Then he softly spoke "You really don't mind? You know…overhearing my Uhh…dream persona 'Omori' paying attention to your version that is basically base on our kid selves…that I Uhh…want to bond more?" As Aubrey smirks "You mean there is a reason why that 'Omori' , a version of me in a weird way gets admired by you so much while 'he' doesn't return the feeling?"
Aubrey chuckled lightly, teasing Sunny as she replied, "Oh, I don't know. Maybe Dreamworld Aubrey just has good taste in friends." She winked playfully, leaving a hint of mystery in her response.
Sunny blushed, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Well, I think Dreamworld Omori and Aubrey are just reflections of how close we were as kids," he said, trying to steer the conversation away from his feelings.
As Aubrey then walk ahead speaking "well guess it's my turn to help you again…we did before it's just…want to know other nursing stuff I can do to help your routine to take care of Mari?" As Mari is comatose and hospitalized at home via the shared (familiar) bedroom of hers and Sunny's Upstairs.
Aubrey's offer touched Sunny's heart, and he nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Aubrey. It means a lot that you're willing to help out with Mari's care," he said sincerely. "I think for now, just helping me keep track of her medications and making sure she's comfortable would be a big help."
Aubrey smiled warmly, reassured by Sunny's response. "Of course, Sunny. I'll make sure everything is in order for Mari," she promised.
Together, they headed upstairs to check on Mari and ensure that her room was set up comfortably for her ongoing care.
Sunny's words trailed off as he observed Mari's peaceful sleeping form. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the weight of worry in his eyes. "Another day, Mari," he murmured softly. "You're always so strong, even in your sleep. We'll get through this together, okay?"
He stayed by her side for a while, checking her vitals and making sure everything was as it should be. As he settled into the routine of the morning, a sense of determination filled him. "I'll do everything I can to make sure you're comfortable and taken care of," he whispered, a silent promise to his comatose sister.
As Aubrey helps around with other routine she spoke "Still….It sucks huh? That that ACCIDENT that she cause herself for the coma was the night before the recital…"
Sunny's expression softened, his thoughts drifting to that fateful night. "Yeah, it's tough," he admitted, choosing his words carefully. "But Mari's strong. She's been fighting this for so long. We just have to keep hoping and supporting her until she wakes up."
Aubrey nodded, understanding the unspoken weight in Sunny's words. "She'll come back to us," she reassured, placing a comforting hand on Sunny's shoulder. "We'll make sure she knows how much she's missed."
With a determined nod, Sunny continued his morning routine, grateful for Aubrey's presence and understanding.
As Sunny ask "So what are the additional routines you manage in the earlier days if I don't wake up on time to nurse Mari with everyone?"
Aubrey thought for a moment before replying, "Well, besides the usual check-ups and ensuring she's comfortable, I also help with organizing her room, changing her sheets, and making sure her favorite things are within reach. It's important to keep her environment as comforting as possible, don't you think?"
Sunny nodded in agreement. "Definitely. It's those little things that make a big difference in her daily life."
As they continued talking, Aubrey shared more about the routines they had developed over time to care for Mari, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a supportive and loving atmosphere around her.
As Sunny sighs "wait you also want to try making her wear different set of clothes soon and dye her hair if allowed? Well Mari does like the color purple but…"
Aubrey nodded, understanding Sunny's concerns. "I thought it might be a nice change for her, you know? Just to keep things fresh and positive. Plus, a little color can brighten anyone's day, even if it's just a small change like dyeing her hair or trying different outfits."
Sunny smiled softly, appreciating Aubrey's thoughtful ideas. "You're right. It could lift her spirits a bit. Let's see what she likes when she wakes up more often."
The conversation continued as they discussed potential ways to bring more joy and variety into Mari's daily routine, all with the goal of creating a supportive and uplifting environment for her recovery.
As they finish , Aubrey ask "Yet you sleep here nearby as always with that other bedside right? Was it hard sometimes? Especially you said your parents became extra busy due to financial support over the (4) years that passed….I wonder if you still have education despite being a you know.." Hikkimori sign language.
Aubrey's question touched on a sensitive topic for Sunny. He nodded slightly, a hint of melancholy in his expression. "Yeah, it was tough sometimes. My parents had to work a lot to cover the medical expenses, so I ended up staying at home most of the time. As for education, I tried online courses and self-study to keep up, but it wasn't the same as being in a regular school."
He paused, reflecting on those challenging years. "But things are looking up now, especially with all of you around and Mari's condition stabilizing. It feels like we're slowly finding our way back to a more normal life."
