Classroom: "Psychology of Emotions and Stress Resilience."
Tsekiro Murasima (student of the applied psychology faculty):
Hmph, the topic's pretty simple, but unbearably boring.
(That thought echoed in his mind.)
Professor:
"…and that's why it's crucial to remain calm in the presence of a patient."
Tsekiro:
"Excuse me, but what if the patient actually needs emotional warmth—"
Suddenly, a sharp sting pulsed through Tsekiro's head.
FLASHBACK:
Mother:
"Murasima, don't waste time on useless things. Just study. Only knowledge will help you in the future."
SECOND FLASHBACK:
Tsekiro Todo (younger brother):
"You can barely ride a bike with training wheels. You're an embarrassment, big bro…"
THIRD FLASHBACK:
Tsekiro Hayame (sister):
"Hey Tsekiro, please be careful, okay?"
PRESENT TIME:
Tsekiro suddenly clutched his head and collapsed mid-sentence.
He slowly opened his eyes… and saw his professor and the school doctor standing beside him.
Professor:
"So young, and already such stress…"
School Doctor:
"He had an acute nervous reaction to psychological overstrain.
Or, as people would say—'fainted from anxiety.'
Technically, it's a system overload.
He needs a couple of days to rest. We've already filled out the medical leave."
Professor (nodding):
"Don't take your health lightly. Go home and rest, Tsekiro."
Tsekiro:
"Understood. I'm very grateful you care about my well-being… I'll be going then."
---
On the way home:
Tsekiro:
Why… why am I such a failure?
I've studied every inch of these theories —
So why can't I apply a single thing in practice?!
---
Tsekiro arrived home.
Tsekiro:
Not surprising no one's here… it's rush hour, after all.
He changed clothes, entered his room, and lay down to sleep.
P.S.:Next chapter arrives tomorrow at the same time.