"I didn't really get a chance last time we were here, but I must say that the tea here is very well made," Yuri brought the edge of the teacup back to her pursed lips and took another sip.
Sayori belted a massive sigh, partially for air and partially as an attempt expel some of the heat from her body. "Very relaxing."
"Makes sense," Monika agreed, failing to stifle a chuckle. "Given where we're at, it's almost a requirement."
The two continued to quietly, peacefully drink their tea, an activity that deeply confounded Natsuki.
"…What are you guys doing?" she finally asked.
"Enjoying tea," the three answered simultaneously.
"Yeah, but…"
Natsuki could not understand how they could just sit and drink tea after what just happened to them.
"You should come join us, Natsuki," they continued, still speaking in sync.
Nor could she understand the reasoning behind them speaking in unison as if possessed. "What's wrong with you guys?"
"Nothing," they replied.
"Then why are you talking like that?"
"Like what?"
"At the same time."
The three exchanged glances with each other. "We're doing that?"
"Yes! You're doing it right now!" Natsuki snapped.
"We are?"
"Yes! Right now!"
Natsuki's frustration over her friends' inability to understand was skyrocketing until a brief laugh slipped out of Monika.
"What's so funny?" Natsuki questioned.
"Ehe, I wasn't the first to give it away this time," Sayori smiled proudly over her achievement.
"Give what away?" Natsuki stared uncomprehendingly.
"Fufu, Sayori suggested that it might be a good idea to distract you with this little act," Yuri explained.
"Distr-?" Natsuki bit the bottom of her lip as it all became too clear. "You mean to say that creeping me out and annoying me was all a part of some plan?"
To respect the rules of the establishment they were in, Natsuki stifled a groan and muttered a single word, "Why?"
"So, you don't act the way we all did after Shiko suddenly fell asleep," Sayori explained. "So we needed to distract you, especially since we're back here."
Natsuki turned away in a huff. "…Geez, you really think being here again would make me feel bad?"
"Even if it's our third time here, that doesn't mean it's any less awkward for any of us," Monika added.
"Third?" Sayori shot Monika a perplexed look. "Have you been here another time, Monika?"
"Huh?" Monika tilted her head in confusion.
"This would be our second time, correct?" Yuri, confused as well, played with her hair.
That's weird.
It had to be just a slip of the tongue and yet Monika felt a chill when she tried to contemplate it any further.
"I guess I was just confused for a moment," Monika said with a thin smile.
"…You guys are trying to outdo Mali, aren't' you?" Natsuki sat down beside them with a tired sigh. She was unable to admit it now, but she appreciated the effort her friends made for her.
The lighthearted affair did not last long, however. The reality of the situation set in again – they were in a hospital because people close to them were hurt.
The dreary air that surrounded them was palpable.
"Hey guys." In an instant, the dour air was cleared away by Hisa's arrival.
"Granny Hisa!" Sayori immediately jumped up and stood before Hisa. "What'd they say?"
Hisa was unfazed by the lack of personal space and answered calmly, "They're looking over him again just to be sure, but they said Shujinkou's going to be fine."
The news was greatly relieving for the Literature Club.
"Ah, but what about Mali?" Sayori questioned.
"Well, I haven't heard anything from Hiro, so…" Hisa scratched her right cheek, wondering what her daughter was up to.
…
For a moment, it seemed so strange. Something soft and fluffy pressed itself against Mali's back. It was such a sharp contrast from the cold, hard ground she was beginning to accustom herself to again.
But when she opened her eyes, it all became clear. She was in a hospital room.
"Guess I lost too much blood after all…" she whispered to herself.
"Mali?"
When she turned her side, Mali was greatly surprised to find Hiro sitting down next to her.
"Hiro-san? What're you doing here?" she groggily asked.
"I was just keeping an eye on you until the doctor returns," Hiro said this while awkwardly scratching her right cheek.
"That doesn't look natural, Hiro-san."
Hiro chuckled softly. "I know. I figure I'd give it another try."
Mali joined in on the quiet laughter as she examined Hiro. Her hands were partially bandaged, and Mali could spot a single adhesive strip partially obscured by Hiro's bangs.
"What happened after I fell under?" Mali questioned.
Though she didn't share her son's cheek scratching tic, Hiro's wound-up body made it crystal clear that it was not a comfortable topic.
She proceeded to give Mali a play-by-play of the events that followed her passing out. She told of how Hisa had incapacitated Kaen, how he was arrested and how she and Shujinkou were rushed to the hospital.
