Kazami Haru instinctively clutched his head.
Just moments ago, he'd been fully immersed in the hyperreal simulation, then, in the blink of an eye, the system booted him straight out.
The suffocating cold and dread that had enveloped him began to fade. Gentle sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over his body and washing away the lingering pain like a receding tide.
Still, the chill of death etched deep into his psyche hadn't quite left him.
His face had gone pale. His head spun with dizziness. He even felt a little sick.
Suka Blyat... Did I just get insta-killed in the VR?!
Wait, was that all because I messed up the route?!
"Haru, are you feeling okay?"
Takamatsu Tomori, who had already been packing her bag, froze mid-motion. She rushed to his side, her cute expression clouded with panic and concern.
Not knowing what to do, she fidgeted helplessly beside him like a nervous little puppy adding fuel to the fire.
Haru was holding his head, and he looked awful!
Was he running a fever?
No, she had to do something, now.
In her fluster, Tomori abruptly grabbed his shoulders, then gently pressed her smooth forehead against his.
The simplest way to check someone's temperature.
Only after she confirmed there was no fever did she finally let out a sigh of relief.
Kazami Haru replied stiffly, stepping slightly away from her.
He genuinely hadn't expected Tomori to test his temperature so directly, and so intimately. Did she not understand what personal space meant?
Oh... Right. She probably didn't.
Thankfully, it was nearly time for dismissal. Most of the students had already left the classroom. Even Bocchi, who was usually glued to her desk deep in existential dread, had zipped off to Shimokitazawa.
If someone had seen what just happened between him and Tomori, Haru had no doubt the rumors would explode on every school forum by tomorrow morning.
"I just didn't sleep well last night. I'm feeling a bit out of it today."
"No—don't say that..."
As soon as she heard those words, Tomori gripped his hand tightly, her expression filled with fear.
But the very next second, she let go in a panic—realizing that the Haru in front of her wasn't the one she remembered. Their current relationship wasn't as close as the one in her memories.
What she just did... must have made him uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry... Please don't hate me..."
"I just wanted to help you, that's all."
The girl bit her lip softly, her small figure trembling.
Her face was etched with guilt and worry.
Tomori looked like a frightened little penguin, afraid that her impulsive actions had made Haru dislike her.
But seriously, how could anyone hate a little penguin?
Just one glance at her adorable pout, and every dark emotion in Kazami Haru's chest melted away.
Not to mention, he'd never once been angry at her.
"I don't hate you, Tomori. Aren't we friends?"
Seeing the color slowly return to his face, Tomori's lips curled into a small, relieved smile. The fingers that had been clenching her skirt relaxed and let go.
And at that moment, seeing her so cute, Kazami Haru had to fight back the urge to reach out and pat her head.
How could she be this adorable?
"Continue simulation."
Using the excuse of going to the bathroom, Kazami Haru temporarily left the classroom.
This simulation had reached its final stage. No matter what, he had to see Ikuyo Kita's scenario through to the end.
Back in the classroom, Tomori Takamatsu obediently waited for him. To ease her anxious heart, Haru decided he would walk her home afterward.
No reason, really—just because the little penguin was too adorable to resist.
[After pushing Ikuyo Kita out of the way, you were hit by the oncoming car. Fortunately, she was saved, but you, having used all your strength, had no means left to avoid the impact yourself.]
[In those final seconds, you seemed to faintly hear Ikuyo Kita screaming out her "confession."]
[You were rushed to the emergency operating room at Yamada Hospital by Ryo Yamada. Her father and a team of doctors tried everything they could to save you.]
[But life isn't a fairytale. No matter how hard they worked, the miracle never came.]
[Your death notice sent Ikuyo Kita into a devastating mental collapse. Even when brought to the hospital, she remained in a dazed state, unable to speak a word.]
[Doctors diagnosed it as "selective mutism" brought on by emotional trauma.]
(TL note: Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where individuals are fully capable of speech and understanding language but are unable to speak in certain situations, even if speech is expected of them.)
[Ryo Yamada sat expressionless outside the operating room. Her eyes blank, staring at the ceiling. No one could persuade her to leave, she sat there alone all night.]
[Many people came to your funeral... but that flash of red was missing.]
[Ryo found Ikuyo Kita at her home. Even at the moment of your death, Ryo never lashed out emotionally. But when she discovered Ikuyo preparing to take her own life, she finally exploded.]
"Your life doesn't belong to just you anymore!"
[Ryo slapped her hard across the face, snapping her out of her trance. Kita realized that choosing to die now would be the most cowardly, disgraceful act, and a betrayal of the person who died saving her.]
[Your memory became her pillar, her reason to keep going.]
[The one you described as a "poinsettia," burning bright with courage and beauty, she would carry your will and walk forward, shouldering the burden of guilt and sorrow.]
[Until the day your shared dream becomes a reality.]
[Simulation Complete.]
[Score: 79 (+10) — Good]
[Evaluation: "You sought to cross the raging river, but ice sealed your path; you aimed to conquer the towering mountains, but snow buried your way."
Your life was full of hardship and struggle. You, so talented and promising, were meant to reach heights no one else could, but fate made a cruel joke, and your youthful brilliance was snuffed out far too early.]
["Love always leaves regret; sweet dreams are the quickest to end."
Your love was filled with accidents and unexpected turns. Often, your deep emotions dragged you into internal turmoil. But even with all that sentimentality, you never once hesitated to give your life for the one you loved.
Your death became an indelible mark on her soul, a pain and guilt that would never fade.]