As soon as the fight with Kuraba Touma ended, all the Shinsengumi members rushed towards the hospital to see Mitsuba. "Gintoki, i guess we should go now" i whispered to the man who was leaning against the wall in front of me. "Yeah.. you're right" he replied before swinging his arm around me shoulder. I failed Mitsuba.. I'm sorry. No matter how much i pushed Toshirou to see you, he just.. wouldn't. Forgive me if you can. Let's meet again, in the afterlife with these heavy feelings in my heart, i turned around to leave. "Wait Hanae nee-san!" Sougo's loud voice stopped us both in our tracks. "Nee-san wants to speak to you" he said to me breathlessly with tears in his eyes. "Wha- I.. I-" "Go, I'll be waiting" Gintoki pushed me slightly towards Sougo before walking away. I took a deep breath and then nodded at Sougo.
"Hanae.." Mitsuba's frail voice barely reached my ears. "You called?" i grabbed the near chair and positioned it beside the bed. Her left hand moved slightly and i took it as a hint to grab her. "Don't force yourself" i gently clasped her hand with mine and smoothed her hair with the other. "Will you.. do me a.. favour?" her voice now barely audible. "Anything. Tell me what it is you want" a tear escaped my eye even though i promised not to cry. "Take care.. of.. Toshirou-san" my breathe hitched on my throat as i heard the words "for me.. please. He's very reckless.. and stubborn.. that's why he needs.. someone by his.. side" "Mitsuba, this.. I-" "Stay with him.. for my sake.. please" tears streamed down my face as i felt her hand get colder. "If i had any sister.. I wish it was someone just like you" i smiled at her and grabbed her hand with both of mine this time. "I.. wish the.. same. Thank.. you" i felt her squeeze my hand one last time with all her strength before a faint beeping sound was heard.
What a huge responsibility you've given me, Mitsuba. But.. I'll try to fulfill it with all I'm capable of. After asking Yamazaki where Hijikata had gone to, i went towards the rooftop. That idiot Gintoki, he left me here all alone even though he said he'll be waiting. That fool.. i walked inside the terrace and saw a familiar figure standing near the railing. He was sobbing as he ate something from a packet. "Spicy.. very spicy. My eyes can't stop sweating" another sniffle came from him as he munch into the spicy rice crackers. Console him huh? How though?! i walked soundlessly towards Hijikata before calling him softly. "H-Hanae?! What are you- I- this is nothing! I'm not crying- It's just this is so spicy so my eyes-" "Can you share that with me?" he shut his mouth instantly before holding the packet between us. "Really.. this shit is really spicy" i sniffed as i ate another piece. "I-I know right! This is very-" "Toshirou, it's alright"
Not even a second was spared before Hijikata broke down in front of me. "There, there" i crouched down to him and pulled him in my arms. He said a few things as he sobbed but honestly, i couldn't understand a single word he spoke. Either cry or speak. Don't do that at the same time! He held me tight and buried his face in my chest. "S-Suffocating" he spoke still in that position. "Wha- You're free to move you know!" i nudged him slightly and felt him chuckle as his body vibrated on me. "Thank you" he said as he sat straight. "And I'm sorry for that" he pointed towards the patches of tears and snot. "Y-Yeah.. no worries. I was about to throw it away anyways" i replied causing him to laugh out a bit. H-He looks good when he smiles i stared at the man in awe until he realized what i was doing and then turned into a deep shade of red. A cool breeze flowed through the air causing me to close my eyes. This feels.. nice. "Alright then" i stood on my feet and put out my hand in front of the man "Shall we get going?" he shook his head slightly while chuckling before placing his hand on mine. "Let's go"
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Thank you for reading episode 28.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions or anything.
