Monochromatic World [ON-HOLD]

Chapter 20: Wounds and Bruises

7:27PM, TUE

Third Person's POV

"Did you break your wrist?"

Then he gently pulled her sleeve down and it revealed a red mark circling around her wrist that was starting to turn purple. The twins gasped at the sight and they stood up and neared them.

"Shiro-nee, what's that?" Tsubaki finally asked in concern.

Shiro tiredly sighed, realizing that she can't escape them. Especially the brunette beside her.

"got caught, cuffed into a pipe, tried to escape, twisted it a bit..." She summarized. Masaomi let out a shaky breath and looked at her.

"We should put an ice on this. Your wrist doesn't seem to be dislocated but it's swelling and bruising..." he diagnosed and looked at the twins who nodded.

"I'll go get the first aid kit. Tsubaki, go get some ice..." Then the twins left.

After they left, the two was suddenly engulfed in silence. Since Shiro can't do anything more to protest, she silently sat herself on the couch under Masaomi's scrutinizing stare.

"How about your other wrist?" He asked. Shiro pulled down her left sleeve and showed him her wrist.

"It's fine. He only cuffed my right..."

"oh, alright..."

He took her bruised wrist again and rubbed his thumb gently. Shiro winced at first but then she calmed down and just watched his hand move.

Masaomi examined her face yet again as he continued the gesture. Her face was a little pale than usual, making his growing concern stronger. He looked under her eyes and he can see the dark and deep eye bags that Shiro tried to hide with concealer or foundation.

He was now frowning at her tired features, and hoping that he could fix it in an instant. When he looked at her dull eyes, it didn't help in suppressing her overeacting worry for the said woman. He gently intertwined his fingers into hers and gave it a light squeeze.

Shiro's POV

My heart skipped a beat at the sudden gesture. I sat still, frozen and baffled. His gesture reminded me of our time in the hospital. The kiss that we shared that night flashed into my mind making me blush.

"Be careful next time, alright?"

He told me as I looked into his eyes. I opened my mouth to answer but I suddenly resorted to nodding.

Tsubaki soon came back with an ice pack in hand, giving me a sense of relief as I casually pulled my hands away from his. I don't know what I'll do next if he didn't arrive sooner. Somehow, I'm thankful for this.

"Here you go, Masa-nii..."

He handed the Ice pack to Masaomi who took it with a grateful smile. He then gently placed it over my knuckles.

"What's taking Azzy so long?" Tsubaki whined as he sat down beside me.

"Should I get another Ice pack? Or should I go get Azzy already?" Tsubaki frantically asked making me smile and shook my head.

"It's fine Tsubaki, Just relax. With my job, this things are kind of normal..." I told him with a reassuring smile, and looked at my right hand again and watched Masaomi's hand move the Ice pack to my wrist.

It's been so long since I last felt this. Being nag over about my sleep and injuries and being cared for like I'm some sort of child. It's kind of annoying, but I'm actually liking it.