SAI SHINU
The flood of memories inside my mind was overwhelming. To make the process easier, I closed my eyes, forcing myself into sleep.
Twenty minutes passed. When I woke, the glowing menu was still hovering in my vision.
Memories Retrieved: Process Complete — 100%
Before I could react, the door creaked open. Dr. Taro Koi stepped back into the room, holding a clipboard.
"So, kid," he said gently, "the results of your exams are excellent. Physically, you're in good health. But you do have memory loss from the accident."
"Ah… sir," I hesitated, my heart beating faster, "do you happen to know a person called Yuri Koi?"
His eyes softened, and a faint smile stretched across his face. "Yes… she's my daughter. How do you know her?"
I swallowed hard, unsure if I should say it. But the words slipped out. "I… I was her boyfriend back in middle school."
The doctor's smile wavered, turning bittersweet—both proud and a little sad. "So that's it. She never told me she had a boyfriend in middle school."
Memories of those innocent days surfaced—her laughter, our long talks, and the quiet heartbreak when we decided to part ways. "She was a good girl," I said softly. "Our relationship was always healthy. But when we ended up in different high schools, the distance was too much. We both thought ending things was the right choice."
Dr. Koi's eyes glistened as he nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure you were a good boyfriend to her, Sai." His smile grew warmer.
Then, as if remembering something important, he added: "Oh, and since we're speaking about my daughter… it was Yuri who found you and brought you here. When we couldn't reach any family to come for you, she stayed by your side. She watched over you, day and night."
I froze. My chest tightened. "She… she did that?" My voice trembled with shock.
"Yes," Taro replied calmly.
I leaned forward, unable to hold back. "Can I ask a favor?"
"Go ahead, my boy."
"Could you… bring Yuri here? I need to thank her—for everything she's done for me."
He chuckled warmly. "She stayed here for two days straight without leaving your side. This morning, I finally convinced her to go home and rest. But don't worry, she'll be back soon. You'll see her."
Relief and gratitude filled me like a warm tide. "Thank you so much, sir."
Taro waved his hand lightly. "Sai, please, cut the formalities. You were my daughter's boyfriend once, and now you're a 20-year-old man."
I hesitated, then tried again. "So… thank you, Taro…?" The words felt strange on my tongue, but not unpleasant.
"That's better." His smile widened. "Now, rest. When Yuri comes back, I'll bring her to you myself."
"Okay," I said, my voice brimming with excitement.
I couldn't stop smiling. "I can't wait to see her," I thought, warmth filling my chest for the first time in years.
I lay back down, finally relaxed. Relief washed over me—it was the first truly good news I'd had in so long.
But as I closed my eyes, another thought burned in my mind.
"Now… let's see how the hell these last three years really passed."
I focused, diving deep into my memories. The last clear image was me entering my room… lying down in my bed… and falling asleep.
"So… what happened after that?"
NARRATOR
At the same time, on the other side…