Chapter 45

After about 15 minutes she was finally able to speak again.

"You feeling a little better?" Syl asked softly.

She nodded. "Y-yeah a l-little."

Syl chuckled. "That's good."

She nodded lightly.

Syl smiled as he looked at the moon overhead. "It's getting kinda late, they might come after us soon, or maybe they'll think we're doing… naughty things."

Karuizawa scoffed. "As if I'd do it with you."

Syl chuckled. "Don't worry, I'd never do it with a dog anyway."

Karuizawa lightly smacked him. "That's my line."

Syl laughed. "Whatever you say, dude."

Karuizawa smiled and shook her head.

She sniffled. "Thanks again."

Syl nodded. "Anytime, I know Hirata isn't the best at this kinda stuff, so let me know anytime. You're one of my best friends here, so it's really my pleasure to help."

She smiled and nodded. "You're a great friend, Syl. You can ask me for anything if you're ever in need. You know?"

"Bah! Who needs a dog's help!?"

Syl got a swift smack for that one.

He chuckled. "Just kidding, thanks, Karuizawa."

She nodded. "Hey… can I rant?"

Syl smiled and nodded as he faced the sky once again. "Anytime."

She sighed. "Where do I start?"

"How about you not dating Hirata?" Syl asked.

She gasped. "You knew?"

Syl chuckled. "I'm good at reading people. Plus, it's kinda obvious."

She was shocked. "Well, since you already know… let me tell you why…"

Over the next few hours Karuizawa talked all about her past, her being bullied, her scar, her and Hirata's fake relationship. Syl listened intently and asked questions.

Eventually Karuizawa finished. "... so that's how it all went."

Syl nodded. "See, it's not so bad, is it?"

Karuizawa shrugged. "I guess not… though, I don't think I'll tell anyone else."

Syl shrugged. "Up to you, I won't spill the beans."

Karuizawa nodded. "Thanks."

Then she yawned.

Syl chuckled. "It's getting late, huh."

She nodded tiredly.

"Let's get back then?"

Karuizawa hummed in agreement.

She yawned again before saying something. "Kei."

Syl looked back at her. "Pardon."

Syl smiled sweetly. "Just call me Kei, it feels weird calling you by your first name when you don't do the same."

Syl smiled. "Sure thing, let's head back, Kei."

The two of them walked back to camp together. It was probably past 1 am by now so everyone else was asleep.

Except the one person sitting by the fire.

Syl led Kei back to her tent before sitting by the fire.

"Long night?" Syl asked Hirata.

He nodded in response.

Syl chuckled and wrapped his arm around Hirata's shoulder. "Take a breather man. Not everything is on you. Relax, you got this."

"Thanks, but I need to make sure everything is perfect, everyone has to be happy."

Syl sighed. "I won't try to stop you, but at least hear me out."

Hirata nodded.

"What you're trying to do is impossible, let alone the inevitable fact that sometimes classmates will disagree, there will come a time when a sacrifice is necessary. Feel free to keep at this approach, but prepare yourself for when the time comes you can't save everyone."

Hirata shook his head. "I won't allow that time to come."

Syl stood up. "You can't stop it. It's like trying to stop the moon from shining. It's just impossible, don't wear yourself out, Hirata. You're a good guy, don't let anyone tell you differently, even yourself."

Syl walked off to the tent and got into his pink bunny suit before crawling into bed.

Hirata looked back at the fire and smiled.

"Thanks Syl, but I can't allow the past to repeat itself."