It was supposed to be just a normal day. Your summer vacation is almost over, spending most of it helping out the preparation of your team for the Spring High Preliminaries. You got up late that morning, not really caring about it. Just thinking about what happened last night was enough reason for you to skip the practice today. You even texted Tsukishima early in the morning to tell him to go on ahead and you have some things that need to be done first.
"Nice, you're running away now," You muttered to yourself.
You couldn't bring yourself to skip practice. The guilt will kill you later. You got off of your bed to prepare for today even if you're running late. When you got downstairs, you realize that your older sister was still fast asleep in her room. You left the house without saying goodbye.
It's almost 9 in the morning, the practice already started an hour ago. You've been thinking of a perfect reason to tell the team once you arrived at school later. There's also another problem that's been bugging you for quite some time now. How will you face Tsukishima after what happened?
"Argh, I hate this!" You grumbled, standing by the side of the street. Waiting for the stoplight to turn red, so you can cross the street. You looked down on your wristwatch to check the time, "I am so late."
Meanwhile, at Karasuno, everyone seems to be in the mood for intense practice. Their body was used to it even after the training camp. Coach Ukai finally finished laying out the team's new gameplay.
Shimizu entered the gym with a tray of water bottles. She looked around to check if their freshman manager has finally arrived. But there was no sign of her ever since this morning. She didn't even get any messages saying that she'll be late. Tsukishima did mention to her that (F/N) might be running late due to personal reasons.
The boys are taking a break after doing a set of drills. They went to the corner to get their water bottle from their senior manager. Noticing that someone was missing in their group.
"Oh yeah, is (L/N)-san absent?" Hinata looked around to check.
"It's the first time," Kageyama said after gulping down his drink.
"Ne, Tsuki, did (L/N)-san message you?" Yamaguchi turned to his friend.
Tsukishima went to check his phone inside the pocket of his jersey jacket but there are no notifications. He was starting to have this uneasy feeling. It was natural for him to think that the girl might be avoiding him after what happened last night. But he really couldn't tell anyone about it.
"No message from her," Tsukishima said, regrouping with the first-year members.
"Are you worried?" Yamaguchi asked.
Tsukishima who was currently drinking his water, shifted his look at Yamaguchi, "No, not really," He lied. For, among all the members, he was the one worried the most.
The practice continued on, even without (F/N) around. Shimizu was doing fine, but having another set of hands around would be a lot easier. Coach Ukai decided to try out the plays he planned by having a practice match between the members even the non-regulars are strictly encouraged to join.
Just when the practice was about to start, the door of the gym violently opens, showing Takeda out of breath. Everyone inside the gym turned to his direction. He walked up to the team, not saying anything until he stood there in front of them.
"Everyone, I want all of you to calm done and listen to me," He began.
"What's up, Take-chan?" Tanaka asked, holding the ball. It was actually his turn to serve before he got inside the gym.
"Is this regarding the preliminaries, sensei?" Coach Ukai guess.
He shakes his head, "It's about (L/N)," Now that got everyone's attention, "Unfortunately, (L/N)-san was involved in a traffic accident on her way here. She's being transported to the hospital as of this moment."
Her half-lidded eyes tried to scan the place. There was a muffled sound around her. She sees her limping arm and tried to move her fingers but she couldn't. She couldn't feel anything from her arms down to her legs, her whole body was screaming in pain. But didn't even have the strength to whimper or to complain.
Blood started to pool around her head. Some part of the ground in front of her was smeared with her own blood from the violent impact, crashing her to a measurable distance.
She heard muffled voices and ambulance siren but she couldn't move to scan her surroundings. There are cuts and bruises all over her body from the shattered glasses, some broken pieces pierced her skin. Her breath started to get ragged as she felt herself getting sleepy. Before she let herself succumbed into the darkness. She felt warm hands against her shoulder telling her to hang in there.
The next thing she saw when she opened her eyes, she was being rushed inside the operating room. That was the last time memory she had before finally falling into the darkness.
The Karasuno Team arrived at the said hospital where (F/N) was brought. They immediately headed towards the operation room, to see her older sister, Ellie, and Tsukishima's mother, Himiko, sitting outside the double doors waiting for the red someone to get out of it.
"Mom," Tsukishima called out once he approached them. His mother couldn't contain her tears any longer and went to hug him. It was the first time he seeing his mother cried like this.
Ever since (F/N) started coming over to your house for dinner. It was like she automatically became a part of Tsukishima's family. His mother was always happy having her in their house. (F/N)'s the daughter she never had.
"Oh, Kei, (F/N) she's—" Himiko couldn't say another word because it was still hard for her to even accept what happened.
Tsukishima stared at Ellie while hugging his mother. She looked calm and quiet but he immediately noticed that her whole body was trembling. Her hands intertwined under her chin.
"Tsukishima-san?" Takeda interrupted. Himiko turned to the group of boys behind her son, "Can you please tell us what happened?"
