Time had passed in the waking world. Even after being awake, the students were kept in the hospital for a week, primarily for observation. Although most seemed okay, the remnants of the game were still readily evident. Phantom pains, uncertainty, anxiety, trauma. No one was safe from it.
But only so much of it could be treated by a hospital.
Nurse Fujimoto offered to bring in counselors for everyone to talk to, and even Kuroda hung around to talk to anyone who would listen. His motives satisfied, he only offered a friendly ear to anyone in earshot.
Finally that day came, the day when you all were to be discharged. One by one, Nurse Fujimoto came by to check up on you one last time.
“You’ll be alright, I know. Physically, everything’s okay. But you can get through the rest. I just know.”
“S-So… If you ever need anything, just come see me, okay? Anything at all…”
With that, the guards at the door of the ward opened the doors for you, and you worked your way out as a unit. The rest of the hospital was bustling, but your trip wasn’t too bad. Most of the paperwork was taken care of ahead of time, and your belongings were provided for you back in your rooms. Just a quick stop at the front desk in the lobby and you were free to go.
As you headed for the door, Kuroda stepped towards you.
“So that’s it, huh? Heh heh heh… You’ve got your whole lives ahead of you now. Soon this’ll all be a blip in your memories, when you’re old and stiff like me. Heh heh heh!”
Chuckling, he turned away, crossing his arms.
“Even now, I think I can rest a little easier. And so can she…”
Huh… he sounded oddly serious. But this moment of clarity was short-lived - he looked back at you, chuckling.
“Now, now, don’t listen to the rambling of an old man. Go on! Get outta here!”
With that, you said your farewells, passing through the front door to the hospital. The day was bright; sunlight beating down on you as the sweet smell of fresh air met your nose. Overwhelming sensations, but not unpleasant. Out front you saw more men in suits, complete with black cars. A short explanation told you that they were here to take you wherever you wanted to go - back to campus, to your home, anywhere.
As the time comes to depart, you turn around to look at the hospital one last time. Fujimoto waves, a bright smile on her face. Kuroda waved from inside, cigarette in hand. But standing by the doors, you think you spy some other familiar faces…
Was that Smallchan? And… Tallsan? She was waving at you, a cheerful smile on her face. Off to the side, Tallsan cast a sidelong glance at you, although there was a faint smile on his face. Were they… watching over you?
You still weren’t certain who they were, but in the end they tried to help you survive. Whoever they were, they meant well.
Would you see them again? Who knows…
