Corpse Party: Future [Fanfiction]

Chapter 2: Dream

(Written on 10 Sept)

Night had fallen. The wan moon hung up high in the black sea of glittering stars. The air was clear, yet eerily silent.

In the aisle of the silent hospital, the cheesy bleeping of Naomi's ringtone and the strangely familiar school song from Satoshi's phone began to ring, signaling a received text. Both dove for their phones in their pockets, flipping them open.

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-From: Mother

-Subject: Permission to stay out late at hospital

...

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To their delight, their mothers had given them permission to stay out late just to take care of her in the hospital. Naomi smiled, somewhat in defeat, at her text; her mother had even added:

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-Remember to take your medicine, Naomi!

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"... Jeez, Mom still doesn't believe that Seiko existed... even though I showed her Seiko's picture..." A sad look graced her face, and deep within, Satoshi felt hurt that Naomi had to go through all this pain. He stretched his hand out and patted her shoulder. He had to admit, though, Naomi's mother was getting really scared of her own daughter nowadays and just let her do what she wanted, but still constantly gave her medicine everyday to keep her in check.

"Well, seeing a blackened face..." His face was full of thought. "Actually, Naomi... I think it's best if you move out, though. I'm afraid your mother will do something if she claims that you're still going on about your 'imaginary friend' Shinohara."

"But, Satoshi! Seiko did exist! Why would no one believe me!? She... She really existed...!" Tears began brimming Naomi's eyes as she covered her face with her hands, shunning herself from reality. "Why wouldn't they believe that she existed! Her picture's there, it's just her face that's missing, but she's just there, standing there right before their eyes! They can see her body but they don't believe she once lived in this world!"

"... I know, I know." Satoshi ruffled Naomi's hair as he took her into a small hug in the middle of the dimly lit aisle. His cheeks flushed a little red but that did not matter to him anymore. All that mattered... was comforting this poor girl that he really love with all his heart, and stay by her side.

"... I know Shinohara definitely existed, because all of us went through Heavenly Host together."

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When they told the news about staying out late to their class representative, she had broken down into tears and held her head in her small hands. Her thin body was trembling as her shaky voice came out as soft sobs. Yoshiki, in an attempt to comfort her, lightly patted her back, constantly assuring her that everything would be alright.

"You must be tired now, Shinozaki," Satoshi said with a warm smile. "How about you rest for a bit while we go down and grab something to eat? We'll be back soon, I promise." He grinned and gave a thumbs up to the patient.

Ayumi could not help but let out a small chuckle as she nodded, wiping her tears. Satoshi never failed to make her smile, even in the middle of the silliest situations.

"E-Everyone... thank you," she whispered, her wet eyes shining with hope.

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When they closed the ward's door behind them, Yoshiki began walking forward, but Satoshi's hand stopped him.