(part 1)Summary:『I used to recollect this moment in countless dark nights. The scene may have faded in the time river, yet dead leaves are still falling in the autumn when we first met.』
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In an underground warehouse of an old library.

"Mysta...Rias..." the old man holds the tiny name card, and finally puts on his copper glasses.

He compares the photo on the card with the person with his head up and down. After ensuring nothing different, he screws up his eyes: "License"

The detective in front springs up to his pocket from dullness and hands over it to him --- he didn't get it until this morning.

The old man takes over the license, looks over under the dazzling light, and after making sure of its authenticity, he finally stands up with a bunch of keys.

He drags to the rusty iron gate and asks: "Come alone Mysta...Rias, it's your name, right" He is looking for right key. The clatter of the keys adds a sense of insecurity to the dim room.

Mysta didn't expect that and hastily answers: "Ye...yes, sir."

"...oh, establish a detective agency alone." He finally gets the key.

The key works after several trials. When the lock falls down, a rush of cold air blows out. It can be known from dust that it's a long time before someone visits here. Dust all rushes downwind out, making Mysta coughing badly.

The old man turns around: "Wish you good luck, sir. Ah... It has been such a long time before someone comes here. I hope I don't damage it." He may refer to the rusty key.

Mysta enters the room without extra word.

A shadow crops up behind him.

Mysta walks along: "I envy your power that you can enter in the daylight."

"He just can't see me." Magnetic voice comes from behind.

Mysta looks behind. The old man has sitten back and doesn't seem to notice what happens here; in other word, he might be unable to see clearly.
.
"Anyway… It's unnecessary to pay attention to a supernatural creature." Mysta walks straight to the bookcase nearby. After turning on the flashlight, dirt floating in the air looms.

As to Vox, he has accompanied Mysta when Mysta was young, living in the charity house. He adopted Mysta and told him he was an evil. Of course, Mysta didn't believe him.

However, after years, Vox don't get any older. Then Mysta begins to ask the question every day, which has become a habit.

"Vox, are you a real devil" The damp air in the basement blocks his echo, making the question a little glum.

"Yeah. I don't get old, do I" Vox answers flatly, like a routine. Then he squats:" Now the devil is helping you investigate. I remember you are looking into the mafia Go to look for his record now. It will be destroyed soon, right"

"hum… assist me by the way." The fox-face detective laughs humorlessly and then devotes himself to work.

The two soon immerse in their work after the routine Q&A.

"Most of the documents and books here were published hundreds years ago. I have no idea how that mafia put his materials in." Vox searches in the bottom of the shelf.

"It's not difficult for him to do it. He can slide in by every means."

The city library above them has some books published fifty or sixty years ago, which hasn't been sent here, so it's hard to know the writing time of these books. Mysta is finding in vain in some old books that are easy to come apart.

"I will find elsewhere… but it's too many books… er" After moving a pile of books, Vox utters a rare voice of puzzle.

"What's wrong, Vox"

"…" After a while, Vox pulls the paper out from the cabinet. Mysta hears the sound and looks curiously over here.

Vox stares attentively at the yellowed paper with barely legible writing, trying to get some clues.
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Moments later, he asks: "Mysta, when you think was the letter written"

Mysta is amazed; he didn't notice that is was a letter. To relieve the overly depressive atmosphere, he tries to make fun: "Vox, you can recognize its age I didn't hear you have this ability before."

Vox chuckles, shakes his head, and fondles the paper: "If it's true, not only do I know the time it was written, but I also know who wrote it. His handwriting is distinctive." He turns over the letter and points at the name: "hum, it's he."

There's only weak breath in the dark basement. Mysta moves closer like a fox and looks the name clearly: "Ike…eveland” He then retreats curiously: "Who's that"

The devil keeps in silence for long with the question and then answers in a dull voice: "er… He's an old friend of mine." He turns around to Mysta, "A friend hundreds years ago. I can still recollect many moments of him; he's an impressive person."

"Hum…" Vox doesn't know what Mysta is thinking about, but he refreshes himself quickly, "Since he can be remembered after hundreds years, his story must be interesting. Tell me about him, please." The fox's eyes are brighter, as if he has found some wonderful treasure.

"You won't be interested in it, Mysta. It's boring to most people." Vox stands up helplessly and grasps the letter in his hand.

****

****

****

Dear Shu Yamino:
It may be the last day that I live in this city. The rain is sweeping the blood in the streets, together with my last trace of nostalgia.

****

****

****

【Europe. the 16th century】
*some city*

"This is the first time that I has come to this city. It is different from elsewhere." Ike eveland, a novelist, writes in his notebook: "The streets are filled with dirt. Sometimes there are processions praying to the God. Bloody smell keeps coming over me. It is more terrible than any other place I went before."

"Vox." Somewhere along the line, he suddenly calls out.

"Hum" Hearing his name, the devil who was looking at the sight outside immediately answers, "What's the matter"

"Are you a real devil" The man looks up with a puzzled frown.

"Ah…" He laughs, "Or why have you been safe all the way" He's a little complacent.

It's true. The plague has broken out in Europe. Not for Vox's protection, he may have died from viruses. However, every time he asked Vox why he chose to protect him, he just ambiguously answered it was a task assigned by his boss, as a devil.

"A devil protects the man I only heard of angels doing this… Well, I don't believe things like that." This was the conversation happened when they first met several years ago.

His reason's simple --- Ike, as a novelist, may create amazing masterpieces. Yet to be honest, though renaissance could happen in every place, Ike wasn't quite confident in himself, as he just wrote for habit and for living.

Such simple conversation has become their routine. At first Vox would muddle through by all means, now he just answers with few words.

About one or two years ago, Ike quit form the informal school and travelled to many cities with Vox to draw materials. It's a bit regretful that he hesitated for a week to leave the last city.

It was a beautiful city with poems and music; compared to these struggling places, it's like the heaven. The owner of a small publishing house is a Swedish just as him, so they always had tea and chatted together. The owner parted with him with reluctance.

Thinking what happened just more than a month ago, Ike can't help sighing.

"Ike, you want to sit for another hour" The devil asks with great interest.

There's no one else in the old restaurant. Only few dull servers walk like wooden dolls. Everything is so weird.

"Anyway, we should go now." The novelist closes his notebook and stands up. The wind blows his hair up on the forehead.

"Hum" Vox follows him in no time, "What alias will you use this time"

Hearing the word, Ike turns around and stares at him.

"Er…pseudonym"

"Undetermined." He continues to go forward.

****

****

The man gingerly gazes at the alien and sniffles a little, showing great unwelcome to him. Even though he himself is about to go abroad, which is posted on the street Ads.

"Sir, as for renting, you said that we could negotiate a bit, didn't you" Ike eveland pushes his glasses up his nose with his index finger, saying in a euphemistic-as-possible voice. The expression shown up on the man facing him makes him creep.

"er, yeah, what's your name"

Ike freezes a moment. The devil whistles behind him, like repeating what pseudonym he is going to take this time.

"…Jack, please, sir."

Vox laughs --- it's the first time that ike takes his pseudonym in such haste, so he can't help laughing. When he realizes what he's doing, he peeks at Ike with his fist clenched. How unbelievable that he can still smile so politely

He should felicitate that the owner can't see him, or Ike would have scolded him or warned him by eyes not to make strange noise.

"I have to leave a moment; may come back after an hour."

“…”

The sound drifts away; it seems that the devil has gone. Ike doesn't know what he's going to do, yet he doesn't much care about it. After all, he himself is somehow a vagrant, so since Vox doesn't do anything wicked, he wouldn't limit his freedom.

"What’s wrong, sir" The owner still stares defensively at him, making Ike uncomfortable. Ike shrugs his shoulders.

"Nothing. Sorry, what was we just talking about"

"Er, we were talking about the price. Fine, please sign here." He takes out a notebook for accounting. Ike grabs the pen and signs a little rusty "Jack" on the right margin.

When he just finishes his signature, almost the same time as the nib leaves the paper, a fitful knock bangs on the door. The owner frowns, runs to the door, and holds his breath after recognizes the visitors.

"Si… sir, what's the matter"

Hearing the noise, Ike looks towards the door, noticing two people dressing weird stand at the door. The way they dressing is similar to people somewhere, yet he has never observed them so close.

Hard black beak mask and a blanket of clothes wrapping the whole body. Thank God it is autumn, and the weather gradually gets cooler, or they must be suffocating when stuffed in such a blanket.

They are the doctors taking charge of the patients with Black Death.

Unsharp voice leaks from the mask: "He just arrived from abroad. Since plague prevailed here, we need take him back to sequester for some time." He is writing something on the work notes.

"Wh… who" Owner feels his tongue is tied.

Ike, sitting inside, is also stunned, until the beak doctor points at him, like a ghost demanding his life.

"He."

****

****

"Well, it's the new house you rent, ike It looks good, at least better than none." Vox ridicules. He just returned, found that Ike had gone, so seeked to here.

In the dim isolation room, single bed squeaks when one sits on it, candle is laid on some rotten table that outflows a puddle of wax. To some extent, it isn't a place for people to live.

Considering his cultivation, Ike ignores Vox's words for the time being and sits on the thin-leg chair without a word, flipping over his book.

"Ike, how long they said you would stay here" He finally asks a serious question.

"Not specifically. As long as there's nothing wrong, they will let me go." He answers desultorily and impassively.

"Hum It seems not to take long. I won't be that boring."

"Neither you are." He pushes his glasses up and looks up, "You can shuttle back and forth everywhere; however thick wall can't block you. Besides, rather than chat with me here, you'd better hang around to look for any open publishing house nearby. I have to make a living." He raises his eyebrow.

Ike has never ordered Vox something, as he think it's better to do them on his own and he can't bother others too much. Nevertheless, it's Vox who offers to, so he I has no qualms to bring it up.

"Hum…" Vox smiles awkwardly and throws up his hands, "Okay."

"… In addition, you can go whenever you want to…"

Click. Someone unlocks the door. Ike stops talking and focuses on there.

As expected, it's a Black Death doctor in beak clothes. He's thinner than the two taking Ike here. Although due to the stuff, Ike can't tell his true age, he is probably young --- Ike was certain after he spoke.