Himiko wiped her tears away before speaking, "According to the police it was a traffic accident that happened around 8:48 in the morning. A truck driver lost control of the truck halfway across the road trying to beat the red light. He crashed the vehicle on the nearest bus stop and sadly, (F/N) was standing near it. There are other victims in the crash but (F/N) had it worst because she came directly in contact with the crash."
The news left everyone speechless, too overwhelmed by what happened to (F/N). They couldn't even imagine the scene, it was too much. The members decided to wait around as the operation was still on-going. It's been nearly 3 and a half hours since (F/N) was brought inside the operating room.
Tsukishima sat beside his mother while holding her hand tightly. The other members were already sitting on the floor of the waiting area, saying their silent prayers for (F/N) life. Ellie was growing impatient by the minute. She was fighting back her tears because she needed to be strong for her younger sister. She prayed that the rest of their family would arrive soon.
After a few hours, the double doors opened revealing a man wearing a blue surgical mask, head cap, and surgical gown. The members of the team got up as soon as the doctor got out of the doors.
"Who among you is (L/N) (F/N)'s family?" He asked, removing his mask.
"I'm her older sister. How is she doc?" Ellie frantically asked.
"The patient's currently suffering major injuries. She broke four of her ribs, her right arm, and her neck. But the worst part is, she had a brain hemorrhage due to the violent impact of the crash. We were able to stop the bleeding, unfortunately, that cause the patient to fall into a coma." The doctor explained.
Ellie's eyes turned wide upon hearing the word "coma". She felt her knees getting weak, losing her balance but Kei was able to catch her. "Y—You mean to say you don't know if when she's going to wake up?"
"I'm afraid that is the case right now." The doctor replied.
"Oh, (F/N)..." Himiko can only cry about the news.
The Karasuno members couldn't believe what they just heard. Their heads were downcast except for Takeda who was genuinely sad about their dear manager's condition, Coach Ukai exhaling sharply after taking in the terrible news and Shimizu silently letting her tears fall silently.
"But she's alive, right?" Ellie asked the doctor with hope in her eyes.
"I don't want to give any false hope. But with the patient's current condition. I'm afraid the worst-case scenario that can happen is that she may never wake up again." The doctor replied, sadly. "For the time being, we will place her in the ICU. She's really fragile at the moment and still not out of danger. Every minute her life hangs on the balance. I hope you're prepared for what's going to happen."
Ellie was frozen on her feet staring at the doctor. She turned to Tsukishima's mother grabbing her hands for support. She didn't know what to do, all she felt that very moment was numbness. She couldn't feel anything.
"Tsukishima-san, (F—F/N) she's..." Tears broke out of Ellie's after realization washed over her. She started sobbing, "She can't! S—She was just right there in front of me smiling yesterday...She just can't—W—What am I going to do!? I'm don't wanna lose her. I—I can't lose my sister, Tsukishima-san! No!" Himiko pulled Ellie for a hug to comfort her, she melted into that hug.
Takeda couldn't help but cry as well, just hearing the possibility that (F/N) may not be able to wake up sadden him. Coach Ukai patted Ennoshita's back in comfort as he felt the second year tremble. Daichi, remained silent, Asahi was fighting back his tears, Suga was hugging Shimizu to comfort her.
Nishinoya and Tanaka had their hands clenched while their bodies tremble, looking away with tears falling from their eyes. Hinata covered his mouth with tears streaming down his face as he remembered (F/N)'s gentle smile and the way she calls him by his first name. Kageyama, a close friend of (F/N) tried his best not to cry but his tears betrayed him. Yamaguchi had his forehead and fist rested against the wall with his back facing the rest of the members.
"Is there a possibility that's she might die?" Tsukishima's question echoed in the empty hallway.
The doctor looked at him, "In her current state, anything is possible. I'm sorry, we did what we could."
Tsukishima's hands dropped on his side, his eyes stared at disbelief to the doctor's answer. His lips slipped parted unable to speak as if he lost his voice. He wanted to scream so damn bad but his throat turned dry. He wanted to cry but his heart already tearing up.
He remembered every moment he had with you. All the fighting, the argument, the decent conversations, the walks, the talk, the teasing, her laughs, her smile, and the way she calls his first name. He wished that everything that is happening right now was just a dream—no, a nightmare, and he badly wants to wake up from it. He just couldn't accept reality right now. If (F/N) can wake up right now, he will definitely promise not to mess around with her again. He just wants you alive and be able to do things together like going to the festival and have fun.
Once (F/N) was transferred inside the ICU, they were able to see her from outside the huge window of the room. She looked worst than they thought with her head wrapped in a bandage, a few visible cuts on her faces, her pale complexion, a neck brace, and her broken arm. What more worst is that she was on a ventilator to help her breathe. A few more tubes connecting on her.
This was the worst thing that they ever witnessed. Seeing someone important to them lying unresponsive, not knowing if she'll ever wake up. They were all down, especially the karasuno members. They didn't expect that this would happen before their games.
"Your mother said they'll be here by evening with your dad and brother," Himiko said, turning to Ellie.
"Thank you, Tsukishima-san," Ellie replied, her eyes not moving from (F/N)'s.
