Souichi was getting thinner by the day. If it wasn't for Matsuda-san, he wouldn't take notice about it at all. Not that he didn't like what Matsuda-san serves, he just didn't have the appetite to eat, not to mention that he's being sleep deprived mulling over some things. Today at school was the worst. He was alone in the laboratory looking at some progress reports and simultaneously looking at some ongoing experiments. He suddenly felt light-headed and the smell of some chemicals, which he often uses, made him suddenly more nauseous. He tried to gain composure but to no avail. His palms were ice cold and he's sweating a lot. His sight started to sway and becoming more and more unfocused before everything went blank.
'Senpai? Senpai, can you hear me?'
'hhmmm…' Souichi groaned, trying to dismiss the familiar voice, with the thought that he must be imagining things.
'Senpai, how are you feeling?'
'Morinaga?' Souichi muttered confusedly. His eyelids felt heavy but he managed to open it. He blinked and the ceiling definitely was not familiar. He saw Morinaga and that stupid worried look face.
Something must be up. He thought and placed his right hand to his temples where it hurt a little.
'Where am I?' He asked, trying to make sense of his surroundings. 'And what are you doing here?'
'You're in the hospital, Senpai.' Morinaga started. 'You fainted a while back in the laboratory and I was the one who saw you. I was so scared when I saw you lying there. You were not responding, so I immediately took you to the hospital.'
Souichi frowned, recalling bits by bits of what happened. The tall guy was about to say something when he was interrupted by the doctor with a nurse who came in the room.
'So you're finally awake, hmmm. So how are you feeling?' the doctor asked Souichi.
'I still feel a bit nauseous but I'm better' Souichi replied.
The doctor went to look on the record he's holding.
'So you passed out due to stress and exhaustion.' The doctor said his eyes still on the medical report. 'It's nothing serious and you can go home today if you want to but you should take a good care of yourself a lot better, Tatsumi-san. Your physical exam showed that you're a bit anemic and under weighed, so I'm thinking that you don't have much sleep and you miss your meals.'
Morinaga was surprised to hear that and looked at the Souichi who was definitely avoiding his gaze.
'I would write a prescription for some vitamins and supplement. You have to rest well. Go to bed and try to have a good night sleep and eat healthy foods. Even if you don't have an appetite to eat, push yourself to do so. Don't over exert yourself and try not to think too much, ok?'
Souichi nodded.
After the doctors had left, they were assisted by the nurse as to where they can pay. Morinaga went ahead to the registrar while Souichi called Kanako and told her not to worry. They met in the lobby. Morinaga saw Souichi first and he called to him, he realized Souichi wasn't looking at him.
'Uhm… Senpai I'm done with the payment, we can go now if you're done talking to Kanako-chan.'
Souichi was still trying not to look at him.
'Y- Yeah… t- thanks.'
On their way out, Souichi paused for while, suggesting to Morinaga that he's taking a different route.
'Huh? What are you still doing standing there, Senpai?'
'Uhm, well I'm taking this way to Matsuda-san's house. So thanks again-' he was cut-off by Morinaga who suddenly grabbed his wrist and pulled him to the other direction.
'What are you saying Senpai?' The taller man replied. 'You're staying at our house tonight since I can take better take care of you. If you went back to Matsuda-san's house you won't let them take care of you and you would deny that you're not ok. So you're going to our house and that's final.' Morinaga said.