Clear voice becomes vague through the bleak: "Mr…Jack, according to the rule, I would record your condition every day. If you feel frigid or vomitus, etc., please answer honestly." He's earnest. Though not that powerful, every word is insistent.

"Oh… you told them that hasty name… Ike…" Vox whispers in his ear in an extremely exaggerated tone, like a father who wants to turn iron into steel.

"Damn it." Ike finally can't bear.

"Er Sorry, if there's something wrong…" Hearing the unpleasant sound, the doctor thinks he made a fault, so he apologizes to Ike, using words carefully, but he does not show any timidity.

Oh, he can't see Vox, so the way he just reacted made him like a suddenly angry rogue to the ordinary.

Thinking of it, Ike smiles embarrassedly: "No problem. It was just small insect flying around me. I'm sorry to disturb your schedule."

"…it's okay. I'll look after you these days. If you need help, just speak to the doctors at the door or passing by. Tell them my name, Shu yamino."

"Shu yamino…" Ike repeats the name, "Could you please write down your name here" He picks up his notebook, turns to a blanket page, and hands over a pen.

Shu raises his beak mask a little, thanks for his pen, and scribbles down his name.

"Nice to meet you." Ike broachs a topic in a polite and nature smile, like meeting with an old or bosom friend.

Most people will have a soft spot for polite people. Shu sounds more pleasant, yet still formulaic: "No trouble as long as you are willing to cooperate me, Mr. Ike eveland."

"…" Ike feels that the youth was giggling behind the mask, which makes him confused. Moments later, he realizes it: "Wait… How do you know"

Mr. Ike eveland hangs over in his mind. He has never disclosed his real name to anyone. Playful Vox wouldn't do that too --- he always kept it a secret like a secret ritual.

Shu must be smiling behind the mask, Ike thinks.

Shu chuckles: "If you are talking about this… It's not hard to guess, though I didn't ensure just now." He points at the cover of the notebook.

Ike notices that he doesn't lay his finger on his book, but just points at it --- it may be his habit.

Soon Shu stands up straight again, looks around, and rustles on his paper.

Ike closes his notebook and finally realizes that his tiny signature is sticked on the corner of the cover. It's strange that he can see it clearly through the thick mask.

"Your candle should be changed. I will speak it up later." He noticed the melted white candle.

"Okay, thanks."

****

After some simple conversations, Shu writes down the last letter, drums him about some issues on schedule and diet, and then leaves.

Their conversation usually starts with chat, mixed with some required questions. It's indeed a good way to relax, and he doesn't mind disclosing these information --- it's no more than common ones like recent journey, occupation, family members, and so on.

However, he confessed that his journey was quiet more dangerous than most ones, as few would hang out everywhere like him in this unconventional time. Thanks to Vox, though he still doesn't know why he is protected by a devil, not punished.

The devil once explained, but the reason was different from what he had thought: "It may just be a penalty for me, a devil."

"What do you mean"

"Get along with humans. However, every friend can only be a passer-by in my long life. The intimate two who haven't met with each other for one or two years can hardly remember the other, let alone ten or more years. The heavy miss would fade away eventually. I have to confess, Ike."

He also said: "I feel I remember him subconsciously, but my mind tells me clearly that I have already forgotten him. Such feelings are miserable, so I called it a penalty for me."

It was one of a few times when they conversed this issue seriously. Ike has changed his view on Vox akuma, a unserious devil.

With a strong capacity for empathy, Ike felt sorrow for him and negatively said to Vox: "I think… Vox… You should wear a string of Buddhist beads."

"What"

"In your long life, everyone is just a passer-by, so maybe my worries are unnecessary… maybe you can try to get over it."

The devil laughed disapprovingly: "Ike, you're the first one who has persuaded me like this."

Ike would never know if someone else that Vox could not remember had done so before. He just sighed. Devil never gets older or suffers from diseases, which saves him many bothers. However, as a human, Ike, though he needn't worry about accidents, was still somehow scared of death.

Thinking here, Ike turns around. There's only him now in the small room; the devil had gone during his conversation with Shu.

Ike's soon discharged as he's in good health, just as Vox said. Feeling the fresh air outside after several confined days, Ike feels refreshed. The owner was also isolated for several days. Knowing he was fine, he's excited to tears.

This time the owner's more at ease. Their greetings are like meeting with old friends, though it's the owner who keeps complaining about the fear he has experienced these days.

However, when it comes to the renting price, it get stuck. According to Ike's current economic state, he can't make a living if he spends so much money on renting, since he haven't found a settled publishing house yet.

The owner is not a brutal one; however, the price is already on his bottom line. As a result, Ike has to figure out it himself within two days, or he has to seek for another house.

The house with reasonable environment is hard to find, so Ike doesn't wanna lose this chance. He walks on the street, thinking about solutions all the night.

Suddenly he finds himself in front of the hospital he stayed before, but as he lived in the isolation room, he didn't notice the external styling of the hospital, he doesn't recognize it at the first sight.

Now the sky is turning dark. Black clouds have gathered overhead. Only the hospital in front of him is bright.

In his memory, some people sleep in the hospital, most of who are homeless. The hospital to them is a shelter, much more comfortable than the streets, where the parade is often marching at night and makes lots of noise. A pile of rotting bodies is at any corner.

It's not too much to call it the hell.

"Think of something positive… May be there's still some vacancies in the hospital…"

The young novelist knows what he's going to face. Though he hasn't experience them himself, the book has taught him about the world.

The hospital's open around the clock, as there isn't anything worth stealing, and it offers homeless people like Ike a shelter.

With no candle, the hall in the hospital is very dark.

"The hospital was like this in those days I lived here…" Ike mutters to himself, and then turns left to the short corridor. As he remembers, it would be bigger rooms ahead.

When he walks in the corridor, his heels ticks on the ground. At a short distance, the crowd makes big noise. The night-patrolling doctor passed there and shouts toward the room. It soon becomes quieter. He passes by Ike with a lamp in his hand, without any word.

Before Ike has a chance to look into the room, he noticed that on a bench in the narrow corner next to him, there's a man. He is dressed in beak doctor clothes and unable to stretch himself on the bench. Ike thinks it must be uncomfortable for him to keep this posture, so he walks toward him to awake him.

"Sir" He whispers and pats him with his hand.

He seems not to be in sound sleep. Perhaps he's just about to fall asleep, and then is awakened by him. Aware of what he has done, Ike feels a bit ashamed. However, he still believes that he was right, or his neck will be sniff the next morning.

"…Er"

Although he can't see his face, Ike can imagine his dazed face. He freezes a moment, sits up without a word, and then moves a little, allowing Ike sit down beside him.

"Sir, I'm sorry to wake you up, but it's not a good choice to sleep here…"

"…" he looks at Ike through the mask, spends a moment to react, and then smiles self-deprecatingly: "… I know, but I don't want to take viruses to the room. There're the little and the old inside."

Doctors mostly stays with patients in their job, so they hold many dirts and viruses, let alone infections. Nobody can stand the smell on their outfits when staying with them in the confined room.

As he was just knocked to its sense, his voice is a little husky. He clears its throat, but it didn't make a difference. Though Ike can't hear it clearly, he feels a sense of familiarity.

"…Er… Mr. Ike eveland, I didn't expect that I will see you here again." He adjusts his mask. He sounds sober a lot.

Ike realizes that he's the doctor in charge of him days ago --- only he knows his whole name here.

"Shu" Ike controls his voice to hide his surprise. He looks around up and down, asking worriedly: "Shu, do you just live here every day Or only when on night duty"

"Speaking of this…" Shu straightens: "I almost live here. I'm not on night duty today."

"OMG… I thought there was a dormitory for the doctors."

Shu sighs: "The dormitory has been occupied. I just graduated two or three months ago. As the hospital was too short of hands, I was sent here without any basic practice. Everything was in hurry, so it was barely any rooms when I came here."

"…What about the outside Why not rent a room yourself"

"I've thought this before." He shrugs, "Yet it turned out that I couldn't afford to. I can't even make a living if I spend all my pay on renting."

"Er…" Ike thinks deliberately: "What about flat sharing It must be more affordable if one should only pay part of the price."

"No one is willing to be a roommate of a Black Death doctor…" Shu sounds upset, "Most people call us Death, who only appear to the dying."

It's almost the same in other cities: rumors has been tarnishing Black Death doctors' reputation. Ike understands and sympathizes him.

Since Ike began to drift in various cities, his only friend --- or may be the closest one, except Vox, is that publisher. Unconsciously, he began to hardly talk about himself, most of the chores and troubles were only kept in his own mind.

Shu is not a querulous person. He doesn't say anything else following the living issue.

Ike organizes his words. As a freshman, he has no dormitory and little money.

So…

"Shu, I just found a fine house, but it's almost impossible for me to afford the renting on my own…" Ike shakes his head, "Honestly, I'm looking for a solution, and the best one is to have a roommate, or I may have to sleep on the street."

"You mean…"

Both don't speak straightly, but spontaneously look at each other. Ike says significantly: "If you don't mind."

Shu leans back and smiles relaxedly: "Of course."


****

****

"Ike, have you been determined to live here I remember you were a little unpleasant when negotiated with the owner last time." Vox stands against the door.

Vox just rushed about for the publishing houses. To disguise a common human, he had to hide his magic and put on modern clothes.

"It's time to find a place to live, or you can find any other place within walking distance that has better environment, Vox"

"Okay, I confess I can’t…"

They bothers each other like usual. The difference lays in that Vox has never expected what he says would make others annoyed, and most importantly, he enjoys the resigned face Ike shows after hearing his words, while Ike just wants to end the topic as soon as possible.

Ike opens his baggage deposited at Vox. He wonders how Vox holds so many things. He guesses that the devil may have an exclusively private space like home. He can never prove it; it's all his imagination, and Vox has never explained it.

"Strangely speaking, why do you compromise suddenly You just said the price was totally a kidding." Vox raises his hand to adjust his long hair falls on the ear.

Wind blows in, curtain made of thin cloth fluttering, the dim sky standing out. Ike walks to shut the window and the curtain rests. He brushes the dirt on his hands down and satisfiedly turns around: "To be simple, I've found a roommate."


"Hum What a good news." Vox applauds: "Mr. Ike eveland finally makes a new friend following that publisher."

"…Vox, er… Nordic may not be as dissocial as you thought"

"Ha, just kidding."

