storms don't last forever | h.kazutora

chapter nine

After a few hours of waiting, Kazutora returned, and the doctor scheduled you for an upper endoscopy the following day. He then cared for you all night and wouldn't sleep until you got mad at him. You could see on his face that he was exhausted and needed a rest that's why you assured him that you are fine and will wake him up right away if something doesn't feel right. He agreed and slept next to you, holding your hand.

The next day, your test proceeded, and it confirmed that you have a hole in your stomach wall, and they scheduled you for a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Things went successful, and the doctor advised you to stay for a couple more days in the hospital. You said that you wanted to recover at home but Kazutora refused and said that it is best to have professionals look after you.

"Tora, we cannot afford longer days here. I can rest at home and I promise to follow all the doctor's orders."

Kazutora finished peeling the apple and looked at you. His eyes already formed a dark circle and you feel like he lost some weight. "It's fine, y/n. Don't worry about the expenses. I can cover the it."

"How? Mr. Buta [their piggy bank] doesn't have enough money for this."

"I borrowed money from my employer and he gladly helped me. He said that he will only deduct 10% in every paycheck, so that we can still afford to pay rent."

"But—" You got cut off when he put the peeled apple in your mouth.

"Just eat and rest. I can manage this, y/n." He said and forced a smile. You held the apple and bit it, nodding. You don't want to add more stress to him by arguing, and just let him do what's best for the both of you.

"That's my girl."

You looked down and played with the apple in your hand. "I am worried about you. You look so tired, Tora. Are you eating well?"

"Yes. y/n, I know that you will be worried, so I don't skip meals. Just think about yourself first, and recover fast, okay?"

You pierced the apple with your nail as your heart felt a heavy feeling of guilt. "I'm sorry for being a burden."

"Just like what you've said, no one wants this to happen, so don't feel guilty, y/n. You are not a burden to me... Never will. If I have to jump into the ocean just to save you, I will do it in a heartbeat. Always remember that you will always be my number one priority, okay?"

You looked at him and smiled as tears fell from your eyes. "Thank you, Tora."

He leaned in and wiped your tears then rested his forehead against yours. "I love you."

❀

After the minor surgery, you recovered pretty well, but the doctors still reminded you to eat a lot as you are still malnourished. They prescribed you a lot of vitamins and medications to take and they also scheduled you for a follow-up check-up to make sure that you're doing well. It's a handful, and for you, it's not necessary anymore, but you didn't resist as you want to ease Kazutora's worries.

"Are you ready?" Kazutora asked as he stepped inside the room, holding a paper bag of your medication. You're just putting some of your stuff inside the bag, before closing it.

"Yes. All done!"

"Good. We're good to go. I already called a taxi and it's waiting outside." He walked towards you and grabbed the bag, putting it on his shoulders. He then held your hand and was about to guide you down from the bed when you stopped him.

"Wait. How—how was it? How much do we owe the hospital?"

"I paid in cash, y/n. You have nothing to worry about,"