Hallucinations

-----Mai's POV

I couldn't believe what happened, but it's undeniable now. Time has been reversed... So that's what that thing was talking about? It's strange though. I still feel that bond with Kaede and Selene, but it doesn't look like Kaede can hear me. Selene has recently been born so I doubt I can communicate with her either. But I know if I leave things as it is, things will just go back to the way things are.

Melanthos: "Mm. My world's also been tampered with."

Galatea: "Hahh~ I told you guys that it was a bad idea going off like that."

Neda: "..."

Neda's been acting the most strange out of all of us. When this all started, she didn't speak at all, even when Erytheia tried to speak with her.

Mai: "Erytheia."

Erytheia: "Hmm?"

Mai: "Do you feel your bond?"

Erytheia: "Is that what it is? I don't know. It feels strange."

Feels... That's what doesn't make sense. We're back where we "belong" yet all of us, besides Galatea, feel this same feeling when we shouldn't be feeling anything.

Mai: "...I'll be back."

Melanthos: "Leuce?"

Mai: "I made a promise. I won't be long."

I was afraid what would happen after those three days, but to think time wouldn't affect us. I can use this...

-----Kaede's POV

Waking up early, there was once again breakfast made for me. It's quite a common occurrence considering my parents always work early. Maybe if I wake up even earlier then maybe I could see them off. Might also learn some cooking from mom. But knowing me, I'd be dead asleep. It's bad enough waking up this early, but I suppose it's for the sake of making friends.

And after grabbing my things, I set off out the same time as yesterday. I'm quite happy with making Maria's acquaintance as I noticed that Emi has added me into their group chat, but after noticing that I'm the only one online, I tuck my phone back into my bag before stopping once again by the train tracks, waiting for the train to pass. I wonder if that girl will come running-

Girl: "Agh!"

Speak of the devil, right on que. But why does she sound pissed? I watch as she comes up next to me as we both end up waiting for the train.

...

Wait... Is she not going to try and talk with me? Should I say something? But what?

Kaede: "...Is something wrong?"

Girl: "Hmm? Ah! Yeah I was just racing the train."

What? That train goes quite fast. Does she seriously think she can outrun it?

Kaede: "Pfft."

Girl: "Hey! I know I'm never going to win, but it helps fuel that competitive urge."

Kaede: "Do you compete or something?"

Girl: "Not right now, but I plan to in the future."

Yeah, we live in completely different worlds. This girl sounds like she wants to participate in the Olympics, meanwhile I just want a calm, comfortable life.

Girl: "Ah, bye bye!~"

And once again, the train passes, and without wasting a second, the girl runs forth with a bright smile on her face.

Kaede: "Hah~ I didn't even get your name again."

.....

...

And once lunch time starts, I end up following Emi and Maria into the cafeteria once again. However, this time would be different as Emi would be the only one going up to get her food as it seems like Maria has her lunch already prepared.

Kaede: "Did you make that?"

Maria: "Ah, no. My mom makes my lunches on Wednesdays."

Kaede: "Why Wednesdays?"

Maria: "I'm not sure. I think she just wants to make sure my diet stays healthy? I have to say though. I'm sort of jealous that you're parents make you food everyday."

Kaede: "Hehe. I'm actually jealous that you get to buy cafeteria food."

Maria: "Hey! Maybe we could trade during those days? The food here is quite good!"

Kaede: "Sure!"

Ah~ This is great. I didn't expect to get such an offer from Maria, lucky me~ But that does make me wonder why Emi never offered me something like that. 

Kaede: "Hmm?"

In the corner of my eye, I spot someone, a boy. He seems to be chatting away with what looks to be two of his friends, but I can't help but feel like I've seen him from somewhere. Maybe from middle school? I mainly hung out with Emi while I was there, so-

Just then, he notices my gaze from the other side of the cafeteria, our eyes meeting one another. And in that moment, my surroundings begin to change as I find the table I'm sitting at is now covered in blood as it drips off onto the floor and onto my lap. But on the table was that boy I was just looking at, only this time, one of his eyes was gouged out. I feel my stomach begin to churn as blood continues to pour out of his face, staining my clothes in the process as I feel frozen in place. It was then that I noticed a knife was in my hands as I soon spot the massive hole in his chest.

Boy: "K-Kaede-"

Kaede: "!"

Suddenly finding the strength to stand up from the chair, I try my best to get away from the boy. How is he still alive?! But right as I stood up, an acidic taste begins to form in my mouth as I quickly try and resist the urge of puking right then and there.

Maria: "Kaede?!"

It was then that my surroundings turn back to normal as I find myself still standing up with everyone around us now looking my way. I quickly check my hand only to see that the knife was no longer there, as well as my clothes were no longer stained in blood.

Kaede: "Huh?"

Maria: "Are you okay?"

Kaede: "I-I'm fine."

I end up glancing over at the boy across the cafeteria once more as he was still watching me, along with everyone else... I can't... Not again. Not those stares.

Kaede: "Sorry. I think I'll actually go lay down."

Maria: "I'll take you!"

Kaede: "Thanks."

...

Once we make it out of the cafeteria, I feel myself begin to calm down, if only a little as Maria and I make our way towards the infirmary.

Maria: "What happened?"

Kaede: "I..."

I was about to tell her what I saw, but she'd think I'm crazy, so I end up swallowing my words as she opens the infirmary door for me.

Nurse: "Yes, may I help?"

Maria: "My friend here isn't feeling all that well."

Nurse: "Alright. Lay her down on the bed over there. I'll be just a moment."

