Talk with Friend

Several days passed.

Ren remained admitted in the hospital, lying quietly in his bed as doctors monitored his recovery. His body was slowly healing, but his mind was still trapped in the nightmare of that day.

Finally, on the third day, Ren opened his eyes.Soft morning sunlight entered through the window. He felt extremely weak. When he turned his head, he noticed something that surprised him.

His hospital room was filled with fruit baskets, flowers, and dozens of letters.

Curious, he picked up one letter.

“Thank you for saving my daughter. If you had not acted, I would have lost my only family. We will never forget your bravery.”

Another letter said:

“Because of you, I can still see my son smile. You are a true hero.”

Ren continued reading. Every letter was from families whose loved ones had been saved in the mall. Gratitude, prayers, and warm wishes filled each page.

Slowly, a small smile appeared on his face. His heart felt lighter.

“Maybe… I did save someone after all,” he whispered.

Later that day, Ren decided to get some fresh air. He carefully got out of bed and walked out of the room. The hospital corridors were quiet. With slow steps, he climbed the stairs to the rooftop.

As he opened the rooftop door, cool wind touched his face.And there, sitting on the edge of the roof, was Negi.

Negi turned around and smiled.

“Finally awake, huh? The doctor wasn’t letting anyone meet you. So I thought, ‘Ren will definitely come to the roof after waking up.’ Looks like my guess was right.”

Negi gave a smile.

“How are you?”

Ren walked closer and stood beside him.

“I’m not fine,” Ren said quietly. “Those images are still in my head. The two children… I couldn’t save them. I feel angry at myself.”

Negi stayed silent for a moment, then spoke softly.

“Forget it, Ren. The more you think about it, the more guilt you’ll carry.”

Ren looked at him sharply.

“That’s easy for you to say. If you were in my place… what would you have done?”

Negi sighed.

“I would have done what I believed was right for everyone.”

Ren lowered his gaze.

“So… you don’t understand my pain.”

Negi shook his head slowly.

“Ren… in this world, no one can fully understand another person’s pain. Everyone carries their own burdens. But you did what you could. You saved many lives.”

Ren remained quiet. The wind brushed past them. They sat there for a long time without speaking. Just breathing. Just existing. Little by little, Ren’s racing thoughts began to calm.

The next day, Ren was finally discharged from the hospital.

He walked out of the building with his grandfather by his side. The sky was bright, and the world felt strangely peaceful.

When they reached home, Ren opened the front door.

“Welcome back!”

Voices shouted together.

Ren looked surprised and shocked.

Inside the house, Hina, Yuki, Mei, Negi, and many of his classmates were standing with balloons and decorations. A banner hung across the wall:

“WELCOME BACK, REN!”

A table was filled with food, snacks, and drinks.Hina stepped forward with a warm smile.

“We planned this for you. You’ve been through a lot.”

Yuki waved cheerfully.

“We’re just happy you’re home.”

Mei raised her fist.

“And we’re not letting you stay sad forever!”

Negi smiled.

“Come on, hero. Eat first, overthinking later.”

For the first time since the incident, Ren laughed lightly. Everyone sat together, eating, talking, and sharing stories. Laughter filled the house. For a while, Ren forgot his guilt and fear.

He looked around at his friends.

People who stood beside him.

People who cared.

His heart felt warm.

Maybe… healing had finally begun and his life's new chapter now started.