Chapter One:

Baby, It's Cold Outside

-daichi-

The elated feeling of having completed all of his exams lingered hours after they had officially come to a close. Finishing exams meant another semester was done, and he was that much closer to a degree; not to mention winter break was upon them, and Daichi seriously needed to catch up on some sleep. Daichi spent his semesters studying engineering at a technical university in Tokyo. His focus was structural engineering, and his passion was in building design. He couldn't wait until he was done and could start working. He wanted to bring architects dreams and ideas to life, and leave people wondering how they possibly did it. Yes, Daichi loved what he studied, but that didn't make exam time any less stressful.

His apartment was lonely, his roommate Akaashi has finished his exams a week prior, and left to visit his boyfriend Bokuto. He met Akaashi during first-year orientation, and he really couldn't ask for a better roommate and friend. He was a constant calming presence that managed to get Daichi through even the toughest semesters. He only met Bokuto-san once, but he could see why they worked so well together. Bokuto-san was excitable and loud, the exact opposite of his timid roommate, but Akaashi seemed to mellow out his partner.

Akaashi was studying Architecture, while Bokuto played competitive volleyball. Daichi and Akaashi played volleyball too, but purely for leisure. He meant to catch one of Bokuto's games with Akaashi, but their schedules just never seemed to overlap. Initially, he was supposed to go with Akaashi this time around, but with his exams getting postponed he was forced to stay back.

This left Daichi alone at a time when he really just wanted to be around friends. Maybe that's why he found himself outside in this frigid weather. He just couldn't stand the stifling silence of the apartment any longer. He realized he forgot his coat far too late into his adventure, and it really wasn't THAT cold. He opted to continue with just a knitted cardigan hugging his shivering body.

His mind was racing with so many thoughts that he didn't even notice how opposed his body was to being outside. Instead of listening to its silent protests, he sat down in a small park, letting the chatter of those nearby drown out all the thoughts and feelings bubbling inside of him.

There was a light snow drifting down from the sky, dusting the cobblestone walkway in fluffy white specks. The longer he watched, the more it piled up and the more transfixed he became. He wasn't cold at all now. Even with the wind whipping through his hair and clothes he felt a pleasant warmth spreading through him. His breathing slowed as his body fell into a relaxed state. For Daichi, being in any sort of relaxed state was unheard of, so he felt good sitting there as snow piled around him.

He wasn't really sure what happened next, all he could remember was thinking that the fluffy snow would probably make an amazing pillow. Everything from that point on was a little hazy...

"Oh my god... is he alright?" a woman squealed as hands poked and prodded at Daichi's limp frame.

"Call an ambulance... he's feezing" a male voice supplies as phones exchange hands, and a coat was placed over Daichi's body.

"Mr. Sawamura... can you hear me? You were out in the cold too long, and are suffering from hypothermia. We are taking you to the hospital" the paramedic explains to the unconscious male lying in the ambulance.

-suga-

He has a routine, one that rarely changes and never falters. Daily immunosuppressants, weekly disinfecting regimens, and bi-monthly blood transfusions. He works around these predetermined activities that are a necessary part of his life. Despite being diagnosed as chronically ill, he is able to live a relatively normal life. Exciting things don't tend to happen when you're forced to plan out your every move, and always be cautious of the outside world. Suga had a plan for almost every situation, but he hadn't planned on Daichi.

Spending days or even weeks in the hospital was nothing new for him. Being in his situation meant constant monitoring and check-ups. He didn't mind though, his doctors were all pleasant, and the procedures were never that invasive or painful.

Suga's body was at a constant war with itself. Killing off his red and white blood cells, and leaving him weak, pale and prone to infections. To combat his shitty immune system, he underwent blood transfusions every couple of months. The procedure itself was practically painless, a few needles and it was done, however, it came along with mandatory bed rest that drove Suga insane. Having to lie there for hours while his blood was cycled in and out of his body was dull. The procedure was always followed by a stay in the hospital so the doctors could perform their test, and monitor him for infection. All in all, these visits lasted anywhere from 3-7 days. This meant that Suga was no stranger to the hospital staff, and his abundant free time meant he had come up with inventive ways to combat boredom.

His favourite activity was talking and engaging with other patients. The only problem was that Suga wasn't supposed to leave his bed, let alone the ward he was staying in. His nurses often scolded him for his disappearing act, but he couldn't just lay in bed all day! This is how Suga found Daichi, and this is what started everything.

It was late, and the hospital halls were empty, apart from a few doctors and nurses walking about. The lack of people meant it was easy for Suga to slip out of his room unnoticed. He had spent the day attached to a machine, so he was eager to get up and move around. He did his usual rounds first, stopping in to see the long-term patients he had come to know during his frequent stays. As he walked out of the room belonging to the little old lady he absolutely loved, he paused, hearing the chatter of nearby doctors.

"Yeah, the kid was out without a coat... bystanders say he was just sitting there" the doctor clicked his tongue in disapproval.

"That doesn't make any sense, we'll have to ask him why once he wakes up" the other answered, confusion evident in his voice.

Suga was intrigued, he could see a soft snow falling from a nearby window. Pressing his hand to the glass he could tell the air outside could not be pleasant. Why was this guy out without a coat? Suga had questions, and with nothing to do, he figured he could search for some answers. Slowly he manoeuvred through the halls, following the two doctors, hoping they were on their way back to this mysterious guys room. Luckily his assumptions were correct.

Suga waited outside as both doctors walked in, probably to check on their patient. It was only minutes later when they stepped out of the room, and Suga was able to move once again. He quietly pushed the door open and slipped inside.

Laying there in the middle of the room, covered in what Suga assumed to be heated blankets, was a guy he thought to be about his age. His brow furrowing he walked further into the room, checking the chart at the end of the bed so he could find out his name. Sawamura Daichi... cute. Looking up he smiled softly, well there was no denying the fact that this guy was attractive. Laying there, up to his neck in blankets Suga couldn't help the thumping of his heart. This guy was adorable, and it was like he stepped right out of one of Suga's dreams.

He heard the distant voices of nurses outside and stiffened. Stepping forward he smoothed back Daichi's hair and smiled, "Please get better Sawamura Daichi. I'd like to get to know you" he hummed. Before he could get caught he fled from the room, turning the corner and slumping against the wall. He would venture back once the nurses were gone. He couldn't help the excitement that coursed through his veins, this was new, and the rarity of new events in his life meant he wasn't going to let it pass without proper inspection.