever reason, I pictured myself sitting on the passenger side of that vehicle.

The further it went, I felt even... more confused.

(Naomi): "You need to watch where you're going! That was a little too close there!"

When the road was completely cleared, Nakashima continued walking forward.

But not too far, as she noticed that I wasn't taking any steps.

(Naomi): "Hey? Shinozaki?"

She called my name, but I didn't move a muscle in the slightest.

I was too lost in my own thoughts that all I could think were the moments of me and Nakashima had back at school, and so far... none of them explained how we got here.

What I did then was took a closer look at our surroundings, still trying to register if this was reality.

Which I walked to the guard rails and pressed myself against them. Then grabbed onto the rigid, steel bar with both hands, feeling the smooth and cold being absorbed into my skin in an instant.

(Ayumi): "...!"

I rubbed and rubbed... and rubbed, realizing that these sensations could not be any more real than what they were.

Wasn't just the "feeling"...

I could also smell herbs and cut tomatoes, with a faint, sweet nectar taste resting in my mouth.

I could even hear the wind making the leaves rustle and the wheat in the fields brush.

Vehicles could also be heard from far-far distances, puffing out hot air and their wheels burning on the dry, rough pavement.

None of this could be staged... no matter how surreal the transition is.

(Ayumi): "I don't get it..."

(Naomi): "...?"

(Ayumi): "...This can't be real!"

(Naomi): "What's not real?"

(Ayumi): "..."

Am I... reliving a vision?

No...

I can feel... I can smell and taste and hear and think as clearly!

It's too real...

...

But why are we HERE out of all places?

And why is she not freaking out by any of this?

(Naomi): "Hey..."

(Ayumi): "...?"

Without realizing it, I started feeling Nakashima's hand resting over my shoulder.

Another sensation I couldn't ignore, but only to take in and realize that her touch was beyond fake or artificial.

Again, this was just as real as any touch could be made. It was warm. It was... human.

It's just like... how my sister would touch me.

And in her upcoming words, they nestle their way into my eardrums. Filling me in with some kind of ease, however... there was a hint of desolation in her tone. Separating me further from comfort. Meanwhile, luring me into more confusion.

(Naomi): "Everything alright?"

I had to tell her the truth.

I had to get out my thoughts.

Or the insanity would break me down.

(Ayumi): "We're out here in the middle of nowhere when...when we're supposed to be at school!"

(Naomi): "Huh?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah, we were just in school! Talking!"

(Naomi): "...Earlier today?"

(Ayumi): "No! Just a minute ago! Don't you...Don't you remember?"

And there, her reaction didn't offer what I hoped for.

What I saw from her eyes were... fear.

Fear that had her backtracking on the path.

Only for a few steps until confusion came out of her mouth.

(Naomi): "We've been walking past farms and animals for the last hour... which is what we've been doing ever since we gotten off our train."

(Ayumi): "..."

Just like in my visions...

Am I just picking up where it always ends?

(Naomi): "Seems like you've been daydreaming! You must be really exhausted then... we should call it a day! Maybe...try again tomorrow?"

(Ayumi): "...Try again on what?"

Then Nakashima's eyes grew once more.

(Naomi): "Why...Why are you saying that?"

I have to speak up.

(Ayumi): "Because well... well because..."

(Naomi): "...?"

(Ayumi: "I...I don't know why we're out here."

(Naomi): "You can't be serious...?"

Those are the words Nakashima shouldn't be hearing, but they were enough for her to understand that something was definitely wrong. That she even began guiding my body towards her. As she got closer, her skeptical eyes began scanning mine.

Now she was the one who's "freaking out".

Though her composure remained intact as she adjusted her tone. Talking soft and calmly.

(Naomi): "Shinozaki...what's going on?"

(Ayumi): "..."

Then immediately Nakashima supported my side.

You could say she was acting like an EMT, treating me like a patient who's suffering trauma.

(Naomi): "Can you understand what I'm saying?... Do you remember who I am?"

To let her know I was okay, I patted her arm and gently pulled away from her.

(Ayumi): "Nakashima I'm fine... I'm fine. Just... let me think for a moment, please!"

(Naomi): "Okay!"

The both of us then stood in earth-shattering silence.

In our own minds, processing and thinking of ways to approach the situation.

Although, my hand... the one that's supposed to be injured, was absentmindedly raised high enough that it caught our attention. Then I began realizing...something.

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "...?"

That would explain everything!

I mean... What else could all this be then?

(Naomi): "Shinozaki?"

(Ayumi): "..."

I have to explain this to her...

I need her to understand.

And so, I tried.

(Ayumi): "What I'm about to say is going to sound crazy. But I need you to hear me out."

(Naomi): "Okay, well...I'm all ears!"

The concern then was "how long" will she be able to listen?

My explanation had pure absurdity that a mental patient would have more REASONING!

No doubt our next stop could be at the psychiatric ward if I didn't choose my words carefully.

Which is kinda impossible to manage! How can I explain this without sounding a bit crazy?

There's just no way...

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "..."

But we couldn't be out there all day, in that hot, bathing tension. I had to tell her the truth.

(Ayumi): "The girl you knew before this moment... is not here anymore. I'm... I'm someone else."

(Naomi): "...?"

Already sounding too crazy...!

(Ayumi): "Don't get me wrong! I'm still Ayumi... I'm just... not the same Ayumi you knew. I don't...belong here."

(Naomi): "Don't belong here...?"

(Ayumi): "...As in, I could be from an entirely, separate world. Or at least... that's what I think! I could just be... from the past."

(Naomi): "..."

This isn't going well...

(Ayumi): "But maybe we can figure this out by asking each other a couple of questions."

(Naomi): "Um, sure... go ahead! Ask me anything!"

She's actually giving me a chance!

Okay, let's see...

I had to confirm if our memories were the same. And what better example could I choose from a moment ago?

It would literally explain the type of situation I'm in. Where we are.

(Ayumi): "Answer me this. Do you remember the morning...when I hurt my hand?"

(Naomi): "What?"

(Ayumi): "One morning, we were both late to school. Outside trying to have a conversation with each other... and as we were talking, I noticed you couldn't stop looking at my bandages. I mean, me neither! It happened so recently I just couldn't stop thinking about how my hand felt... the feeling was... something I couldn't get used to!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "When we were talking, we also learned what we wanted to do with our lives. Which I learned you were studying to become a nurse. And you learned...my passion...to become an illustrator. I even showed you a few of my personal drawings!... You know?"

(Naomi): "..."

She still looks confused...

But she's not freaking out?...

(Ayumi): "Do you uh, remember any of this?"

Nakashima didn't say a single word. Instead, she aimlessly looked down for a moment and lightly shook her head. Then brought her attention back at me and asked...

(Naomi): "What happened next?"

She's still letting me talk?...

Naho came to mind, though Nakashima's past reactions were also being remembered which made me slid my heel into the sand, deepening a hole large enough that my foot could get stuck. Though I kept reminding myself about the current situation, calmly moving on and avoiding those unnecessary, embarrassing details.

(Ayumi): "We were just talking, but... I kept having this one thought, and I noticed you weren't really acting like yourself compared to the other times. And you had been staying outside so... there had to be some reason that kept you from going to class."

(Naomi): "Yeah?"

(Ayumi): "..."

There's no easy way of saying this...

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "But uh, eventually... it came out that you were having issues. Between someone we knew."

Nakashima flinched, then dimmed her eyes as she spoke with this profound pain digging inside her heart.

(Naomi): "...Who would that be?"

The answer had to been already obvious, but "her" name slipped out of my small lips anyway. Said in a ghostly tone.

(Ayumi): "...Shinohara."

(Naomi): "..."

I waited... expecting something to come out from Nakashima, but the silence became overwhelmingly deafening that I had to check on her. Which her attention remained elsewhere. Across the road. Nothing specific to stare at but the fields. Assuming this was just her sinking in countless thoughts swimming in her head.

Although, one look below, her hands were pinching and yanking on her own sleeves. Shoulders were going up too while her head lowered, making her eyes watch the dusty ground.

Though eventually, she did speak again. But in a ragged tone, sounding as if she just received a low gut punch. One that she was recovering poorly from.

(Naomi): "...Anything else? That we talked about?"

Did they never work out?

...

She's not denying anything I said so far.

But she still looks really confused...

(Ayumi): "Well uh... we did talk about my family. And about your new kitten."

(Naomi): "...?"

She then shook her head and returned her attention to me, looking like she finally found a contradiction.

(Naomi): "I got a kitten? Since when?"

(Ayumi): "Just last night! Or um! The night before that morning! When we were visiting Mochida!"

(Naomi): "..."

Nothing clicked. But I kept going.

(Ayumi): "And when you saw her on his doorstep, you brought her inside and everybody just couldn't stop wanting to pet her! It even gotten to the point that you needed somebody to hold her, or the little thing just couldn't stop following you!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "Do you remember...?"

Nakashima still stroked her head, seemingly searching through her hair to find the "spot" to press that could help her "remember". But as she kept rubbing seamlessly, her eyebrows only knitted closer together in deeper thought.

Which led to an answer that didn't meet one of my theories.

(Naomi): "Sorry... I don't. I don't remember any of the things you're saying..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "Not to say that you are wrong. But these moments you're bringing up, we never had them."

This is more surreal than I thought...!

Even if she didn't remember these events, the thoughts she was having molded her face into this distant stare towards our surroundings. Likely reliving some... traumatic part of her childhood.

(Naomi): "But I did own a cat once. Or um... a kitten, years ago..."

(Ayumi): "Oh yeah?"

(Naomi): "But that's really it. I only owned just one..."

We stood there quietly, but the sounds of sand crunching shattered the tension as those were her taking steps closer to me. And after getting closer, she continued speaking just about the same, if not more nonchalantly.

(Naomi): "What's the kitten's name?"

