Ch. 11

She's the One

"Here we are standing before the Shinsengumi HQ where a surprise rescue mission was held by the Mitami-kumi led by the infamous Kakihara. Three members of the Shinsengumi fought them off bravely and succeeded. What you see here is the outcome of the bloody event…."

"…and without giving up, for the safety of Edo's residents, the trio fought hard and won. We should remember times like these when the Shinsengumi fought to keep and maintain peace throughout Edo…"

Various reporters and TV station crews appeared and surrounded the Shinsengumi HQ, making reports about the slaying of Kakihara and his yakuza. The reporters were forbidden from seeing the trio as they were getting their injuries healed in the Shinsengumi HQ. Going to the hospital would mean no moment of peace for the trio so Kondo had decided to bring the doctors to them.

Yamazaki was able to heal faster so he came out for interviews. Immediately he was bombarded with reporters and cameras. Yu followed shortly after but had to go back when a reporter accidentally fell on him, re-opening his injuries.

Saya remained in her room, conscious as Sougo watched over her. She breathed slowly and looked at him.

"You should go out there and talk for me," she said through the mouth piece. She suddenly started coughing again, staining the mouth piece with her blood.

The nurses quickly came back in and replaced the mouth piece. Sougo stared at her with an upset face. His sister had left this way; he couldn't lose another like this. The doctor came in as the nurses cleared the room. He motioned Sougo to follow him. Sougo held Saya's hand. "I'll be back," he said. She smiled at him through her mouth piece.

Sougo stepped outside and looked at the doctor. "Tell me straight doctor, don't hold out on me just because I'm a kid," Sougo said.

The doctor smiled gently and rested his hand on Sougo's shoulder.

"She's going to make it," he said.

Sougo breathed out a sigh of relief.

"But there is a catch," the doctor said.

Sougo looked at the doctor.

"She needs to take this medicine everyday, but don't worry, this medicine isn't those expensive ones. They are actually consisted of herbs that cure Bronchitis and Pulmonary Tuberculosis," he said.

"How did she get this? What did she catch?" Sougo asked.

The doctor adjusted his glasses. "I am unsure of this illness, I haven't seen it before. Usually when someone coughs up blood, it means that they have an infected lung, but her lungs are perfectly normal. I believe that she has caught this illness when she was very young," The doctor sighed. "Make sure she takes the medicine everyday, she already took some today and she should be getting better." The doctor then turned and started to pack up his things.

"For how long?" Sougo asked the doctor.

The doctor stopped and looked at Sougo. "I believe until her coughing ceases," He picked up his things and motioned to the nurses. "She should stop coughing after tomorrow, but if she coughs ever again, it is strictly important that you send her to the hospital right away," he said.

After finally driving the reporters away, Hijikata went back to the HQ and sat down tiredly. He looked to towards Saya's room. He lit a cigarette and laid down. He was impressed on how Yamazaki, Yu, and Saya were able to bring the infamous Mitami-kumi down. He was even impressed on how Yamazaki managed to fight off without losing his head.

He exhaled, sending a trail of smoke to fade away.

Kondo san was with Sougo and Yamazaki, watching Saya over. Hijikata wondered if he should go over and watch over Saya as well.

He inhaled deeply into his cigarette.

Why should he care about Saya? Both never really got along as friends. They were more like neighbors, saying hello every now and then.

He exhaled through his nose.

Why should he care so much about her? If she died then his life wouldn't be any different.

He sighed and threw the cigarette away. He couldn't believe what he was thinking. He rolled over to his stomach and stood up.

He hated to admit it but he wanted to stay with her as well.

He looked towards Saya's room to see Yamazaki and Kondo coming out.

"Well? How is she?" Hijikata asked.

"She's doing better," Kondo said.

"She needs to rest for a few days though, according to the doctor," Yamazaki said.

Hijikata looked over to the room. "What about Sougo?"

"Sougo….isn't going to change his mind. He's going to stay in her room until she gets better," Kondo said smiling weakly.

Hijikata narrowed his eyes and smirked. "I see…"

Sougo sat motionless besides Saya. Saya continued to sleep soundly and stopped coughing minutes ago. He stared into her face and sighed.

He was so close to losing another person he loved.

He smiled at her. He was sure this time. He knew it for sure this time.

He did love her. He loved her so much that he didn't stop running after they all realized that the bomb was just a set-up. His legs tried to give in but he didn't let them.

He smiled at her again. Saya was the one.

"I love you Saya," Sougo muttered.