Echoes of Tomorrow.

TEN

The hospital room was bathed in the soft glow of evening light filtering through the window. Tendou lay propped up on pillows, his eyes fixed on the cityscape outside as Ushijima sat quietly beside him, lost in his thoughts.

"Tendou," Ushijima finally spoke, his voice breaking the silence that had settled between them. "There's something I need to tell you."

Tendou turned to look at him, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "What is it... Ush..Ushijima?" His state had far deteriorated and he was getting weaker by the day.

Taking a deep breath, Ushijima met Tendou's gaze with unwavering intensity. "I've never said this before, but... I need you to know. You've been more than just a teammate or a friend to me. You've been my anchor, Tendou-san. You've taught me so much about strength and resilience. And... I care about you deeply."

Tendou's heart skipped a beat, his breath catching in his throat. He had suspected Ushijima felt something more, but hearing the words spoken aloud stirred emotions he had long kept buried. "Ushijima..." he whispered, his voice barely a whisper.

Ushijima continued, his voice steady despite the torrent of emotions inside him. "I don't know what the future holds for us, Tendou. But I want you to know that I'm here. Always."

Tendou reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he placed it over Ushijima's. "I... I don't know what I would do without you, Ushi."

They sat in silence for a while, the weight of Ushijima's confession hanging in the air. Words seemed inadequate in the face of such raw vulnerability, but their unspoken understanding spoke volumes.

After a few moments, Tendou spoke softly, his voice laced with regret. "I have fears, Ushijima. About what comes next. About... not being able to play volleyball again."

Ushijima squeezed Tendou's hand gently, his eyes reflecting the pain of their shared uncertainty. "We'll face those fears together, Tendou. Whatever happens, I'll be by your side."

Tendou nodded, a tear sliding down his cheek. In that moment, amidst the fragility of their circumstances, their bond deepened in ways that transcended words.

As the evening wore on, they talked late into the night, sharing hopes, dreams, and fears that had long been kept hidden. In the quiet intimacy of the hospital room, their hearts spoke freely, forging a connection that neither time nor distance could ever diminish.

And as dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, they drifted off to sleep, their hands still intertwined, knowing that no matter what tomorrow brought, they would face it together.