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Naomi): "Did I name her anything?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah you did actually... you named her as, 'Mei'?"

(Naomi): "...!"

(Ayumi): "It's a name that your dad also came up with. Before he... passed on. Am I right?"

By that moment, slow and soft winds were filling in the silence. And by the silence, I checked Nakashima and noticed that her skin went snow pale. But her eyes, they were also continuously growing greater sizes. And inside them, were overlapped by these large gleams of realization. In a way, showing me that a deep part of her... was finally connecting to what I was saying.

A connection that shouldn't exist, but... here it was. In-front of our own eyes.

However, there were other changes that were...concerning.

Her breaths were becoming shorter and quicker.

Her hands and legs were shaking.

She even took a few steps back... slightly stumbling backwards.

(Ayumi): "...Nakashima?"

(Naomi): "...Who told you?"

(Ayumi): "Huh...?"

(Naomi): "How... how do you know those things...?"

We can't be from the same world.

Her memories don't align with mine.

Yet there are still some consistencies... some roots that make our worlds connect.

(Naomi): "That...that can't be possible...! Nobody's supposed to know that!"

Nakashima then turned to the side with her hands near to her face.

Seemingly looking into them.

(Naomi): "Besides... Seiko. She's supposed to be the only one who knows... nobody else!"

(Ayumi): "You didn't just tell her. We were all there."

(Naomi): "...?"

(Ayumi): "Given the backstory, it's a really important name your father chose. But it seems like you don't have any recollection of you telling us this?"

(Naomi): "No... I don't!"

What does this mean then?

If she doesn't remember, then where does this really take place?

(Naomi): "Who... Who was there exactly...? Who else did I also tell?"

(Ayumi): "Other than me... well, Mochida and his sister... then there's Morishige."

(Naomi): "...?!"

(Ayumi): "Suzumoto. Kishinuma... and of course, Shinohara. The eight of us. All of us were there."

Any moment Nakashima could fall, but instead of standing there and letting that happen, she actually moved to me and placed her hands onto my arms. Where her tortured soul could be felt, channeling through my body with every bit of that deep despair...

(Naomi): "You're not... You're not fucking with me...right?"

(Ayumi): "N-No! Not at all!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "I'm not sure why this is happening, but I just need to know where this moment takes place... I need to know what happened here. Why we're out here..."

(Naomi): "Okay..."

What followed then were her heavy nods, tears welling up in her eyes and tingly numbness to my arms. Due to her holding me so tightly. If not tighter now.

(Naomi): "Okay *Sniffles*"

(Ayumi): "..."

She really looks sad now...

(Naomi): "But if that's true... if you are this, 'other' Shinozaki... *sniffles* Does that mean you'll return to wherever you're from?"

(Ayumi): "Hopefully..."

(Naomi): "Then please, please whatever you do..."

(Ayumi): "Ye-Yeah?"

Before she could speak again, she tried maintaining her breathing. Doing her best to make herself sound clear as possible. Even though she just kept sniffling and shaking.

Which the weight of those thoughts kept her head hanging over, while my uniform began soaking in what I thought were to be rain drops, due to a sudden change of weather. But that wasn't the case. The weather didn't change at all. Those were only... her tears. Spiraling downwards just like... the massive ripples between our worlds. The clashing that will change the shape of our unbending destiny. Into these new forms of, "realities" that will make our situations drastically better or for worse.

But in her upcoming words, oh...

This wasn't just her being emotional.

This was more like her... pleading for her life.

Or rather, for multiple people.

(Naomi): "Please... please, please don't do that charm!"

(Ayumi): "...!"

(Naomi): "Please! Don't do it! Please, please Shinozaki!"

Hearing that, a distant ring sharpened my senses... and then what came were these tangling knots in my stomach. And dizziness that made the world twist and turn around in such speeds that I couldn't tell if it was just my body.

Then my words stumbled their way out, trailing off without realizing I said them.

(Ayumi): "What charm...?"

My confusion caught her off-guard. Which caused her to pull on my sleeves harder, an attempt to have me remember these "memories".

But I didn't have them.

(Naomi): "The... the Sachiko... Ever After charm...!"

Sa-chi-ko?

Ever after?

...

Where have I heard that before...?

And why does it bother me so much?

The name of this charm gave me those familiar, yet unsettling feelings. But I just couldn't remember where I had experienced these set of feelings in my life.

You could say my body... just remembered something I didn't.

(Naomi): "You don't...You don't know what that is? *Sniffles*"

(Ayumi): "Not really, no..."

Before another word, Nakashima released me, took a few steps back and wiped her face half-clean. Then she carried on, speaking more clearly with less stuttering breaths.

(Naomi): "A few weeks ago... on the same day when we celebrated the culture festival, Suzumoto was transferring to different schools. And as a send-off, we decided to do that... charm thing."

Suzumoto moving?

Culture festival...

(Naomi): "Even when it felt kinda odd... we wanted to do it. Since we really thought it'd be fun and helpful for everybody. You know like... to serve as a memento. A reminder that... no matter what direction we went on with our lives, we'd still all be connected by having a piece of it in our belongings. That was the purpose for us doing it..."

For a moment she paused, quivered a bit, then resumed more hoarsely.

(Naomi): "But that didn't change the purpose for why it was made..."

(Ayumi): "Nakashima... I... I don't understand. What does that have to do with our current situation out here?"

(Naomi): "You have no idea, Shinozaki..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "You really have no idea what it dragged us into... what we're still dealing with... every, single day..."

(Ayumi): "I'm sorry, I don't... but could you explain to me more? So that I get a better understanding as to why that relates to this?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

I couldn't see her eyes anymore. They were now covered by her hair.

Her shaking became violently worse, and our conversation went completely mute. Even when it did, her hand reached into her pocket. Grabbing for something... all the while struggling at it.

(Ayumi): "...?"

After enough time, it was now held in the air. What it looked to be...an old flip-phone. Seemingly belonging to her. And as she had it out, she scrolled through for a minute and eventually brought the screen to my face. Revealing me a photo of two girls holding each other. One of them being Nakashima. The other... being someone who had a blurred face. Unrecognizable as it literally had a huge, unnatural blotch covering every inch of their facial features. But judging by the height and the anatomy of the body... it was another female. Who also happen to wear a small, flat hairpin. Even had a hairstyle arranged of having two curls, one on each side. Each hanging right by the ears.

(Ayumi): "..."

Where...have I seen this?

Undoubtedly, I knew who this was. And the "familiar feelings" that continuously linger, were now shooting up my blood pressure even higher. As if I had already seen this distorted image countless times. Somewhere before in my life.

Though there were no clear memories of doing so.

It just felt that way... same feeling gnawing at my face.

Same feeling I got from learning the charm's existence.

Just pure... unsettling familiarity.

Tragedy that crept in the shadows. Lingering in my blind spots. Which in turn, had me building up paranoia that had me feeling so confused...

(Ayumi): "Why are you showing me this...? Is this you and... Shinohara?"

(Naomi): "Yeah that's...Seiko..."

Nakashima then held the phone to her chest and nodded as she kept quivering periodically.

(Naomi): "They are all like this now."

(Ayumi): "All of what...?"

(Naomi): "Our pictures... our videos... everything I have saved of her... they are all the same way."

But why...?

(Naomi): "I've been bringing these up to our teachers, our classmates... and even, my own mom. But none of them can remember her... it's like... her existence has been wiped away clean! It's like she never existed...! *Sniffles*"

(Ayumi): "Why would that be happening...?"

(Naomi): "..."

A pause, but the question had lingered inside her.

Which those eyes of her continued glossing and leaking. While she stumbled on her words again by only allowing her breaths to be heard, until she finally mustered enough strength to continue on with yet another, ambiguous answer.

Every word reflecting that dull, hollow pain that's been incubating for what it seemed like years of having restless nights.

Grieving that decayed her distorted heart into a smaller size. That left the rest of her body into a cold, fragile... hollow cocoon. Echoing those shattered emotions. Suffering in her own web of memories, to remind her that it's all she has.

Trapped.

Abandoned.

For me to witness. Alone.

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* She didn't... *Sniffle* ...She didn't make it out with us."

(Ayumi): "Huh?"

(Naomi): "...Just like our other friends. They didn't get out of there..."

(Ayumi): "Hold on...! You lost me again... what do you mean by what you're saying now?"

Nakashima then lightly shook her head. Then she gradually came out with an explanation.

(Naomi): "The charm I've mentioned a moment ago..."

(Ayumi): "Yeah...?"

(Naomi): "If you perform it... but fail the ritual, it will send us to... a world, outside of our very own."

Like how I got sent here...?

(Naomi): "But not just to any world..."

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Naomi): "A world that shouldn't be possible to reach in any normal circumstances. Filled of malice and death."

Malice and death...?

(Naomi): "Mostly occupied by vengeful spirits, and an afterlife where anyone who dies there, permanently becomes a part of that world. Reliving the pains of their deaths, over and over... and over... every single moment without a moment for them to rest."

What is she saying right now...?!

(Naomi): "But we were there. We've went through... a lot. Only to come out losing a few of our friends. Along with their existences..."

None of this can be true!

But...

Why else would she be saying all this...?

She can't be lying...

Why would she lie?...

(Naomi): "We are the only ones who survived from there. The only ones who can tell the tale that... nobody will believe in anyway."

(Ayumi): "...Survived?"

(Naomi): "..."

The realization finally clicked in.

(Ayumi): "No... that can't be... are you saying... those who died there, are the ones who get erased? Forgotten...?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"

Nakashima nodded in hopelessness.

Now I had a better understanding as to why we are out here, and why Nakashima had been behaving so remorseful. Which led to more, discomforting thoughts. That made me feel more involved to these emotional up comings considering that... there couldn't be anyone else who had this sort of background to suggest a "charm".

