Three hours have passed since Shac was brought to the school’s clinic.

“…” Shac opened his eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling. He looked beside him while still lying on the bed. “This is…” he muttered, getting up from the bed.

This is the school’s clinic. Why am I here?

“Oh you’re awake.” the nurse said, smiling at him. “How are you feeling?”

“Ah… I’m doing fine ma’am…” he muttered, bringing himself to the side of the bed. “How long was I out in here?”

“You were out for three hours.” she revealed.

“Three hours!?” he exclaimed in surprise. “I don’t remember what happened… Ah…” He held his head, feeling lightheaded.

“Don’t move too much yet.” the nurse said, forcing him to stay in the bed. “I’m going to call your friends. Stay there.”

“My friends?” he muttered. Did they bring me here?

The school nurse stood up and approached the door, calling someone outside. “He’s awake, ” she said.

Suddenly the three of them rushed to Shac’s side, startling him.

“Shac!!!” Qoka shouted as she rushed to him. While both Ivan and Evie walked, avoiding getting too emotional.

“Calm down…” Shac said, calming down Qoka in front of him. “I’m fine… I’m just tired.”

Qoka looked like she was about to cry as she heard Shac. But, she was able to control herself from doing so, taking a deep breath, and smiling at the conscious now Shac. “We still have an hour before the school closes. Spend the rest of the hour and sleep here again.” she said.

“Listen to her.” Ivan added, nodding. “Or else she might get crazy again.”

Evie laughed. “We’re glad you’re doing fine. Qoka thought you were going to be in a coma.” she said, shaking her head. “How cruel…”

“I didn’t say that!!!” she retorted. “Don’t listen to them. I am just glad you’re doing fine.”

I’m glad to see the three of them doing fine. Shac scratched his head, feeling bashful.

“Look at you smiling.” Ivan pointed.

Qoka’s smile widened as she saw Shac’s expression. “I guess you could smile like that huh?”

It hasn’t been a day, but I’m glad I traveled back in the past. He thought, looking back at the three people in front of him.

I hope this day lasts forever.

“What a lucky person.” the nurse said, looking at him. She chuckled, thinking how lucky Shac was, to have friends who cared for him. “You guys should stay here. I’m going to head out. Look out for the clinic for me.”

All of them nodded in response, seeing the nurse as she exited the room.

As the three of them are still mumbling something to each other, Shac takes a chance to continue what he has been planning to do. “Listen guys.” he started, making everyone turn to him.

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“I’m from the future.” he revealed.

The three blinked, frozen in place as they processed what Shac said. They are unsure whether they heard him correctly.

“I am from the future.” Shac repeated, “I’m not the same me that you knew.”

Qoka’s eyes widened in surprise, Ivan’s expression turned from surprise to joy and Evie remained frowning, her expression remained unchanged. Each of them had a share of their reaction.

“The future huh…” Ivan commented, “I think it’s too much even for me.”

There’s no use in hiding about it anymore. If I wanted to save them, then this is the right time. Not telling them about the curse would only make things worse.

“Yeah.” Shac muttered, smiling awkwardly. “But there’s a reason why I couldn’t remember both Qoka and Evie. And there’s a reason why I can only recognize Ivan, and not the both of you.” he continued.

“Oh…” Evie responded. “That explains why there’s something off about you. It felt like you were distant the whole time. I thought you were just tired or not in the mood.” Resting her head with both of her arms at the back.

Qoka remained silent, she looked like she wanted to say something but decided to stay quiet. Shac turned his head to her, “Thanks for worrying about me.” he said, and turned to both Ivan and Evie.

“I need help.” he said, looking at them with determined eyes. “Something’s wrong is happening in this world. For that, I needed all the help I could.”

The three of them looked at each other confused, and wondering if Shac was telling the truth.

“You know that what you’re saying is outrageous right?” Ivan said, his voice was serious. “If you are really not the same Shac that we knew, then you need to tell us what’s happening.” he added.

“I know.” Shac whispered, looking down at the floor.

I’m trusting my own judgment. If I wanted to save them, the first thing I need to do is to let them know what’s happening in this world.

Although I know that things seem impossible, I don’t want to die again without doing anything. A chance is a chance. It’s up to me whether to think if this chance is going to be useful or not.

The duck. I still don’t know what’s its deal, but to create a world where suffering is given, I don’t think everyone in here deserves to be tortured into living in this kind of world.

He thought as he raised his head to look at them. “I’m glad to see you three in this world doing well and fine.” he said, smiling, relieved to see them.

The three of them raised an eyebrow, surprised at the seemingly genuine smile coming from Shac. It wasn’t the same as his smile that they knew, it was different, and it felt more real and genuine.

“Of course we are fine.” Ivan grinned.

“What do you think about us?” Evie added, chuckling.

Qoka approached and sat beside me on the side of the bed. She looked straight, not turning her head to Shac. “I’m glad you’re okay too.”

Shac turned his head to Qoka, “I’m fine, thanks to the three of you.”

She chuckled. “I believed you.” she said and turned her head to him. “If you need help. I will gladly help you.” she placed her hand on her chest, showing her sincerity.

He nodded. “Thanks.” he turned his head to the other two, “How about the two of you?”

“Sure. If Qoka is in, then I’m also going in.” Evie said.

“You haven’t even told us about the thing that you needed help.” Ivan pointed out. “Well, I can’t be the only one being left behind right?”

Shac bowed down. “Thanks, everyone. And you’re right, this thing is going to be dangerous. So, before I gladly accept your offer to help, I’m going to tell you about my reason for going here in the past first.”

He stood up from bed and approached the window to open it. Then up there, he stood by the window, stretching his arms. “Alright, before anything else—” he turned his head to the three. “…I need some fresh air.”

“Hm?” Evie frowned.

“STEP DOWN!!!” Qoka shouted.

Before anyone could stop him, he stepped on the side of the window.

“DUDE WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Ivan called.

He jumped. His friends rushed to the window, expecting a disaster. But instead,

Shac landed on the ground like it was nothing. There’s no injury. It didn’t feel like he jumped from the second floor.

He turned around, looking at the window and seeing their horrified expressions. “Hahaha.” he chuckled.

“You—Y-you just…” Ivan stammered. “That’s the second floor!”

On the other side, Qoka and Evie were looking behind him, trying to get a good look at what happened to Shac. “Is he okay?” Evie asked.

“Shac! You crazy!!!” Qoka screamed, teary. “Don’t do that again!”

Shac scratched his head. And waved his hand to them, “Get away from the window!!!” he shouted.

As they got out the window, Shac bent his knees and jumped again. In a blink, his hands grabbed the side of the window and effortlessly pulled himself inside.

The three of them looked shocked as they saw Shac crouching in the window.

He raised an eyebrow, realizing that what he did was too much. “I should explain something first.” he said, scratching his head.