"Sano will pull through. I know he will. He wouldn't miss the chance to put this on your finger," said Nakatsu, pointing at the wedding band. That comforted her, somewhat.
"Thank you." Mizuki's voice was barely above a whisper.
At the hospital, Izumi's family had already gathered outside the operating theatre. Leaning against the wall, Shin was a little suspicious when he saw Nakatsu together with his future sister-in-law, but he kept his thoughts to himself. His mother was sobbing silently, while his father had a grave look. Now wasn't the time to start asking questions...
Nakatsu took out his cellphone. The wedding planners would have to be informed. He called Kayashima. Given his calmness, he was the best person to break the news to the rest.
"Hello," asked the psychic politely.
"Taiki, it's me. Izumi had an accident. We're at the hospital now." There was a short silence.
"I presume that the bride's with you. Take care of her. What's the name of the hospital?" After receiving the address, Kayashima hung up. He looked at the rest, who was still busy with their chores.
"Everyone! I have bad news. Sano's involved in an accident." Everyone present stared at the young man. It was one of the very rare times where Kayashima raised his voice. Then slowly, they realised the implication of his words. They tried not to panic.
"Who's coming with me to the hospital," asked Kayashima. Noe and Nakao raised their hands, while Sekime shook his head. His wife and daughter needed his attention. Also, someone needed to hold the fort. Julia merely warned, "Don't you guys leave without me." Kayashima then called a cab...
Alighting from the cab, the quartet strode quickly through the corridors of the hospital. They soon found their friends. Julia sat down gently beside Mizuki, while ignoring Nakatsu.
"Sano's a tough guy. Don't worry." Although she wasn't a close friend of Izumi's, Julia knew that the high jumper was a good person. Mizuki was always happy around him, and she could see that for herself.
"..Julia..." This time, the bride-to-be hugged her best friend tightly, the tears now flowing freely.
Kayashima focused his gaze on his former roommate. The aura told him that something wasn't right. He beckoned Nakatsu to follow him. Although reluctant to leave the grief-stricken bride, the footballer got up from his seat. They went to the garden outside.
"What happened," asked Kayashima. Nakatsu hesitated. With the psychic, he knew that he had to come clean.
"...I asked Mizuki out for one final date. Izumi wanted to meet her, but I held her back..."
"And Sano got involved in the accident while waiting for Mizuki," finished Kayashima. Nakatsu nodded. If something was to happen to Sano, he didn't know if he could ever forgive himself. Reading his thoughts, Kayashima patted his shoulder.
"Now's not the time to feel guilty. Mizuki and Sano's folks need our support." Nakatsu stared at his buddy, who merely nodded. The duo then returned inside.
Night had fallen, and the operation continued. By now, Mizuki's sobs had ceased. Everyone was anxious to hear from the doctor. Suddenly, the light outside the operating theatre extinguished, and the doors swung open. Mizuki walked up to the surgeon, who was removing his mask.
"Doctor, how is he?" The doctor paused, as if to choose his words carefully.
"Well, the good news is that the patient is no longer in any immediate danger," said Dr. Shinoda at last. Sighs of relief could be heard from the group gathered around him. However, Julia knew that something wasn't right.
"What's the bad news," she asked. The doctor sighed.
"The bad news is... I don't know when he'll wake up." The faint smile soon disappeared from Mizuki's face. She grabbed the doctor's hands.
"What do you mean? Isn't he out of danger?!"
"Mickey, get a hold on yourself," cried Julia as she struggled to pull her friend away from Shinoda. The doctor elaborated on Izumi's condition.
"His head sustained severe trauma. His other physical injuries will heal with time, but..."
"Would my brother become a vegetable," asked Shin. Shinoda shook his head.
"Personally, I don't think so. But again, I do not know when he'll regain consciousness. It all depends on him." Just then, the operating crew wheeled Izumi's bed out of the operating theatre. Everyone grimaced. Surgical wraps covered almost every inch of the high-jumper's body, and an oxygen mask covered his nose and mouth. As he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit, the group wanted to follow along. Shinoda advised against it.
"The patient wouldn't regain consciousness so quickly. Besides, it's late now. Have some rest, and come back tommorrow." With that, the doctor left the group. The Sanos decided to return home. Upon some persuasion from Julia, Mizuki left the hospital with her friends.
Back at home, Shin watched as his father escorted his step-mother back to their rooms. He sat down beside Yujirou. The canine, which had fallen asleep, had woke up when they stepped into the apartment. But, somehow, it could tell that all was not well. The teen stroked its back.
"Yujirou...Aniki's now sleeping inside the hospital. He said that he'll make it up to you after the wedding." Shin held back his tears when he remembered when his brother had said when he came back to Hokkaido.
"Since you've taken such good care of Yujirou for three years, do me a favour and keep an eye on him for just a while longer. The planning for the wedding will take up most of my time, and Yujirou needs a lot of attention. After the wedding, Mizuki and I will do some catching-up with him."
"Aniki..." Despite himself, a single tear flowed down Shin's cheek. Yujirou let out a long whine in reply...
At the wedding planners, the mood was sombre. Kayashima updated Sekime and Rie on the situation. The others began to put away their work for the past week. Sitting beside Mizuki, Julia was a little worried. On the trip back, Mizuki had been silent. Suddenly, the bride stood up. Noe's face turned pale when he saw the lady heading towards his pair ofscissors. Grabbing it, Mizuki's hand then reached for the back of her head. With a few snips, she had chopped much of her long hair off.
"Mickey, what are you doing?" Horrified, Julia rushed up to her best friend.
"Before Sano wakes up, I'll keep my hair short," replied Mizuki. Although she didn't raise her voice, Julia could sense her resolve and faith in her fiance. She decided that Mizuki would not have to go it alone; she would be there for her all the way.
Atogaki (Afterthoughts)
-Please RnR!