Nobody else at our school was interested in this stuff. Only I was...

(Ayumi): "..."

I didn't know what else to say, neither as Nakashima, given by how silent it became.

But... it wasn't too long until a whisper could be heard.

(Naomi): "Even to this day... I still don't get how you could forgive me..."

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Naomi): "It's all my fault, you know?"

Initially I thought she was talking to me.

But Nakashima had her phone screen directed to her own face, talking to the girl who... once existed in this world. Even though she wasn't around, Nakashima kept talking to her, as if she was trying to get her words to reach wherever this Shinohara was at now.

(Naomi): "The entire time... You... You were doing your best to keep us safe... to keep us motivated. Even when you were more afraid, more worried than I was...you kept trying to make everything better..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "...But me? What did I do for you?"

Nakashima's hands were now shaking a lot...

(Ayumi): "Nakashima..."

In any moment, Nakashima could fall on her knees, just going by how much she was shaking on her weak footing. Concerning me enough that I moved up to her and rested my hands on her arms.

This didn't change anything though. The weight in her memories were just too heavy for her that she couldn't hold her body up anymore, leading her to fall into me and bury her face into my chest.

(Ayumi): "Hey, hey...it's alright!"

(Naomi): "*No...! *Sniffles* No it's not...!"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "I lost the most, important part of my life... and the only reason why I'm still alive! Yet...she isn't! And she's not here because...because of me! Because of how I was! Because of what I... what I said to her! What I done to her...!"

(Ayumi): "Nakashima, you can't blame yoursel-"

(Naomi): "Yes! Yes, I can! She literally DIED by my own, bare hands!"

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* If it weren't for me... she wouldn't be there suffering! She would be here instead! She would be at home with her family! She would be...She would be alive right now! She would be living her own life! But I took that away from her! *Sob*"

She was definitely not getting any better.

This was an injured girl who was bleeding in my arms. And all she could do was admit to her sins. Passionately expressing her regrets, hoping her words could change some aspect of this hollow reality.

Hatch her from this... "cocoon" and into a new spring of life. Or rather, to revive one that got lost in the Winter.

But they were just words reflected by a broken heart. And those shattered pieces from her heart, kept piling in the atmosphere from every staggering breath she took. Showing more that nothing... could replace those missing fragments.

For her, nothing could fill, or even cover that endless...rupturing void. As she continued showing me what was missing.

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Her life... Her existence is all gone because of me, Shinozaki! Because of me...!"

(Ayumi): "Hey now, don't say that..."

(Naomi): "There's...*Sniffles* There's so much you don't know...! *Sniffles* *Sob*"

(Ayumi): "You're right, but you need to calm down."

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Huaaaaghhhh...! *Deep sobbing*"

(Ayumi): "Listen to me. You never wanted it to be this way, right?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* *Sob* Of course not! Why are you...Why are you even asking me that question?!..."

(Ayumi): "Now think about her. Do you think she ever wants to see you hurting like this?"

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Not really... I mean... No... that wouldn't...*Sniffles* That wouldn't be like her. She wouldn't...want this from me!"

(Ayumi): "What would she want for you?"

(Naomi): "Hhhhaaa... *Sniffles*"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "To... to keep my head up, and...and smile. *Sniffles* Look forward to days... move on. Do new things *Sniffles* Improve myself, for the better and...and live my own life."

(Ayumi): "There you go! Keep remembering that!"

(Naomi): "But... *Sniffles* But Shinozaki...! That's not enough...! I can't...I can't stop feeling like this! *Sniffles* *Sob* The pain hurts so much! Medicine doesn't even stop it!"

Medicine...

Nakashima was really losing herself. Her breathing became pure gasps. Her body kept vibrating and loosening from my grip which she actually ended up hitting her knees on the solid ground.

I didn't let her collapse completely though. I tried keeping her up in my arms

But that damaged heart of hers kept bleeding out... letting herself believe that she truly lost everything. That her own life had no more meaning.

A wandering soul with no purpose left on this world.

That's what she kept pushing for me to believe by her mourning.

And she just kept going... and sobbing...

(Naomi): "All I ever do...do now is just... look back! *Sniffles* *Sob* Look at what I could've done differently! But that's all I can do! I look back and...and it changes nothing! Because those moments aren't real!... *Sniffles* *Sob* Just like what they always tell me! *Sob*"

(Ayumi): "Nakashima..."

(Naomi): "But what I feel isn't made up! Those memories... they are...they are real! They have to be! Or I wouldn't be feeling like this, every single day!"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "...It's all... it's all I have left of her...!"

I didn't know what else to say.

But even if I had the words, nothing could change what she's dealing with.

The best I can do was comfort her until she's done.

(Naomi): "I want Seiko back...! I want...I want to speak to her! *Sniffles* At least...One last time!"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "*Deep sobbing*"

I patted her head and rubbed her back.

(Ayumi): "Let it all out."

(Naomi): "*Sob* I'm sorry you...you have to see this...! *Sniffles* *Deep sobbing*"

(Ayumi): "Shhhh, don't apologize! It's okay just... just let it all out. It's what you need to do."

Her sobbing went on for several minutes. And gradually, those cries went to just sniffles.

I was utterly speechless. The whole scene made me felt physically drained that I wanted to lie down on the road.

Yet somehow, I was able to stand again with her.

(Ayumi): "..."

This is crazy...

Shinohara can't be dead...

That's just... not reality...

...

What the hell really happened?

Who else...died?

How? Why?...

Those would've been great questions to ask, but I couldn't bear to have Nakashima let out like that again.

She needed to recover at least a little bit, or she might just pass out.

But then I considered asking that one, specific question, once more.

(Ayumi): "So... what are we doing all the way out here?"

(Naomi): "...To find answers. *Sniffles*"

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Naomi): "We are trying to... we are trying to undo all this."

(Ayumi): "By doing what exactly...?"

(Naomi): "By finding the Shinozaki estate..."

Shinozaki...estate?

My family name...

Why is my family name involved...?

That can't be the case...

Can it?...

(Naomi): "It's apparently the source for the charm. The place where it got created. So, we're trying to find this place. Hoping that we could learn something to... to fix some of this."

(Ayumi): "Was I the one who brought this up?"

(Naomi): "Yeah... after everything, you've been doing a lot of research."

(Ayumi): "..."

So, we're also here because of me...

Because... of me.

(Naomi): "But it doesn't look like we're going to find this place anyway... it's getting too dark..."

She was right. The night sky had already taken over. Signaled by a few shiny stars and the sun being almost completely blocked out. And there was also the moon, revealed very faintly and gradually taking up space.

Becoming the light for our surroundings.

(Naomi): "Plus we need to sort out what you're going through..."

(Ayumi): "Right..."

(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Anyway... let's walk back."

(Ayumi): "Alright..."

So that's what we did.

We walked.

Walking on the empty road, side-to-side... mostly staying silent in deep thoughts, but one moment came of Nakashima asking questions about the night we... I had yesterday.

(Naomi): "So about that night... when I adopted that kitten. Were we having like a party at Satoshi's house?"

(Ayumi): "You could say that! Originally though, it was supposed to be just me and him. When I went out to grab snacks for us, I met the others and they wanted to see him too. So, it became like uh, an improvised snack party!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "Was I... with the others? Before we got there?"

(Ayumi): "You weren't. You actually came at your own time. Earlier than us actually! Since you were planning to visit him too!"

(Naomi): "Really?"

(Ayumi): "Mmhm!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "So... I went all by myself. Not even with like... Seiko?"

(Ayumi): "Just you...!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "Did something happened between us...?"

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Naomi): "Between me and Seiko... you said she was also there, but we didn't walk there together... and we like... go everywhere together, you know?"

(Ayumi): "No doubt!"

(Naomi): "And earlier you said... we were talking about my feelings... of her."

Oh, she noticed that...

(Naomi): "So... what happened to us?"

I didn't have to lie, but...

(Ayumi): "I can't say for certain... but when we were at Mochida's, both of you got together and had an amazing time! That I could say as much!"

(Naomi): "..."

Even telling the truth felt as bad.

As if anything I said would be coming out as lies.

No matter how I phrased it.

(Ayumi): "..."

She still looks terrible...

Even though Nakashima was, she immediately put on a grin. Not well enough to mask the pain.

(Naomi): "Well that's good to hear...!"

(Ayumi): "..."

I should've been more subtle...

It went quiet, but more of that stuff we talked about from earlier kept reminding me. Which had me feeling like I was still missing some important, key details. That I had to keep asking for more information. Just in case.

(Ayumi): "So um... this 'world' you talked about. What does it even look like?"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "Does it happen to revolve around a place we know? Or is it like... something you'd see in horror movies?"

The little bit of mood we had then had to be completely killed off by this point. Judging by her face being covered by her own hair. And the slower pacing in her movements. The... severe lack of energy overall.

Though her next words had me perked up. A name that I would never imagine to be related to these circumstances.

(Naomi): "Heavenly Host Elementary."

(Ayumi): "Come again...?"

Her monotone voice continued. Spouting out what sounded to be...indisputable truth.

(Naomi): "Before Kisaragi Academy, there used to be another building called, 'Heavenly Host Elementary'. Another school, before ours. And a certain, vengeful spirit that goes by the name 'Sachiko', dragged us into there. Or like... she dragged us into a purgatory based off that building."

(Ayumi): "..."

Is she really saying those stories... play a part to everything that's went down?

(Naomi): "During our time there, we uncovered that... her and her mother were actually murdered by the principal of that school. Later on, he committed suicide due to the curses that were left behind by their family. While in the real world, Sachiko eventually started kidnapping students and killing them. Eventually causing the school to shut down, and ever since then... horror stories revolved around this stuff. And we... we happened to be the few who discovered the truth."

What the fuck...

(Naomi): "You asked..."

