SHARPER || Chishiya Alice in Boarderland

-41- deja vu

We finish our lollipops in silence, though the silence doesn't feel so heavy anymore. When the sticks are bare, I tuck mine into my pocket. Chishiya just flicks his between two fingers before tossing it with perfect aim into the trash can by the path. Of course.

I push myself to my feet, brushing at the knees of my jeans. "Come on. Ten minutes are up. I held my end of the deal."

"You talked too much for it to be silent," he says as he rises, rolling his shoulders carefully, one hand brushing the edge of his bandaged arm.

"Yeah, well," I mutter, starting toward the hospital doors, "you're not exactly easy company either."

He doesn't reply, but I hear the faint crunch of gravel as he follows a few steps behind.
The courtyard is busier than when we came out. Patients in wheelchairs, some with walkers, others just sitting on benches with IV stands beside them. I know so many faces by now. I can't help myself—I greet them as we pass.

"Hi, Mrs. Sato," I call softly to the elderly woman who always crochets by the fountain. She waves back with her free hand, a half-finished scarf spilling from her lap.

Chishiya's gaze flicks toward her, then to me, but he says nothing.

We pass another bench where Rin sits, her ever-present headphones pushed down around her neck for once.

I raise a hand. "Hey, Rin. Did you try those lollipops yet?"

Her eyes widen briefly, then she gives the tiniest nod, lifting the stick of one between her fingers. The gesture is so subtle most would miss it, but it makes my chest warm.

"You're like the mayor of this place," Chishiya mutters behind me, dry as ever.

I glance back, arching a brow. "Sorry for being polite."

"Polite's one word for it."

Before I can snap back, we pass the man with the cast who'd dropped his book yesterday. He lifts the novel as we approach. "She picked it up for me," he tells the nurse at his side, beaming.

I smile at him. "Good to see you reading again."

The nurse thanks me too, and I nod awkwardly, walking on.

By the time we reach the hospital entrance, I can feel Chishiya's stare drilling into the back of my head.

Finally, I whip around, walking backward a few steps so I can face him. "What?"

He blinks lazily, hands in his pockets. "Nothing."

"Liar."

He tilts his head. "You collect strays. That's all."

The words sting more than they should. I bite the inside of my cheek, turn around again. "Better than being one," I mutter under my breath.

I don't think he's supposed to hear me, but when we step into the cool, sterile air of the lobby, he says, "Mm. Fair point."

We walk in silence through the wide hallways, the faint squeak of nurses' shoes and the beeping of monitors echoing around us.

When the elevator doors slide open, I step inside first. He follows, leaning back against the wall, arms folded. The small space hums with silence.

I clear my throat, tapping my foot. "So. Ten minutes of walking, one lollipop. Not a bad trade, right?"

His mouth quirks faintly. "Depends if I get more candy tomorrow."

I roll my eyes but can't hide the small smile tugging at my lips. "We'll see."

The elevator dings, and instead of walking out into the patient floor, I notice the lit button. Rooftop.