"I think I'll head home for now. I will prepare some dinner to bring for your family later." Himiko turned to her youngest son, "Kei, can you do me a favor and look after Ellie?"
Tsukishima nodded, "What about the team Takeda-sensei? Coach?"
"I think we should resume today's practice tomorrow. I'm sure everyone's having a hard time coping up for what happened." Takeda said, turning to the members.
"It would be best," Coach Ukai agreed, "You're staying behind, Tsukishima?"
"Yes, but I'll be there tomorrow," Tsukishima replied.
"Tsukishima," Kageyama called out, "Call us if something happened."
Tsukishima nodded, not really the best time to make snarky comments. The rest of the karasuno members said their goodbyes to him and Ellie. Takeda offered Tsukishima's mother to ride with them. They'll drop her on the nearest route going home.
"You'll be fine, right Tsuki?" Yamaguchi was really concerned. He can tell Tsukishima was having a hard time coping up.
"Yeah," Tsukishima patted his freckled friend's shoulder, "Get some rest. I'll call you if I need help."
Yamaguchi smiled a little and followed everyone out of the patient care unit.
It was just Ellie and Tsukishima outside (F/N)'s room. They didn't utter a single word to each other.
"Did she have fun yesterday?" Ellie spoke, referring to the summer festival.
Tsukishima turned to her, "She did. It was my first time seeing her enjoy so much."
"That's good..." Ellie blinked back the tears that was forming in her eyes, "If I only knew that yesterday would be the last time I'll see her smile. I should have treasured every moment with her. I—" She choked, "I'm not ready to lose her, Kei."
"So am I," Tsukishima's eyebrows furrowed, "Ellie-nēsan, (F/N) she...she changed my life in little ways that I can't explain."
"Why don't we have a break in the hospital's cafeteria while waiting for my parents?" Ellie suggested to which Tsukishima agreed.
Before leaving the ICU, Tsukishima took one last glance before following Ellie out of the room. It was almost sundown when the rest of (F/N) arrived from Tokyo. Her mother, Elaine who happens to be a neurologist immediately went to talk to her daughter's attending physician together with their father Soichiro. Ellie and his older brother Kai and Shin with Tsukishima waited on the lounge by the hospital entrance.
"I'll make that fucking bastard pay," Kai was mad when he arrived at the hospital. He was planning to visit the driver responsible for what happened later at the police station.
"What did the police said?" Shin asked he seemed to be calm even with all the situation that's been going on.
"The driver was positive under the influence of alcohol while driving. It is up to us to file a case against him, it is his fault that now (F/N) life in danger." Ellie answered.
"By the way, Kei," Kai called out, "Thank you for always being there for our little sister."
"We heard from Ellie that you let (F/N) have dinner with your family during weekdays when she's alone," Shin explained.
"It's nothing, really. My mom actually proposed that idea to (F/N), she seemed fond of her like she was her own daughter." Tsukishima replied.
Their conversation was cut off when (F/N) parents got to the lounge after a long conversation with the doctor. Elaine and Soichiro still couldn't believe what was happening. As a doctor, Elaine knew there's nothing more that they can do for their daughter's condition.
They were finally allowed to visit (F/N) but with the strict condition that only two persons are allowed per visit. The first one to enter is (F/N)'s parents. There was no more heartbreaking than seeing your child fighting for her own life and all you can do is pray for her. Soichiro rubbing comforting circles on his wife's back as they held (F/N)'s hand. Kai and Shin went in , unable to take their little sister's current condition. They were apologetic for not being there all the time.
"Kai was really happy when (F/N) came to our lives. He was pretty much the big brother that anyone could ask for, but at the same time he can be the most overprotective among us." Ellie spoke, looking inside the ICU, "And Shin? He's more like the second mother when mom's not around. Caring, gentle, and loving just like our mom. But it's started changing when we had to leave (F/N) behind for work and I had to study in Tokyo after taking up Medicine. She grew up independently but I know deep inside she was lonely. She keeps on saying that she'll be alright on her own. She—" Ellie's voice cracked and her tears started to fall again, "She needed to be strong..."
Tsukishima's mother, Himiko, arrived at the hospital with homemade dinner for (F/N)'s family. Tsukishima, on the other hand, stayed behind, it was his turn to visit the ICU. He wasn't expecting that getting inside the room was harder than he thought it would be. Slowly, he approached (F/N)'s bed to see her eyes shut close. He was hesitant to reach for her hand. He stared on the palm of his hand as he remembered holding hers just yesterday.
The silence was deafening with only the beeping sound from the heart monitor and ventilator. Tsukishima closes his eyes, remembering the sound of her voice, her laugh, and the way she calls out his name. He reaches out to hold her hand.
"(F/N), can you hear me?" Tsukishima said, his voice cracking a little, "Don't give up, alright? We're going to the Nationals for you. So, you better not give up. We—I don't know what I'd do without you. Please, open your eyes." Tsukishima was already squeezing (F/N)'s hand with his head down, already begging for the girl to wake up.
There's a small tear forming in the corner of (F/N)'s eyes.