Saiko awoke with the first light of dawn streaming through the cracks in his closet door. The air was crisp, and he felt a tingling excitement in his chest as he recalled the sweet laughter and gentle words shared with Makoto. Determined to have a better day, he quickly dressed in his nurse's outfit, smoothing out the fabric with trembling hands.
After hastily finishing his morning duties—delivering water and bland meals to the patients—Saiko rushed through the hallways of the hospital, his heart pounding with anticipation. Each step brought him closer to the flower shop owner, and for once, he felt a flutter of hope replace the usual dread that shadowed him in the doctor's presence.
"Saiko good! Saiko try hard!" he whispered to himself, grinning as he thought of the bright smile that awaited him.
As he reached Makoto's room, he knocked lightly, peeking inside. The sight of the flower shop owner brought a warmth to his heart that he hadn't felt in a long time. Makoto was sitting up in his bed, flipping through a colorful storybook, his soft features illuminated by the morning light.
"Good morning, Saiko!" Makoto greeted, his voice a soothing balm to Saiko's anxious soul. "How are you today?"
"Saiko is happy! Saiko brings water and food!" he exclaimed, feeling proud of his accomplishment. He handed over the tray, his heart racing with glee. "And Saiko wants to talk! Please, Makoto! Stories?"
Makoto smiled, and the way his eyes twinkled made Saiko feel like he could burst with joy. "Of course! I'd love to hear what you think about this story," he replied, his tone warm and inviting.
They chatted animatedly, Makoto sharing tales of brave knights and enchanting creatures, while Saiko listened, hanging on every word. It was a magical moment, one that made the scars of his reality fade into the background.
But that bliss was short-lived.
The door swung open with a crash, and there stood Dr. Iwamine, eyes blazing with fury. The air turned heavy, thick with tension as he glared at Saiko, who froze mid-sentence. "What are you doing here?" the doctor spat, his voice low and dangerous.
"Saiko was just—" he began, but the doctor stormed forward, cutting him off with a sharp gesture.
"Enough! You think you can waste your time with this... this boy? You're supposed to be working for me!" Dr. Iwamine's hand gripped Saiko's wrist, and he yanked him roughly towards the door. "You have no idea how valuable your time is! This pathetic little chat is unacceptable!"
Saiko whimpered as he stumbled, his heart sinking under the weight of his creator's wrath. The doctor's grip was painfully tight, and he felt a surge of panic course through him. "B-but Saiko wants to—"
"Wants to what? Be a failure again?" Dr. Iwamine hissed, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can just abandon your duties? You're worthless without me! You should be grateful I even give you a purpose!"
Saiko's heart raced, the familiar fear creeping back into his chest. He had come to see Makoto, to share a fleeting moment of happiness, and yet here he was—being dragged away like a disobedient child.
The doctor pulled him closer, his face inches from Saiko's, and Saiko felt a shiver of dread run down his spine. "I should punish you for this, you know," Dr. Iwamine threatened, his voice cold and unyielding. "Maybe I should remind you of your place."
Saiko's eye widened, tears threatening to spill as he glanced back at Makoto. The flower shop owner looked concerned, worry etched across his features. "Doctor, please... he was just trying to help. I don't mind if he visits," Makoto said softly, but his voice only seemed to ignite the doctor's fury further.
