The feeling of isolation that had once plagued them was now nothing but a distant memory, like a bad dream that had long faded upon waking. Kana, who had once been plagued with dark thoughts and a constant sense of emptiness, now found herself smiling more often. Her change in demeanor surprised everyone at the hospital—nurses, doctors, and even other patients who were used to seeing her brooding in silence.

Her Twibbler page had also experienced tremendous growth. What had started as a modest platform with only 892 followers had now surpassed the thousand mark. Her emotional poetry, once met with generic and empty comments, now resonated with people on a deeper level. Readers responded with heartfelt messages, thoughtful interpretations, and even their own poetic verses inspired by her words. Witnessing her page flourish before her eyes filled Kana with a newfound sense of confidence. She had finally found a voice, and more importantly, she had found people who truly listened.

As for John, life had taken on a different hue. The once ever-present loneliness he had carried for so long was now a thing of the past, thanks to Kana. Knowing that she was always there to listen, to joke with him, and to offer her unwavering support made his days brighter. That summer, he had spent most of his time working under Ms. Marie while still making time to hang out with his friends when they called him.

However, despite the positive changes in his life, one thing remained unchanged—his strained relationship with his mother. Every time he tried to discuss her lifestyle and urge her to change for the better, she would either dismiss him entirely or skillfully change the subject. This cycle of avoidance had created a noticeable tension between them, stretching their already fragile relationship even further.

Now, September had arrived, bringing with it the end of summer and the beginning of John’s fourth and final year of high school. This was the year that would determine his future—the toughest academic year yet. College applications, final exams, and countless responsibilities loomed over him like an impending storm. But despite everything, one thing remained unchanged—his growing connection with Kana. 

*****

The classroom buzzed with energy as students excitedly shared stories about their summer vacations. Conversations overlapped, laughter filled the air, and the atmosphere was filled with the chaotic excitement that came with the first day back.

John, however, remained seated at the back of the class, staring out the window beside him. The view had changed—he was no longer in the same classroom as last year, and the familiar scenery had been replaced by the dull, gray wall surrounding the school. 

John: (to himself) What a bummer. 

As he sat there, lost in thought, a pair of hands suddenly covered his eyes. He let out an exasperated sigh, already knowing who it was. 

John: When are you going to stop this? I already know it's you, Rachel. 

Rachel: (pouts) I know. But it's still fun to do it anyway. 

John: (sigh) Are you gonna let me see you or not? 

Before he could fully turn around, Rachel quickly moved in front of him, blocking his view. As he took a proper look at her, he squinted slightly, noticing something different about her appearance.. 

John: Did you… add some weight? 

Rachel’s eyes widened in shock, her expression turning into an exaggerated cartoonish look of horror.

Rachel: What?! That’s a rude thing to ask a girl! We’re kind of insecure about our weight, you know!!

John blinked

John: Right, right. My bad. I'm sorry I asked. 

Rachel crossed her arms, still pouting.

Rachel: (sighs) What am I going to do with you, John?

John smirked slightly.

John: I should be the one asking that question. 

They stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter. Just then, two familiar figures entered the classroom—Ivan and Joseph. They walked over to John’s desk, each taking their usual seats beside him.

Ivan: Oh, he's still keeping that smile.

Joseph: Seems so. 

John glanced at them with mild curiosity.

John: You guys are still talking about that? 

Joseph: I mean, why not?

Ivan: You weren’t one to smile that much before, but towards the end of last term, you started to change. 

John fell silent as memories of the past summer flashed through his mind—the day he met Kana, the deep conversations they shared, and the way her presence made him feel less alone. His lips unconsciously curled into a small, contented smile. 

John: Yeah, well… a lot of things happened. Everything just feels right now. 

Ivan snapped his fingers.

Ivan: Oh! There it is—that mysterious smile again.

John raised an eyebrow.

John: Huh? I already told you it's nothing big really. 

Joseph: Then, what's the reason behind that smile? A girl maybe?

At that question, Rachel suddenly flinched but quickly recovered, keeping her expression neutral.

John, however, only smirked. 

John: Like I'd tell you guys. 

Ivan leaned closer to Joseph and whispered.

Ivan: Notice he didn’t deny it was a girl behind it?