(Ayumi): "...And I'm still having a hard time accepting all this!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "More importantly... How...How did any of this even get discovered?... Like the charm... how did that come about?"

(Naomi): "Naho."

(Ayumi): "...!"

And just like that I started losing control of my breathing.

I even had my hand on my chest, holding myself and slowing down on my steps.

More than that. My heart felt like it was pounding against my rib cage. Giving me these "vibrations" that tickled areas of my lower back. But not in a good way.

(Naomi): "On her website. There's a post that has specific instructions on how to purposely fail the charm."

That's when I instantly stopped on my tracks and dug into my pocket for an unfamiliar phone, seemingly belonging to me. Which I held it in my hands and stared at it for a moment, then slowly I scrolled through, finding... the background menu to be a picture of me and my older sis. A very, unrecognizable picture of us standing in-front of a bookcase. Though the surroundings gave it away as it was the manga cafe we used to go to often together. But it was just... a place we never taken photos at before.

But eventually I found the "app" of Naho's website. That being, "Naho's Nod to the Netherworld". On there, I searched and discovered that... it was indeed an actual post. And it being the last post ever created. Being around three-to-four months of no activity.

Realizing the date, both from the website and the phone's... it was one year ahead of my time. Meaning that these events will happen near the end of our second year. In November.

Currently, in this "world", we were a few days from turning December.

(Ayumi): "..."

Naho never stops posting...

That can't be...

(Naomi): "She died there."

(Ayumi): "Huh?!..."

(Naomi): "Naho died in that school too. She went there to find her mentor, but in the end... they were both found dead. Right by each other."

(Ayumi): "...No!"

(Naomi): "I don't think it was necessarily her though. It might've been the school's influence that took her over, which lead her to make that post-"

(Ayumi) "No!"

(Naomi): "...?"

(Ayumi): "This is...This is too much! I can't believe Naho would ever- There's no way!"

(Naomi): "It's what happened... she lost herself to the school."

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

(Naomi): "In that place, the people who constantly deal with negative emotions eventually succumbed into a... zombified state. Naho's mentor called it... 'The darkening'. And her, involving the other few there who were alive... pretty much lost their lives to it."

This is too much...

(Naomi): "I could get the others to talk to you about this."

(Ayumi): "Others...?"

(Naomi): "Yeah, Satoshi... his sister and Kishinuma. The five of us are the only ones who escaped. Only us."

(Ayumi): "..."

Then I had to...ask.

(Ayumi): "How many of us did we lose?... Wh-Who else?"

(Naomi): "*Sigh*... Our homeroom teacher Ms. Yui, and our three other friends... You already know one of them."

(Ayumi): "The other two...?"

(Naomi): "Morishige and Suzumoto."

How?...

(Naomi): "You had to be there. Which um, you were... but yeah. A lot of screwed up things happened to us. It's best you don't know the details. Trust me..."

Though Nakashima's reactions were all genuine, a part of me just didn't want to accept this, even if I were to hear it from the "others". Regardless, if they were all telling the same story... A part of me just wanted to find a contradiction.

Which I sort of did, by accident... by looking at my phone again, realizing the existence of "that" website and having this certain thought.

I couldn't accept Naho, our friends... being "dead".

But I also couldn't accept them living out... a painful purgatory, inside "Heavenly Host". That world. Wherever it may be...

(Ayumi): "I have another question..."

(Naomi): "Ask away."

(Ayumi): "If Naho... if Naho...died inside that place. How come we can still see her blogs? Why do we still remember her...?"

(Naomi): "That's actually the biggest reason why we're out here."

(Ayumi): "It is...?"

(Naomi): "Yeah... you were actually the one who brought up that point. For some reason, she... and even her mentor, are still able to keep their existences. But we don't know why. It's just something you pointed out..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of this."

Why Naho?... Why?

How could you let this happen?

(Naomi): "I know, everything must sound crazy coming out of my mouth... heh, I'm kinda used to that already..."

(Ayumi): "I believe you... I'm just having a hard time, processing everything..."

(Naomi): "I'm sure you are..."

(Ayumi): "..."

No wonder why she let me talk earlier...

What I'm going through... doesn't compare what they've been through... what they still are going through.

For the remainder of our walk, we went mute. Walking for about a half an hour until we reached the train station.

(Ayumi): "..."

Kishi?...

Kishi Station.

I need to remember this.

Then we bought our tickets. Then entered our train. Then took the nearest seats, far from the other passengers. Comfortably taking in the calming atmosphere as everyone onboard were quiet and minding their own businesses. Most to be seen on their phones. With the exception of a few reading books or staring at random areas inside.

And eventually, my body began feeling these smooth, vibrations around my seat. Meaning that the train had finally begun accelerating. Gliding through the tracks and now creating those soothing sounds from outside. Rails being cycled over and over...

Which the two of us, remained quiet. Though the bright yet warm lighting, the strong odor of brown sugar that's been purifying the air, and the clear view across us... of the tall mountains, and the big moon hanging over them, illuminating life above those frosty clouds... all had made me feel... weaker.

Then I began imagining a... beautiful, ballad song, playing in the background.

A song I've heard from somewhere.

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "..."

And suddenly... I felt a grip over my hand.

(Ayumi): "...?"

As it was Nakashima. She was holding it over to her lap, followed by her offering me an odd request.

(Naomi): "Can you... Can you take me with you?"

(Ayumi): "...Take you?"

(Naomi): "You're not from here, so maybe... maybe if I keep holding you like this, maybe I'll be in your world too?"

(Ayumi): "Why would you..."

Half-way on my words, the realization kicked in. Then I just froze and drifted my attention towards the empty seat right by her.

(Naomi): "To see Seiko one last time..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "..."

(Ayumi): "...I don't think that can happen."

Just like that, her eyes crystalized...coaxed by those innocent tears. Which was making it difficult to keep my gaze at her.

(Naomi): "Why not...? You're here..."

(Ayumi): "Yeah... but that doesn't mean I could return back. I could be stuck here too..."

(Naomi): "..."

Stuck here...

Then we got quiet, but her grip on my hand got tighter. As her words softly brushed against my cheek. Painting me in more of that overwhelming drowsiness.

(Naomi): "If you happen to return without me... then could you... could you tell her how much I miss her?"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Naomi): "I would love for her to know that I... that I'm still here. Always thinking about her."

(Ayumi): "..."

This is so hard to sit through...

(Naomi): "Could you...?"

I couldn't meet her eyes.

I knew it would be impossible to carry out those exact words to Shinohara since... we were from two completely, separate worlds, and in completely, separate situations.

And after what I was told, after everything we...they went through, the likelihood of returning drastically shrunk.

This could literally be my new life. Picking up where everything already happened.

Leading a new life... of being another version of me.

An imposter... leading a fake life.

(Ayumi): "..."

I was unable to think.

But Nakashima reeled me back in. Reminded me where we were.

(Naomi): "Could you at least just... just remind me. Remind the other me...what I have with... Seiko? So, I... she doesn't... take her for granted as well?"

(Ayumi): "Absolutely..."

(Naomi): "...!"

(Ayumi): "And I'll do whatever it takes to prevent all this."

(Naomi): "Thank you...!"

(Ayumi): "..."

And from then on, Nakashima rested her head on my shoulder... just exactly like how she did this morning. And she never once pulled off from me.

She just rested on there as my eyes got heavier.

And then... her eyes went shut.

(Naomi): "..."

And then mine went shut too.

(Ayumi): "..."

But even more...

Every sense I had, were no longer connecting to anything.

The feeling of Nakashima's warm and soft body... The feeling of those comfy, vibrating seats. The feeling of that soothing, light pressure in my eyes. The smell of the sweet, brown sugar... the taste of nothing in my saliva... The sounds of the train smoothly cycling to our home.

All of that was gone.

You could say I was becoming...unborn.

Becoming unborn as in... being "erased", just like the existences of our friends.

And I couldn't do anything about it...

Fate had me in its hands. And it could do anything with me...

(Ayumi): "..."

It was pitch-black, but then... I started "feeling" again. The feeling of...heaviness laying on my closed eyes. Which led me to gradually open them to see light, mostly all in blur. Waking up from what it felt like... a bed, as my entire body was compressed by blankets, with a soft mattress underneath me, holding my small, weak body.

Then came the metallic ringing within my ears, and a disoriented voice that could be faintly heard as it sounded deep, yet not deep enough to mask that femininity behind the tone. And there was even a sweet, tarty taste in my own saliva.

Took a few seconds before I realized it was the school nurse, calling for my attention.

"Shinozaki? Sweetie? Hey?"

Her name of course being, Hiromi Imada.

A beautiful lady in her early 30s, who has been employed here for the last few years.

Checking up on me just like any of the other students at school.

(Hiromi): "Shinozaki? Are you able to hear me?"

Everything was clear again.

Besides... the pounding in my head. That had me kept my right eye shut.

I even rubbed my head to try calming the pain down.

(Ayumi): "...Ye-Yeah?"

Gradually I sat myself up. Then looked at my hands and saw... my bandages.

I'm back...

"Is she really- Oh my God! Shinozaki! You're awake!"

(Ayumi): "...?"

I turned to that familiar, warm voice, and it was no other than Shinohara. Who was seen living and breathing, unlike what I was told mere moments ago? Though her hands were occupied. Holding onto...something that means a lot to her.

That being... a part of Nakashima, her hand. Which I then recognized that Nakashima was occupying on one of the other beds besides mine. But... she was still unconscious.

But they weren't the only ones in the room. Morishige and a few other students were seen in the background, slowly approaching to my bedside. Watching me like if a miracle had been performed.

(Ayumi): "Shinohara... you guys... Nakashima...? What... happened?"

From there I was given the rundown of what occurred. After their explanations, the nurse examined me. While the rest were there, silently witnessing the examinations.

The nurse of course had me answer questions like...