Ike doesn't reply any longer. He licks his lips, pats his face with his right hand, and coughs a little. Toothache springs what he wants to say back to his throat.

"You've a toothache again"

"…" Ike looks back, feeling his right face a bit out of control. Moments later, he feels much better. He's about to speak to the idle Vox, when someone's knocking at the door.

"Thud——"

Upon hearing the knock, Ike trots to the door, bypassing Vox.

Before opening the door, he deliberately looks back to where Vox stood.

Ensuring that Vox has gone, he opens the door.

A youth almost the same height with him is standing at the door, smiling at him. He has relatively longer hair than most boys and some tip-tilted canthi, but he looks tired.

"Sorry" As he just gets rid of sharp pain, Ike thinks he must look fishy now.

He laughs. His laughter is much clearer, truer, and more familiar to Ike.

"Shu" Ike feels surprised, pulls the door wider and invites him in.

Shu holds some books in his arms. It seems that he just comes to have a look and doesn't finish packing up yet. He said he didn't have many personal belongings, so he could help Ike clean up the room before he moves in.

It's the first that Ike has seen his face. As he was always dressed in Black Death doctor clothes, and those heavy clothes made him look swollen, so Ike expected him to be taller. In fact, they're almost the same height. Shu must be younger than him, as he has just graduate from school.

After greetings, Ike shuts the door, and after he finds nothing special through peephole, he turns around and walks to the living room

"It really looks good…" Shu looks about fascinatedly.

Ike walks up to him and smiles: "It took a long time for my friend and me to find here, and it looks much better after cleaning up."

"…Friend" Shu looks at him in the eye and catches the key. He takes two steps forward: "I thought you were also alone. By the way, why not live with your friend" He points at the chair nearby and politely asks, "Can I sit there"

"Of course. We are both the owner of the house since then. As for my friend…" Vox pops up in his mind. He pauses a little to wipe Vox's face: "He has something else to do, so I have to live alone."

To be honest, as long as Shu can't see Vox, he will never realize that there are often three in the room, though one as a guest.

Shu nods. Possibly due to the perspective and light, he's like a curious child, Ike thinks.

Moments later, Shu says: "Sorry, I thought you were in the same condition with me, as most people think that one, though not infected, as long as once went to that hospital, carrys the viruses."

“Now you're my fellow sufferer. We both carry viruses." Ike chuckles, takes out his belongings, and puts them on the right place.

It's not only self-mockery, but also the truest reflection of the two. Shu laughs. It isn't too late; the sky hasn't turn totally black. It seems to rain heavily soon, which will sweep the dirt on the streets.

Shu points at Ike's glasses: "I saw your glasses when you were in the hospital, so I thought you were in good economic state --- only those nobiliary and rich have glasses."

Indeed, glasses are just getting popular these years. However, Ike doesn't consider it special as he has worn it for several years. Thanks to its good equality, he is still able to write with it now.

"It may be not that expensive in some places I'm not quite sure about its market price, but many luxuries are depreciating, while some necessities… Oh, sachet, though I has never use it, is rising in price these days." Ike pushes his glasses up to show it ordinary.

"Maybe due to the environment... Under such circumstances, most people choose to prioritize existence. Sometimes I envy writers like you, who can still write positive articles in these days."

"You, in fact, prefer spiritual food, right" Ike raises his eyebrows, looking at the books held in Shu's arms.

"Just for fun..." He raises one of them. Its names is not familiar to Ike, obviously not as popular as Divine Comedy.

Thanks to those days in the isolation room, two are not so conservative as strangers. Though they haven't talked about anything else except routine checkout, it lays a solid foundation for their relationship, so their chat flows smooth.

Shu's arms are thin. Covering by thick clothes all the year, his skin is so white that only under orange light does he look healthy.

"Ike eveland..." Shu dazes at his name, and then suddenly laughs.

"...Shu..." Ike feels confused, "Don't address me like that You know, it's so ... weird to one who used to be called his pseudonym..."

" I'm so curious, Mr. Ike eveland, how did you fall in love with writing"

"Speaking of this..." Ike looks right, "Possibly as I read great literature when I was a child and suddenly wanted to write my own. But what I wrote were just tiny stories and boring poems."

"I see."

"I do have something else to write, but I won't begin writing it maybe until I was old."

"Hum..." Shu puts down his books.

"Autobiography. Sound weird, right After all, my life till now has nothing special to write." Ike piles up the stuffs nowhere to put on the ground and plans to put away them later.

"Er..." Shu rubs his chin with the hand back and stands up to help him, "Autobiography is not exclusive to those with ups and downs. The stories of common people can better strike a chord with us." He smiles, "Be brave. I'll be your first reader."

The unfixed curtains begin to float up again. Ike notices it, but he doesn't want to arrange it any longer. He walks around to find somewhere else to put his sundries.

"Shu, you are good at comfort others..." His voice hasn't die away, "Damn it." He fumbles his right face.

The same word as they first met. Shu thinks he may be a person who can hold back his anger but wants to show his dissatisfaction, and his emotional fluctuation may not be severe.

It's all in his mind. Shu still shows his concern for his roommate: "What's wrong, Ike" He bypasses the obstacles on the ground to Ike.

Wind blows from outside, carrying some rains. It finally rains. Ike huskily says he's fine and trots to draw the curtains tight.

The light suddenly dims a lot with rain dropping. Something behind Shu falls down. He isn't sure if he has touched down it unconsciously.

"Really, Ike"

Some weak lights concentrates in, enabling them to see each other clearly.

"I just have a toothache, not serious..." These days he always has a toothache. Vox said he ate too many pudding cakes before. Ike would never confess it.

Moments later, wild wind finally stops. Shu takes the corner of the curtain and finds some damages on the window. He frowns and stuffs the curtain to the damage. It gets better.

The sound of rain is as husky as Ike's voice. Shu claps his hands: "Is there any candles"

Ike frezes: "Yeah... but I haven't got any matches."

"..." Shu smiles embarrassedly, "Okay."

"Sorry, I should prepare some."

"No problem. You just said... you have a toothache” Shu walks towards him via a little light.

“Er...” Ike frowns, thinking of those terrible experiences of dental treatment. He's scared. He really hops that he has gone to dentist instead of asking a hairdresser to draw his teeth.

Shu can’t help laughing, possibly because Ike’s face isn’t easy as normal. “Sorry, Ike, I don’t mean to scare you, but you look sick.”

“… it just occasionally aches. I’ll be better soon.” Ike sighs. He doesn’t want to recollect these moments.

"But if you neglect it, it will be hurt more than now. Why not find a donkey to kiss it" Shu raises his head. His voice a bit upward, sounds a childish tricker.

"Shu," Ike accents his name, akimbo, "I'm not a child. It's weird to talk with me like that. In addition, I think it's what German do. Finally, scientifically speaking, it doesn't work." He shrugs.

"Haha… sorry, sorry."

The two smile at each other. Ike thought he was a conservative man, a square-toed doctor, through routine check those days.

However, he isn't disagreeable. Instead, it would be boring if he is a humorless workaholic.

"Specifically speaking, I didn't expect it from your mouth." Shu stops laughing.

"Er What's wrong"

"Nothing." Shu significantly looks at him, "I think few people say it."

"So they do. More people believe in God now."

"They believe God can bring them healthy life and bright future."

Except the moments they stayed at the isolation room, the time they share since true acquaintance is less than an hour, but they are able to get each other. Shu ends this topic, because he thinks Ike doesn't much profess religion, just like him.

Instead, he cares about Ike's condition: "If you have a toothache, I can help you check it, though I haven't learnt much about it."

""

Shu moves closer, signs him to sit on the chair nearby, and pulls another next to him.

"Just have a check. In other word, I'm curious about it, as it can't be learnt from school. Am I weird"

"Okay. You consider me a physical model, right" Ike raises his eyebrow.

"Almost… sorry, could you please open your mouth Ah——" He's always so polite, not only in word usage, but also in gesture.

"Ah——"

Ike feels he's playing with a kid in high spirits, but as it's better than direct tooth extraction, he decids to fulfill his curiosity.

"…"

Shu raises his hand. His fingers near Ike's chin, seemd that he wants to touch it, but he is used to spare some distance.

"It's okay, Shu."

"Sorry, for hygiene, I have been used to it, but if you don't mind…" He gently touches Ike's chin. Ike's head elevates with Shu's instructions. Through light, Shu can see it clearly.

It seems nothing different from most people. Shu remembers a patient whose black teeth lie groggily on his gum. He feels fortunate that Ike has cared of his teeth.

Ike moves his stiff chin, feeling a little bit uncomfortable. He has never done this before anyone.

He tries to distract his attention, but in his sight it's only Shu yamino, a Black Death doctor, attentively checking teeth for him.

Shu's skin is so white. It's so white that he assumes he has wiped some foundation on his face, but he can't smell or see any.

His eyelashes are separated and distinct, bouncing with his eyes blinking, some covering his half-open eyes. His iris is light-colored, may reflecting clearer view in the sun. Within minutes, Ike is inspired a lot on appearance description.

Perhaps feeling his unease, Shu just looks at the structure hastily, telling him that one of his tooth is about to decay and he should pay more attention to it.

Ike sighs in relief, either for the hope of not losing his tooth, or for the end of being a model.

"Sorry, Ike, I made you suffer." Shu smiles.

"That's ok. I really hope it can turn better itself." Ike says with little hope and then stands up.

Shu follows him. They slide their chairs farther away from each other to spare some space for walking.

"Ike, the view in your eyes are deeper than the most."

"Hum" Ike gets interested, "What do you mean" Ike smiles, looking forward for some unexpected words to describe him.

But Shu just says: "Nothing. I'm just uncertain… are you a Nordic"

Ike is unaccustomed that he doesn't compliment him on his looks like Vox, yet he accepts soon: "Yeah. More specifically, I come from Sweden.

"Oh," Shu pauses a little, "it's some chaotic there recently, no wonder that you go abroad." he sounds mean more than his words.

"So it is." Ike recalls his hometown, "but I've been away from there for more than a year, and I have hung out many cities and countries to collect writing materials during this time. But some think I just deliberately evade responsibilities."

Military services.