Joseph: (whispers back) Right? 

John: I CAN HEAR YOU GUYS, YOU KNOW.

Before they could continue, the classroom door swung open, and the teacher stepped inside. The lively atmosphere immediately died down as everyone scrambled to their seats. 

Rachel, who had been standing near John, quickly walked to her usual seat at the front of the class, but as she sat down, her mind replayed a conversation she had with her friend, Leanne, during the summer.

“Look, Rach, if you really like John, you better act fast. Because from what I can tell, someone else might already be trying to take him away from you.” 

Rachel turned her head slightly, stealing a glance at John. He was staring out the window again, lost in thought.

Rachel: (to herself) I guess I'll do it…today. 

******

Meanwhile, in the hospital, Kana sat on her bed as Jane prepared her IV drip. Kana barely noticed as she remained glued to her phone, her full attention on whatever she was reading. It wasn’t until the sharp sting of the needle pierced her skin that she winced.

Kana: (flinching) Ouch…

Jane: Sorry, Kana. 

Kana shook her head, offering a small smile.

Kana: That’s alright, sis. You’re just doing your job. But… (pauses) no matter how many times I think I’m prepared for the pain, I never actually get used to it. You’d think four years of this would have made me immune.

Jane finished adjusting the IV drip, but her eyes lingered on Kana, who had already returned to her phone. There was an unusual intensity in Kana’s gaze, as if she were deeply invested in whatever she was reading.

Curious, Jane leaned in slightly.

Jane: Say, little sis…

Kana: What is it, big sis? 

Jane raised an eyebrow. 

Jane: What are you reading?

Kana: A web novel.

Jane: A web novel? I didn’t know you were into those.

Kana: I’m not… But John said this one was good, so I decided to check it out. And… it’s really good so far.

At the mention of John’s name, Jane’s lips curled into a teasing grin.

Jane: Ohhh… You mean your online boyfriend?

Kana’s face turned bright red.

Kana: W-what are you talking about?! John and I aren’t like that! He’s just a friend!!

Jane chuckled.

Jane: Oh? Then why are you all flustered?

Kana: Why wouldn’t I be?! You just dropped that bomb out of nowhere!!

Seeing Kana all worked up only made Jane giggle more. 

Jane: Oh, look at you. You’re so cute when you’re flustered.

Kana pouted.

Kana: If you keep teasing me, I’ll stop calling you big sister.

Jane froze.

Jane: (to herself) Damn you, Kana!!

Seeing that she had Jane trapped, Kana smirked in victory and went back to reading her novel.

Jane, still pouting, leaned in closer again. 

Jane: So… what’s the novel about? 

Kana: It’s an action-fantasy.

Jane: Oh? Sounds cool. What’s it called?

Kana briefly scrolled up to check the title.

Kana: Oh, it’s called Shadow Bu—

Before she could finish, a soft knock on the door interrupted them.

Both Kana and Jane turned their heads to see Dr. Kennedy standing at the entrance, his usual warm expression in place.

Dr. Kennedy: (smiling) Am I interrupting something?

The moment Kana saw him, her face brightened with a big smile.

Kana: Dr Kennedy!!!

Dr. Kennedy stepped into the room, his kind eyes scanning Kana.

Dr Kennedy: Hello there, Kana. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? How have you been holding up?

Kana glanced at her phone before beaming at him. 

Kana: I’ve been doing alright. Ever since you gave me this phone, I’ve been able to do so much more… Thank you, Dr. Kennedy. 

Dr. Kennedy returned her smile, a sense of warmth filling the room. A brief silence followed before he spoke again.

Dr Kennedy: So what were you two talking about earlier?

Before Kana could answer, Jane smirked.

Jane: Oh, I was just teasing Kana since she has an online boyfriend now. 

Kana: (flustered) Big sister!!!

Dr. Kennedy grinned as he pulled a chair closer to Kana’s bed.

Dr. Kennedy: An online boyfriend? Now this is interesting…

Kana (blushing): He’s NOT my boyfriend!!!

Jane giggled again, while Dr. Kennedy chuckled.

Dr. Kennedy: Well, I’ve got some free time. So, why don’t you tell me everything that’s happened since your birthday? I want to hear it all.