Akako's mind flittered between imagination and reality. One moment he was struggling against the metal restraints, holding him to a chair, and the next he would have a warm feeling, forcing him to see the restraints as arms gently embracing him. This insanity made it hard for him to make out his surroundings, blending the distinct shapes into blurry colors and dulling the immense pain he was feeling.
"He's started to socialize." A researcher said between lines.
Subconsciously, Akako felt regret. He had ignored the logic of both of his lives, in favor of a friendship that would be split apart. Splitting apart like the veins in Akako's arms and chest. As men, three or four, stared their eyes piercing, all eight. Or was it 6, or ten. Akako was unsure, and it was clear the four men in white lab coats. But still, they continued. One started to speak and his words harmonized with the heavy beats of Akako's heart. But then, his heart gave yield to the man's voice, both stopping giving off a never ending silence
When Akako awoke he was back in his room, the same pristine white prison that constantly drove him mad. There was another piece of meat and a cup of water in front of him, but he couldn't muster up the will to eat. Instead, he fed into the sickness growing inside him. Akako knew this sickness well, it was something that would drive one to the brink of insanity, and even beyond. This feeling waxed with the creek of the door.
"It's time to go outside." A person said while smiling. Akako mindlessly followed.
Akako followed them to the outside area where Mizuki sat in the grass waiting for him. Her face seemed to light up when she saw him. Akako sat on the grass by her and as he did the feeling vanished, it was replaced with the same warm feeling from the other day. He immediately started talking to Mizuki while smiling slightly.
Mizuki and Akako talked until one of the researchers called them back inside. When Akako went back to his room he hesitantly ate the meal that was given to him. While eating he thought over what had happened today. The blurry images that flashed through his head were giving him resolve. He would escape with Mizuki, his health depended on it.