"How aggrieved. But, whether or not, as a common people, we only wish no wars at present. The Black Death has taken away many lives. It will only get much worse if the war break out.

"Yeah." Ike replies.

Then the two are in silence. They both prefer more relaxing issues.

"By the way, Shu, which room do you prefer You can choose yours yourself."

"The smaller one. I don't have many belongings, and the small room can give me a sense of security."

"Er… Okay."

During the conversation, those tiny objects have been put in the right position.

They clap hands up and back, like finishing a marvelous task. The sound of rain turns quieter; it seems that it's congratulating on this too.

Shu draws the curtain tighter. At the same time, Ike walks to his back: "Shu, let me show you around your room."

Shu nods and follows him to the doorway.

Many articles have been moved away and there are only a lonely single bed and a set of damp table and chair. Ike sighs: "Sorry, but this is almost the best environment I can find. You may have to make do with it."

"Never mind, Ike." Shu shakes his head, "at least there's a table. I can record my life here soundly." He raises his hand and points at his work note on the table.

He is satisfied as long as he can sit soundly. Ike feels it hard to imagine how young doctors like Shu live without a domicile.

It seems that Shu likes here. He walks around, touches the chair to see if it's hard enough, and contently turns around to see others after finding it's fine.

"Shu, you can have a break here first. I have to tidy up my room. By the way, if you have something to bring here, I will help you later. It'll be late autumn and get cooler soon. I will manage to buy some thick quilt."

"Okay, I will afford my part." Shu smiles, "see you tomorrow"

"See you tomorrow. Good night." Ike replies gently and closes the door.

The rain gets lighter in the wee hours, as God knows people have to get up early for work.

****

Ike wakes up when the sky hasn't turned totally bright. These days his sleep quality gets much better. Instead of being awaken by various noise in the midnight, seeing sunrise was already the best.

He fumbles the bed for his glasses, yet nearly pushes his notebook to the ground. Coming back to earth, he recalls what he should do today.

He should seizes the day to find a job after settling down. Though his money is enough for him to live for several months, steady job is still necessary.

To tell the truth, he doesn't pin his hope on Vox, not as he doesn't believe in him --- after all, he's kind to his friend despite that he's bothering sometimes --- but as he thinks he should do it himself. Additionally, Vox hasn't contact him since yesterday afternoon.

The door of Shu's room is still closed. He is sleeping, as it isn't time to go work. Maybe it is only Ike wakes up so early.

There aren't many people on the streets, but Ike can vaguely hear the voice of the parade. It seems that hands in these parades are changing every day. Hope they won't happen to stand in my way, Ike thinks.

****

QUIET. He hasn't wake up in such quiet environment for long.

Shu yamino's first thing in the morning is to pat his face to refresh himself.

If he is on the bench in the hospital, he must be awaken by some patients.

Thinking that, he, who has got used to the noisy environment, can awake sweetly on a single bed, a sense of unreality flows to him.

However, he has to go work. WORK.

He gets up and gets changed.

****

As expected, the two publishing houses along street are not open for business. Ike can see what is going inside --- someone is sleeping on the deck chair. He decides to return and check here later.

Vox came yesterday. Despite bringing his language, he also brought a list, some publishing houses and organizations on it. Then Ike has to find himself.

He clenches the list and awkwardly smiles. Their relationship is always like this --- trying pushing the other's bottom line, but never going too far.

Vox might feel surprised for his new friend that day, not an exaggeration. He didn't realize Nordic's alienation in Sweden, but this year, he comes to feel that he can't come along well with most people.

Even his last intimate friend, or may not be intimate enough, was a Swedish like him. He is not sure if it's a stereotype or a truth that he is not good at communication.

That is to say, Shu is an exception. The doctor calls Shu yamino, who cracks a joke with seriousness, surprising him. Including tooth check, he isn't in a fierce mood, but just surprised.

Shu is a man who can perfectly integrate in the society, but not completely lives in the time. He loves those scientific stuffs, including literature, but he doesn't believe in religion and the God. However, he never denies others' hobbies and beliefs. He's antipathetic but carefree and content, contradictory but harmonious.

I get acquainted with someone interesting, he thinks.

Ike eveland walks along with his high heels and hums a wandering tune, hoping to find an available publishing house before afternoon.

****

"Dr. Shu yamino, you need to take over the new patient in Ward 3 after changing your clothes. Here's his file."

"Okay." Shu takes the file and neatly puts on his mask. Heavy coat covered with wax makes air a bit sweltering.

The odor of camphor in beak-shaped mask awakes him more. He takes his wooden walking stick, file and notebook, hastes to the ward.

Unlike those suspected people like Ike in the wards, here are diagnosed ones in the preliminary stage. Their symptoms are still not severe.

He has been here for many days. He thought the protective spice in the beak made it hard to work attentively, as it always distracted him, but now he realizes its importance.

At least, it can filter some smell. These wards are messier. The smell of rancidness when patients' pustule breaking discomforts him more than the camphor.

He sighs, just hoping to meet a calm one. Two days ago, a patient in the next ward couldn't endure the worsening pain. He screamed and threw things everywhere. He pushed the doctors out and then knocked his head against a brick wall. In the end, several doctors pulled him together to keep his life.

The doctor in charge of him was slightly injured, but the scene was really scared, and the atmosphere was too depressing. As a result, he had a nervous breakdown and shut himself in the room until this morning.

Shu wishes these days can end soon. He isn't willing to devote all his life on such issues --- expecting the wonder meaninglessly and it turns out to be a unprocurable dream.

The church is filled with people. The parade on the streets is getting longer and longer. More and more people are protesting Black Death doctors, calling them "The Killer Devil".

But who is on earth the real devil

Shu is not in a mood and tries not to affect the patient. Then he knocks on the door.

****

"Sorry, sir. I bring the wrong drafts today…" Ike adds under his voice, "Damn it. I shouldn't have put my drafts in Swedish and English together."

He is used to write in Swedish in the last few months, as the good-tempered publisher can read it. Now he remembers to use English, but something still gets wrong.

"Oh. I don’t have much time. Take it away. I'm in a hurry to leave this ominous place." The man sits on the high chair, looks down on him with cheap tobacco in his mouth. Choking smoke jangles Ike's nerves.

He throws the drafts to Ike's face casually and walks straight to the room. The door bangs shut before his voice fades away.

Ike looks at his disappearing back and the shut door, stoops down to pick his drafts up without a word, blows gently away the dust on them, folds them as their original form, and sandwiches them in his notebook.

“…”

Wind blows from somewhere, sweeping here with a strange smell. He slowly walks along and prepares for the next house. Around the corner of a lane is an iron bucket in low quality. It seems that no one is using it and it doesn't belong to anyone.

He gazes at the rusty bucket, freezes, grits his teeth. After he realizes, the bucket has been kicked against the wall, making harsh sound. He clearly knows that he is not a good-natured person, but just doesn't show on appearance at most times.

"Such…" he whispers with his eyebrow knitting, "Such…" He doesn’t know what to say. He wonders why his emotions has been so out of control lately.

After taking a deep breath, he calms down: "Vox, I may not find a job in the short run."

"Er. You noticed me." Devil's voice comes from behind him. This time he doesn't crack a joke: "Just wait for a moment. Don't worry."

"I know, Vox." Ike sighs, feeling he's better: "Anyway, thanks, Vox. Without you, I don't even know how long I will spend to even find one."

"Hum, no problem. But I don't know about their current condition. Like that one, I don’t know he has decided to shut down his house." Vox walks to his side and continues, "but you will meet with these things later, Ike. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. It is no exaggeration to say that your style of writing is so good that someone will fall for it."

"…" Ike closes his eyes and sighs, "…hope so…"

****

****

It's afternoon. Although it's only a day, Ike feels that he has moved in a week ago. The day is long, and he has never thought it would be so long.

Vox has gone elsewhere when he returns, possibly given that Ike has a roommate and he is stressed out today. Anyhow, he doesn't make any trouble today.

Ike takes out the key numbly, finding the door unlocked. It must be Shu, but he should remind him of back locking the door. It is unknown when the parade would break in. Everything could happen in such chaotic era.

Ike walks to the hallway, finding Shu sits expressionless on the old sofa. His eyes stares blankly ahead, like losing his soul. No motion, no emotion, totally different from his state yesterday.

On closer inspection, his face has a shallow red mark. Ike guesses the beak mask makes it. Muggy weather makes it easier to leave marks. It appears that yesterday's rain didn't make the air any fresher.

He just wants to ask Shu how he is feeling, but he reacts first and greets him with a smile.

"Ike, welcome home." Though he is smiling, Ike can feel his tire.

"Shu, how about you" Ike holds his notebook and asks worriedly.

Shu keeps smiling. Then he closes his eyes and rubs his forehead: "Nothing… I just feel tired after work." He opens his eyes. His eyes seems brighter than before. "I forgot to return here right from work. I sat on a bench in a daze for a moment and finally realized I had already lived with someone." He shrugs, "It's interesting, is it Haha…"

Ike notices his embarrassment under the laughter, yet he says nothing but walks to him and sits on his left side: "Keep it in your mind. It's already your home."

"Of course…" His voice trails off. He sounds tired.

"Do you want some food for dinner I bring some soft bread and natto…" Ike puts the food he just bought on the low table: "It's my treat. Enjoy yourself."

Upon hearing the word "soft bread", Shu straightens in no time, though he is still lifeless; in other words, his body responds before his mind.

"This is supposed to be all right for dinner." Ike smiles, "Now it's hard to buy soft bread in good quality, only leaving some rough and tasteless ones… but they must be much better than the black bread you eat every day."

"For me, being able to bite is just enough." Shu quips.

They halve the bread, facing the peeled white wall in a trance. Chewing such common food should taste some sweetness.

Starch is such a good ingredient, Shu thinks. It lets him feel sweetness.

Shu decides to distract himself in case he feels hungrier after thinking it repeatedly. He turns his head, looking at Ike's notebook. After swallowing the food, he asks: "Ike, you looked for a publishing house today"

"Er…" Ike doesn't mind the embarrassing topic, but still feels shamed: "Yeah, but it seems no publishing house welcomes me. If I can't find one tomorrow, I'll think about other ways."

"…" Shu bites the bread, "Recently we need some hands; doctors are so busy."

