As soon as my mother allowed it, I went to Noct’s room to check on him. It was about two hours since he had rushed off to his room, but I couldn’t help it. My mother grabbed me right after he left and forced me to bathe and change into “appropriate clothing”.

I’m worried. This was so sudden, and he’s in pain. 

Finding his door closed, I knocked before entering, but there was no reply. Peeking into the room, I saw Noct on the bed, tossing and turning like he was having a dreadful dream. 

I entered the chamber, and with a gentle touch, I reached out to him and laid my hand on his shoulder, murmuring, “Hey, Noct, wake up. I think you’re having a nightmare.” To my surprise, he didn’t wake up and thrashed about on the bed. 

I can never seem to wake him up.

With a frown, I noticed his purple necklace glowing and pulsing at his throat.

“This thing again? What is it?” I whispered to myself, leaning closer and touching the stone, which felt cool on my fingertips. As soon as I did, Noct groaned in pain and turned away from me onto his side, hiding the mysterious object from my view.

While considering the strange pendant, I remembered something from earlier in the day. When Noct shoved me off the bridge to save me, his necklace had been shining. That distance was too far for an ordinary human to push me across, but with his tremendous strength, I made it. He was not an average human — if he was even human at all — and this necklace had something to do with it.

If he’s not one of us, what else could he be?

The entire situation was bewildering, and I knew from what he told me about his memory that he knew as much about it as I did — which was nothing.

It must be hard not to know who you are or where you belong. He doesn’t strike me as the type to ask others for help, even if he needs it. I hope he’s alright.  

As I pondered this, he turned toward me with a soft groan. I gave him a wistful smile, looking down at his handsome face. Even though he was rough around the edges, I didn’t think he deserved to face this mystery alone. 

I think he has a good heart, even if he tries his best to hide it. 

With a tender hand, I pushed back the long silvery bangs that had fallen onto his face. I frowned as I felt the sweat on his forehead and lingered for a short while before I turned around to find a chair. 

I’ll be right here when he wakes up, just in case he needs me. I owe him that much, at least.

It only took a short search in a nearby room to find a comfy chair, and I pulled it into the room with difficulty. The wooden chairs in my home were heavier than I expected. 

Plopping down into the extravagant seat, I let out a deep exhale. All the excitement of the past week had exhausted me, and I felt sleepy as I sat back against the soft velvet lining. Soon after closing my eyes, I fell asleep. I couldn’t help him while he was in this state, anyway. 

He’s been here for a few hours, so he won’t need me for a while. I’m just so tired…