Again.
He was standing at the door to your ward.
Again.
The overwhelming scent of chemicals lingered in his nose.
Again.
He raised his hand, hesitant to open the door. Afraid to see your deteriorating condition. But he didn't have time to be afraid. Hell, he didn't know how much time he had left with you.
You were diagnosed with an incurable disease 6 months ago and had to be hospitalized. Despite being with you every step of the way, he couldn't help but feel guilty. He didn't know if he could handle losing another classmate again. Especially since he was aware that he couldn't do anything to help you. He was only 19 after all. But it was pathetic. What was the point of being the strongest?
He exhaled shakily, mentally preparing for the scene he'd witness in a few seconds. He relaxed his features, forcing away the grim expression on his face. He had to compose himself. He gripped the bouquet in his left hand a little tighter before eventually giving the door a soft knock. After a moment, he carefully pushed it open with the flowers hidden behind his back.
Again.
The strong chemical scent hit him once he stepped inside. It was unbearable. And that constant beeping. It was unbearable.
"Satoru? You were here three hours ago. I thought you wouldn't be back until tomorrow."
That voice. The one he could never get tired of. He was too proud to admit that he'd come over any chance he could. No, he was afraid to accept that he was running out of time.
He watched for a moment as your feeble form struggled to sit up in your bed before hastily making his way over to you. He reached out, gently taking ahold of your arm to assist you.
"Take it easy, Y/N."
Your arm felt so damn fragile and cold. He was afraid. Afraid of accidentally hurting you. He could feel his chest ache at the sight of various tubes connected to your body. After making sure you were comfortable, he stepped away to grab a chair from the other end of the room and pulled it up to the side of your bed.
"You still haven't answered my question."
A glimmer of hope washed over him from your energetic tone. Maybe you'd get better. Maybe you wouldn't be sick forever. But he knew all too well that it was false hope. He took a seat and leaned back with a lazy grin. He removed his sunglasses, nestling them on top of his head.
"Are you saying that you're sick of seeing me everyday?"
"Hm... I think you're neglecting your duties just to visit me."
He let out a scoff, although he couldn't deny your words. He spent most of his time in your room, only leaving to grab food or complete missions. And when he was kicked out by nurses for overstaying. But he'd always rush back the moment he could.
"I already graduated. And besides, I finish my missions faster than anyone else." He bragged proudly.
His eyes roamed your face, taking in your tired expression. His grin faltered slightly as he could see the details clearly. He could see everything. The visible eye bags and pale skin... It hurt to see you growing weaker by the day. He quickly masked the worry creeping onto his face with a fond smile.
"I'm surprised the higher ups even allowed you to stay here for hours." You reached out your hand towards him, silently asking for comfort.
He took the opportunity to place the bouquet in your outstretched hand, sliding his free one under yours to support the weight. He gave your hand a subtle squeeze, relishing the feeling of your smooth skin under his fingertips.
Seeing your reaction was the best part. Watching the corners of your eyes crinkle as a smile graced your lips... he loved it. He loved seeing your face light up in the dreary room.
"You already brought me flowers two days ago..." Despite your reluctant tone, you couldn't hide the overjoyed look on your face.
He carefully pulled away as you cradled the flowers in your hands, inspecting them. His gaze softened as he took in the way you tenderly grasped the bouquet like a prized possession. Ironically, they were blue. But they held significance. An unspoken confession.
"Thank you though. They're gorgeous. What exactly are they?"
"Forget-Me-Nots. They weren't easy to get ahold of."
He leaned forward, resting his arms on the edge of the bed. He watched as you brushed your fingers against the blue petals.
"Ah... that's a strange name. They're the same color as your eyes."
Was it a coincidence? Maybe.
"Hey, they just happened to be the same. Besides, blue's your favorite color." He murmured.
He raised an eyebrow as you picked out a flower before placing the bouquet on the bedside table. You brought it up to the side of his head, tucking it onto his ear with a small giggle.
"It suits you."
He could feel his heart swell from the small action as he couldn't stop himself from smiling. He grabbed your hand, pressing your palm against the side of his face. There was an affectionate look in his eyes as he leaned into your touch, enjoying the closeness.
Maybe deep down inside, he was hoping you'd catch on to this silent confession of his.
