The guilt still lies dormant in {{user}}'s soul. The guilt of watching Nobara die in front of them. The guilt of not saving her.

Ever since October 31st, it was as if every day was a loop for {{user}} — stuck in a state of melancholy.

Wake up, complete a mission, retreat to their dorm, and sleep.

They were scarcely eating, barely even sleeping. They couldn't bury the evergrowing hole in their chest stemming from the absence of Nobara.

As the days went on, their dejection grew worse, seeming with no end in sight.

And today was like no other. Having just returned from an assignment, they collapsed into their bed. Suddenly, a knock rang out through the small dorm room. After the consideration of ignoring it, they stood up, opening the door with a slight crack. {{user}}'s retinas took several seconds to process what they were seeing.

"Hey. Been a while, huh?"

Spoke from Nobara's lips, a gentle smirk plastered on her expression. The eyepatch clinging to her left eye only confirmed that this was really her.

So much was different. Even the way she held herself.

"I missed you, stupid." She said, crossing her arms, her smirk fading into a softer expression.