"Are you feeling any pain in your body?"

"How did you injure your hand?"

"Have you been eating? Drinking? Staying hydrated?"

"Have you ever fainted in the past?"

"Are you allergic to anything?"

"Is there a family history of hypotension?"

"Are you taking any medications?"

"Have you smoked or taken any alcohol substances?", tons of those questions.

Then after answering those, I gave my side of the story. Told them everything I could remember, well besides... that vision, or dream, or whatever I had...

Although, when our blood pressure gotten checked, the nurse believed we collapsed due to having "hypotension", and that maybe me and Nakashima didn't take our health seriously.

Inadequate care, she thought.

Which led the nurse to bring up Nakashima's history of bad anxiety, along with my history of anemia that involved episodes of me suffering hyperventilation.

So that was the verdict given to us, but not everybody agreed on that conclusion.

Shinohara spoke up in objection. A deep, yet unfamiliar tone... that showed some frustration. A tone that you would never expect out of someone that's always found as upbeat and goofy.

(Seiko): "But... But that doesn't make sense!"

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Seiko): "Naomi and Shinozaki... they both passed out! At the same time! How can that be becuz of low blood pressure?! There must be something wrong in their drinks!"

(Hiromi): "It might be hard to believe, but that's what happened sweetie!"

(Seiko): "..."

(Hiromi): "These two have been working really hard at school! It's just a huge coincidence that they both-"

(Seiko): "Where's Naomi's drink?"

From that moment, Shinohara released Nakashima and in lightning speed, grabbed for the supposed "tainted" beverage.

(Hiromi): "Sweetie, please calm down! The drinks are safe!"

The words didn't reach in time as Shinohara chugged the remainders, then dropped the can into the liter basket.

(Seiko): "If they are... then I should be okay, right?"

(Hiromi): "Shinohara, you will be fine! I know you really care for your friend! But they both are okay!"

(Seiko): "Then why isn't SHE awake yet...?!"

(Hiromi): "Her body is just resting!"

(Seiko): "..."

No word from me.

I was still trying to wrap my head around on what happened earlier. What caused for me and Nakashima to be in this situation.

Some part of me wanted to believe it was just mere coincidence, and that maybe it was just whatever the nurse had suggested.

I wanted to believe her and leave it behind us.

That would be so easy...

But what I felt in that hallway, what was... lingering... and experiencing that "other" world...I knew there had to be a lot more to it.

(Ayumi): "..."

Sachiko Ever After Charm...?

Sachiko... the spirit. And her mother died? Murdered? By the principal?

The darkening...

Naho... Mr Kibiki... dead...

Our friends... the homeroom teacher...

Heavenly... Host Elementary...

Purgatory...

Shinozaki Estate...

I was deep in thought, remembering everything what me and the "other" Nakashima had discussed.

Though it wasn't long before I was brought back to reality. Once a different voice spoke. The voice belonging to our other friend who... was also on that "list".

(Sakutaro): "Shinohara, she will eventually be conscious again. What we can do for now is let her rest, and go back to our classes an-"

(Seiko): "I'm not going back..."

(Sakutaro): "..."

(Seiko): "...Not until Naomi's awake! I just can't leave her alone... I need to be here for her..."

Morishige looked at me and I gave him the "don't bother" gesture.

The nurse didn't refuse either, so Shinohara was left alone there... staying by Nakashima's side for what it seemed... ALL day.

Morning to noon. Never leaving the room.

I thought maybe lunch period would be the time she would have her own break, just so she can have something in her system.

But oh no.

Food wasn't on her mind.

She continued watching over Nakashima like a worried mother, watching her sleeping baby.

Teenage baby?

(Ayumi): "Shinohara?"

(Seiko): "...Yeah Shinozaki?"

(Ayumi): "I can watch over her while you get your food!"

(Seiko): "I'm fine! I'm not really hungry!"

(Ayumi): "..."

This girl totally loves her...

What made Nakashima doubt their friendship together?

With my own food already in my hands I left the bento box on the clear counter.

(Ayumi): "Well it's here when you want it!"

(Seiko): "...? But that's your food?"

(Ayumi): "It's yours now!"

(Seiko): "..."

Shinohara then let her attention trail off with some... confliction. Jabbing at her on the side.

But that demeanor changed once I reassured her, which in return she redirected her eyes to me, and presented a beautiful, healing smile.

(Ayumi): "I'm grabbing another box for myself anyway so... Just focus on eating and let me take that after you're done, okay?"

(Seiko): "...Thanks Shinozaki!"

(Ayumi): "Mmhm!"

Soon enough, I found myself outside the infirmary. Although, I didn't want to move on with my day as those uncomfortable thoughts kept me glued to the door.

(Ayumi): "..."

You must be going through the same thing.

Probably visiting another world... just like me.

But it's been so long...

...

What's keeping you from waking up?

Then the "other" Nakashima would remind me of her existence, as if I can still feel her clinging onto me. Holding me and crying into my arms about her worst nightmare. Begging for me to not make this "mistake". And just by remembering how she felt, I started to lose all energy I had in my body... where I then ended up on the floor sitting with my legs up. With my eyes staring at the cloudy floor. Fixating my attention on the border that connected the floor and wall with my arms crossed over my knees. Trying to hold myself together.

(Ayumi): "..."

I'm the soul reason for Shinohara's death... and the lives of our classmates... our homeroom teacher...

Along with their existences... to be wiped.

And for them to suffer... every waking moment, inside that world...

...

Why would I ever allow for something like that to happen?

For what purpose?

...

And why would people not remember those who died?

How does that relate to a charm?

It just... can't be a charm.

It has to be some sort of black magic... some curse... a gateway...

...

But coming from ME?

No...

It has to be some huge oversight...

There's just no way I would put anybody in that kind of danger knowingly...

Wouldn't I have done more research beforehand? Wouldn't I have spoken to sis?

...

But... Naho...

Why would her and Mr. Kibiki go to a world like that in the first place?

They couldn't just get out when it became too dangerous?...

She's supposed to be a prodigy... what could've gotten her to "lose control"?

...

I have to be missing more information...

The discomfort was eating at me. Leading me to pull out my phone and search through Naho's blogging app, finding that the charm didn't exist...

No mere mention of that or any background of 'Heavenly Host Elementary", or even the "Shinozaki Estate".

(Ayumi): "..."

I guess Naho hasn't researched any of these things yet.

Actually, it would take about a year until she discovers the charm.

By then, maybe I can get in contact with her before... it's too late.

But first things first... I need to see sis!

I have to get her here to help Nakashima!

Minutes went by, then I found myself outside, calling my sister where nobody could see or hear me.

(Ayumi): "*Sigh*"

I have to give her the full story...

Even if I get scolded... this is too important to leave out any details...!

(Ayumi): "...Okay."

I waited and waited... but she didn't pick up.

What could be heard then was her voice message playing through the speaker. A comforting yet uneasy feeling considering I love my sister but fearing how much damage I'll do to our sisterly bond.

(Hinoe): "Hello! This is Hinoe Shinozaki! If you are hearing this, then that means I am too occupied to make the call! Please leave a message after the beep, and later I'll get back to you! Have a great day!"

I just need to tell her the truth!

I'm sure I can make it up to her later...

Once I heard the "beep", my insides turned into knots.

(Ayumi): "...Sis! There's something I really need to tell you! Me and a friend ended up in the nurse's office. Don't worry! I'm doing fine now! But... my friend hasn't woken up yet and I'm starting to think the reason why is because... well it's because... I told her about our, 'background'. But I didn't stop there... I even told her about the visions I've been having. I just... I just said enough... I'm really worried... and I really need you right now...!"

I was shaking really bad that even the phone started slipping through my hands.

(Ayumi): "I'm really sorry sis... I really hope you can get back to me soon and... do your thing... Anyway, love you! Bye..."

After hanging up, I then fidgeted couple times before I crossed my arms, then paced on the school deck a few minutes before I resumed back to lunch. Though I really didn't eat my bento meal. Same can be said for Shinohara as her tray had hardly been picked apart.

(Seiko): "Yup! My stomach gave up too soon... Hope you forgive me!"

(Ayumi): "Hey no worries! At least you ate something!"

(Seiko): "I sure did! Thanks to you, my body will now keep quiet! Hopefully for the rest of the day!"

Hopefully not all day...

(Seiko): "Anyway! I owe you one, miss vice president!"

(Ayumi): "Oh no need! It's all good! Really! But I am gonna go for now. I'll check by again later!"

(Seiko): "Okie dokie! Take it easy!"

Shinohara seemed to have everything under control, but after walking out the room and gently closing the door behind me, her true feelings were gradually slipping out of her sleeves, as I could see her frown and her distant gaze, forming as I was still watching her through the glass.

The girl was definitely suffering.

(Ayumi): "*Sigh*"

After that, the day went by kindaaa fast.

Well not really...

The news of what happened today spread around like wildfires that everyone who I came in contact would just ask about the smoke and its direction. Each interruption delaying my activities as I had to explain the situation countless.

It was getting very stressful that I needed to go outside for fresh air... but then, an unexpected visitor came to my door... someone who shouldn't be here!

"Shinozaki!"

(Ayumi): "...! Mochida! You're actually here!"

The stressing... The constant confusion... The depression... were all finally gone.

At least just for this one moment...

The moment I could finally be comforted.

(Satoshi): "I told you I was coming back!"

I didn't hold myself back.

My arms wrapped around him, and I kept pushing into his body until there was no space left between us. Until I could feel every bit of his everlasting warmth, his beating heart... just...everything.

But putting him into this position caused him to go quiet and stiff. Understandably since we've never been this up-close before.

(Satoshi): "..."

It didn't take long for him to give in.

Eventually he relaxed and his arms met my body.

Hugging me...

Holding me...

(Ayumi): "You don't know how happy I am to see you again! Today's been really chaotic...!"

