Midnight.
A cool wind drifted quietly through the hospital. Inside the room, there were only two people—a girl asleep, and a boy still awake.
Sana looked at her sleeping face.
[What should I do… with her?]
Suddenly, in her sleep, Alice moved her hand and gently held his.
"…I'm sorry…"
Sana didn't pull away.
[She's just like the Alice I knew…]
[In my past life, I always dreamed of having a girlfriend like her. Maybe…]
[No… I don't want to take advantage of her like this.]
He softly stroked her hand.
"You don't need to apologize…"
[Why does my heart feel like this? How can I change my fate… and actually live a happy life?]
Alice slowly opened her eyes, awakened by his touch. She tightened her grip on his hand with both of hers.
"I'm sorry… This is all my fault. I made you suffer like this…"
Tears streamed down her face.
Sana gently wiped them away.
"It's okay. You don't have to apologize. Saving someone… that's something normal people should do. At least I could save a life—that's enough for me."
He forced a small smile.
Alice looked at him, her eyes trembling.
"You're… really kind."
Sana looked away slightly.
"Maybe… because you remind me of someone I miss."
Alice lowered her gaze, then spoke softly:
"Then… I'll take care of you until you recover."
Sana shook his head lightly.
"But I don't want to affect your life—your studies, your family…"
Alice held his hand tighter.
"No. I won't. I don't want to live with guilt… or regret."
Sana stayed silent for a moment.
"…I won't force you. But promise me—go home at night. Your parents will worry."
Alice hesitated, then slowly let go of his hand.
"I'm sorry… for holding your hand like that. Yes… I promise."
Sana smiled faintly.
"And… about your studies, I can help. I've learned all of this before."
Alice's face lit up with a bright smile.
"Really? Then from now on, I'll take care of you!"
Sana chuckled softly.
"…What's your name?"
Alice blinked.
"My name is Alice. And you?"
Sana paused for a second.
"My name is… Sa…na."
[…Is this still my name in this world?]