Run Away With Me | Haiji x Kakeru

part six

Kakeru assisted Haiji up three flights of stairs. He wondered how Haiji was able to usually make it up the stairs to reach his apartment, but he was glad that he was there at least this time to help him. The two walked down the narrow, dimly lit hallway until they had reached the very end. Haiji reached into the pocket of his coat, fumbling for a moment as he searched for his apartment key. As he did, he brought a shaky hand up to his door knob, unlocking the door and opening it. 

Haiji turned slightly to face Kakeru, "If you would like, you can come inside for a minute."

Kakeru did not want to stay for long. Haiji's appointment was so long that it was well into the afternoon by the time they left the hospital. The walk was also quite long and slow, so by the time they reached the apartment the sun had already began to set. He did want to make sure that Haiji got settled in well, though. He cleared his throat slightly before simply saying, "Thank you."

As they entered the apartment, Haiji hung up his coat and scarf on hooks that were placed at the entrance of the apartment. He slipped off his shoes, Kakeru soon doing the same. Kakeru took this moment to take in the set up of Haiji's apartment. It was nothing that impressive. It looked nothing like a home, but neither did Kakeru's apartment. Both seemed as nothing more than a simple place to sleep.

Haiji began to slowly make his way further into the apartment, "Would you like water, maybe some tea? Are you hungry? I have some snacks, or I can call and order some delivery." 

Kakeru shook his head slightly before speaking, "You should rest on the couch or in your bed. I can get you what you need, I'm sure that you should eat and drink something after your treatment."

Haiji let out a soft chuckle as he moved to sit on his small sofa that was placed against the wall, "Well, it isn't often that I get someone to take care of me for a change. So, I'm not opposed." He moved his hand to point towards the small kitchen area, "The cups are in the cupboard all the way to the right, any food I have will either be in the next cupboard or fridge. I'm not particularly hungry, so just grab what you think looks good and I will eat with you."  

Once in the kitchen, Kakeru grabbed two cups, filling them both with water. He grabbed a bag of shrimp chips, taking it all the the coffee table placed in front of Haiji's sofa. Haiji had a remote in his hand, flicking through the channels on the small tv that was mounted to the wall. 

Kakeru took a seat beside Haiji. He rested his arms on his legs, intertwining his fingers with one another. He continued to observe his surroundings a bit further as Haiji was occupied with the television. Kakeru's attention was brought to the long line of prescription bottles on the coffee table. He felt uneasy as he imagined what it would be like if he had to take that much medication every day.

"Do you need to take any of these soon?" Kakeru asked, referring to the medicine on the coffee table. 

Haiji finally settled on a movie that Kakeru had never seen or even known the name of. His eyes shifted to his medicine. "Oh, yes. I forget sometimes, but I get around to it eventually." At that, he reached to grab three of the bottles, pouring a couple of pills from each into his hand. Haiji popped the pills into his mouth before washing them down with his cup of water. 

Kakeru reached for the bag of shrimp chips, handing them to Haiji, "You should eat some of these."

"You are quite the caretaker, runner boy. I should really pay you to come around more often and do things for me." Haiji responds through a laugh. He took the bag from Kakeru, opening it.

"I told you my name solely so you wouldn't call me runner boy anymore." 

Haiji sighed, his expression showing a faux pout, "But it's so catchy."

Kakeru scoffed, leaning back into the sofa. Haiji's attention was brought to the movie, Kakeru's on Haiji. He wondered how Haiji's eyes could remain as bright as stars in the night sky, even when he felt as sick as he did today. Haiji had changed a lot since the short time ago when he first saw him. It was almost as though everything about his appearance changed.  Everything besides his eyes. 

Kakeru was able to observe Haiji for a bit longer before Haiji moved to lay his head on on Kakeru's lap. This caused Kakeru to freeze, his heart quite literally skipping a beat. Haiji's head in his lap felt entirely uncomfortable, yet strangely comfortable at the same time. Kakeru slowly moved his hand towards Haiji's head. He hesitated for a moment before finally running his fingers through Haiji's hair. 

The two remained like this for a while until Kakeru heard a wheezing noise beginning to come from Haiji. Concerned, Kakeru leaned forward a bit to check on Haiji. He was relieved to see that Haiji had just fallen asleep. Kakeru slowly attempted to move from beneath Haiji's head, trying his best not to wake him. 

He knew that he had failed when he heard Haiji speak, "Are you headed home?"

Kakeru nodded, bringing his hand to rub the back of his neck, "I think so, it's about time for me to go for my run. Will you be alright?"

Haiji nodded back, a sleepy smile on his face, "It is about time isn't it? A shame I won't be able to see you this time." Kakeru shot a soft smile back in Haiji's direction, a lot less awkwardly than his first attempt. He began to make his way to the door before Haiji spoke up again, "Kakeru?"

Kakeru turned his head to look back at Haiji, "Yes?"

"Do you mind if I get your number?"

Kakeru didn't know the right way to respond to this. He wasn't sure how close Haiji had wanted to be with him, but he wasn't entirely sure if he was comfortable being on a basis where they text each other, "For what?" He asks, coming across a lot harsher than he intended to.

"Just in case something happens." Haiji said softly. Kakeru immediately felt guilty for what he had just said. Haiji had nobody to get ahold of in case he was having trouble. It would be insensitive for him to deny him now. 

"Of course.'' Kakeru said simply, pulling out his phone as he made his way back towards Haiji.