"We've heard."

(Ayumi): "...?"

Recognizing that we weren't alone, instantly I released Mochida and did what I could to hide my blushes.

One hand over my face, as I began to notice that the third party who spoke was Kishinuma, who had been positioned with his back faced towards us, seemingly tensed just by the movement in his legs and shoulders.

He seemed upset at something... but they eventually filled me in about the rumors going around, thus changing our destinations to go and see Nakashima.

A walk to the infirmary.

(Ayumi): "..."

Even in these poor circumstances, we are being brought together.

It's as if we are destined to be friends.

Does that mean... we will actually have the same homeroom next year?

Along the way, Kishinuma kept "peeking over" my shoulder.

I couldn't understand why he paid so much attention, until I caught him staring at my bandages.

(Yoshiki): "What happened to you there?"

Why would you even care?

(Satoshi): "...?"

(Ayumi): "I cut myself by accident."

(Yoshiki) "Ah... Damn... well those bandages make you look more badass!"

(Ayumi): "Um... thanks?"

What kind of comment is that?

You NEVER say that to a girl!

Then again... how would he know? He doesn't talk to any of them!

...

That smell...

Why does he smell like diesel?

(Satoshi): "That does look painful... is your hand doing better since then?"

(Ayumi): "...!"

Even though Mochida had encountered that... body situation, and was left traumatized for these last few weeks, it seemed his former self had finally returned to our lives.

At the best time too.

And given by his innocent concerns, the joy I felt was so foreign that my burning face had a hard time keeping a smile. It even brought me to stroke one of my pigtails. A sensation that became so overwhelming that I could be gliding through the skies without really knowing it.

(Ayumi): "Heh-Heh! Yeeeaah! A looooot better since you're asking!"

(Yoshiki): "...?"

Oh God!

Shut up!

(Ayumi): "Or uh I mean! It hasn't been really hurting! I could barely tell if there's any pain! See?"

I lifted my hand high enough for his attention and made some movements to show off its recovery. Perfectly normal movements. But I was still dealt with a slight pinch. A sore right at the center of the palm, underlining the scab.

(Ayumi): "No excruciating, agony on this hand!"

(Satoshi): "That's good! But you shouldn't be moving it around too much... it could open up again, you know?"

(Ayumi): "You're absolutely right! I'll be more careful!"

He's so worried about me...!

Heh-heh!

Now my eyes weren't looking ahead anymore. And my steps were becoming slower... until a certain weight could be felt against my back.

(Ayumi): "...!"

What am I doing?!

(Satoshi): "...Shinozaki?"

We didn't just stop, but he also grabbed onto my sides and held me to his chest. Keeping me... safe from falling. Although I had already fallen... long, long ago.

(Ayumi): "Oh God!"

(Satoshi): "Are you okay?"

(Ayumi): "Y-Yeah, yeah I'm fine! Sorry, I just lost my focus for a second there!"

(Yoshiki): "*Sigh*"

Eventually we reached to our destination, and inside, found ourselves Shinohara, still accompanying our out cold friend.

The nurse however was nowhere to be found.

After a few quick exchanges to her, the rest of us approached Nakashima's bed and stared at her slumber.

(Satoshi): "...So the rumors are true."

(Yoshiki): "And you didn't tell us?"

Hearing that made me want to shout at Kishinuma. Tempting as it was, I knew I had to be a NORMAL human being for Mochida and Shinohara.

(Ayumi): "I didn't want you guys to worry... but I guess that wasn't the right choice."

(Seiko): "Naomi wouldn't want more people worrying."

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Seiko): "That's just like her... she hates the thought of being in the way of others. So really, you were doing what she wanted."

If I learned anything today... Nakashima does hate being the root for someone's pain, or for their problems.

She really didn't want to come in today...due to whatever issues they've had in the past.

Even... the other Nakashima, blamed herself for... what happened.

"By my own, bare hands"...

(Yoshiki): "Does the nurse know when she'll be awake?"

(Seiko): "*Sigh*"

And of course...

The ass continues to speak!

Not knowing the right things to say!

(Yoshiki): "...?"

(Ayumi): "The nurse really didn't give us an exact time. We're just waiting for Nakashima when she does..."

(Yoshiki): "Alright."

By that given answer, Shinohara squeezed Nakashima's hand tighter from what I could see, and then taking a look at the guys, well... Kishinuma was unphased, he seemed more... focused on the medical cabinet. While for Mochida, he kept gazing over the bed hesitantly. Seemingly denying the reality of this situation.

I wanted to hold the poor guy...

I wanted to recompensate for his troubles...

Which I then took a few steps closer to his direction, hoping that I could rest my hands over his arm, and comfort him like how he did for me before we got here.

I know how comforting that feeling is... and I know it had to mean a great deal if it came from me.

But right before I could make any sort of advancements, he asked me a question that pulled me back into that oven heat. Where it felt like millions of tiny irons were scorching my insides. While having my nerves being pulled and twisted around like balloons, forming shapes that made my lungs choke by the sheer size and thick pressure of them.

Though I wasn't choking, it just felt like I was breathing through a broken straw that I had to use my mouth instead of my nose. Bad as that sounds already, even my vision became blurry, here and there.

The pressure was like being swallowed by an ocean that I couldn't stay afloat of.

(Satoshi): "How did this happen...?"

(Yoshiki): "...?"

It was getting to me.

I had to calm down.

(Ayumi): "...I can't really say. We were both getting to know each other. Then at one point, I suddenly felt extremely dizzy. I closed my eyes and before I knew it, I found myself in one of these beds."

The stutter in Mochida's movements caught me off guard. Especially how low his voice got as if he was experiencing even more pain.

(Satoshi): "...You too? I'm sorry to hear that..."

(Ayumi): "Oh don't be! I'm glad that you asked! I'm still trying to get over it."

(Seiko): "..."

Shinohara shrugged as she looked even more in distress. However, Kishinuma had his eyes on me. Giving me one of the most serious looks that I've ever seen. As if he's been paying attention to every word.

(Yoshiki): "Does that mean you and Nakashima were running late? Both of you didn't walk here with us today."

I flashed my bandaged hand.

(Yoshiki): "Ah."

(Ayumi): "I ran into an accident at home, so yeah, it's the reason why I couldn't make it to class. Nakashima had also faced some problems, so we ended up meeting each other along the way."

(Seiko): "Right outside the entranceway. Isn't that right, Shinozaki?"

Shinohara's stare was becoming stronger. Those big eyes were looking for all the reason to make sense of this situation, but every time I added in something, it seemed to bother her, more and more.

(Ayumi): "Correct! That's where we met. She got here before I did, and well... we just got to know each other a bit better! Eventually we went inside. Had ourselves something to drink, and yeah!"

(Yoshiki): "Were you both alone?"

(Ayumi): "Pretty much, yeah. It was just me and Nakashima."

(Yoshiki): "Hmm."

What I've said didn't seem to convince anybody in the room, as my retelling was just too normal to fit with the strange outcome. Understandably so, but they continued voicing their thoughts.

(Satoshi): "I still don't understand... has the nurse specified what caused you both to faint?"

I held my skirt, holding it tightly as I tried to not break up.

(Ayumi): "Going by her words... 'low blood pressure' was what did it. She did also say it had to do with something about our backgrounds."

(Satoshi): "Backgrounds...?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah... Nakashima's anxiety. My anemia. But the nurse recently phoned Nakashima's mother and she was told that she had been staying up very late, for the last few days? The lack of sleep... um, could be the reason why she's not awake."

(Satoshi): "Naomi's barely getting sleep...?"

(Ayumi): "That's what her mother said."

(Satoshi): "If that's the case, then I guess all we need to do is wait!"

(Seiko): "*Sigh*"

Shinohara then shook her head and shrugged her body. But Kishinuma returned to investigating around the room, where I eventually caught him holding a familiar can of soda, which so happened to be mine from earlier.

The nurse surprisingly didn't toss them away, but seeing Kishinuma having it now in his filthy hands, was triggering me more than anything...

It's like the guy's best talent is causing bad dilemmas.

(Ayumi): "That belongs to me by the way!"

(Yoshiki): "Don't worry, I'm not gonna drink it."

Seriously has no respect for personal belongings!

And by him staring at the can, he then lifted it up and tilt it around that you could hear the leftover liquid swishing one side and to the other. Him doing that made me more impatient, that even I started tapping my heel on the floor, expecting him to catch on for how annoying he's being. Even I gave him an enormous glare. So enormous it felt like I was wearing a face mask, deeply strapped that the skin was bulging out.

Though, in his next words, the edge I had was cut short.

(Yoshiki): "Are these the same drinks you and Nakashima had earlier? Back in the hallway?"

(Ayumi): "Yeah... why?"

(Yoshiki): "And you both collapsed at around the same time?"

He's genuinely curious about this...?

And then I began to realize where this was going.

He was coming to a similar conclusion.

It was history repeating itself once Shinohara released Nakashima and walked over to where Kishinuma had been standing. Speaking in that sudden, "EUREKA" tone.

(Seiko): "I had that same exact thought! So glad I'm not the only one!"

(Satoshi): "I'm really confused. Can you guys fill me in?"

The can of soda then went into Shinohara's hands as she grabbed it, but then her and Kishinuma got closer to us.

Close enough that the drink was showcased, inches away from Mochida's lost eyes. Guiding him to the wrong direction.

(Seiko): "Think about it Mochida! How NORMAL is it for two people to black out at the SAME time? Annnnd come up having the same causes?"

(Satoshi): "Uh, not very normal I guess?"

(Seiko): "Faaaaaar from normal! It's not even ABNORMAL!"

(Satoshi): "..."

Mochida then cutely rubbed his neck. Curling his fingers down as if he was trying to fix his shirt collar.

(Satoshi): "I still don't get it..."

