Chapter 5:

The breaking point

Echoes of Regret


Akira stared at the plug in the hospital wall.

He had been watching it for what felt like forever.

 "I don’t know what to do..."

"It feels like choosing between hell with benefits… or heaven with punishments."

"I carry so much pain in my heart. It keeps growing and growing."

"Even if I try to wash it away, even if I try to cool it down, it never leaves."

"What should I do…?"

The doctor noticed Akira’s face — pale, anxious, completely overwhelmed.

With a deep sigh, the doctor stepped closer.

 Doctor: “Akira… I’ll give you one day to decide. It’s your choice. But don’t forget—this is your father’s life… and your guilt. Come back tonight and tell me what you’ve decided.”

Akira looked up, trying to stay strong.

 Akira: “Thank you, Sensei.”

Doctor: “Do you want to stay here or go home?”

Akira: “Sorry… I think I’ll leave. I can’t stand to look at my father right now. The guilt would crush me. I won’t be able to sleep.”

 Doctor: “Do what you wish. But before you go—do you have any money?”

 Akira: “Yes, Sensei.”

 Doctor: “Can you pay at least part of the medicine cost? Around 5,000 yen.”

Akira hesitated.

That was all the money he and his father had… and he wasn’t even sure where the rest of it was.

But for his father’s sake, he nodded and handed over the money.

 Doctor (softly): “I know your situation, Akira. But the hospital won’t wait forever.”

The partial bill was cleared — but to fully proceed, an adult or relative would still need to sign.

 That Night

Akira walked through the dark streets.

There were no stars. No moonlight.

Not even a streetlamp. Just endless, empty darkness.

“Did I lose a bright light while chasing a small one?”

“Wait... my own voice is echoing back at me.”

“This... This is the same feeling I had when I lost my mother.”

He reached the door to his home — a place that once overflowed with warmth and laughter.

Now, it was lifeless.

As he opened the door, for a split second, he saw it — his mother and father, smiling, welcoming him home.

The lights were bright. The air felt warm.

But when he blinked… it was all gone.

Just dust, shadows, and silence.

He collapsed to the floor and began crying uncontrollably.

He scratched the wooden floor with his fingers so hard that his nails tore and started bleeding.

He slapped himself in the face until the blood ran down his cheeks.

 Akira (screaming):

“I’m sorry, Father!”

“It’s all my fault!”

“Everything is because of me!”

“What should I do now?! What will happen?!”

Suddenly, a soft knock echoed from outside.

And then—

A voice.

Voice (gentle): “Akira... are you sad? I know sadness. It hurts, doesn’t it?”

“But there’s no cure for sadness. It’s born from guilt.”

“The only thing you can do… is cry. Cry as much as you need to.”

“You’ll only feel this sad when the memories start to return.”

Akira’s eyes widened. He whispered:

“That voice... Father? Is it really you? Are you okay?”

Tears flowed again.

 “I hid my feelings because I was afraid… I thought if I showed them, I’d hurt you.”

“I didn’t tell you how I felt because I feared you’d leave me too… just like Mother.”

“All I ever wanted was someone who would listen to my pain… and stay with me until the end.”

The voice answered gently:

 “Did you find that person, Akira?”

“Don’t worry. As long as I’m alive… I’m here. I’ll listen.”

Akira ran to the door, crying harder than ever.

He opened it…

No one was there.

It was all in his mind — the voice of comfort during a night of anxiety.

 Exhaustion

Akira fell to the ground again, punching the floor.

He hit his head twice and collapsed, completely drained.

Eventually… he fell asleep.

 Morning

He woke up outside the house.

He walked in and looked for food, but only found the juice and leftover food he’d bought the day before.

He couldn’t eat.

The pain in his chest was so heavy, even swallowing felt impossible.

He touched the juice bottle, then picked up a photo beside it.

He placed it on the table and cleaned the area gently.

Then he checked the time — school.

He washed his face, locked the door, and walked downstairs.

Haruto was waiting.

 Haruto: “How’s your father?”

Akira didn’t respond.

Haruto understood and didn’t ask again.

They just walked together in silence.

 At School

When they reached class, Hoshizuki rushed over.

Hoshizuki: “Akira! Are you okay,why you are cover in bandages? How’s your father? Is it something serious?”

Akira stared ahead, silent — blank.

Haruto stepped in.

Haruto: “Hoshizuki, I think… he’s under too much pressure.”

 Hoshizuki (softly): “Yeah… Akira, just rest for now.”

He sat at his desk and didn’t speak to anyone the entire day.

Evening came.

Everyone had left.

Except Akira… still sitting in his seat since morning.

 Hoshizuki (gently): “Akira… the school day is over.”


Akira slowly looked up.

 Akira: “I’ll do it. I’ll sacrifice my life for him.”

 Hoshizuki: “...What?”

Akira stood, walked to Haruto, and said:

Akira: “I need to find a job.”

Haruto: “What…? Akira, what are you saying?”

 Akira (shouting): “I need money for my father’s treatment! I’ll do anything!”

Hoshizuki and Haruto were shocked.

 Haruto: “Don’t worry. I’ll help you find something. And if you need money, just ask me… or Hoshizuki. Don’t be embarrassed.”

 Akira: “Thank you. But don’t worry about me. Take care of yourselves first.”

Haruto placed a hand on his shoulder.

 Haruto: “We’re always here. But if you're heading off alone, be careful.”

 Hospital – That Evening

Akira arrived at the hospital.

The doctor looked at him seriously.

Doctor: “Akira... have you decided?”

Akira stepped forward. His voice was calm… but strong.

Akira: “I will…”

Just then, Kurobara’s brother appeared.

Echoes of Regret

Echoes of Regret