lovebirds (josuyasu)

It's Been a While

Soft, morning rays shone through the large, shiny hospital window. Josuke Higashikata awoke to the fuzzy sunshine on part of his face, blinking repeatedly for a few, fleeting moments. He drowsily eyed the ceiling, his mouth parted slightly open. His left arm was spread out, with an IV tube needle stuck into his arm, connected to one of his major veins. A long tube jutted out from the needle portion and up into a fluid pouch, attached to the IV tube stand. He was changed into a proper hospital gown, marked with faded-navy dots that ran down the gown cloth. He could feel layers of thick, tight bandaging around his chest and stomach, as well as the awkward feeling of medical tape on his cheek, arms, and legs. 

In attempt to move his right arm to check his hair, (instinctively), he felt a tangible stinging run up his elbow. His body was sore. He was probably comatose for a little while at this point, but he had no idea how long. Josuke just hoped that he wasn't unconscious for over a few weeks. As the soreness slowly went away, Josuke felt around the top of his hair. Unfortunately, he had no pompadour. For whatever reason, he was really hoping that his hairstyle had stayed the same.

Suddenly, he heard a knocking on the door to the recovery room, followed by a pause, and the jitter of the copper doorknob.

The door creaked open. Josuke's eyes lit up, floored to see the one person that had meant the absolute most to him for a while now. Okuyasu Nijimura. The teen by the door had a sorrowful, deep expression as he gazed at the floor. Looking up, his eyes met with Josuke's.

Okuyasu's eyes twinkled with rejuvenated elation. He took a step toward Josuke, before sprinting up to him, tears welling up as he reached his arms out to tightly embrace the weaker teen. Tears streamed down Okuyasu's face, his arms shakily holding Josuke. Josuke could feel each rasped breath Okuyasu took, and his trembling arms against his back. Josuke stood still, before resting his chin on Okuyasu's shoulder. 

Okuyasu held still, before slowly backing up, his hands shifting, now holding onto Josuke's upper arms. "Josuke!! You're awake!! I can't b-believe it!" He rasped, sobbing. Josuke put his head down, raising his right arm to wipe his eyes, as he could feel tears ready to run down his cheek. Okuyasu slowly let go of Josuke, and sat on the bed, staring at Josuke with glossy eyes and puffy cheeks, still sniffling and trembling.

"Did you think I was going to stay asleep forever, or something?" Josuke chuckled through his breaking voice, lifting his head up with a warm smile, both of their eyes locking.

Okuyasu turned to face the window, his expression saddened a bit.. "Well, I-I did think for the past few days that.. maybe.. you wouldn't ever wake up."

Josuke felt his heart start to tear when Okuyasu's gentle words sank in, like a rock thrown into a calm river, slowly plummeting to the bottom, before hitting the soft, sandy bed of the stream. Josuke couldn't help but feel awful for joking around like that. He knew that Okuyasu must have felt absolutely horrible.

"You weren't improving. I checked on you every day.. I skipped school sometimes to see you.. I went to visit you many times throughout the day.. for around two weeks.. I didn't think you were going t-to make it.." Nijimura gripped the soft, hospital bed sheets, the cloth held tightly in his grasp as he whimpered again, gritting his teeth. He hadn't really been optimistic or hopeful that Josuke would've woken up.

Was I that hurt? Josuke thought to himself, shuddering. "Oh.. Okuyasu, I'm sorry." Josuke mumbled. "Eh..? Oh, it's okay, Josuke." Okuyasu turned back, his mood slightly lifting. Josuke felt.. warm, and comfortable, to have Okuyasu by his side, especially at this moment. He didn't know what, but ever since their awkward friendship turned into an unbreakable one, Josuke's felt this.. strange, but delightful feeling to be around Okuyasu. After all, Okuyasu meant the world to Josuke. To Josuke, you might as well say that Okuyasu was his world.

They both paused, not knowing what to say, before Josuke exhaled, exclaiming with hesitation, "T-thank you.. for caring about me.. Okuyasu." He regretted saying something so outlandish, but he felt like Okuyasu deserved a 'thank you'. "Oh, no problem, Josuke!" Okuyasu said in response, a grin written across his face as he brightened up again. Josuke looked down, before he felt Okuyasu's eyes on him, and glanced up. Upon facing Okuyasu again, Okuyasu's eyes were directed down at his own lap. I thought he was looking at me.. uh.. I guess not. Josuke thought, before feeling a hand on his leg through the blankets part of his body was under. Flushed, he awkwardly opened his mouth. Though, before he had the chance to say anything, Okuyasu began, 

"I don't know what it is about you, Josuke, but you're one of the greatest people I've ever known.. and you've taught me so much about independence.. self-love.. and friendship. Before you, all I had was my dad and Keicho, pretty much. Keicho was a big dick, but before his passing, he took the chance to save me. That is why I look up to him so much. Josuke, I.. I feel weird to be your friend.. I'm not that smart.. and I can't really describe it.. but it's almost like I don't deserve someone as great as you."

Tears fell from Josuke's cheek and collected at his chin as he quietly wept, reaching up to cover his mouth. Josuke leaned forward, moving his arms toward Okuyasu. Okuyasu reached in for a hug as they both held eachother for what seemed like a long time. Josuke sniffled, "Okuyasu.. you fucking bitch.. you mean the world to me, man! I don't know what I'd do without you.. I just want to hug you forever, right now, bro. You deserve so much, man! Don't fucking say that you don't deserve to have me.. because you do. Don't feel guilty.. and don't feel sad.. please.. I don't like to see you this sad.. it makes me feel weird. I'm okay, bro, and I'm going to get better.." Josuke said, crying hard as he held Okuyasu tightly. Okuyasu was sniffling too. both of their shoulders were damp with tears.

"Shit, bro.. thank you.." Okuyasu mumbled, enfolding Higashikata.

"Of course, bro.." Josuke said under his breath in response, before he slowly tugged away, and both of them released. Okuyasu awkwardly rubbed his ear, his face a bit red. Josuke couldn't tell if it was from all the crying or if he was blushing. Okuyasu slipped off the bed, his melancholic gaze fixed on the floor. The two of them were awfully inseparable. They belonged together, and with each other. Okuyasu just didn't want to leave Josuke's side, but he had to. He couldn't stay with Josuke forever.

Standing up, and peering over his shoulder, Okuyasu smiled. Josuke looked to still be in tears. "I have to go, but I will be back to visit you tomorrow, Josuke."

Josuke looked up at him, nodding with a jubilant grin, his cheeks wet from the bawling. "I'll be waiting for you, Okuyasu!"