As far as Komaeda is concerned, he's already dead.

   Day after day, he sits in the hospital bed on the third island staring out the window, wondering when it's all going to end already. 

   He can barely do or say things anymore. Sometimes he can't even remember his own name.

   There's a lovely man who comes everyday-or at least reminds him he comes every day and stays by his side for a couple of hours. He often strokes his hair and holds his hand, and tells him that he loves him. It makes Komaeda feel good.

   He tells him his name is Hinata Hajime. Komaeda always hears it like it's brand new and thinks it's a beautiful name.

   "If I'm dying," He asked him one day, "Then shouldn't my parents be here?"

   Hinata frowns for a second before his face relaxes. "Trust me; they would be here if they could. They're just, uh. . .they and Nanami-you remember when I told you about her, right? They're putting together a special surprise for you so that once you get out of here, you can all be together. Your parents, Nanami, even your puppy!"

   Komaeda nods slowly. "Nanami likes games." He tells him.

   Hinata smiles and nods.

   "Yes, she does."

-

   His entire body hurts.

   "Want to try sitting up, bud? Tsumiki-san brought you some lunch."

   Komaeda slowly turns his head to look at the brunet. "Kamukura. . ?"

   "Sorry, no. But I get that a lot."

   "I'm not hungry?"

   "I think you are. Just try a little, okay?"

   Hinata helps to ease the sickly boy into a sitting-up position before placing the tray in his lap. He takes a spoonful of rice and holds it to Komaeda's lips. He obediently parts his lips and eats it.

   "Do you know someone called 'Hajime?'" Komaeda asks him, "I loved someone called 'Hajime' once, I think."

   Hinata gulps. "I knew someone called that. And I'm sure they loved you too."

   Komaeda smiles to himself. "I think I'm already dead, Kamukura. My body is decaying already; this strangeness is eating away at me. Tell me, are there not worms and maggots taking care of my corpse?"

   Hinata frowns, feeding him more rice. "Please don't talk like that. You're still alive, lovely."

   Komaeda sighs breezily, enjoying his food.

   "For how much longer, though? When does this pain end? Tell me, did I not fight long enough and hard enough? When can I go? I'm meant to be dead."

   Hinata reaches with his free hand to squeeze his partner's.

   "Not quite yet, Nagito. You still have a little more ways to go."

   Komaeda merely hums in response.