"Eh? Hisa-sama really decimated Kaen so easily? I guess I should've expected no less from a former adventurer."
Mali's smile brightened up the room, but it wasn't enough for Hiro. Her face was obscured by her drooping bangs.
"What's wrong, Hiro-san?" Mali queried.
"You all got hurt trying to protect Shujinkou. I just feel like that could have been avoided if I was able to handle the situation better," Hiro sorrowfully confided.
"…And yet you're hurt, too."
"Huh?"
Mali untucked her left hand from her blanket and lightly brushed away the curtains obscuring Hiro's face.
"I'm sure Hiro-san tried her best against someone who probably couldn't have been swayed and she didn't just stand by when her child was in danger. You tried and Senpai's friends came in to take over when you needed help. I think Senpai's lucky to have people that love him so much that they're readily willing to become his shields when necessary."
Mali's tender words comforted Hiro.
"Thank you, Mali."
Her feelings of regret had passed, and she soon remembered something that had piqued her interest.
"What's wrong now?" Mali asked.
"There was something I needed to ask you."
"Yes?"
"Well, the subject of your emergency contacts came up when you were being admitted and it turns out that your only contact is Shujinkou."
"Yeah, because Senpai is so reliable."
"But why is it only him? Isn't there anyone else you could call for in case of emergencies?"
Mali stared at Hiro, perplexed.
"Hmm… I guess I could call you if you let me," Mali replied.
"I wouldn't mind that but isn't there someone else just in case. What about your parents?" Hiro questioned.
"Ehe, that's impossible. Not to mention, those people who look after me just can't."
"Well, what about your sister?"
"My big sister…? That could actually be a hazard to my health."
"Oh… Is Shujinkou really the only you can rely on for emergencies?"
"I'm not really used to relying on others, but if I had to, then I guess Senpai is the only one I believe wouldn't give me any real grief."
"I see…" Hiro wasn't sure if now was the time to ask anymore questions, even if it seemed like Mali did not mind.
The two then heard the door swing open. Natsuki had stumbled into the room.
"Natsuki-chan?"
Mali seemed confused by her sudden appearance and even more confused when Natsuki request Hiro to leave them alone for a moment.
She found it strange, but interesting, nonetheless.
"I really didn't expect you to visit me, Natsuki-chan," Mali slowly sat up as she admitted this.
"After everything you've done, I'd have to be a real jerk to not at least see if you woke up yet," Natsuki stated matter of factly.
"Ah, so you were obligated to."
Natsuki crossed her arms as she stood before Mali.
"Something on your mind, Natsuki-chan?"
"…Why?" Natsuki finally asked.
"Why what?"
"Why'd you get involved in my life the way you did?"
"Because Senpai would be sad if all his friends weren't around when he woke up."
"Again… And that's just one of the things you keep dancing around. I just don't get why you would go so far for Shujinkou out of nowhere like that. You always said you were interested in him, but an interest can only go so far. And if anything, leaving us alone would have just guaranteed you could explore that interest with no distractions."
Mali giggled and playfully nodded her head slowly."That sounds logical, Natsuki-chan. So, what do you want me say?"
"Maybe the truth."
"The truth? I've told you nothing but the truth."
"But not the whole truth. You always say vague and simple things. And you're change of heart is just too fast to be real."
"Maybe. Perhaps you just consider it a change in tactics."
Natsuki didn't admit it, but her stern expression made it obvious to see that at least a part of her believed that as the reason.
Mali shrugged and removed the sheets from over her. With one smooth turn, she was now face-to-face with her interrogator.
"Maybe, Natsuki-chan… Maybe just a small part of me is a fan of the underdog. Senpai has been through things that would mess people up for life while growing up and yet he didn't take out his feelings of frustration and pain out on anyone else. Instead, he only punished himself. And yet, despite being at such a low point in his life, he still had the will to do for others. You've heard everything about him from Akui, so you should understand that now."
Natsuki did understand, she just wished she didn't learn it from Akui of all people.
"Then Senpai was able to make friends last semester and reconnect with an old one. And after finally getting a semblance of happiness back in his life, he almost lost it again. Could you imagine that, Natsuki-Chan?
Could you imagine having your understanding of the world changed, being emotionally manipulated and mentally violated and forced to accept you can't have the happy life you always wanted?
Could you imagine so soon after that, you're forced to realize the dark secrets that surrounded your friends, be dragged into conflicts that were out of your control and trying your hardest and failing to stop the people you care about from getting hurt or even worse?
