Chapter 27: A Love Story (1):
Hiroshi's POV:
I was walking to my car, holding the tape. If I don't do something, they're both going to die! I then decided to make a call. "Dad, I'm coming home now," I said, "I need you to watch the tape."
Mayako's POV:
"Are you sure about this," asks Dr. Domyoji.
"No need to reconsider," I said, "I trust you. I'm counting on you." I then got on the bed. "Dr. Domyoji, I have a small request. Please tell others I watched the tape. But I'm not afraid because I believe I will be saved. Please broadcast this at the radio station. You must tell the people that without duplicating the tape, they can still be saved." Dr. Domyoji then nods her head.
Hiroshi's POV:
I was on my way home, but then I stopped when I saw Dr. Domyoji. I then got out of the car. "Hiroshi," says Dr. Domyoji.
"How is Mayako," I asked.
"She will be fine," says Dr. Domyoji.
"I'm going home," I said, "I'm not as courageous as Mayako."
"I understand," says Dr. Domyoji, "time is running out. Go on."
Sadako's POV:
Weak fools! But why can't I stop thinking about him?
Sadako: If there's a prize for rotten judgment,
I guess I've already won that
No man is worth the aggravation
That's ancient history
Been there, done that
Muses: Who'd you think you're kiddin'?
He's the earth and heaven to ya
Try to keep it hidden
Honey, we can see right through ya (Sadako: Oh no)
Girl, you can't conceal it
We know how you feel
And who you're thinking of
Sadako: No chance, no way
I won't say it, no, no
Muses: You swoon, you sigh,
Why deny it? Uh-oh
Sadako: It's too cliché
I won't say I'm in love
I thought my heart had learned its lesson
It feels so good when you start out
My head is screaming "Get a grip, girl!"
Unless you're dying to cry your heart out
(Sadako: Ohhh...)
Muses: You keep on denying
Who you are and how you're feeling
Baby, we're not buying
Hon, we saw you hit the ceiling
Face it like a grown-up
When you gonna own up
That you got, got, got it bad?
Sadako: No chance, no way
I won't say it, no, no
Muses: Give up, give in
Check the grin; you're in love
Sadako: This scene won't play
I won't say I'm in love
Muses: You're doin' flips, read our lips:
You're in love
Sadako: You're way off base, I won't say it
Get off my case, I won't say it
Muses: Girl, don't be proud
It's okay, you're in love
Sadako: Ohhh…
At least out loud,
I won't say I'm in love
Muses: Sha-la-la-la la la, awee!
Dr. Domyoji's POV:
"We have an unusual guest today. She is Dr. Tsubaki Domyoji from the University Hospital. Dr. Domyoji will explain to us the details regarding the cursed tape."
"13 days ago, a good friend of mine watched the tape," I said, "and at 6:10 today, her life may end suddenly. The video-tape incident caused friends to suspect each other. Even close friends no longer trust each other. Everyone feels uneasy. You should know the seriousness of this matter. This tape may destroy mankind. But believe me, you aren't in this alone. There are many people who are counting their remaining days. We are all living in fear."
Hiroshi's POV:
I came back home and checked the time. It's 5:19. "Hiroshi," says Chisuzu.
"Hey Chisuzu," I said.
"I'm going down, wait for me," says Chisuzu.
Dr. Domyoji's POV:
"The grievance suffered by a woman 22 years ago is embedded on this tape," I said, "the woman's motive was to generate hatred. As long as you duplicate the tape and let others watch it, you'll be saved. Everyone has to do the same. In that way, hatred is generated all the time, and do you know what the result is? Just think and you'll know. Your kin and friends will be hurt because of you. The only way to stop the hatred from spreading is to depend on others."
Hiroshi's POV:
"Hiroshi," says Chisuzu.
"Chisuzu, you must listen to me," I said.
"What's wrong," asks Chisuzu.
"Don't worry," I said, "I'll deal with it. Deal?" Chisuzu then nods.
Dr. Domyoji's POV:
"We discovered the videotape caused deaths because of a dormant virus we have in our bodies," I said, "it is called the ring virus. We have come up with a vaccine to curb the spread of this virus. The vaccine was derived from the DNA of a man. This man came up with the virus before he died. He sacrificed his life for the one he loved. Before he died, his DNA composition changed. And the new DNA can withstand the pressures of hatred. But we are not sure whether the vaccine will work on human beings. No one knows the answer. So, we need to get the vaccine tested first. A good friend of mine volunteered for the test. That's because she does not want to let others watch the tape. She chose to try the vaccine. Very soon, a battle between love and hatred in her body will begin."
Hiroshi's POV:
I was met with my parents. "Dad..." He nodded.
Dr. Domyoji's POV:
"If you are about to let someone watch the tape," I said, "do pause for a while. If my friend survives, it'll mean love can overcome all hatred. Then no duplication is needed. We can use the vaccine to save everybody. But if we fail... Then no one can stop anybody else from doing what they want to do. Even if you have to harm your friends to save yourself, there is no choice."
Hiroshi's POV:
I'm sorry," I said, "I don't have a solution."
"Don't say that," says Dad, "we're doing it for Chisuzu, "let us watch it."
"Can I," I asked. Dad nods. "What about Mom?" She nods.
To Be Continued
In the next chapter, Hiroshi has to stop Sadako.