Chapter 18, Huh?

The doctor and Ayame talking in hushed tones felt like a prickling sensation on my chest. A feeling I couldn't quite name, perhaps this was jealousy? The very idea sent waves of doubt down my spine. Jealous? Me? Of a doctor discussing my well-being with Ayame? Unbelievable.

Yet, the feeling wouldn't go away. I shoved it down, thinking it was just protectiveness. After all, Ayame was my girlfriend. Seeing her beautiful face filled with worry twisted something inside me, I felt like sta- Wait what? No, no. Possessiveness? Was I becoming some kind of yandere? The beings I always found cute and loveable?

Thinking I am turning into one, left a bad taste in my mouth. Just shut up brain! Ayame told me to relax, and I am in another inner war with myself!

I decided to drink some water again and finally started to relax but then, my thoughts strayed into my previous breakdown. What even was that? I am not really scared of ghosts, so why did that interaction lead me to such a position?

Thinking about all the possibilities, something suddenly came into my mind. That nightmare! Those three figures! One clutching a knife, and the other two cowering in fear. The figure with the knife….. It was very similar to the way the ghost held the knife.

Do I have a fear of people holding knives or something? I don't remember such a thing….. Should I tell the doctor? Yeah. I should. I need to fix myself, I can't afford to worry Ayame more than necessary.

"Uhm…. Ayame…" My voice was barely audible but they both still noticed it.

"Yes, Sora-kun? Anything you need?" Ayame replied while the doctor stared at me with curiosity.

"I just want to say something. I… Had a nightmare a few days ago. I was wondering if it was connected with my breakdown."

"If you don't mind, could you describe it?" This time, the doctor replied with his eyes narrowed, and Ayame's face was filled with worry, "Why didn't you tell me sooner, Sora-kun?"

"Yes, I can describe it," I replied to the doctor first and turned my gaze words Ayame, "It's just I didn't want you to worry," I said with an awkward smile.

Ayame's gaze seemingly softened, "I appreciate that but next time, if that ever happens, you will tell me," Her last words sounded like an order but I didn't mind. I just smiled and nodded.

—

Sora then went towards them and sat down in the seat next to Ayame, starting to describe his nightmare. His voice was filled with surprising clarity and each scene of the nightmare came to his mind with photographic precision.

"Can you describe the figure holding the knife?" Dr Sato prompted gently, "Yes, though, I can't describe his face. That figure was also blurry like the other two, but he was almost giving off a dark eerie feeling. The way he lunged at the other two figures was very similar to the way that 'ghost' had jumped me and Ayame."

After hearing all that, Ayame held Sora's hand, slightly squeezing it as a silent offer of comfort. Sora squeezed it back, finding warmth in her touch. If not for her by his side, Sora would never be able to talk with such clarity and confidence. In such a short time, Ayame had become his pillar of support. An indestructible pillar.

"That is certainly an interesting detail and helps me get a clearer idea of the situation, thanks for sharing this with me, Arashi-kun. Also, I forgot to introduce myself, excuse my manners," Dr Sato said with a chuckle, "I am Sato Nanakuma, you can call me Sato."

"Nice to meet you, Sato-san. I am Arashi Sora, but I am sure you already know and please just call me Sora," Sora said while smiling gently.

Ayame glared at Dr Sato. Sora smiling at someone else and allowing them to call his first name?! She silently puffed up her cheeks in annoyance.

The victim of her glare awkwardly smiled at her, "Yes that I do but nice to meet you too," he just decided to ignore her.

Suddenly, Dr Sato's demeanour turned solemn, "Sora-kun, I know this might be sudden. But you need to know this, to prepare yourself if you have another breakdown. So please, relax yourself and don't stress yourself and here have this," Sora was startled by this sudden change but he decided to listen and also took the stress ball given to him.

"Wait, you will tell him? Are you sure about this?" Ayame questioned.

"Well, I don't normally because of the chances of misdiagnosis. But in this case, I can fully guarantee the validity of the diagnosis and trying to treat him while hiding would be an inconvenience," Dr Sato calmly explained.

"Well, sure, whatever is the best for him," Ayame's doubts got cleared.

Dr Sato turned his gaze towards Sora who was quietly listening to the both of them conversing, "Okay so, Sora-kun, listen to me carefully, this will be a lot of information but try to hang in there," Sora nodded while putting the stress ball in front of himself and holding Ayame's hand.

"I hope you don't mind but I'd prefer to hold her hand than the stress ball, which helps much more," Sora said surprisingly with a straight face, 'Shit, that was so corny,' He quickly looked at Ayame.

Unexpected to him, she was blushing with a huge grin covering her face, almost as if she was proud of herself.

Dr Sato smiled looking at them both, 'Hmm, I doubt he was always this bold considering the state he was in when I had first met him years ago. The change probably is the credit of Tsubasa-san, interesting, I knew her role would be crucial in his journey but it seems I have underestimated her effect.'

*Cough*

Dr Sato coughed trying to get their attention, both of them looked at him, "First and foremost, I'd like to say, you have 'Dissociative Amnesia'. I will be assuming you haven't heard of this," Dr Sato gave Sora a questioning gaze, which he shook his head to in negative.

Dr Sato resumed, "Dissociative Amnesia is a disorder which makes you forget important memories. It is usually caused by extreme stress or trauma."

"Stress or trauma? I don't remember something like that," Sora questioned himself in a lost tone.

"That's exactly what the disorder does. It makes you forget. Actually, Sora-kun, you don't remember but you have come to me before, around a decade ago."

Sora's expression turned blank, "Huh?"

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