It was another day inside the campus. As usual, students could be seen everywhere. Chizuru-chan, Akane-chan, and I were at the main library. Akane-chan then spoke. “So, Fuyuki-chan, how are the therapy sessions?”

I reflected.

I guess it helped me feel at ease for a bit but did anything really change? I mean everything takes time…

I looked at Chizuru-chan. As usual, she was listening to music with her headphones.

I wonder what kind of music she listens to… We’ve known each other for so long, yet I don’t even know what kinda music she listens to! I’m so pathetic… Wait, didn’t that therapist lady say that I shouldn’t call myself names… Eh, whatever…

I faced Akane-chan. She looked quite concerned. “I guess nothing really changed that much…”

“Well, you’ve just started, Fuyuki-chan. Just give it some time!”

Chizuru-chan lowered her headphones and looked at me, which made my heart flutter with how soft her eyes are. “Kashiwagi-san’s right, Fuyuki. Nothing happens overnight.”

I sighed. “I hope…”

Will this nightmare ever end? Save me, Koto-chan! Save me from this misery!

•••

The sun has already fallen. The sky was now a home to the stars. I was in a call with Chizuru-chan.

“How’s your father been treating you, Fuyuki?”

“I guess he’d personally fetch me from school, and he started talking to me… I’m not sure how to feel about it though…”

Chizuru-chan huffed in response. “As that jerk should have. It’s his job to love and take care of you. But since he’s well, he only did it now. I guess it’s better to be late than never. That doesn’t mean I trust him, though!”

I thought about it for a while. “Honestly, even with all those things, I don’t think the wall separating us has gotten thinner. If anything, it feels like it grew…”

She chuckled. “I guess that old man would have to try even harder now. It’s actually pretty entertaining because to see him try to no avail. Gosh, what am I thinking? Why do I actually want to see him suffer through the pain you did?”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “You really do hate him that much. I mean, I can’t bring myself to warm up to him, so yeah…”

“Why does he have to be the prime minister out of all the positions in Japan? Why does it have to be the worst father in the world? I swear I could never forgive him for the way he treated you before!”

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

I’ve never seen Chizuru-chan express this much anger towards anything.

“I just hope that he’ll actually start being in your life now. But seriously though, you deserve way better than that trash.”

My heart warmed at her words. “Thanks…”

•••

I groggily opened my eyes and felt like my body could barely move. My body felt so hot. I then heard someone knock on the door. Sure enough, it was the white-haired maid, with her typical stoic expression.

“Fuyuki-sama, it’s time to wake up.”

I let out a sigh. My cheeks felt incredibly flushed.

Ugh, don’t tell me…

Shizuka went out for a moment. When she came back, she was carrying a thermometer. She placed the thermometer under my armpit and waited for it to beep.

Shizuka furrowed her eyebrows and said, “It appears that you have a fever, Fuyuki-sama.”

I sighed again.

Well, I guess I don’t have to get out of bed… Ugh, my body feels so hot. It’s unbearable…

That was the last thing I could remember.

When I opened my eyes, I saw three figures. One of them was a man with a bit of wrinkles, and the others were two girls wearing a high school uniform. The man’s eyes widened. He spoke like he was being chased by a horde of lions.

“You’re finally awake, Fuyuki! Is there anything that hurts? Would you like to go to the hospital?”

This is pretty odd… Since when did he care about my condition? I wonder what caused Furukawa-sama to act like this…

The girl wearing headphones on her neck’s eyes were wider than usual. “Fuyuki, is there anything you need?”

The blue-haired girl squeezed my hand tighter. “Fuyuki-chan, would you like to have some tea?”

Ugh, I need a break…

My lips couldn’t help but curve upwards.

What is this feeling… My chest feels hot, but not in a bad way… Could I be… happiness? But it’s with these people. People you could barely trust… I guess Chizuru-chan is a bit trustworthy, but still… If only Kobayashi-san or Koto-chan were here…

“I… I just need some rest. It’s nothing too serious.”

Furukawa-sama whispered something to my “friends".

Akane-chan gleamed and said, “We’ll be buying something real quick. See you, Fuyuki-chan!”

Chizuru-chan smiled and waved at me. My heart pounded at the sight.

Furukawa-sama patted my head and said, “Get well soon, Fuyuki.”

I wonder what all that whispering is about… Sigh, whatever…

I felt my phone vibrate. It was a call from my editor. I reluctantly answered it.

“How’s the chapter going?”

“I’m not feeling well right now…”

“Ah, don’t worry about it for now. Just focus on recovering, okay?”

“Okay…”

“Well then, I’ll be hoping for a speedy recovery, Kurai-sensei. Just call me if you feel better.”

“Okay… bye…”

“Goodbye”

I guess that phone call’s finally done… Now what do I do? I guess I’ll look for something to read… Actually, I’ll just listen to something…

I open Nighttube Music and played something random. The song was opened by a synth accompanied by a guitar. It was almost like I could feel the pain of the song. Each time the girl sings “baka,” my heart would feel like it’s being torn apart.

“Caught up”

“I feel like a fool”

Those final lines of the song, especially the last one, which was uttered by the blonde-haired girl with pigtails, sent me to tears. Despite all that, the song oddly felt comforting.

I continued listening to the song on repeat. I felt like the song understood me in ways that words could never explain. It felt like I was stuck in a world where only I and the song existed. I didn’t even realize that they were already here, inside my bedroom.

“Fuyuki, we got you something! "Furukawa-sama’s voice was oddly enthusiastic.

“Fuyuki-chan, I’m sure you’ll like it!”

I turned around and saw a paper bag from iD*SLiME. Tears threatened to flow again, but I regained my composure. “Thanks…”

Chizuru-chan looked at me like she was looking at something precious. I couldn’t tear my gaze off her.

Furukawa-sama handed me the paper bag. Inside was a white classic lolita dress. “I’ll wear it sometime…”

I… I guess things do get better…