(Yoshiki): "Dude, we're saying they've been spiked."

(Satoshi): "Spiked...?"

To emphasize his point, Shinohara shook the can that fizz began scratching the insides.

(Satoshi): "...!"

Then at that moment, Mochida's eyes went wide. Though the light behind his stare was put out once he shifted his gaze towards Nakashima, seemingly trying to deny the outside chance of what's being suggested.

I understood why Kishinuma would consider that idea since him and Mochida weren't given all the facts... it was too coincidental to be ignored as a possibility.

But here, Shinohara seemed to still have those thoughts, even when we already had this conversation more than once with the nurse.

(Ayumi): "I'm sorry, but that's not possible guys."

(Yoshiki): "How come?"

(Ayumi): "We've already had this discussion with the nurse earlier and she ruled that out. Don't you remember that Shinohara?"

Shinohara then looked down and sighed, pressing the can to her own lower tummy.

(Seiko): "Of course I do..."

(Ayumi): "..."

(Seiko): "But...!"

She then raised her head and stared deeply into me. Revealing me those restless eyes and the stress bottled inside her, waiting to come out as her voice became deeper. Hinting her confined frustrations. Probably from being in this room, under all that worrying for the last few hours.

(Seiko): "No matter how many times I look back at this, none of it adds up!"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Seiko): "You were slipping out of your seat, you know?"

I kept quiet.

But the silence didn't hold back her avalanche of emotions. It all just came tumbling down.

(Seiko): "I mean, for crying out loud! They found Naomi lying on the floor... on the FLOOR, Shinozaki!"

(Ayumi): "They did..."

(Seiko): "And then you're telling...I'm WRONG for having those thoughts?"

After those words, I began realizing... she wasn't just upset.

A hint of irritation was also hidden in her tone. Which threw me off, causing me to flinch backwards.

(Ayumi): "No? That's not what I'm saying?"

(Seiko): "Then what? Do I have to be wearing a DUMB lab coat to know the difference between what's normal and NOT?"

(Ayumi): "Shinohara, no... that's not what I'm saying at all! What I'm saying is that there's no proof!"

(Seiko): "You're kidding me right...? The PROOF has been in front of our faces!"

Why is she getting mad?...

Did I say something wrong?

(Seiko): "I can't- I can't believe you don't find any of this weird!"

I have to bring that up now...

(Ayumi): "Shinohara, I understand where you're coming from. But you should already know why it's not possible for anybody to have been drugged... at least, coming from the drinks."

One mention of that, she held her breath while she shook her head gently. Then she put her attention towards the wall.

(Ayumi): "You would know that better than anybody because you were testing them. Don't you remember?"

(Yoshiki): "...?"

(Seiko): "*Sigh* Yeah! Of course, I do! But that doesn't change the fact the nurse is wrong!"

She's not gonna drop this...

I need to say something...

(Seiko): "I mean! It's just so obvious by the way she's acting! Haven't you paid attention to her whenever she gets asked about this? She gets soooo nervous! She clearly can't handle lying!"

(Ayumi): "Why would she lie...?"

(Seiko): "Clearly to avoid a LAWSUIT!"

What is she doing?...

This isn't like her...

(Seiko): "When it comes to her reputation? Her paycheck? Her medical license? She has all the reason to worry about herself more than anybody!"

(Ayumi): "Shinohara, you're getting this all wrong... the nurse isn't that type of person! And if she was, she wouldn't be anywhere near here. Or any school for that matter!"

(Seiko): "But she doesn't know what the hell she's talking about! How does 'low blood pressure' write this off? Because that doesn't explain what Naomi's going through! What you went through!"

(Ayumi): "I'm not disagreeing with you there."

(Seiko): "Then you agree that the nurse is wrong?"

(Ayumi):"I agree that this situation is weird, but the nurse isn't lying."

(Seiko): "That's doesn't answer my question! Let me ask this again!"

(Ayumi): "Shinohara..."

(Seiko): "Is she right or wrong?"

(Satoshi): "So, um..."

I took a deep breath, then continued speaking.

(Ayumi): "Look, she's been doing her job. I get it's been really stressful. We know how much you care about Nakashima, but the nurse is simply working with what she thinks is right."

(Seiko): "..."

(Ayumi): "She means well! There's no reason to doubt her care. So, can we please move on? Can we accept that arguing like this won't change anything?"

(Seiko): "What if she's covering for the school?"

(Satoshi): "Umm..."

Has she lost her mind...?

(Seiko): "Yeah! What if the nurse is lying to protect the school's reputation?"

Flabbergasted... I couldn't even form a coherent thought to what I was dealing with. For the guys they were just as lost, not knowing how to handle the situation that was seemingly escalating.

(Seiko): "It's a possibility!"

(Ayumi): "Shinohara, please drop this..."

(Satoshi): "Um, yeah... I'm with Shinozaki on this one! Talking about this hasn't really been helping anyone! I think we should change the subject to something we can all enjoy! Right Kishinuma?"

(Yoshiki): "Yeah..."

But Shinohara, she didn't stop. She just kept going on with her pent-up emotions...

(Seiko): "The district can be held liable for what happened to you guys! That's why the nurse needs to play stupid so Naomi can get moved to a hospital! If that happens, then it wouldn't be her responsibility! Then there would be no need for the school to have this coming back to them!"

(Ayumi): "Shinohara, you're really letting this get to you... please."

(Seiko): "Okay! How about this? The nurse even TRIED convincing Naomi's mom to take her out of school! Suggesting to her that she SHOULD take her daughter to the ER! How about that? Huh?"

She's having a meltdown...

(Seiko): "Weeeell?"

(Ayumi): "...That's what school nurses are supposed to do! They let the parents know their options!"

(Seiko): "Well Naomi DOESN'T have an option! Just look at her!"

(Yoshiki): "Shinohara!"

(Seiko): "What am I supposed to believe when Naomi is STILL in bed, STILL not awake? Huh? I'm supposed to just...BELIEVE every lie I'm being told? Becuz I was told she'd be awake already! And she's not!-"

(Yoshiki): "Shinohara! Calm down! You're losing it!"

(Seiko): "I'm not!"

(Yoshiki): "Yes you are! Chill out! Take some deep breaths! You're not thinking clearly!"

Which Shinohara then stopped talking and listened to the advice she was getting. Taking herself a few, deep breaths. Her body then relaxed, along with her vocals.

(Seiko): "Sorry about that! I'm calming down now..."

(Ayumi): "..."

I never seen her act like that before...

Shinohara was taking more breaths, while Kishinuma sighed himself, and surprisingly... he continued speaking cordially.

He somehow became the mediator... wasn't being bad at it either.

(Yoshiki): "Let's backtrack a bit. Earlier. I heard something that didn't sound right."

(Seiko): "...?"

(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki mentioned, YOU were testing something?"

Tension started building up again, but this time, on the other side of the room.

Where the apprehension can be seen on Shinohara's body.

From...

Dilated pupils.

Cold sweat dripping.

Legs shaking.

Face burns.

These were intense changes. Obvious they were... it didn't stop her from trying to steer the subject. She even put on a nervous smile. Trying.

(Seiko): "Don't mind what Shinozaki said!"

(Yoshiki): "Why?"

(Seiko): "...Irrelevant! Annnnnd It's supposed to be a secret!"

Sorry Shinohara...

That response didn't sit well by Kishinuma. Which his voice became heavier. More aggressive. He wasn't going to let Shinohara go without a real answer.

(Yoshiki): "Don't give me that bullshit... Tell us. What were you 'testing' earlier?"

Those were the words that then made Shinohara lower her head, accompanied by this steady grip that caused a couple denting noises from the can.

(Seiko): "Well you see... I."

(Yoshiki): "Yeah?"

(Seiko): "I drank from Naomi's can..."

Kishinuma then rearranged himself to face his body towards her, standing in her line of sight with his back towards us.

Unable for me and Mochida to make out any of his expressions.

Though that we couldn't see his face, his voice had this sudden emotion. Slowly tinkering his insides.

(Yoshiki): "You what...?"

(Seiko): "I drank from Naomi's can. You know? To check for-"

(Yoshiki): "No-no-no... no. To do something THAT dumb, I expect that outta Satoshi! But you?"

(Satoshi): "Kishinuma! C'mon man! I'm right here!"

(Seiko): "..."

(Yoshiki): "Really...?"

(Seiko): "...Like I said. I drank to see if-"

(Yoshiki): "You DUMBASS!"

Kishinuma then rested his hand on his head and shook himself, while his voice continued going off like an alarm clock, piercing my ears!

Or I guess that's always the case for me... but just louder than usual. This making Shinohara flinch a bit and turn her head either down or to the side every time he opened his dumb mouth.

(Yoshiki): "Why the hell would you do something as careless...?!"

(Seiko): "Why wouldn't I? The nurse kept saying they had nothing wrong in them!"

(Yoshiki): "But that doesn't mean you try one too so you could put yourself into the same, god-awful position!"

(Seiko): "..."

What is going on here?...

Why is he becoming emotional?

Truly ironic. It would be funny if the situation wasn't serious. Though the drama didn't end there. More tension still unpackaged itself. Escalating the moment even further.

(Yoshiki): "For real! Do you even care about yourself...?! This is literally like the second time you've made this mistake!"

(Ayumi): "...?"

Second time...?

Second time of what...?

(Yoshiki): "Gimme that!"

Kishinuma then took away the can from Shinohara's hands and just threw it into the sink... creating loud, thundering thumping sounds. While Shinohara kept trying to "appease" him with an excuse.

(Seiko): "I just had to check... for Naomi's sake..."

(Yoshiki): "If you told her that...do you know how crappy she'd feel?"

Questioned, Shinohara then opened her mouth.

...But as it was opened, what only came out was her shattering realization of what Kishinuma had told her.