Aubrey was surprise as Sunny smiled more without realizing it (it was cute) "I am just glad you and Basil make up….and you forgive me more even when I reveal the culprit that deface my own photos of his (Basil) Photo Album was me!!!"
Aubrey's surprise softened into a warm smile as she gently reassured Sunny, "You don't need to worry about that, Sunny. We all have our moments, and what matters is that we've moved past it and are here supporting each other now. Besides, Basil understands that it was a mistake, and I'm sure he appreciates your honesty."
She then added, "You've come a long way, Sunny. Taking care of Mari, reconnecting with friends, and even facing difficult truths—it shows how strong you are, even if you don't always realize it."
Sunny muttered "truth…y-yeah…although , I am curious if you don't mind…when you made new friends…which Basil and Kel call The hooligans back when I first left my house in awhile…" As he looks away "Are you still close to Kel? Like I am aware you secretly strained with Basil as he (Kel) even is surprise with that…along with when did you want to bug him so Much to be convince I could actually be willing to leave my house?"
Aubrey listened attentively to Sunny's words, understanding the weight behind his questions. She replied softly, "Kel and I have always had a unique bond. He's like a brother to me, always looking out for everyone and adding his own brand of cheer to our group. As for Basil, well, we've had our ups and downs, but deep down, he's still an important friend."
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "You leaving the house was a big step for all of us, Sunny. We wanted to show you that there's still a world out there waiting for you, filled with people who care about you and want to see you happy."
With a reassuring smile, she added, "And look how far you've come since then. You're reconnecting, facing challenges, and even dreaming of new adventures. It's all part of your journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way."
As she sighs nervously "although it got awkward because you know me…I did got pretty messy with my anger and EDGY delinquency oops…" As she continued when he internally laughed "You get me right? I just thought…when I finally realize only Basil gets to interact with your desptie via phone out of all of us…it's unfair if that's your only sole communication…"
Sunny nodded in understanding, knowing the complexities of their past interactions. "I get it, Aubrey. We've all had our moments, and it's okay. As for communication, I never intended for it to be exclusive with Basil. It's just that he's been more vocal about keeping in touch. But that doesn't mean I don't value talking to everyone else."
He smiled warmly, trying to ease any lingering tension. "I'm actually looking forward to more conversations and connections with everyone, including you. We've all grown and changed, and it's exciting to see where our friendships can go from here."
And he blush "still…..Do you think Mari won't mind the new pictures we're having lately? Basil finally wants to take us one especially with the treehouse project at my yard.." As Aubrey listens and recall why Basil at first is secretive and Mari's Photos of the Album and stop taking it at first (despite unaware of the true reason why)
Aubrey smiled reassuringly. "I think Mari would love it, especially if it's something that brings everyone together. She always appreciates the bonds we share and the memories we create, so a new picture with the treehouse project sounds perfect."
She paused for a moment, remembering the initial secrecy around Mari's photo album. "Basil's been through a lot, and I'm sure he has his reasons for wanting to capture these moments now. It's a sign of growth and healing for all of us, don't you think?"
Sunny nods and spoke "You too Aubrey..it's nice seeing you less serious and angry…although like you said it's awkward…yet is the photo album incident Before I admit personally with you it's me when you and Basil finally reconcile after that lake incident a few days ago.." he trailed off as they left the bedroom where Mari is. As Aubrey spoke softly "You meant why he claims one time me and the Hooligans bully him?"
Aubrey nodded, understanding Sunny's implication. "Yes, that incident. I remember how heated things got back then, but we've come a long way since. Basil has always been sensitive, especially about personal things like his photo album. I'm glad we've moved past that and can focus on making new memories together."
As they walked out of Mari's bedroom, Aubrey added, "It's important to acknowledge our past mistakes and grow from them. That's how we become better friends and support each other through thick and thin."
As she almost shyly spoke fixing her hair "why curious what does Basil meant me and the hooligans bullying him for the deface photos over the past…before you admit you did it much later now…"ChatGPT
Sunny paused, reflecting on the situation before responding. "Basil mentioned feeling bullied because of the defaced photos, but I think it was more about the emotional impact than actual bullying. He may have felt hurt and misunderstood, especially since he values memories and sentimental items so much. It wasn't about blame but understanding and healing, which I'm glad we've been able to work through."
As he facepalms "I just was a terrible friend for leaving him out despite this…he never told me in our calls or texts over the years much about himself saying he doesn't mind when he spot me scribbling black markers for every photo of my face…" shudders
Aubrey listened attentively, realizing the complexity of Sunny and Basil's dynamic. "It sounds like there were a lot of unspoken feelings and misunderstandings between you two. Sometimes, even close friends struggle to communicate certain things, especially if they don't want to burden each other. But it's good that you're reflecting on this now and recognizing how it might have affected Basil."
