Runo breathed in.

"He was always there for me, supported me even if I did something wrong, was my best friend, the only person who brought out who I truly was…now…he's in a life-death situation. How do you think I feel?" she asked Julie and Alice.

The two girls just sighed.. "We understand, Runo….we really do…but, it wasn't your fault! Dan WILL get better" said Julie.

"And you two will be stronger than ever" added Alice.

"Thanks but…I really need some time…."said Runo, who just couldn't bring herself to calm herself down.

Marucho came in the washroom.

"You guys, stop the reunion and the BFF thing. The doctor said that we can see Dan now." He said.

Runo's eyes lit up. She wiped her tears and said, "Let's go!"

Runo, Marucho, Alice and Julie went where the others were.

"Girls, you ready?" asked Joe. Everyone nodded, except Runo.

Mrs. Kuso put a hand on her shoulder. Runo looked at her. Mrs. Kuso nodded.

"Okay.." she said.

"The doctor says that we need to go in groups of three, maximum." Said Chan.

"Alright…who wants to go…." Asked Billy, stammering.

"Miyoko?" asked Shun. Mrs. Kuso shook her head.

"But, you're his mother…you need to go first!" insisted Julie.

"Yes, Mrs. Kuso! We all think you need to be the first one! You know him better than anyone!" said Joe.

There was silence for 1 minute. Then, Mrs. Kuso started crying. Everyone was surprised, even Shun. The woman who was there for him when his mother was ill and gone was so strong, but in a situation like this, she was very very emotional!

"I….just can't bring…myself to….! My own son…like…this…..I just can't!" she said while crying.

"Oh, Mrs. Kuso…..please….you were the one who kept us strong all this while….." said Maruchp.

"Mrs. Kuso…." Said Alice

Shun was very surprised by this:- his best friend in a coma, even someone like Mrs Kuso crying, all his friends sad, he couldn't take it anymore! He barged into Dan's room.

"Shun!" said Runo.

Shun's POV

I COULDN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! I barged into the room and froze. I saw my best friend, after a whole year! He hadn't changed one bit. But to see that oxygen mask on his face, all those wires pluged in and monitoring his heartbeat and pulse rate, I remembered myself in the same situation 5 years ago. My mom was asleep at that time, it was the first time I saw her in such a state! Now, I am seeing my best friend in the same situation.

I took a seat next to him. I remember the time, it was my third visit to my mom. Dan tagged along with me. At the time, I felt better as I had someone with me. I just silently started crying. He put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it to let me know that I wasn't alone.

Now, just….all those memories piling up…. It felt…very painful.

"Dan…you gotta wake up…..you just have to…please, I'm sorry for leaving you, I'll even move back to Wardington but please wake up…..I'll give anything….please….Your mom needs you, Runo needs you…..

…I need you Dan please! You know how hard it was when my mom was in here…..now, even…you're here…please…wake up" I plead him. I know its not going to do much but I just had to try something!

No response. Of course, I couldn't jut expect him to wake up! When my mom was in here, the doctor told me that when a patient goes into a coma, whatever we say will take time to process in the patient's brain as they were in between survival and death.

So I decided to sit there for a few minutes. Exactly a few minutes later, Runo and Miyoko came in.

"So, you poured your heart out?" asked Mrs. Kuso.

"No…..when a coma condition patient is present, their brain will take time to process what we say." I reply

"Oh…..I see" said Runo.

"You know, I'm very happy that Dan has people like you and Runo to support him." Said Miyoko.

"Thanks Mr. Kuso!" says Runo. "Hear that, Dan? Get well soon!" said Runo.

"I'm glad someone has cheered up" I say.

"Why thankyou, Shun. I know he's going to wake up soon." Replied Runo.

Soon, we all came out. The others visited Dan as well. Once everyone was done, I decided to check in one last time. So. I went in.

"So….everyone's visited you huh?...I came in again to say that….no matter what, we'll always be best friends Dan…so, please….don't go…..stay with us…." I say.

I blinked only one but I swear his hand just moved!

"Did his hand just…." Asked Runo.

"Gah!" I scream. "Stop scaring me!" I say

"Sorry, Mrs. Kuso told me that you went in so I just came to say we'd be leaving but…did his hand…..just move?" asked Runo.

"I think it did, his brain must have processed our speech now!" I say.

"Best thing ever!" squealed Runo. She went up to Dan and kissed his forehead. "Get well soon so I can kiss you , doofus!"she says. We both leave the room, this time, happily!

"His hand moved" says Runo.

"Really?" asked Billy.

"Yeah." I say.

"Oh, I knew it! He'll be up in no time, you'll see!" says Mrs. Kuso.

Alice came and kissed me. "Oh, Shun! I told you! " she said.

"Okay, I think Dan needs his rest now." Says Chan. "Yeah, we'll come tomorrow" says Julie.

"One problem." Said Joe. "Where are you going to stay?"

"I can go back to my house in Wardington!" said Marucho.

"Julie and Billy, how about you kids come to our house?" asked Mrs. Kuso. "I'm sure Dan's father would love to have you!" said Mrs. Kuso.

'Sure!" said Julie and Billy.

"And Alice, you and Shun can crash at…..Dan's apartment…..with me….." said Runo.

"Wait, he got his own apartment?"asked Alice.

"Right 11 months ago. I moved out too." Said Runo. "He's also got a job"

"He's improved, I see!" I say. He's got a job and a place….wow he has really grown up!.

"Okay. Lets go." I say.

Narratr's POV

But little did they know that Abysse and Mortar were watching them.

"Perfect!" says Mortar.

"Now, time for face two!"smirked Abysse