It had been nearly a month since Haruki was admitted to the ward.
Day after day, Kyouko remained by his side.
She woke in the reclining chair, aching, but her eyes always turned first to him—
hoping.
Praying.
That maybe today, she would see his eyes open.
That he would smile again.
That he would call her name.
This morning was no different.
She sat quietly at the edge of his bed, her hands folded in her lap.
Eyes fixed on his face.
So still.
So peaceful.
Too quiet.
Tears began to well up.
Her throat tightened.
"Haruki…" she whispered, her voice cracking.
"Why won't you wake up?"
She leaned forward, tears beginning to spill from her lashes.
"Isn't it enough that I'm here?"
"Every day, I sit here. I talk to you. I wait. I hope."
"I always hope you'll wake up… and call my name. Smile at me."
Her hand reached for his—trembling.
She clutched it tightly and brought it close to her cheek.
"I stay here. I never leave."