As she nudge him as they walk downstairs "Besides , if it wasn't for him…I wouldn't have the guts to bug Kel properly to be convince that YOUR DEFINETELY going to come outside for sure…"
Aubrey's nudge brought a small smile to Sunny's face. "You're right. Basil has always been the bridge for a lot of things. And as for Kel, well, I'm glad you're on board with helping convince him. It means a lot to me."
Aubrey and Sunny blush when he almost trip when they got downstairs and Aubrey ask "Really? You mean that Sunny? I made you happy too? Despite the earlier awkward days of us seeing each-other again?"
Sunny's blush deepened, but he managed a shy smile. "Yeah, Aubrey. You and everyone else...you all make me happy. Even in those awkward moments, I'm grateful for each day we spend together."
Then he felt both their heart beats racing as Aubrey ask "So Uhh…I wonder why Kel in one of our treehouse project moments want to tease we could be a 'thing right'? Like hehe…and you did say your dreams is just base on our cherish childhood—"
Sunny chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Kel and his teasing...he's just being Kel, you know? And as for the dreams, well, they're just dreams, Aubrey. It's not like they reflect reality or anything."
He looks away "I mean Besides it's not like…if I did share the same feelings…you won't..see..me more than 'that' way anyway… you are busy with your own stuff and me with Mari…." Aubrey is slowly reading the more Sunny becomes expressive even subtly the subtext of his emotions around her
Aubrey tilted her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Sunny, sometimes feelings don't need to be said outright to be understood. And being busy with other things doesn't mean we can't find moments together, right?" She glanced at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and warmth.
He internally screamed "No please Aubrey if only you knew…If only you knew what me..what me and Basil did that DAY 4 years ago..I" not saying his words aloud as he stares at her with melancholy. While , Basil softly spoke up "Hey guys…I tend to the plants of the house outside while the Corazon brothers are busy giving Mewo a bath now…."
Sunny's thoughts churned with unresolved emotions as Basil's voice interrupted his internal turmoil. He managed a nod, acknowledging Basil's words while still lost in his thoughts. Aubrey noticed the shift in Sunny's demeanor but decided not to press further, sensing his need for space.
As she smiles "Classic Basil so , did you manage to take new photos of what your up to or the two brothers (Kel and Hero)?"
Sunny shook himself out of his reverie, glad for the change of topic. "Oh, yeah. Basil's always on top of things like that," he remarked, trying to sound more upbeat. "I think they did take some pictures. Kel was quite enthusiastic about it, as usual."
Basil blush "Su-Sunny…She was asking me to answer…I think you mistake it during the time I took pictures in the earlier days…"
Sunny nodded, acknowledging Basil's correction. "Right, sorry about that. So, did you manage to capture some good shots?"
Aubrey and Sunny scoot Close when Basil nods and Brings out his camera to show his recent shots today morning what they been up to (while Sunny and Aubrey nurse Mari)
Basil focuses on capturing those seemingly mundane yet meaningful moments where Kel and Hero take care of various household chores, while he tends to the plants and allows them to groom Mewo. He snaps photos of Kel brewing coffee, Hero washing dishes with a thoughtful expression, and Mewo lounging contentedly as Kel and Hero fuss over-grooming tasks. These snapshots reflect the everyday camaraderie and care shared among the group, turning ordinary tasks into cherished memories.
Kel's act of brewing warm cat milk for Mewo adds a heartwarming touch to the scene. Basil captures the moment with a smile, appreciating Kel's thoughtfulness towards their furry companion. The photos showcase the group's attention to detail and care not just for each other but also for their beloved pet, highlighting their bond and consideration for every member of their makeshift family.
Then, Sunny spoke "what about your own routine? Who took the photos?" As Aubrey spoke "A Selfie?"
Basil chuckles at their curiosity and explains that he set up a timer for the camera to capture the moments while he was occupied with his plant care tasks. He shows them a selfie he managed to sneak in while the timer was running, capturing a candid moment of himself with a playful expression amidst the daily activities. Sunny and Aubrey admire the photos, appreciating the glimpse into their shared moments and the effort Basil put into documenting their everyday life.
Then he blushed "You think I can still paste them later mix with the current project we're working together I took a picture on?"
Basil nods enthusiastically, agreeing that incorporating those candid moments into their ongoing project would add a personal touch and showcase the warmth of their shared experiences. Sunny and Aubrey express their approval and excitement at the idea, eager to see how the photos blend into their collaborative work.