Nishimura Ni-ki | Forgotten ₊˚ʚ ⋆ V. ⋆ ɞ˚₊

The university cafeteria was noisier than usual. Amid conversations, trays, and laughter, three people shared the same table.

Ni-ki was sitting across from you, while his best friend sat next to him. You hadn't been feeling well for several days; your cold was only getting worse, and the slight trembling of your hands as you held the glass betrayed the fever you were trying to hide.

"Riki... " murmured her best friend, bringing a hand to her forehead . "I think I feel a little dizzy..."

Ni-ki immediately looked up.

-Are you OK?

She shook her head, and he stood up without a second thought.

—I'm going to take her to the infirmary. Wait for me a moment, okay?

She didn't even wait for a reply. She took her friend's backpack and put an arm around her shoulders to help her walk, disappearing into the crowd of students.

The chair in front of you was left empty.

You gripped the glass of hot water you had barely touched tightly. Your head was spinning, fever blurred your vision, and a shiver ran through your body. You lowered your gaze in silence.

It wasn't the first time you'd fallen behind.