Act 5/Episode 25

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Warning: The following chapter contains references to suicide.
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Act 5
Episode 25: That Day
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The information August had collected was perfect. The plan was also perfect.
We invaded the target’s building without a problem.
It was supposed to be an easy mission—we would copy the data and return.
But our plan had been leaked.
The enemy was on the watch, and we were surrounded. While fleeing, August was struck by a bullet.
I lent August my shoulder and somehow managed to escape the building.
But the enemy skilfully drove us to the edge of a cliff with no escape.
“I won’t survive. Escape on your own, December....
You can dive from here and swim safely to shore.”
“...No. I refuse to leave you.”
“Run, you can at least escape alone...”
“No! Don’t die!”
“I’m, already...”
“August, if you can’t be saved, then I’ll die here too.”
The moment August’s eyes closed,
I tore the pendant from my chain and opened the vial.
“It’s... pointless...”
August smiled faintly when I finished drinking the drug.
“August...?”
“That drug... I switched both of yours out... for a drug that makes you temporarily lose your memory...”
“Eh...?”
August explained, as his voice and my consciousness began to fade.
“I was the one who invited you to the Organization, so I didn’t want either of you to die, no matter what... Forget about me and the Organization, and live a new life...”
“Au, gust....”
My head was spinning and I couldn’t stand straight.
I tried to say, what do you mean, but my mouth wouldn’t open—because August thrust me off the cliff.
“Live....”
“—h.”
As my vision turned over, the strangely beautiful full moon caught my eye and burned its image into my mind alongside a deep regret.
My body slammed into the cold sea, and the suffocating sensation jolted me awake.
After that, I just desperately swam forward.
August’s last words took over my whole mind.
When I finally made it to shore, I had exhausted my energy and lost consciousness.
And when I woke up... I remembered nothing.
ChikageNo... that can’t be....
Hisoka...That’s everything August wished for on that day.
ChikageStop lying!
Hisoka—hh.
IzumiChikage-san, please stop!
ChikageYou killed him! You betrayed the Organization and led August into a trap—!
Hisoka—gh.
IzumiChikage-san!
ChikageYou leaked our plan—!
Izumi(Chikage-san thought Hisoka-san had betrayed the him all this time. Did the Organization convince him of that....?)
ChikageThat’s why the Organization ordered me to—.
Hisoka...That’s the most convenient story for the real traitor. The traitor is probably still within the Organization.
Chikage—Shut up!
Hisoka...I have proof.
Chikage...?
Hisoka...April, your suicide drug should also be switched out.
Chikage——.
...Hmph. And how will you confirm that?
HisokaI’ll drink it.
ChikageWhat?
IzumiNo, Hisoka-san!
ChikageWhat’s wrong with you? If you do that, you’ll....
HisokaI won’t die. I’ll just lose my memory again.
Chikage“Just”...? What are you going to do about this so-called family of yours? You’ll forget everything.
Hisoka...I can make memories again. I know everyone will accept me.
IzumiHisoka-san....
Hisoka...If I can prove this, Chikage will believe in me. My whole family will come back to me.
Chikage——.
Hisoka....
IzumiHisoka-san—!
ChikageStop!
*Vial shatters*
Hisoka——.
ChikageYou really did join a theater troupe. You’ve become quite the actor.
IzumiChikage-san! Hisoka-san wanted to—.
ChikageI won’t be fooled by that performance....
...?
It doesn’t smell sweet...?
August“This suicide drug smells rea~lly sweet, so December and I need to be extra careful not to accidentally drink it when we get hungry.”
December“...April loves spicy foods, so he’s safe.”
April“Guys, don’t commit suicide by accident, okay?”
Chikage——.
August, did you really...?
Then, why did I, all this time....
Hisoka...April. I tried putting myself in your shoes.
I’m sorry for leaving you alone all this time.
Chikage...What are you saying.
HisokaIf I were you, I don’t think I could’ve endured it.
...You lost the only two members of your family at once. You weren’t even allowed to mourn; you were made to loathe...
Chikage...——.
...What should I... what should I do. I was the one who betrayed you—my only family.
Hisoka...I want you to act on stage.
Chikage...Eh?
Hisoka...April, I’m no longer the only member of your family. You’re going to live a new life with a new family from here on out.
...Just as August wished.
ChikageA new family....
IzumiChikage-san....
Chikage——.
Izumi(What Chikage-san did is something that cannot be forgiven. But I can’t let August-san’s last will and Hisoka-san’s feelings go to waste.)
(We took in Chikage-san once; we won’t throw him out.)
(I’ll accept him again. Because Chikage-san is no longer the Chikage-san he was up till now.)
(I want the current Chikage-san to perform as Oswald. I want him to stand on stage with everyone else in the Spring Troupe.)
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