This unexpected topic calls out of Ike's thought, but he quickly picks it: "You are so tired…"

"Hum, but… as we lack hands, we are looking for some volunteers. However, few are willing to join us."

Ike stops eating bread and moves a little closer to him: "Volunteers"

"Yeah. No need for any medical knowledge. They only should do some chores like binding up, taking medical tools and taking care of patients…" He slightly looks at Ike, "and only need some basic tutoring."

"Er…"

"In addition, though they're volunteers, to attract more people, there's some pay for them…" He is some absent-minded and turns to Ike again, like saying "you know what I'm saying, dude"

"Ok, Shu, what I want to say is am I qualified for a volunteer" He smiles.

Shu hasn't expected such a straight reply, so he chokes: "Eh-hem… theoretically speaking, of course you can, but… you'll be in danger… We all doubt the protective effect of that doctor outfit. You know, sometimes it depends on our luck. After all, the vent hole on beak mask lets us breathe, through it viruses can go in…"

He speaks incoherently in the last few sentences, like persuading Ike not to volunteer, but Ike knows his intention. Looking at his flustered face, Ike leans back a little: "Shu, I say I'll never be infected. Will you believe me Anyway, no matter what, I'll be fine to volunteer."

"It's not a game…" Shu feels a spasm on his mouth. Thinking for a while, he continues: "I just tell you this information; you make your choice, Ike."

"Hum." Ike thinks he doesn't believe his words, but he wouldn't tell others about Vox yet. Shu is an atheist --- his world view may collapse if he knows Vox. But Shu doesn't contradict him. As expected, Shu is a person who never forces his ideas on others.

"So," Ike turns his notebook and then puts it on the short table, "What should I do before I go there"

"As we are in great short of hands, the procedure is simple and casual, just including applications writing and basic knowledge learning from doctors. And you only need come three times a week. But the pay isn't much high."

"Better than nothing, right Doctors… Shu you can teach me yourself."

"…Yeah."

"When should I go there"

"Ike, you are surprisingly a doer." Shu smiles and replies, "You can hand over your application to me tonight, and I will take it tomorrow. If there isn't anything wrong, you can begin to work the day after tomorrow or the next. Just as I said, it requires nothing except your willingness."

"Sounds great. I plan to go to the rest publishing houses tomorrow. It will spare much time."

"You look energetic…" Shu sighs. He thinks that if it were he, the stress of taking care of the patients and publishing articles must have overwhelmed him.

"I must cheer up." Ike turns around and looks at him, noticing the bread: "There isn't any decent food served in hospital, is there"

"…Er, in fact we are so busy that we even hardly eat in a day."

"…" Ike frowns, "It's not a good habit. You are too thin." He tries to gesticulate Shu's figure: "Should I take some food for you tomorrow noon You should keep healthy; you are a doctor."

Shu raises his eyebrows: "That's so kind of you." He smiles.

It's autumn and a bit cold in the room. They checks all the doors and windows shut, preventing wind from blowing in.

Ike lets out a sigh of relax. He feels no need to worry about making a living. Though he isn't clear about doctors' work and has never been a volunteer, he believes he can finish it with his experiences.

As for the reason why he won't be infected, he can't find a reasonable excuse. After all, the blessing of a devil… If he says the truth, one of the bed in nearby bedlam will belong to him.

"Today isn't all bad…" Ike stretches himself and yawns --- he has been totally relaxed. Then he smiles: "Thank you a lot, Shu, or I will probably lose myself in this city."

" It's my honor to be your light." Shu rests his chin on his hand.

"I didn't expect this…" Ike laughs.

"haha…"

"Good night, Shu. See you tomorrow."

"Good night."

****

****

Ike doesn't get any further forward with his job hunting.

He staggers on the street and feels helplessness. But at least an owner finally agrees to read his article, so he leaves some drafts there and would fetch them two days later. Nobody is willing to even read his articles before.

Though there is some chance, he doesn't expect too much. His draft may be returned before tomorrow, and the owner may just suddenly leave this place.

Ike should take Shu's lunch to the hospital, so he tries to get rid of those bothers and to bring him a warm meal. Some food stores are just on the near streets, though they are far from restaurants.

He wishes himself have the power of Vox, so he can live well without any food.

But now he can only pray that he won't be starved. It's chaotic outside, and he has almost burnt the candle at both ends, so he doesn't want to go elsewhere.

At the same time, he enters a dim store and repeats ordering two sets in his mind.

****

"That's all, thanks for your cooperation…" Shu writes down the last letter on the notebook and closes it, preparing to leave.

"…wait for a moment"

The girl's sudden cry shocks Shu. Her voice is always gentle. Additionally, he to her is a stranger, so she always speaks with great care.

"What's wrong, miss" Shu watches her face intently and notices that her limbs has turned blue in some places and might soon turn into swollen pustules. He can't help feeling sorry for her young beauty.

"…" Seeing him turn around, she unconsciously contracts her body, but soon gathers her courage and gingerly asks, "Doctor…I… can be healed, right…"

Shu didn't expected it. He blinks his eyes quickly under the mask. His attention is totally nailed by the bluish black on the girl's arm. Pausing for a moment, he smiles with sham vivacity: "Of course."

He feels his Adam's apple rolling up and down: "After you're healed, you can go shopping with your family, travel, listen to the bard singing, and have a new haircut. Everything will be okay, miss… please believe us."


"Bang…"

The door has been closed. He doesn't hear girl's last word clearly. All the wards are soundproofed. One can only see each other through the small window half the size of an arm. Shu doesn't know what she said afterwards, maybe nothing.

He stumps in the corridor. It's time for break.

BENCH. He needed a bench.

There's just an old bench in front. It makes a squeaky noise, which sounds annoying.

However, it won't bother him anymore.

Shu, what are you doing He holds his head and thinks in mind.

He lied.

Though it can't be called a lie before everything settles, he gave the girl hope and it might probably push her to the abyss.

"Why are you here"

He looks up. It's his colleague. Before he replies, the man says: "A patient is in bad condition and it's short of hands. Come along quickly."

Though they don't know each other, they soon reach an agreement.

Shu takes his hand and stands up.

****

"…Is that all" "Asked the waiter feebly.

"Yes, thank you, Sir." Ike takes the food in arms.

The shop assistant's pouches are so swollen that they seem to fall out and his eyes are bloodshot. Ike leaves in no time, not hearing the "Welcome your next visit". In fact, the store is being emptied and might close soon.

He sighs and thinks if coming this city is right. Not entirely bad. He might have considered it a mistake, but now he has a friend.

To say the least, it isn't decent if he leaves here after offering to live with Shu. Otherwise, he might have to sleep on the bench again or even on the streets.

In short, everything is terrible here. There is no verse, no music, no bright sky, but he can make do without them now.

He looks down at the food and finds it almost noon. He walks straight toward the hospital.

****

YUCKY.

It was the first feeling when Shu saw the patient with the broken lumps all over his body

It's terrible. A dozen lumps are gathered and then crushed; he looks like a person who has been burned all over. His body is limp, while his nerves are still active. It feels hundreds of times more terrible than death.

As he has screamed despairingly all day, his vocal cords broke. He can't speak out his pain, but moves his lips and looks around with imploring eyes.

The doctor next him takes an old iron bucket. Shu looks into it --- it's worms and leeches.

Then, other doctors grabs some and puts them on the patient's wounds. Smelling the blood, leeches begin slowly wriggling through the wounds and look for food.

Shu once watched the scene in the distance. It's not as strong as the impact it gives him now. Once he does it himself, all his theoretical knowledge vanishes. He finds himself unable to think rationally on the scene.

Someone, might be the colleague brought him here, gently pushes him on the back and whispers: "Are you ok"

"It's okay…"

Shu calms down, closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. The smell of camphor lingers in his mask. He clutches his hands, rubs his thumb on his index finger, and finally reaches up to the bucket.

He is not, in fact, afraid of insects. However, leeches do not feel well when being pinched in the hand. Fortunately, he doesn't do it with bare hand, but protected by his overall, or he would have been considering to cut off his hands now.

Half squinting, he places the leech on the patient's wound. However, after he finishes his task, he feels more unsettled than before. Black Death doctors are inherently more susceptible to the disease... if he's not lucky enough... would he be like this

Unconsciously, the crowd has gradually dispersed. The iron bucket for the worms has also been taken away. Shu stands still, the patient staring at him with his lifeless eyes.

UNCOMFORTABLE. Not just physically, not just mentally, or being stared at by this patient as well.

Suddenly, he feels something churning in his stomach. He immediately turns around, hurries out of the room, and runs to an empty corner where there is a simple trash can.

In the moment his legs get weak, he pulls off his mask and the vomitus pour out.

This is the third time he has thrown up in months. Before this, he probably threw up less than once a year. His feels his throat itchy, and after a few coughs all he can vomit up is a puddle of sour water. Everything he has eaten the night before is now here.

The saline solution partially obscures his vision, and just as he begins to feel dizzy, a familiar voice brings his wandering thoughts back.

"…Shu"

It was Ike.

What is he doing here Oh, Ike yesterday said he would bring lunch for him. With all this in mind, Shu struggles to stand up with the help of the trash can. Ike hands a clean handkerchief to him. He thanks him, takes it, and wipes his mouth.

Moments later, he squares his back and feels glad that he can finally see clearly. Ike peers at him with a worried face.

" Ike, I'm fine…"

"I've just got here." Ike interrupts him, his voice much softer than his face, "I saw someone from a distance, but I didn't realize it was you." He calms himself. "Don't tell me you're okay now. If you were, you'd be waiting for me outside the hospital or working in one of the wards. Isn't it" He raises his eyebrows.

Shu looks at him dully and laughs at himself: "So it is. But I really feel better after vomiting."

"Er…" Ike doesn't know why he would be like this, but it seems that he doesn’t want to recall what he has seen, so he decides not to ask.

"Anyway," Ike shakes the food in his hand. "Let's take a break. Rinse your mouth first."

****

****

Shu takes a deep breath out. He holds his food, tilts his head back and closes his eyes. Although he has rinsed his mouth, he still feels uncomfortable.

Ike stares at him for a while and then pats him gently on the shoulder: "It's break time, forget those unpleasant things for the time being."

"Thank you, Ike." Shu opens his eyes and turns to him.

