𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 || 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳

CHAPTER 27

[Some Time Later]

Almost two weeks had passed since your discharge from the hospital. Back home, surrounded by the boys and Kotoha, you grappled with the aftermath of your condition. Your body, once robust, now felt like a fragile vessel. Pain lingered, a constant companion.

Days blurred together as you slept, your energy reserves depleted. Awake for only brief intervals, you clung to Kiryu like a Koala. His lap cradled you, his arms a loose cocoon around your weakened form. His gentle humming, a soothing lullaby, eased your discomfort.

Sakura entered the room, a soft smile playing on his lips. "She's asleep," Kiryu whispered, as if sharing a secret. Sakura nodded, understanding the delicate balance between rest and recovery. He sat beside Kiryu, fingers brushing through your hair.

"Let me take her to her room," Sakura offered. Kiryu carefully transferred you into Sakura's arms, and you stirred slightly, seeking warmth. Once tucked in, you settled, cocooned in blankets.

"She's such a clingy baby," Kiryu chuckled when he returned. Sakura smiled, nodding. "It must be hard for you too, Sakura-chan," Kiryu said, his expression bittersweet. Sakura met his gaze. "I'll never get tired of caring for her. But..." He hesitated, voice low. "She sleeps for over 10 hours, and it terrifies me."

Sakura leaned back on the couch. "I've never seen someone so weakened that even moving exhausts them. Her fragility scares me." His eyes held worry, etched lines of concern.

Kiryu nodded, his brow furrowing. "When I hold her, I fear I'll inadvertently hurt her. She's vulnerable." His grip tightened on an invisible thread connecting you both.

"But what worries me more," Kiryu confessed, "is that she's not speaking as much anymore." His tone full of worry

"She's tired, so it's expected, I know that" Kiryu said, his voice strained. "But not hearing her speak much hurts me. It's like her soul is drained from her body."

...

Sakura dropped a bombshell. "Her wounds aren't healing," he confessed. Kiryu's eyes widened in surprise. "I know it will take time, but there should have been some progress. Her body still looks the same as when I first found her—the wounds appear fresh."

"Have you told Umemiya-San?" Kiryu asked. Sakura nodded. "He's talked to the doctor, but they said that given the extent of her injuries, it's going to take much longer."

"But something doesn't feel right," Sakura sighed. "When I look at her, it's as if she's fading away. It hurts me to think like that, but I'm scared—very scared."

Kiryu tried to reassure him. "Oh, please don't say that, Sakura-chan. She's our strong baby. She'll be okay; she'll get through this."

Suo and Nirei entered the room, accompanied by Kotoha. "How's she doing?" Suo asked, concern etched on his face.

"She's asleep," Sakura replied, his heart heavy. "Sakura-kun, think about it this way: she's getting the much-needed rest. Her body needs this time to heal and restart."

"We just need to be here for her," Suo added.
The rest nodded. "We've brought some light snacks for her. We have to make sure she eats something this time."

||

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Later that day, Umemiya and the others paid their visits, but you were still sound asleep. As evening approached, you stirred awake. The room was dimly lit, and Sakura was by your side, gently applying cream to her wounds. His touch sent warmth through your fragile body.

"Did I wake you up?" Sakura's voice was soft. You shook her head slowly. He finished applying the cream to your bare chest, ensuring your wounds were cared for. His lips brushed against your bruised tummy in a tender kiss" There we go," he murmured.

Sakura leaned down and placed a soft kiss on your forehead. "Will you not say anything, Y/n?" His eyes searched yours, but all he found was emptiness.

"Am I a burden, Sakura?" Your voice was barely audible, a tear slipping down your cheek. "I can't do this anymore. I know my body won't recover. Please stop wasting your time."

Sakura's heart clenched. "You're not a burden," he whispered. "And you never will be." He cupped your cheeks, his thumbs caressing gently.

With what little strength you had left, you pushed him away. His shock was evident. "Y/n?" he said, his voice trembling.

"I can't," you broke down. "I'm sorry." He wrapped his arms around you immediately.

Sakura refused to let go. "I'm not leaving," he vowed. Tears flowed freely now as he held your fragile body close. You resisted, but he held on. "You're not a burden. Please don't say that."

But your eyes fluttered shut, and she passed out in his arms, leaving Sakura desperate and afraid.

Sakura cradled your unconscious form, panic gripping his heart. Your words echoed in his mind: "I can't... I'm sorry."

As the night wore on, Sakura remained by your side. The room was hushed, the only sound the soft rhythm of your breathing. He traced the lines of your face, committing every detail to memory—the curve of your lips, the flutter of your eyelashes.

The others took turns checking in, their concern etched on their faces. Suo brought warm tea, hoping it would soothe Sakura's frayed nerves. Nirei sat silently, his gaze fixed on you. Kotoha whispered prayers, seeking solace in faith. Kiryu was sat on the couch just staring into space. Umemiya in deep thought.

But Sakura couldn't tear his eyes away from you. He remembered the first time he found you battered and broken, lying in that room. He'd vowed to protect you, to heal your wounds.

Yet now, faced with your fading strength, he felt powerless. He wanted to shake you awake, to demand that you fight, but he knew it wasn't that simple.

Morning light filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow on your face. Sakura leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead. "You're not a burden," he whispered.

To be continued...