The nurse begins to walk off as Maria helps me sit down on the bed. I've been in an infirmary before, but this is the first time I'm the one needing help. But is there really any help that I can get? What do I even tell the nurse? That I hallucinated and saw a boy's mutilated body? She'll think I'm some sort of psychopath or something.

Maria: "Alright. I told Emi we're here."

Ah, I didn't realize Maria was on her phone...

Kaede: "I'm sorry."

Maria: "Eh?"

Kaede: "For ruining our lunch."

Maria: "It's fine. We can eat in here with you."

She's too sweet.

Kaede: "I'm sure your boyfriend feels lucky to have you, hehe."

Maria: "Oh, I erm. Don't have one, haha."

Kaede: "Really? I find that hard to believe."

Maria: "Hehe. You flatter me. I don't get approached from boys often, so I don't get much opportunities."

Okay now "that" I can understand. Even I was taken aback a little when she approached me. Still surprising though that she hasn't had a boyfriend though.

Emi: "Kaede!"

Suddenly, Emi bursts into the room.

Nurse: "Hey! No yelling-"

Ignoring the nurses warning, Emi runs up to us.

Emi: "You okay?"

Kaede: "I'm okay. Just felt a little light headed. I'll be fine with the next classes."

Emi: "You sure?"

Kaede: "Mhmm! Positive."

Emi: "Hahh~ I swear, the other day you fell asleep in class, and now this."

Kaede: "Hehe. I'm sorry."

Despite sounding disappointed, Emi gently pats me on the head, however I soon realize she's only doing so in order to mess up my hair. I kind of deserve it though.

...

Eventually, the nurse deemed I was okay and sent me back to class after lunch had finished, but she did make sure I drank enough water before doing so. I guess I'll just skip the garden today and just head home early.

And once school was over, I did exactly that.

Emi: "Message me when you get home."

Kaede: "Mhmm."

Maria: "Ah, could I have your contact details?"

Kaede: Oh, sure."

Despite being in a group chat, I found myself smiling as Maria and I exchange details. It's almost like we've now properly formed our friendship.

Maria: "Thank you!"

Kaede: "Mhmm. Thank you as well."

Emi: "We'll see you tomorrow!~"

And with that, they walk off in the opposite direction together as I walk the other way.

God, I'm such a mess... Strange dreams, weird memories, and now hallucinations... I'm hoping this is all just some form of stress that happens with starting high school, but I doubt it. I really don't want to get myself checked as I don't want to give anymore attention to myself.

Girl: "Hey, you!"

Kaede: "Huh?"

But as I was walking, the girl from this morning runs up from behind me before matching my pace. She's not running off ahead of me this time?

Girl: "Are you okay? I saw you headed to the infirmary during lunch."

Yeah... I really did make a fool of myself. Good job, Kaede.

Kaede: "I'm okay. I was just a little light headed."

Girl: "Really?"

Kaede: "...Yeah."

Girl: "Well, then I hope you don't mind me walking with you."

Kaede: "Eh?"

What? I mean, I don't really mind, but I'm confused as to why she'd do something like-

Girl: "You cross the train tracks. I'm not going to risk you accidentally getting run over."

Kaede: "Pfft."

I didn't expect her to be this caring for someone she doesn't know.

Girl: "Hey, I'm serious you know. You might think you're fine, but you never know when you might collapse."

Kaede: "Fufufu-"

Girl: "Eh?"

Kaede: "It's okay. The nurse made sure I had plenty of water."

Girl: "E-even still, we're going in the same direction, so... If you don't mind."

Hmm? Did I say something embarrassing? Why's she blushing like that? It's starting to make me feel like I'm the strange one.

Kaede: "...Thank you."

She must have grown up in such a warm environment for her to radiate this much. I thought she was unapproachable, but to hear her worry about me, someone she doesn't know. I wouldn't be surprised if she's the type to help out the elderly during her free time or something.

Girl: "I'm Yui Kimura by the way."

Kaede: "Pfft."

Yui: "Huh? Did I say something funny?"

Kaede: "I just didn't expect you to have a cute name like that."

Yui: "Augh! You're not the first one to say that."

For someone as cool and handsome looking, I was expecting something more cool.

Kaede: "Hehe. I'm Kaede Nakashima."

Yui: "Nice to meet you, Kaede."

What a day this has been. I saw something horrific, but because of that I managed to introduce myself to the girl from the train tracks.

Yui: "A-alright. Then take care!~"

Suddenly, I realize that we had crossed the train tracks as I watch Yui run down the left side. I find myself smiling before continuing forward, back home.

...

Kaede: "Hahh!~"

Dad: "Oh! Welcome home."

Mom: "How was school?"

And to top it off, both my parents are back early? What the hell?

Kaede: "It went well."

But I'm not about to make them worry about the things that I saw. They seem to be in a happy mood, so I'd hate to ruin it.

Dad: "That's great. Mai and I will be a bit busy tomorrow, so here-"

He hands me some money. I don't even need to ask what this is for as it seems like I'm eating out tomorrow. But for some reason, hearing my mothers name is a bit strange. It's like-

(?: "Hello Kaede. It's good to finally meet you.")

Kaede: "Huh?"

Dad: "Is something wrong?"

Kaede: "Ah, no it's okay. Thank you, dad."

I end up moving back up to my room, fleeing in a sense as to not worry my parents any further. Yup, there's definitely something wrong with me. Why the hell did I see an image of a naked woman with extremely long white hair? It's definitely not my mom, but why the hell did I imagine that?