I'm not sure why I didn't notice before, maybe because I was more focused on Haru's behavior, but at this point my ankle was hurting a lot. The level of pain had increased slowly since we left the venue, and now I felt I could cry just by the pain I was feeling. Still, I figured I could treat it at home and wait until tomorrow to make more decisions about it.
Haru was constantly asking me if I was okay, and I obviously lied.
Once we got home, in between hustle and a couple of hits with the crutches, Haru was able to put me in my room so I could lay down. I took off the ankle brace while he went for some ice packs from the freezer, and surprise surprise my ankle was swollen and redish. I wrapped the ice pack with a small towel and put it on it.
Haru left suddenly and a few minutes later I heard noise in the kitchen before caughting the smell of fish in my nostrils. Mackerel, my love. I took a couple of painkillers from my night table and swallowed them, before the pain became unbearable.
-Oh, it smells delicious- I said when I saw Haru coming into my bedroom with a tray in his hands. He placed it beside me and went out again just to bring more food.
-Let's eat- he said once he sat in front of me with the food between us.
Everyone said Haru was always expressionless and as cold as ice, at some point he is, but I have definitely discovered another side of him since I arrived, a more caring and curious one.
We were eating in silence and suddenly I remembered what he was supposed to be doing.
-Hey, I know you wanted to go with the others, so I'm sorry.
-I'm the one who should be sorry, you're injured again because of me.
-Running was my decision.
-And bringing you here was mine. Eat- he said gesturing at my plate.
I rolled my eyes, but kept eating anyway.
-Don't you think you'll have to go to the clinic tomorrow?- he said watching how I applied some ointment after we finished our food. The pain had considerably reduced thanks to the ice.
-Well, if it isn't as swollen tomorrow, maybe not.
-Even if it's not swollen, you'll still have trouble walking.
-Mmm, you're probably right. Let's see how it looks in the morning, then I'll decide what to do.
-No, I'll take you to the clinic tomorrow.
-But...
-I'll take you, Noah.
-Fine, geez. You're just like Sousuke, chill will ya?
At this last comment, he took the empty food trays and went to the kitchen without even glancing at me.
Next day, we were up around 7. My ankle was considerably less swollen, but still hurt and had a couple of bruises on the sides. It didn't look good and I was hoping it wasn't what I think it was. I put on the ointment again and Haru helped me to get ready. We spent about 4 hours at the clinic, mostly in the waiting area and the dolphin getting sleepy beside me. He didn't budge when the nurse called my name, but I found him getting anxious once I got out of the doctor's consulting room in one of the university's wheelchairs and with a cast boot.
-Before you panic, listen to me, okay?- I said when the nurse took me to where he was standing.
-What...? What happened? You were better this morning...- his eyes were as big as plates.
-Well, not really. The first ankle sprain had lowered to grade 1, but yesterday it went to grade 2 again. So, it'll take more time to heal. At least I don't have the ligament completely torn- I tried to smile to ease him.
YOU ARE READING
Black and White (Rin Matsuoka x fem!OC)
FanfictionNoah is an aussie college girl who travels to Tokyo for a year abroad. There she meets some wonderful japanese swimmers who will encourage her to return to her old passion, and alongside Rin she will discover the value of a true friendship and the a...