They finally begin to take meals. Natto tastes a lot better than brown bread, though it can still be cloying. Shu has been used to it.

"By the way, Ike." Shu suddenly says, "Your application has been approved. I'll bring your work clothes home tonight. If it's all right, you can come tomorrow."

"Oh" Ike smiles, "What a good news."

"Yeah." "Then I'll teach you some bandaging skills," Shu says. "Just remember to take care of yourself."

"I'll keep it in mind."

He can't directly mention Vox to Shu, so he is a bit unaccustomed when suddenly receives Shu's concern. No one would worry about his safety before, except Vox who asked him occasionally.

After they finish eating the rest of the food, Ike clears the bench and stands up. As he is about to leave, he suddenly notices something. He points to Shu and asks with great interest, "Shu, have you always had long hair"

"Ah, speaking of that." Shu touchs his long hair, which has reached his chest, "I just don't have time to cut it, so I' let it grow. It can be a hassle sometimes."

"Maybe you can tie them up later It looks a little fresher."

"Too much trouble..." Shu laughs helplessly. He is still a little pale, probably because of what has just happened. He adds: "In addition, it's not easy for me when wearing work clothes. I would always feel like there's a knot in the back of my head."

"So it is... Shall I go back first"

"Yeah, bye."

"See you tonight."

"Ok." Shu smiles, "I will take your overall."

****

****

In the afternoon.

"Dong dong dong…" There's a regular knock on the door.

Ike eveland is looking at his notes and polishing its content. Upon hearing the knock, he immediately springs up to the door. It must be Shu. He returns a bit earlier today.

As expected, Shu stands to the door with some stuffs held on his hands. Ike takes them in no time.

"Ah…" Shu wipes his forehead relaxedly, "I take your outfit as well as my belongings home." He appears to get much better now than he was in the afternoon.

"It looks heavy. The rest is your clothes, right I will arrange them later."

"I can do it myself. Let's try your outfit."

Shu enters the house and turns around to shut the door. Then he squats and walks to the room with most of his clothes.

"I just saw others wearing them before and haven't expect them on me."

Shu smiles. When Shu walks to and fro to get his stuffs in order, Ike has been in that thick clothes.

Hardly funny, but watching his friend in this outfit, Shu can't help laughing.

"Shu, why you are laughing…" Ike frowns and then laughs.

"Let me help you." Shu puts down what he was doing for the moment to preen Ike's clothes. He puts the mask on his face, "Now you look pretty like a doctor."

Because of the thickness of the suit, Ike feels a bit stuffy. The smell of leather that has not completely dissipated, mixed with the smell of camphor in the mask, comes into him. It seems that he would suffer a little these days, beginning with adapting to the smell.

He imagines the amusing way Shu looked in the suit before and wonders if he appears in the same way.

"Shu, how do I look now" Indistinct sounds comes from the mask.

Shu walks around him, then smiles, "That looks good."

"Shu, it feels like you're my mirror right now." Ike quips.

"Un huh." Shu replies quietly, and then blurts out the words, "If I were a mirror, I would reflect your outer image no sooner than your inner image."

Ike raises his hand to take off the mask, feeling subtly familiar with what Shu has just said, "The Divine Comedy"

Shu takes his mask, beams, and nods.

"All right." Ike pushes his glasses, which has been squeezed slanting by his mask, "You suddenly starts reciting poems, I almost didn't realize it. Not before my inner image, right …so can you understand what I was thinking, Shu"

"…" Shu cracks a joke: "Honestly speaking, I don't know. Writers have all sorts of wild fantasies, and I can't keep up with you sometimes."

"OK, let's put it another way, Shu." He slowly removeds his heavy overalls and clears his throat, " Why succourest thou not him, who loved thee so"

"... For thee he issued from the vulgar herd" Shu catches his word, "If correctly, the next sentence would have been this. To be honest, I was shocked when hearing you say that --- someone you love so much."

"Ha ha... It does arouse confusion, especially for those don't understand it. I've been teased about for it elsewhere."

"Oh, I'm glad I didn't fall into this trap."

The two look at each other, seeing similar light in each other's eyes. They chuckle. No one is making a joke, they are just looking at each other, and the joy flows over.

Ike puts the overalls aside, "I haven't had a conversation like this for a long time. The last time I talked about literature was probably in my previous life."

"Er I thought writers would often get together and talk about this."

"Well, actually," Ike replies, "First, my social circle is so small that I don't have many people to talk to. Second, when people talk about literature, they usually discuss the meaning of it seriously, rather than picking up on each other's verse like we do."

"The meaning of literature is worth discussing, but I don't like rigid analysis. These things are supposed to be free." says Shu.

"So it is…"

****

****

The next morning.

"Well, does our new plague doctor, Mr. Ike Eveland, get prepared to work" Shu awakes Ike early in the morning, neatly dresses him in his overalls, and guides him to the hospital.

"What is that" Ike giggles and puts on the mask like him, "The first time I came here, I was a patient. Now I'm a doctor."

"Not really a patient. You weren't infected." Shu chuckles and shows him around the hospital corridors.

Then the two enter the public lounge. It's empty for the time being, as most of the doctors are on duty.

"Shu, don't you need to be on duty" Ike asks.

"Well, thanks to you." Shu turns around, "I can take a break from my shift today because I need guide you, a freshman."

The lounge contains things doctors need, such as cotton cloth and other medical supplies.

"If a patient has some black pustles, you have to -- wait, let me find it." Shu turns and notices his wooden cane by the counter. He picks it up and shows it to Ike, "You have to poke them with this."

"Poke"

"Yeah… it's a little gross at the first time, but there's more than that..." His eyes drifts elsewhere as he speaks. He feels something churning in his stomach at the thought of scene yesterday.

Ike replies vaguely, but soon returns to the normal, "Well, what else should I do"

"As a volunteer, you only need do some chores, like bringing food to the patients, ventilating the wards regularly, being an assistant to other doctors, and that's pretty much it. Unless it's an emergency and there's a real shortage of staff, you won't be asked to do medically related work."

"I understand. Can I be your assistant"

"... No problem, but I'm a freshman myself... Don't trust me too much."

"You know much more than I do, Shu, so I trust you anyway."

"Well, let's begin with the simplest one. I'll see if there's anything model we can use" Shu stumbles in the first half of his sentence, it seems that he hasn't been used to people saying that, so he decided to quickly change the subject.

Then comes the teaching time. It's the first time Ike has learnt to bandage with cotton cloth. It's novel, not the curiosity due to knowing about something new, but surprisingly finding that what he has thought complicated before is just so so.

He is a fast learner with operational ability, especially in these small things. Shu compliments on him and says that he almost screwed up when he first learned these things --- if he had half of Ike's ability, he would be more confident now.

Ike responds quickly, "Sometimes, you should believe in yourself, Shu. I'm a beginner, and if you don't think you can do it well as a teacher, why do I ask you to teach me"

He speaks softly. Shu understands him; then he gradually lets go of the tension and explains the professional steps more smoothly.

As for their return from work together, it's another matter.

In the early evening, when Ike, who is chatting with Shu, unlocks the door, he feels something weird. He does not express his doubts on his face, only looks back to see if Shu has entered the house.

"… Elira has been transferred here from elsewhere. She's my senior in college, such a coincidence. What's wrong, Ike"

"Nothing." Ike replies with a smile.

Shu freezes a little and then fixes his long hair, thinking there is something wrong with his appearance. After he gathers his wits together, Ike has already stood in front of the old sofa with his waist crossed.

" Shu." Ike looks back, "When I was cleaning the other day, I noticed that the windows in your room was not strong enough and had risk of breaking. In case of an accident, maybe you'd better move your bed head to another position"

"Er I didn't notice it." Shu enters his room and takes a look, "Ok, I'll change its direction."

"Well, I'll come to help you later."

Shu closes the door. Ike isn't sure if the soundproofing here is good, so he lowers his voice.

"... Vox, at least let me know before you come next time... I would be embarrassed if I have reason to get away from him today."

"Oh, your roommate"

"…nonsense."

The devil changes his position, sitting more comfortably on the old sofa. The wrinkles on the couch seem not to match the well-dressed demon at all, but Vox doesn't have time to keep his beauty.

Ike glances over the room at the creaking sound of the bed, thinking it would drown out their conversation, "Well, just tell me what you are doing here. Shu obviously couldn't see you just now. Don't beat around the bush with me. You know I don't like that."

"Well, would you believe me if I say I was just hanging out here"

"…" Ike jeers, "Hang out... I thought you demons would be busy. Don't you have something else to do"

"I'm busy right now." The demon squints. His pink-gold pupils appear to swirl and absorb every spirit. With these words, he sits down with a delicate teacup in his hand and begins to sip.

Ike raises his eyebrows. He has been used to him. Finally, he shrugs, "Feel at home, but don't embarrass me. I don't want to explain again that I'm a normal person, not a psycho."

His last words are squeezed through gritted teeth. Vox chuckles, presumably at the thought of some funny moments. Seconds later, his tea set disappears. He's leaning back on the sofa with his eyes closing, as if he is going to sleep.

Ike walks to Shu's door and is about to knock when the demon speaks, "By the way, I got some good news on the way here. Your manuscript has been adopted. If correctly, you can go there tomorrow and the publisher will tell you." Then he adds, "But I didn't expect that your new friend would be a plague doctor."

Ike is surprised when hearing the news, but soon he wondered, "Huh What's wrong"

"Well... Their job is dangerous, but I won't interfere if you won't regret making friends with him."

"..." Ike knocks on the door and says in a confused tone, "I think there is no regret about making friends, right"

As soon as the door creaks open, the demon disappears from the old sofa. Ike turns his head, only to see a half-turned single bed in the house --- Shu hasn't completed yet.

" I can do it myself." Shu says.

"…" Ike is thinking about anything else, "L... let me help you."

Shu does not refuse, but opens the door wider to let him in.

Before entering, Ike turns his head and glances at the sofa Vox was sitting.

****

****

It has been about half a month since Ike first volunteered in the hospital, so he has gradually adapted to the schedule.

When he told Shu that his manuscript was finally adopted, Shu was clearly happier than him. But he didn't realize that, after accepted, Ike had to write regularly. As a result, recently Ike always carriee his notebook with him when working in the hospital.

