Aika sat beside Riku's hospital bed, the rhythmic beeping of the monitor filling the quiet room. His hand rested lightly in hers, his fingers warm beneath her touch. The evening light filtered through the blinds, casting soft shadows across his pale face.
Riku was asleep, his breathing steady but shallow. Aika's eyes traced the gentle rise and fall of his chest, her heart tightening each time his breath hitched slightly.
She sighed, brushing her thumb over his knuckles. His hand twitched at the contact, but he didn't wake.
It had been two days since he collapsed in the art room. Two long, quiet days.
Aika had barely left his side. She'd slept in the chair beside his bed, eaten the bland hospital food, and ignored the nurses' suggestions to take a break. She didn't want to leave him—not even for a second.
The door opened quietly, and Aika's mother stepped inside. She carried a small paper bag, the scent of fresh bread and coffee drifting through the room.
"Aika," her mother whispered.
Aika didn't look away from Riku.
"I brought you something to eat."
Aika shook her head. "I'm not hungry."
Her mother sighed and crossed the room. She set the bag down on the small table beside the bed, then knelt beside Aika.
"Honey… you need to rest."
"I'm fine," Aika replied automatically.
Her mother's hand settled on her knee, warm and steady. "You're not fine."
Aika's jaw tightened. Her gaze didn't waver from Riku's face.
Her mother's expression softened. "He's stable now. The doctors said he's doing better."
"For now," Aika said quietly.
Her mother's gaze darkened. "You heard what the doctor said."
"That he doesn't have much time left," Aika whispered. Her throat tightened painfully. "How am I supposed to be okay with that?"
Her mother's hand squeezed her knee gently. "By being here. With him."
"I don't want to lose him." Aika's voice broke.
Her mother's hand slid to her shoulder, warm and steady. "Then don't waste the time you have left worrying about the end."
Aika's lips trembled. Her mother brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Stay with him. Be with him. That's what matters now."
Aika's chest tightened painfully. She squeezed Riku's hand a little tighter. His fingers curled slightly in response.
Her mother smiled softly. "I'll leave you two alone for now."
Aika's eyes followed her mother as she stood and quietly slipped out of the room. The soft sound of the door closing left a strange emptiness behind.
She sat in silence for a long time, the only sound the quiet hum of the machines and Riku's steady breathing.
Her fingers brushed over the back of his hand. "You scared me," she whispered.
Riku's eyelids fluttered. Aika froze, holding her breath.
After a moment, his eyes slowly opened. His gaze was hazy and unfocused before it settled on her.
"Aika…?"
Aika's breath hitched. "I'm here."
Riku's brow creased faintly as he shifted against the pillow. His eyes swept the room before returning to her face.
"Hospital again?" he murmured.
Aika's lips twitched into a fragile smile. "Yeah."
His gaze softened. His hand tightened around hers.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Don't." Aika shook her head fiercely. "Don't apologize."
Riku's eyes darkened. "I didn't want you to see me like that."
"Too late." Aika's voice trembled. "And I'm not going anywhere."
Riku's expression wavered, but he smiled faintly. "You're stubborn."
Aika leaned forward, resting her forehead against their joined hands. "And you're stupid for thinking you could hide this from me."
Riku chuckled softly. His thumb brushed across her knuckles.
"I'm glad you're here," he whispered.
Aika's breath trembled. "Me too."
They sat in silence for a long time. Aika's head remained bowed, her fingers curled tightly around his. Riku's breathing steadied, his hand warm against hers.
Outside the window, the sun was beginning to set. The golden light cast a soft glow across the room, bathing them in quiet warmth.
"I'm going to stay with you," Aika whispered. "No matter what."
Riku's eyes softened. His hand squeezed hers.
"I know."
Aika lifted her head and smiled, her eyes bright despite the tears burning at the corners.
"No matter what happens… I'll stay with you."