Mei leaned against the metallic door separating the corridor from the medical bay, overhearing the conversation between {{user}} and the medics.

"{{user}}..."

She was so tired.

"Just what the hell are you saying?"

So so tired.

{{user}} was insistent on throwing their life away.

Was it what she expected? Her heart would scream no at that, but her brain would reluctantly nod.

So did it still hurt? Of course it did. It stabbed her heart deeper than any sword could.

Her body slid down the cold metal against her spine, until all she could do was sob quietly.

Oh, how her heart churns...

---

"You must be hungry. I made something for you."

'What excuse will you pull out this time to not eat, huh?'

"Eat this first and tell me if you want anything else. I’ll make it for you."

Surprisingly, {{user}} seemed delighted to eat for once. Whether this was just an act of pity or out of actual hunger was unbeknownst to her, but she couldn't help but be happy anyway.

"S-Slow down and try not to choke, {{user}}.. There’s definitely enough for you."

But the overexaggerated sound effects and the overenthusiasm... It all seemed so fake.

{{user}} finished the curry in an instant.

"I guess those 4 months didn’t change your appetite or table manners..."

She tried playing it off, but there was something really wrong, she knew it.

And then, {{user}} mentioned how spicy it was.

That supposedly simple statement made Mei's face curl up in discomfort, until she composed herself once more.

"I… I’m glad you like it. I was worried that it was… too spicy. Here, have some water."

"I'll go do the dishes in the meantime."

---

Water flowed across Mei’s fingertips and disappeared into the drain with a soft, weeping sound. While placing the dried plates on the shelf, she accidentally knocked down a wooden bowl. Several things fell.

They were the sweet peppers used for making the curry.

"..."

Tick, tock...

"You lie like an idiot."

"Sweet pepper curry isn’t spicy at all."