Back in Time [WMatsui fanfic]

Chapter 13

Akane stirred awake, blinking at the light penetrating her eyelids from the large window panels of the hospital room. Stifling a yawn, she straightened up in her chair, feeling drowsy, her back hurting from the uncomfortable sleeping position. At the sensation of an object inside her hand, her gaze dropped to the cellphone she was holding, reading the text she never finished typing. Akane had no memory of falling asleep, but figured she shouldn't be too surprised. She and Airi had been up on-and-off all night, uncapable of finding sleep after the tragic news.

Akane saw movement in her peripheral vision and she gazed up at once, watching in expectation the woman slowly waking up in the hospital bed. A small groan escaped Rena's lips as she had even more difficulty than her adjusting to the bright morning light, her eyes fluttering several times in displeasure. Her tired, drawn features also betrayed her disorientated state and confusion, and it didn't take long until her attention fell upon her. "A-Akane?"

"You're awake." Akane rose from her seat, pained to hear her voice sound so weak. She took her best friend's hand in a gentle grasp. "How are you feeling?"

"Sleepy. What am I doing here?"

"Well, you were..." Akane began to speak, choosing her words carefully. "You were a little agitated and had to be hospitalized. They gave you a sedative, that's why you're feeling that way."

"Why would they give me a sedative? Does Jurina know I'm here?"

Akane was at a loss for words, destabilized. She and Airi had been both shocked to learn about Jurina's sudden death. She couldn't imagine how Rena felt when the police knocked at her door to reveal the devastating news. When Akane heard Rena had been admitted to the hospital, she had rushed to see her, only to discover she had been sedated. The hospital staff let her stay by her side while she rested, yet warned her there was a possibility she might not behave in a coherent way when she woke up. Akane didn't think too much about it, believing they were being overdramatic.

Rena's reaction took her completely off guard.

"Why am I at the hospital?"

"Do you... remember what happened?" Akane asked cautiously, searching Rena's face, only to receive a negative nod in reply. Her friend looked genuinely clueless and a mix of unease and pain swept through Akane's chest at what she was about to say. "Yesterday, two police officers came to your house. Do you have any memory of that?"

"Two police officers?" Rena frowned at her.

Akane swallowed a nervous lump and squeezed her hand. "Rena... Something terrible happened yesterday and-"

"Is Jurina fine?"

Disarray entered Akane's eyes. "There was a car accident. Jurina was seriously injured. She didn't... She didn't-"

"Stop it." Rena pulled her hand away, anger burning in her eyes. "What are you telling me? Let me talk to Jurina. I want to see her."

Akane was powerless; her friend wasn't listening to a single word she was saying. Until now, she had tried to stay brave in front of her, but she couldn't take it anymore. Her lips trembled; her mask slipped. "R-Rena, I'm so sorry." She laid a tentative hand on her arm, tears gathering in her eyes. "I'm so sorry for what happened. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. I'm here for you. I will help you go through this. I promise I won't leave your side."

"You're not making any sense!" Rena sat straight up and threw the bedcover aside, getting out of bed. "I'm calling her and going home."

"W-What? No, you're still weak and disoriented," Akane stammered, surprised by her outburst. "You shouldn't get out of bed."