Even in his spare time, he scrawls in his notebook.

"Er" A familiar voice comes from behind.

Shu has taken off his mask by this time. The faint red marks on his face are similar to the ones he saw before.

"Ike, what are you drawing"

"I can't write anything new, so I just draw..." Ike sits on the bench, raises his notebook and shows it to Shu.

"What's… this…" Looking at the strange pattern on the notebook, Shu smiles in confusion, "Bananas"

"Well, bananas are very nutritious..." Ike closes his eyes and presses a little on his temple. Even he himself doesn't know what he is talking about.

"I like bananas, too." Shu looks around and asks, "What about this" He puts the book in front of Ike and points to the painting.

"Oh, this is..." Ike squares his shoulders and tries to wake himself up. 'This is a penguin. We can find them on some reading materials, you know'

"Of course, but why are you drawing this"

Ike pauses, looks at the "penguin" carefully, and smiles, "…when people are wearing the suits, they walk like penguins… and they also have beaks."

Upon hearing his explanation, Shu can't help chuckling, "That's the cutest metaphor I've ever heard."

Indeed, Shu loves to be called a "wobbly penguin" than a "killer devil"; at least it's a real creature.

The door is slammed open, making a loud noise, attracting Ike and Shu's attention.

"There is an emotionally troubled patient, we need a couple of assistants."

"Leave it to me."

Ike looks behind him. It's Shu. He immediately puts on his mask. After arranging his work clothes, he pats Ike on his shoulder, "I'll be back soon."

"I'll go with you." Ike is more sober. He closes his notebook, puts on his mask, and follows his footsteps.

The corridors are quiet. Each compartment is soundproofed, protecting the patients from noises. Several men, armed to the teeth, are following the lead doctor. When they turn the corner, there is a sudden noise breaking the quietness.

Someone is roaring.

Ike hears the sound and stops. He shakes his head and walks on. As if knowing what he is thinking, Shu turns to reassure him, "Don't worry, it's almost a routine. Just go and soothe him."

Inside there is sound of iron's throwing to the ground. Shu straightens his mask and waits for the leader to open the door.

"Whoa…"

Water splashes onto the floor when the door is open. The room is in mess: Cotton cloth stained with red has been thrown about, several rudimentary shelves used to hold items has been pulled down, one of which has fallen apart and its medical supplies has fallen onto the floor.

In the center of the room is a sick man, straddling on a doctor. He puts forth his strength around the doctor's neck; the doctor's mask has slipped quite a bit. At the same time, he is muttering unintelligible words. He seems to be delirious.

"Opps," The chief doctor walks in first, "I'll catch him first. Go and help the others up." He strides over and tries to pull them apart.

Shu and Ike quickly enters and helps them up, as well as some shelves. When the doctor under him runs away, the patient becomes frantic and tries to get rid of control.

"Oops" The doctor who is grabbing him shouts, "He's unbelievably strong. Somebody comes to help me"

Shu runs to him without thinking. The two grab him by the arms, shoulders and legs, but as he keeps struggling, they can't get a good grip.

Soon the patient breaks free. Probably grabbed hurt, he stands at a distance from them with no blood on his face, and trembles in terror, as if he is facing the Death. As he has been resisting severely, many wounds on his body are cracked, dying his clothes red.

"Well, Sir... er... We should have a chat." The doctor tries to calm him down, only receiving a meaningless and unintelligible roar.

Some silver flashes over. Shu takes a closer look. The patient has a blade in his hand --- more like a piece of broken glass, as the blade isn't that big.

Be careful

The patient suddenly screams and runs to here. Shu takes a fast action, and the next second, he is in front of that doctor.

"Ci, ci," his overalls are cut now.

The pain flows from everywhere. He feels nothing at the moment. The glass is thrust into his body, but then the distinct sense, along with the viscous fluid, pours out, into his nerves. He faints backwards.

HURT.

He feels his lip bitten to losing the color. Soon a pain in his right arm replaces the tingling in his lip. In a few moments, he feels his body becomes light and he can't see clear.

DIZZY.

"...Shu" it's the sound he hears in the end.

It's Ike.

****

"What are you doing Come and pull him up"

Scared doctors rushes to them. Some of them seizes the patient, yet nearly fall into a heap, almost hurt by the sharp, blood-soaked weapon on his hand.

Ike at once runs to the half-lying Shu. Fortunately, there's a protective suit, or with that power his bones might have been broken. However, the situation now is still not positive --- several pieces of clothing has been cut, and some are oozing dark red blood.

"….not well. It's much banged up... it should have hurt me..." "Says the doctor, who was protected. He's frowning.

He looks up, "Are you a friend of his Come on. There's a bandage over there; bring it quickly, when his condition is still stable." He speaks so quickly. Ike can feel his seriousness.

Ike rushes back there and anxiously rummages. He does not know why he is so irritable . He has never experienced such bad time, even when catching with deadline. The smell of blood pours into his mask; he nearly faints. The cries of the patient swarm into his ears, like a nightmare dragging him into the abyss.

Finally, he finds the tools and rushes back to Shu. His fingers are shivering.

The doctor calms himself down and notices Ike a little uncoordinated. "Freshman All right, I'll get him out of here. You grab these tools, and we go somewhere cleaner to bandage him. He's not bleeding too badly, probably just passing out due to the pain... Alas, why did you protect me"

The last sentence is literally a reproach, but Ike detects that it is actually an awkward thanks.

The two carry Shu as fast as they can to the empty lounge and start treatment.

Shu is somewhat conscious, sometimes frowning when they touch his wound.

" Shu" Ike whispers.

"You'll feel pain when you wake up. Hold up." Seeing him gradually opening his eyes, the doctor says.

Shu nods, his mask almost falling off his face. The doctor asks Ike to take it off. It's better for his breath in this undisturbed room.

The doctor applies some unguent on the wound. Sweat slowly drips down Shu's forehead, and his frown tightens.

Then the doctor asks Ike to help him wind the cotton cloth around his arms. Shu clenches his fist, the turquoise veins on his arm becoming more visible.

Ike can clearly see Shu's Adam's apple sliding up and down. He tilts his head and tries to push through it by clenching his teeth. Nevertheless, by the time Ike looks up again, he has lost consciousness again.

"...rest assured, he just passes out for a while due to the calming effect. If he wants to sleep then, let him have a break. He can't recover in a while." These words are a comfort to Ike as he is staring at Shu nervously.

The doctor stands up: "This is all I can do for him. That patient is not in a good state, so I have to go back and calm him down. If possible, you can take him home. It's not safe here after all. Do you know where he lives "

"We share the same apartment, sir." Ike answers.

"Oh... That would be great. If it's too much trouble, you can keep an eye on him here, but I suggest a cleaner place." As the doctor is about to leave, he adds, "Bye."

"Sir, wish you good luck."

The doctor just smiles, either for the blessing or for self-mockery.

Ike doesn't care much about it. He turns his head and looks down at eyes-closing and frowning Shu.

****

****

Time flys since the unrest at the hospital. Ike pats his face with water and stands still there for a long time.

He has never seen so much blood trickling down the floor, like a cheap drink dumped on the roadside.

While carrying Shu back to the lounge, he noticed a few drops of reflective stuff on the dark hospital pavement, may be Shu's blood.

Ike shoulders Shu all the way home, paying attention not to touch his wound. When he enters room, his mind drifts to nowhere. He almost stumps home all by muscle memory. After laying Shu on his bed, he comes out for a breath.

Shu's condition fills his mind.

Fortunately, when he gently opens the door, Shu, with his eyes half open, mumbles. Ike trots to him.

"Ike" Shu whispers as he tries to sit up, but finally gives up because of the pain in his arm.

Ike helps him up and sighs, "It was so sudden that I didn't realize it at all."

"Ha ha, I'm not fortunate enough..."

"How can you laugh out at this moment Probably only you can do this."

"Well..." Shu tries to lift his arm, hisses, and squeezes a wry smile, "I feel better now."

"Anyway." Ike gazes at him with his expression showing "bravado", and sighs again.

"But it's a pity that my outfit has to be mended, or I won't be able to go back to work any time soon."

Ike is going to ask if they have some spare clothes. After a second thought, he realizes the shortage of supplies. Furthermore, even if there are emergency supplies, they would first be allocated to more experienced doctors.

"...such a dangerous job." Ike says, and then turns to leave. "I'll get you some water. Have a rest."

Shu has to eat what he was about to say and stares long at the shaking door.

Soon Ike returns with a small teacup and a pitcher of water. He hands Shu a cup, "Drink some water first. Your lips are so dry."

"Thank you." Shu takes the glass, "... I wonder the condition of that patient."

"Hum, I look over there before I left. He has gotten much better."

"Hum... I hope he is not hurt..."

"What" Ike looks at him in disbelief, and takes a deep breath, "Have you ever thought, maybe, that you suffer more"

"Hum, I did have some injuries." Shu looks at his bandaged arm. "I'm ashamed that I passed out."

"Well, that's not the point. You're probably the only person who concerns about the one who hurts you."

"Ike, he is pathetic enough." Shu looks a little drowsy due to the drug, but he tries to turn a little more serious than usual: "He's sick, and he's suffering from a nearly hopeless illness. However, I'm still healthy, so, in some ways, I'm a lot happier than he is."

"…" Ike is touched.

"Besides," he blinks and chuckles, "people always worry more about others than themselves. Just like you, Ike, you are worrying about me, right"

Ike can't utter a word. He rolls his eyes and then sighs, "... anyway. You'd better have a good rest now. You look drowsy."

"Hum What's the time"

"It was getting dark when I carried you back. It must be night. By the way, do you want something to eat You haven't eaten anything since noon."

"Eat... I don't have an appetite now, but hunger has become a routine for me. Instead, I might get nauseous if I'm forced to."

"You..." Ike feels it hard to keep up his appearance, "Anyway, take good care of yourself. You are not feeling well today, so I won't insist, but after that, you should have a meal regularly."

“Fine, mum." Shu jokes.

"What…" Ike smiles with resignation, walks out of the door and closes it, "Night, Shu."

"Good night…" Shu whispers.

The door is quietly closed. The room, with no light, quickly turns rayless. They has greeted goodnight to each other many times in the past half month. This time, he is so weak that he is even not sure whether he has made a clear sound --- but, of course, Ike would understand.

