Chapter 5

(……)

(…?)

(This is—)

(Where am I? I’m…?)

(There’s nothing here. Nothing at all. Nothing… except for me.)

(It feels like there’s something glowing around me.)

(But when I turn toward it, the darkness conceals it, and I cannot catch even a glimpse.)

(Why is that…?)

(……)

(…I can also sense something beneath me.)

(Far, far away, out of reach, out of sight—)

(In that distance, I hear a voice calling to me.)

(Ah—)

(Is that truly okay? May I reach out my hand to you?)

(And yet… I feel so guilty about that.)

(……)

—Hey! Are you okay? C’mon, get ahold of yourself!

I mean like, seriously, wake up!

—

…? Where… am I?

Oh, thank god. You’re awake, right? I was getting a bit nervous ‘cause you weren’t responding to me even after opening up your eyes, y’know?

I thought for sure that you were gonna play some sort of prank on me as soon as you woke up, but you didn’t! Like, sike! Honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t!

You—

Umm, and who are you, might I ask?

Oh, sure. That’s the gimmick this time? You’re pretending you forgot all about me? Yeah well, I’ve had just about enough amnesia stories for now.

I mean, that sort of thing hurts, okay? So cut it out—You’re an entertainer, aren’t you? You’re supposed to entertain people, not hurt them!

…?

Don’t just stare at me! Ughhh, are you still half-asleep or something? Jeez, every little thing you do gets on my last nerve…!

But I really am glad you woke up… I don’t know why I can’t find my phone, and there’s a lot of scary-looking people wandering around outside too.

I couldn’t call an ambulance or take you to the hospital or anything.

Even though you’re hurt really bad! You’re bleeding so much, are you sure you’re not dying…?!

…?

Yeah, look here! See? You’re injured, right? I thought it might’ve been costume makeup at first, but those are real scars, and it wouldn’t stop bleeding—

I did what I could to patch you up, but if it hurts at all or if you don’t feel good, lemme know, okay? Well no, it’s not like I could even do anything if you’re in pain, but!

You…? The one who took care of me…?

Why’re you speaking in fragments?! You’re always so eloquent and going on and on like you’ll die if you shut up—Are you so out of it that you can’t even talk?

Whatever. Anyway, I’m just glad you’re awake for now… I have plenty of questions for you, but right now you should get some rest.

No actually, maybe you should shower and eat first? ‘Cause you’re covered in blood, Senpai. And your wounds won’t heal if you don’t get some food in you.

Oh but, um? I kinda just barged into this room without asking, so…? We’re probably not allowed to eat anything in the fridge.

Umm? Where are we?

Huh? You don’t know either? But I was hoping you would explain everything once you woke up!

I have no idea where we are… I just woke up in some back alley-looking place and found you collapsed nearby.

I couldn’t just leave you there, so I slung you over my shoulder and carried you here.

Obviously I was freaking out—I knew I had to get you to a hospital or something—

But after a little bit, we were attacked by some monster-type thing I couldn’t make out very well.

A monster…?

No no, it was like a costume I think? Monsters aren’t real or anything, right?

But it was hunting me down and wouldn’t let up, so I got the hell out of Dodge. And I ended up escaping into this apartment building that was nearby—

Then I locked the door and ended up taking care of you. And now here we are.

I think I was only able to be this calm because I’ve gotten used to these kinds of insane situations—thanks to a certain someone.

But I still don’t get what’s going on… C’mon, spill the beans already! I’m getting overwhelmed at this point.

I know I said I’m used to it, but it’s been a while since you pulled a stunt like this… Even though last year you were constantly putting me through the wringer.

I… can’t give you an explanation.

I’m not even sure who you are.

…Huh?

Rather, who… who am I?

Oh come on, lay off already! You should know when it’s okay to joke around, you Masked Pervert!