When Ren woke up, he saw Aoba fell asleep next to him on the hospital bed.
He's sitting on the old plastic chair while he rest his head on his arms that act as a pillow.
Aoba looked so tired, he can see that.
What with waking up early to visit him in the morning, help with Ren's wash and breakfast despite it's the nurse's job to do so. Then he'd rush off to Heibon and work til late noon and then come here again before visitor hour ends. All that running around and never once Aoba stopped to greet him without a smile.
Only now Ren realize how Aoba must have pushed himself to look cheerful and energetic around Ren. Because he takes responsibility over the adult to be his emotional and physical support. The rehab sessions can be frustrating and painful to his weak muscles. All Ren can think about was to get better quick so he can protect Aoba as he was born for that role. He didn't care about pushing past his limit, he just wants to get better as soon as possible.
Ren never realize Aoba's feelings during these hard times. How his reckless actions must have been making Aoba feel sad or burdened by his stubbornness. He should have been more mindful!
Wait, did he even express his gratitude to Aoba yet?
Ren felt so ashamed of himself!
In the midst of his self blaming and frustration, he was interrupted by the feeling of warm digits that covers his cold ones.
"Ren? are you awake?" Aoba asked groggily as he rub his eyes. The crease marks on his cheeks made him look more endearing.
"Yes, good evening, Aoba."
"Good evening." he stretches his sore muscles and grins, "what's the time… oh, ready for dinner? I can go and get the nurse to fetch your dinner— Ren?"
The youth blinks when the brunette stops him with a tighten grip.
"Thank you… Aoba."
"Huh?"
"I must have caused you so much trouble the past three weeks. I apologize. However, I would like you to know that I appreciate your concern and feelings. I'm happy you're here with me everyday. Thank you, Aoba. I'm grateful that I can count on you for supporting me all these time."
Aoba blinks with his mouth agape.
He's pretty sure the nurses didn't upped the dosage of Ren's medicine so what got into him all of a sudden?
But…
Well, that sounded nice.
Ren saying thanks to him feels… nice… and warm inside him.
Perhaps they've been quite tense the past few days. It's great that they spend time together now, actually enjoying each other's company and not worry over matters like rehab or discharging from the hospital.
With a smile, Aoba replied with a firm grip of Ren's hand, "You're welcome. I'll be counting on you too, Ren."
"The pleasure's mine." He smiles back.
END?