Run Away With Me | Haiji x Kakeru

part five

Everything with Haiji's treatment seemed to go smoothly. At least, that is what Haiji attempted to lead on. It was evident that he was not feeling well by the look in Haiji's eyes as well as the fact that his skin grew impossibly paler than it already was. As the two exited the hospital, Kakeru placed an arm around Haiji. He guided him to the bench, sitting down with him.

"You don't look too good, let's rest for a bit before I take you back home." Kakeru kept his eyes on Haiji, observing him closely. His facial expression was overcome with concern. He witnessed as Haiji's conditions slowly got worse; however, never once has he seen Haiji in the position where it was obvious that he was in any pain. 

Haiji let out a shaky sigh as he leaned his head on Kakeru's shoulder. Kakeru's eyes widened as he felt his heart skip a beat. He could not believe what he just felt. He had never felt a feeling like that before, and he had no clue why he was feeling it now. Kakeru was snapped from his thoughts as he usually was these days, by Haiji's words. "Thank you again for coming with me, it was much easier to bare having someone there to talk to," Haiji said, his voice almost a whisper. 

Kakeru simply hummed in response. They both sat in silence for about twenty minutes as Haiji rested up for the walk home. Kakeru took this time to analyze the situation he had gotten himself into. It seemed as though he was making a lot more spontaneous decisions than he had ever made before. He hadn't even slowed down to think about what weight these decisions had carried. As of right now Kakeru was on a break from school, so it did not affect much for him to come with Haiji to his appointments. Although, the time will soon come where Kakeru will have to go back to school and his routine must continue.

It was evident that these treatments would just get harder for Haiji. However, Kakeru could not put his life on hold for this man that he only barely knew. On the other hand, Haiji had nobody else here to help him. He had already said that he considers Kakeru a friend, Kakeru was all he had. Kakeru was overwhelmed with a feeling of heaviness as he thought about how Haiji had been going through all of this on his own. 

Kakeru cleared his throat before he finally broke the silence, "Do you think you feel well enough to walk now?"

Haiji lifted his head from from Kakeru's shoulder and nodded softly. He placed a soft smile over his lips before answering, "Yes, much better now." 

Kakeru stood, reaching out a hand to help Haiji from where he was sat. Haiji placed his hand in Kakeru's using his aid to stand up. Kakeru moved his hands to adjust Haiji's scarf so that it was once again covering his nose. At that, the two began the walk to Haiji's apartment. The walk was slow, Haiji and Kakeru both taking an occasional break so that Haiji could regain some energy. 

They did not exchange any words. Kakeru was not one to fill silence, and Haiji was too worn to do so. The silence did not feel uncomfortable. In fact, it felt much more comfortable to Kakeru than having to answer Haiji's difficult questions. 

The comfortable silence was eventually broken by Haiji who took a turn towards a tall building, "This is me." He said simply before turning to Kakeru. Kakeru was not sure if he was obligated to walk Haiji the rest of the way to his apartment or if his help was no longer needed. Thankfully, he did not have to ask because Haiji spoke again, "Do you mind helping me up the stairs?"

Kakeru nodded, attempting to shoot a soft smile in Haiji's direction. This caused Haiji to break out in laughter. Kakeru's eyes widened a bit before his expression grew stern, "What's so funny?" He asked in a defensive manner.

Haiji attempted to speak through his laugh, "I've never seen anyone struggle so badly to smile."

Kakeru scoffed slightly at Haiji's response. However, it was not long before he let out a soft chuckle, joining Haiji in the fit of laughter, "Let's go." He said, reaching down to pick up Haiji's oxygen tank.