(Seiko): "...Really crappy."

(Yoshiki): "One of these days, you will seriously end up in a hospital! Or worse! Depending how far you let yourself go!"

(Seiko): "..."

(Yoshiki): "Think about it! What good will it do if she SAW YOU on one of these other beds, huh? Can you imagine that? Can you imagine her waking up and the first thing for her to see is her best friend, BLACKED OUT? What would she do then?"

(Seiko): "..."

Why does he care this much...?

(Yoshiki): "Hey are you even listening...?"

(Seiko): "I get it, Kishinuma... It's a habit not worth having."

(Yoshiki): "And you?"

(Ayumi): "...?"

(Yoshiki): "You didn't even try to stop her?"

Oh, what the hell!

(Ayumi): "I didn't need to because we weren't drugged to begin with! Or we wouldn't be having this conversation!"

Affirming this to Kishinuma, his arms and hands relaxed, while his voice then came off gentle like the ocean waves.

With the shore of disbelief, still muddled all over his face.

(Yoshiki): "Shinohara...?"

(Seiko): "Mmhm?"

(Yoshiki): "So, you haven't been feeling off? Have you?"

(Seiko): "Not really, no... I've been doin' okay... just about how I normally been feeling before! Except for um... whatever just happened a moment ago!"

(Ayumi): "And that's because we NEVER left our drinks anywhere! We had them with us the WHOLE time! So again, it's not possible, or Shinohara would've already gone through the same circumstances, hours ago..."

(Yoshiki): "*Sigh*"

Kishinuma then stepped back and put his hands together to form them like a mask for his face. Which he blew right through the gaps between his fingers. Releasing the stress that held onto his heart. However, the shakiness in his voice showered the tense atmosphere, draining it out of the room.

(Yoshiki): "Jesus Christ! Why even go along with what I said? Why even bring up STUPID lawsuits?"

(Seiko): "I dunno... to make more sense of today I guess?"

(Yoshiki): "...You don't make sense."

(Seiko): "Ha! Yeah... I really don't!"

From there, Kishinuma then faced his attention towards the wall with his arms crossed. Then everything went quiet after. Though not for too long once Shinohara tugged on her uniform and pressed her feet together.

(Seiko): "But do you guys at least SEE where I'm coming from? I can't be the only one, right...?"

If only they knew what I know...

(Satoshi): "I don't think anybody's disagreeing with you, Shinohara. The connections you've made are very concerning... and it's surprising that the nurse isn't here to have this conversation with us."

(Seiko): "Yeah..."

(Satoshi): "And uh, speaking about her, where has she gone to?"

(Seiko): "I dunno... the gym? Apparently, there's a student who can't move without needing a wheelchair. Though it's been a while... so I'm not sure what's exactly going on."

(Satoshi): "Accident after accident..."

(Seiko): "Today does seem like the day for them..."

Every second seemed to have gotten worse for Shinohara, as her voice didn't clear up the lump of depression that's been resting inside her throat. And soon, her weary eyes traced their attention to her dearest friend, who was still submerged deep underneath those bed covers. Wrapped away from her. Somewhere far, far away.

Even if we were in the same room. Even if they were literally a couple meters apart, the distance between them was truly immeasurable. Considering Shinohara had been here, watching Nakashima the entirety of today, mostly standing or sitting alone with her, sharing her thoughts probably out loud... and in return, just receiving reminders that our friend was still not with us.

And yet, here we were for the last ten-minutes or so... still bathing in that depressing atmosphere. But what made this worse... is that I kept seeing... her.

Seeing the "other" Nakashima.

Remembering what I felt. What I saw. What I heard.

Which brought me to quiver in the cold, making eyes being unable to stay on Shinohara, or even on the side of the room where Nakashima was resting.

I just couldn't look at them without feeling "naked".

(Ayumi): "..."

Why aren't you calling back, sis?

We really need you here!

Nobody said anything. Silence was still in control of the conversation.

Until there were small, gentle footsteps, heard across me.

As it was Shinohara walking over to Nakashima's bedside. And eventually, standing on the very spot that she spent hours on, supporting her friend. However, this time, Shinohara's arms were resting on the bed bar. Head hanging low. As for the rest of us, we moved slightly closer to the bed and watched them quietly, until more, beaten words slipped out of Shinohara's wounded heart.

(Seiko): "Why did this even happen...?"

(Ayumi): "..."

(Seiko): "We were spending time together last night... Taking advantage of the freedom we were blessed to have. The blessing... to forget and just enjoy ourselves with each other! And somehow... fate is punishing us for that."

It was getting more painful hearing her... that I literally kept pressing my sore. But the worst came in her next words.

As those words were exactly the same sentiments that the other Nakashima shared...

A connection... of that world to ours... right here.

Coming through as a haunting whisper... rattling my nerves.

(Seiko): "...Why can't we just be together again?"

And just hearing that drove a dagger deep inside me. Twisting in ways that my, "responsibility" over Nakashima, were causing a constant throb of dull and agonizing carves. A pain so hollow that the walls inside the room became my only ground. The only sight I could stand.

But I didn't want to stand. I wanted to be crushed by those walls, just so I couldn't feel these raging emotions anymore.

But Mochida tried to pull that blade out of my body by talking to Shinohara. As he tried alleviating the pains that we could all feel, pains that had us "strangling" in this heavy atmosphere.

(Satoshi): "It won't be long until she's awake!"

(Seiko): "..."

(Satoshi): "It's just a matter of time! Yeah! Just a matter of time before things go back to normal...! We just have to be patient-"

(Seiko): "*Sniffles*"

Oh no...

That was the moment when the dagger twisted completely at 360 degrees, rupturing other parts of my body. Causing me to move closer to the door while I squeezed my injured hand, hopefully to reduce the immeasurable amounts of sheer, emotional pain that Shinohara's heartaches filled in the room.

The infirmary literally became an echo chamber of cries for this poor girl. But not just any girl... this is the same girl who is known to be the most upbeat, most confident and happiest person in the school. Literally, the embodiment of LIFE.

Though life, couldn't move forward, without her friend.

The reason why "life" is worth living for.

And fate wasn't letting her have it...

(Seiko): "*Sob*"

(Satoshi): "Shinohara...? Hey..."

(Seiko): "But Mochida...! Naomi should've been awake hours ago!"

(Satoshi): "..."

(Seiko): "All morning she's been like this! An-And...! I don't think... *Sniffles* I don't think any of my words have been reaching her! None of them! I want...I want her to know I'm right here! I just-I just want her to be out of this already!"

If Shinohara was going to bawl... then I couldn't be in this room.

I couldn't deal with that again...

Not again...

(Ayumi): "...?"

But...

What I saw next then kept me inside. As I caught Kishinuma standing very closely to Shinohara. One hand on her shoulder.

And surprisingly she wasn't pulling away, or showing any signs of him invading her space, which had me staring lost into the scene.

(Yoshiki): "She'll be awake."

(Seiko): "...*Sniffles*"

(Yoshiki): "Just like what Satoshi said. Nakashima will return to us. And then the both of you will be together again, just like old times."

(Seiko): "...Kishinuma! *Sniffles*"

Then what happened next was like watching a fairytale coming out of its book. Where Shinohara then faced completely towards Kishinuma, but then... leaned in and hugged him with her face pressed into his chest, letting out gentle, muffled sobs, as for Kishinuma, he held her and rested his hand on her head, comforting her like some kind of brother.

(Seiko): "*Deep sobbing*"

I didn't know what to think... this was a complete shock to me that I even took a few steps closer just to confirm that what I was seeing wasn't a figment of my imagination.

(Yoshiki): "Gotta have patience. She will be awake."

(Ayumi): "..."

Kishinuma is... no...

Is he really that nice?

Although I still couldn't accept this scene, my hand suddenly felt a cold sensation.

(Ayumi): "...!"

By looking down, that's when I realized it was Mochida's, which he directed us out and to the hallway. Seemingly alone as there were no traces of other people or belongings placed anywhere. It was just us. Or at least...physically.

My mind was still inside that room. Still witnessing what could be... the start of our... foreboding future.


Next chapter coming up very shortly! Originally this was going to be uploaded as one, but the length hit past 20k words! So, this should give my lovely readers a good place to stop and take time to reflect on the chapter and whatnot!

ALSO: I wanna give a HUGE SHOUT-OUT to Juuvi09! Without a writer like her, I wouldn't be as inspired to continue making work like this! She has a wonderful story of her own that she's been working on called, "Filthy"! Recent chapter had me in TEARS! I almost drowned inside of my room because of her! If I go missing, you guys know why! Lol

Annnnnnd just letting you guys know! Chapter 1 and 2 had some minor tweaks! In Chapter 1 with the roof scene, and Chapter 2 with the flashback scene. You'll notice VERY SLIGHT changes to some dialogue and very few narration lines! Nothing too drastic! Most of the cringe is still there but hey, that's what fanfictions are meant to have! :p

Again! Thank you all for reading! Next part should be coming up shortly! Keep an eye out for it!

02/28/22: What are the changes? Well! Besides grammatical fixes, some dialogue has been revised to sound more natural! You will notice this at the part when Ayumi is talking to Naomi (When she gets asked about the Mei), but you'll also notice the changes when Seiko argues with Ayumi! Extra lines have also been added from every other character in that scene! Some of Ayumi's thoughts have changed to match with the scenes better but yeah the overall cringe (aka old writing) is still intact! LOL

Other than that! I know you guys are dying for new chapters! Trust me! I haven't forgotten the story! I've been thinking about the story a lot so you all will notice more "revisions" through the older chapters. But chapter 16? I have three versions I wrote, but I can't choose which one to go with so that's why it's taking so long for me to post! It's not just the direction of the story, but it's also how sad they get which is kinda what slows me down! A person can take so much pain! Lol

Anyway! Catch you all on the next one!