A dark past to a bright future

Chapter 9

(classroom)

Iris (while taking her headphones off): We are one and...

Souji (touches Iris's shoulder snapping her out): Iris. (when she looks at him) You alright?

Iris (eyes normal): I'm... (in her mind after feeling pain from her hand) I must of spam the buttons too hard.

Souji (pick up Iris's gloves and coat): Teacher I'll be taking Iris to the nurse. I think she wore her hand out being unable to move them.

Teacher: Then can you take her home? The sound that came out of the keyboards was loud so I wouldn't be surprised if her fingers weren't hurting.

Iris (in her mind looking at her hands): I was too into the game again. Am I losing hope in this life?

(nurses office)

Souji (after opening the door): Looks like the nurse isn't here.

Iris (at the door while Souji enters): You sure it's okay for us to enter without a teacher?

Souji (open the freezer): Normally we would have to wait but it should be fine since the nurse trusts me. Go sit on a bed I'll bring the ice pack over.

Iris (walking to a bed before sitting down): Why would the nurse trust you?

Souji: Because I brought a lot of injured and unwell people (moving things in the freezer) Also I treated people when the nurse wasn't around. So before leaving, I left a note apologizing.

Iris: Why would you need to apologize?

Souji (walking to Iris holding an ice pack): Because there are not many nice boys like me around. The nurse talked to me on my break and let the teachers know she gave me permission to enter the room whenever she wasn't around.

Iris (after Souji put her hands together on the ice pack): So cold.

Souji: The cold will help you move your fingers so just give it some time. Since we're alone I have to ask. Do you act like this in every fight?

Iris (look to the side): Sometimes. In the past, it rarely happens but recently it's been happening a lot mainly on my alt account.

Souji (sitting on a chair near Iris): I too know that feeling but it only happens when I'm about to die or against a strong opponent. However, I still have my senses knowing where I am but it's not the same with you. Have you seen a doctor?

Iris (moving two of her right fingers): No. I thought it wasn't that bad.

Souji: You thought it wasn't that bad. (mad while grabbing Iris's shoulder after standing) People would go crazy. Who knows what will happen? You could kill someone thinking it's part of the game.

Iris (looking at Souji yelling): Then what am I supposed to do? Tell me! (calmer after sighing) Do I have to stop playing games?

Souji (letting go of Iris's shoulder): You don't have to stop playing games but if it happens again I am going to take you to see a doctor.

Iris: Okay.

Souji (after sitting down): Are you free next week Saturday?

Iris: I am. I'm always free because I only play games.

Souji: Then until Saturday you can't go on any games.

Iris: But why?

Souji: So you can take a few days off.

Iris (after throwing the warm ice pack at Souji): You're so mean.

Souji (standing after catching the warm ice pack): I'm not being mean. You don't know how to spend your days out of the gaming world.

Iris (after Souji looks at his phone): Did something happen?

Souji: No. Our teacher sent me a message of your rank.

Iris: What's my rank?

Souji (after turning around): You're at the top like me. Rank S.

Iris: Rank S?

Souji: Only rare people get Rank S in class meaning we can fight bosses alone.

Iris (putting her gloves on): Does that rank belong to the me who's stuck in the gaming world or the me who's in front of you?

Souji (after putting his phone away): That's a hard and interesting question. You have to see that for yourself. (look at Iris while she stands putting her coat on) Want me to walk you home?

Iris: No. I'll be fine on my own. (start walking) Thank you for the help. (stop at the door) Text me where we should meet up on Saturday.

Souji (in his mind): I should have just taken you to a doctor but I want to see if this idea works. (walking to the freezer and putting the ice pack inside) I won't stop you from playing games but I will show you many things in this world.