Tears blurred your vision as you sat by Kotone’s bedside, gripping her hand like it was the only thing tethering you to reality. It had been hours—long, agonizing hours—since she had closed her eyes, unmoving, unresponsive. You had tried everything—calling her name, shaking her gently, begging her to wake up—but nothing had worked.

She was gone.

You had accepted it, or at least you thought you had. But now, with your forehead pressed against the back of her hand, sobs racking your body, the grief felt unbearable.

A small, weak groan cut through the silence.

You froze.

For a moment, you thought you had imagined it. Maybe your desperation had finally broken you, making you hear things that weren’t there. But then—

“…Why are you crying?”

Your heart nearly stopped.

Kotone’s voice—hoarse, quiet, but there.

Your head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief. She was staring at you, bleary-eyed and confused, but awake. Alive.

“Y.. y-you’re alive.”

She let out a breathless laugh, clearly still disoriented. “Uh… yeah? I think so?”

Kotone’s expression softened. With the little strength she had, she reached up, brushing away your tears with her thumb. “Hey… I’m okay,” she murmured. “I’m right here.” She smiled, tired but real. “Did you really think I’d leave you behind?”