Shu closes his eyes. He has almost fallen asleep, and felt a subtle sense of security in the darkness.

****

About half a month later, Shu feels the wound in his arm much better. At least he can lead a normal life now, though it still hurt when occasionally it's touched. Therefore, under the reminder of Ike, for the sake of recovery, he does not take the initiative to pacify any patient after that.

In those days both of them didn't mention the wound, just work as usual. Ike wrote his articles, and sometimes asked Shu for help. In short, their life track didn't change because of the accident, except that Ike gradually devoted himself more to Shu.

Shu kept comforting Ike that he was fine and that he would recover as long as he had a good rest, but Ike was still worried. It was natural --- Shu, the victim himself, passed out and didn't even notice his injuries, but Ike, a bystander, has seen the whole thing, and though he didn't mention it, it must have cast a shadow on him.

Shu sits in a corner of the hospital, thumbing his work notes. Due to the injury, he takes less notes. If Ike is around, he would help him, but today Ike has gone to the press, so he has to wait until the rest time to write down one by one.

"Hey, Shu"

Called the clear girl voice. Shu looks up: "Ah, Elira, good afternoon."

"Yeah, I'm fine." Elira's hearty laugh always reminds others of happiness, perhaps relaxation in a sunny afternoon, or cicadas chirping on a summer night.

She, too, holding her work papers, sits down next to Shu. "You got hurt shortly after I got here. What a pity that I didn't show you around the city Library district."

The two have known each other since college, but they aren't quite familiar with each other. However, in this situation, even if they just knew each other, it's lucky enough to meet someone you acquaint with.

"When I first decided to come here, Selen didn't agree, but after I allowed her to follow me, she compromised. I just wish her listen to me and take good care of herself. I don't want her to run around."

Selen is Elira's younger sister, but not in the same major as Elira. Shu has met her before. Female students were not common in college, at least in their school. The sisters spent most of their time together. They looks similar, but Selen is more outgoing than Elira, so everyone can tell them apart.

"How about you, Shu I've heard that you were sharing a room with someone. Is it our colleague"

"…" Shu hesitates, "Maybe But he's just a volunteer I brought in. In fact, he's a writer."

"Ah, he sounds like you. You must get on well with each other."

So it does. Although he always cracks a joke with his friends and sometimes breaks into amusing phrases, Shu is a little too reserved for most strangers.

As for why he can get along well with Ike so quickly, it might thanks to Ike's profession. After all, they share common interests.

Elira rests here for a short while and soon leaves. She works longer than Shu and is a little busier.

"Ok, I have to work, Shu. Opps, my white kitten, Pikl, has recently disappeared; I imagine that after a long time, it might gets dusty and turns into a gray kitten." Elira blinks and poses a "please" gesture, "...I've been looking for it lately. If you have any clues, would you mind letting me know"

"Of course, Elira."

Cats are to human's benefit. It's lucky to have them in a place where the plague is so bad, since they can catch mice.

Speaking of cats, Ike is quite like a cat. Usually, he is gentle to everything, but he is also persistent in some aspects. Although sometimes he would blend a deal of personal emotions into his words, all of them are for the sake of his friends.

In fact, they have some quarrel last night, so Shu isn't in his spirit since then. He sighs and goes back to his work notes, recalling their conversation the night before.

　****

The last night.

"Shu, are you kidding me" Ike looks a little angry. He just walks by the door. Someone has been here.

Shu, on the other hand, is just packing, though he has to slow down due to his injury.

"I don't want to restrain you, Shu, but they said you could opt out --- you're still hurt."

They are the hospital staff. In the evening, after screening, there were several more cases here. The turmoil emerges endlessly, so the doctors on duty at night have to seek from door to door for support. After knowing that Shu is a Black Death doctor himself, they told him a lot grim situation in the hospital.

But seeing Shu's injuries, they said he could refuse. Safety was the priority. However, Shu agreed without hesitation.

"Ike, I'm a doctor, so I have to help." Shu replies.

"Anyway, but what I want to say is…" Ike looks a little helpless, "I don't want to hear of your injuries in the middle of the night. I don't want not to hear from you until tomorrow morning. I don't want to see you in front of me again covered in blood. No one will ever forget that."

His voice grows heavier as he spoke. It seems that it has traumatized him seriously -- even though Shu has been wrapped in his overalls.

"I'm sorry, Ike, as I said last time, they're in worse condition than we are, so I can't just stand by. In addition, with fewer hands, someone may get hurt like I did."

"…Shu, maybe it's inappropriate, but do you find yourself being overly obedient to those requests Especially when it fits with your worldview. It's not a bad thing, but it's sometimes…"

"What"

"…" Ike bites his lip and frowns, "When it comes to saving others, no matter how tired you are or how painful your wounds are, you should be willing to help. Even if sometimes it's just useless effort. If you tell others that there is a heaven, but you don't believe in any gods, will they believe in you"

Before Shu could speak, Ike continues, "...You have been tired out, right"

"…" Shu frowns slightly, feeling uncomfortable for the first time in a conversation with Ike. "Sometimes, Ike, you're a little paranoid about some things, don't you I just think, as a doctor, these are what I have to do."

He throws up his hands. "And, just the other day, one patient got a little bit better, which shows that we're progressing. Everything can be fixed."

"…Alas."

"You don't have to worry so much. It's not worth worrying about." Shu puts on his boots.

"That's because I treat you as a friend..." Ike's final sound is a little bit on the pick, but he soon suppresses it. He might be a little angry: "Or why should I be concerned about a stranger Huh I treat you as a friend, Shu…"

Shu is stunned. He didn't expect Ike to be so angry.

"...well, maybe I should calm down a bit. Maybe I should leave these things alone. I have a amount of paranoia about these, as you say, but, I just don't want that to happen to you again."

"Ike, I'm glad you consider me as your friend. So am I."

He adds: "I just want to save everyone I can. As I said, one patient is getting better. That's a good thing, and we have to keep hope, don't we"

"It won't happen again. I'll take care of myself this time."

"…" Ike spreads out his hands, turns to face the wall and rubs his eyebrows. He feels that maybe he is a little nervous recently and begins to meddle.

In other words, since such friendship is precious to him, he is unconsciously protecting it, at the same time protecting himself. However, it's not appropriate to face a rational person with such an irrational attitude.

Shu is ready. He looks at Ike's back and wants to say something, but he can't. To be honest, he has few acquaintances here, at most only Elira, but now his only friend has some conflicts with him.

"Ike, I have to go..."

Ike doesn't reply, so he has to leave first. Until the door is completely closed, he doesn't hear Ike saying goodbye to him.

Shu is not very secure. As an introvert, he almost has no close friends since childhood. What he likes is memorizing meaningless poems, feeling the beauty of them, but he has never sunk himself into it.

To some extent, Ike is much like him. They both dislike too much explanation, but simply love literature, even though Ike is a writer. It makes it impossible for Shu to reject their friendship.

Rather than friendship, he expects a closer relationship with Ike, such as "bosom friends" or "best friends". He doesn't think they are the common friends among thousands of people. Even though they have only known each other for a month, and they don't even know each other's preferences.

They have no wide social circle. Most of the time they can't reach an agreement with others. They have few hobbies. They have to struggle for life, sometimes even forcing themselves to do what they are not willing to. Just like now, he aimlessly walks in the corridor, after thinking for a long time, he finally realizes that he has to go to the hospital.

Fortunately, all is well and he returns to the apartment that night, but it's too late and Ike has already closed his door. The next day, Ike gets up early and goes to the publishing house. During this, they haven't talked to each other or even met with each other, though they live together.

Shu has no idea when Ike would forgive him, but if he thinks this would solve the problem, Shu will let him go. He doesn't mind addressing either way.

Up till now, Ike has been completely on his mind. When he is sharpening his notes, Ike would suddenly spring up.

That conversation was a little paranoid for the both. Not only Ike, but he himself. He always reacts to things in a second, but can not reject at all, so he has to finish those he doesn't much want to do.

He sighs and looks at his half-empty work notes, not knowing what to write.

"Shu, I'm sorry to bother you again..."

Elira's voice comes from the door. She's in her work clothes and beak mask, but Shu can tell her by her voice and accent.

"What's the matter, Elira He stands up and closes his work notes. It's almost time for work. He grabs the beak mask and puts it on his face.

"There's a patient..."

Shu stiffens, apparently a little afraid of the word "I've got a patient who's in an unstable condition." He feels painful again.

However, Elira says, "There's a patient who's not fine. Let's go to see him off..."

"…" Shu stiffens again.

"Shu"

"Oh, yes, I'll be right there."

****

****

"You have broken up with that young man" Vox sits on a chair, sipping tea relaxedly.

Ike sits on the opposite, thumbing samples, trial readings and some handwritten suggestions given to him by the publisher.

After turning over for a long time, he finds himself having read this page twice or three times, "Not really, only no communication for the time being --- a night and a morning, there is no impact on the relationship between friends, right"

"Nothing. You just sound a bit unenergetic."

"...I'm really depressed now. I just want to stay alone and write my article, preferably without being disturbed."

Vox has appeared on the opposite side and talked endlessly before he realized. The two had chatted for almost an hour. When he came to it, Ike had no idea what he was going to write.

"Ha ha, our little writer are getting increasingly demanding. What a surprise."

Watching him talking so breezily, Ike begins to wonder how idly this supernatural creature works.

"More seriously, are you too concerned about that young man"

"It's not a serious topic, but…"

"Uh-huh..." Vox raises his eyebrows and chuckles. He's handsome, and it's pleasing to see him doing this, but Ike has never been captivated by his appearance.

"Vox… Why do you do like that" Ike spreads out his notebook and sighs, "He's one of the few people I have that much fun talking to. And since we're gonna be living in the same room, of course I'm worried about him. He pays half of the rent, after all."

"Nope." Vox holds out the index finger and shakes it from side to side. "You're definitely not worried about him just because of the rent."

"Oh How can you be so sure"

"Of course I guessed." The Devil smiles as if he has just made a joke.

"…"

"But we should go home first." The devil points to the sky, "It looks that there is going to rain heavily."

"…hope the rain can clear the streets."

There's the sound of a parade not far away. It's time to pack up and go home.

****