Imagine being once again manipulated mentally and emotionally and accepting the fact that going against your principles appeared to be the only way to protect what you were close to losing only to possibly alienate those you sought to protect?
Do you get it now, Natsuki-chan? At every point I just mentioned, Senpai should have genuinely lost it and become what that road usually leads too: a monster."
"But he didn't," Natsuki pointed out, almost instinctively.
"Yep, even with everything that happened to him, Senpai stayed true to himself. Even after being betrayed and manipulated, he still finds it within himself to forgive someone who he should realistically hate. Even when forces were conspiring to make him something that he wasn't, Senpai was still able to keep himself from going too far.
And while I became interested in Senpai because I wanted to see how long he could keep up his nice guy charade when things really became tough, I learned that it wasn't just his kindness and innocence that made him interesting, but his will that allowed him to always stay true to his set of morals no matter what.
Always taking the blame to keep everyone, even perfect strangers happy, shouldering the pain inflicted by close by just so their lives won't be ruined and doing things that could be detrimental to him again and again if it makes just one person smile. That isn't just natural kindness, but a strong will that allows him to do that over and over again.
That's what makes Senpai so interesting to me."
After explaining, Mali joyfully waited for Natsuki's response. Natsuki had continued to stare at her before finally unfurling her hands.
"…Wow. First you being noble, then compliments and now you actually explaining yourself," Natsuki accepted.
"Ehe. I think it goes without saying, but just to be more transparent, since I didn't exactly answer why I was willing to go so far for Senpai — I just felt like it," Mali continued.
"Just felt like it?"
"You were right — leaving you all alone would have meant I could have had Senpai to myself Or at least more to myself. But after everything that he's been through, I figured that he at least deserved to at least have something good to wake up to. So, I went to work making sure that happened. Of course, it wasn't easy since you guys were a little too emotionally reliant on Senpai."
"…You really went through a lot for that."
"Guess you can't say I don't go all the way when I commit to something."
Another fact Natsuki knew was the truth. It was one of the few positives aspects she could ever bring up before recent events.
"Still… Are you really saying all the things you said to me were just for Shujinkou too?" Natsuki asked. "It seems to me like you were a lot more involved with me than you were with the others."
"Of course, Natsuki-chan. Your case was the hardest after all," Mali pointed out.
"Is that really the reason why? Didn't you also say you were a little interested in me too?"
"…Ok. I guess I'll be transparent one more time."
Mali leaned in closer and whispered the answer into Natsuki's ears. When she backed away, she was pleased to find Natsuki was as shocked as she had expected.
"S-Seriously…?" Natsuki sputtered.
Pressing her index finger against her lips, Mali replied, "For your ears only, Natsuki-chan. I wouldn't want Senpai to hear it from anyone but me."
"Uh…"
"Also don't let it change your perception of me. It doesn't change a thing, you know?"
Mali's bright smile made it all too clear that she was genuine. Natsuki, stunned by what she was just told and Mali's nonchalant attitude regarding the subject, left her nearly speechless.
At that point, she could only wish Mali a speedy recovery before leaving the room.
So, that's why…
"Are you okay, Natsuki?"
Hiro called out to her as soon as she entered the hallway.
"I don't know… Do I look like I've been hit by a truck?"
"That… Seems like a loaded question."
"I guess…" Natsuki faltered, unsure of how to continue the conversation. "Um… I'm… I'm sorry my dad attacked you and Shujinkou."
"Natsuki, you don't need to apologize for that," assured Hiro.
"I know, but… I just feel like you deserve an apology from someone."
Even though Hiro still felt it was unnecessary, she believed it best to just accept it.
Mali said Shujinkou has an incredible will to still be himself after a string of traumatic things happening to him. But… He isn't the only one, right?
The bandages that Hiro sported made it much more clear to Natsuki than before. It once again reminded her of how lucky Shujinkou was.
"I… I think I'll head home now. I'm tired."
How truly lucky he was – those words echoed in her head with each step she took.
"Natsuki," Hiro called out to her once again, stopping Natsuki in her tracks. "This might be somewhat childish of me to ask, but… I kinda would feel more at ease if I had another person staying with us tonight. Just safety in numbers that's all."
"Re- Seriously?"
"Mm-hmm. Do you think you can stay another night?"
As she began to turn back, Natsuki could feel something strange happening to her face. Something foreign and something that she thought would be impossible to experience.
She was smiling.
"Okay."