"Time's up, pass your test papers to the front." The teacher said from the front of the class.
Finals exam is finished for the second semester. The students of Karasuno High School can finally relax after a long week of pressure. Supplementary Classes will be held this weekend for those who did not pass their exams. Club activities are also being resumed tomorrow. For the other students, it was time to have fun. Planning to go out there friends was out of the question.
"How well did you do, Tsuki?" Yamaguchi asked, standing beside his friend's desk.
"Good, I guess." Tsukishima replied shortly, putting away his school stuff inside his book bag, "Do you want to come with me today?"
Yamaguchi smiled, "I was planning to do that. The third-year senpais said they'll come by later. Hinata and Kageyama are planning as well. It's been a while though, we've been busy with training and our matches."
"Hey, we're planning to go to the karaoke after this. Do you guys wanna come?" Sakamoto announced in front of the whole class. Being the class representative of the Class 1-4 their classmate really respects and follow her. She gets along with everyone even with a person like Tsukishima who ignores her a lot.
"I'll pass. I've got stuff to do," Tsukishima answered lazily, walking out of the classroom casually.
"Sorry! Have fun though!" Yamaguchi waved goodbye to their classmates and followed Tsukishima out.
"Kei, Yamaguchi-kun, wait!" Tsukishima turned to see Sakamoto approaching them, "Our classmate is really expecting for everyone to participate. Will you please reconsider?"
Yamaguchi stayed silent, he was just going with the flow. He looked at his friend silently. Tsukishima just stood there looking at the girl in front of and then he shifted his gaze outside the window in the hallway where he stood.
The green scenery before has turned into orange with a mixture of red and yellow. The leaves from the trees started falling, scattered around the school ground. Seasons have changed but his life stopped moving ever since that day. Tsukishima returned his gaze at Sakamoto.
"I can't miss anything, not even for a day. I'm really sorry, Sakamoto-san." He bowed his head lightly and turned on his heel.
"Is he going to that place again?" Sakamoto asked, which meant for Yamaguchi to answer.
Yamaguchi stared at his friend's retreating figure disappearing from the corner of the hallway. He can't really blame Tsukishima for acting that way. All he can do was smile, supporting his friend from behind.
"It's just the way it is," Yamaguchi said, leaving the girl behind to catch up with his friend.
It was a quiet train ride for the two as they make their way to their destination. From the station, they stopped by the flower shop to buy a bouquet. Also, Tsukishima decided to do one last stop at the convenience store. Once they got everything they needed, they continue without a pause. They finally made it back there after being away from quite some time. Heading to the second floor with presents in their hand, they turn to the corner through the private ward. After passing a couple of doors in the hallway, they finally reach their destination.
Tsukishima gently slides the door open to reveal a spacious room. He got inside to see a single hospital bed in the middle. A girl with long blonde hair lying there peacefully. He turned his head to the side to see a man sitting by the couch watching tv. He didn't sense their presence until Tsukishima called out his attention.
"Ah! Kei, it's been a while. I see your exams are over. I see you're here too, Tadashi." He smiled at them, "It's good to see you both, and congratulations on making it to the Nationals! I heard your match was intense and you're the MVP, Kei!" (L/N) Shin, (F/N)'s older brother said, patting the two men's both on their shoulders.
"Thank you, nīsan. We bought these," Tsukishima handed over the bouquet and plastic of food and drinks.
"Ah, thank you," Shin smiled, receiving the gifts, "Please, have a seat. Do you want tea?"
"It's alright," Yamaguchi smiled.
Tsukishima and Yamaguchi settled down across Shin. The brother figure of the two started asking questions about school stuff and about their upcoming Nationals Tournament, next year in January.
"How are you so far, nīsan? I know you've been here for a while now." Tsukishima asked, seeing that the man before them was clearly exhausted.
"I'm getting by. As long as she's fine, I'll be alright." He replied with a tired smile.
Shin's application for indefinite leave was approved by the department head knowing the situation of his sister. As a nurse, he felt the responsibility to look after their youngest sister. He understood that Kai has a new upcoming animation to do. He also did not want his twin sister, Ellie, to stop studying medicine. He fully understands his parents' situation. Being financially burden by the hospital bills and the medication of their youngest daughter.
"How is she, Shin-san?" Yamaguchi was curious to know (F/N)'s state. It's been a while since they heard any good news concerning her condition.
Shin turned to look at the girl on the bed, "I'm relieved to say that she's finally stable. Though, the doctor warned us of any possible complications shortly. But for now, she's doing a great and she's gradually getting better. We were able to get her out of the ICU after one whole month of being in a critical condition. To think that her doctor once said that there was a small chance of survival but she got through. All we need to do now is wait for her to open those eyes."
Two and a half months ago, (F/N) was in critical condition and had a small chance of surviving. She was also on a ventilator to help her breathe. She was in the worst state at that time. But seeing her now, Tsukishima was assured that she was getting better. No more bandage around her head. Her broken ribs, arms, and neck are fully healed. Even the cuts and bruises did not leave any scar behind. It's like she was never in a state where her life hangs in the balance.
"I can't believe it's been three months since the accident. A lot has happened since then, the spring high preliminaries, the prefectural qualifiers, our win against Seijoh, and beating Shiratorizawa. (L/N)-san missed all of that," Yamaguchi frowned.
"Have you eaten any lunch, nīsan?"
"Now that you mentioned it, I didn't." Shin grinned carelessly.
"Oh! You should take a break, Shin-san. We'll look after (F/N) and our team will be here to visit her later. So, please take your time." Yamaguchi smiled.
"Really? Wow, thank you, Tadashi, Kei. Please do look after it. I'll be back as soon as I can," Shin stood from his seat and grabbed his bag at the top of the dresser, "I'll be heading home to take a shower and a short nap. I'll be back by 7. Is that alright?"
"Take your time, nīsan. You deserve it," Tsukishima stood from his seat, walking towards the side of the bed.
"Well, then. See you later! Thank you!" Shin left the room after.
"She looks like she's just taking a nap," Yamaguchi had a sad gaze on (F/N)'s unmoving figure. He stood by the end of the bed. "Ne, (L/N)-san, wake up already. You've been missing out on a lot of fun stuff."
Tsukishima held her hand tightly, "We're going to the Nationals, are you really going to miss that?"
As promised, the whole Karasuno team including their club advisor, Takeda-sensei, senior club manager, Shimizu, substitute freshmen club manager, Yachi Hitoka, and Coach Ukai came to visit.
Tsukishima was able to deliver the good news so far about (F/N)'s current condition. The team was able to feel a small sense of relief from their chest. They've been worried, while they were busy with all the practice and tournaments.
The visit was short since everyone needed to go home to rest and prepare for the practice tomorrow. It won't be easy anymore, now that they are heading to the Nationals. The stronger they get, the stronger their opponents will be.
Everyone left, except for Yamaguchi and Tsukishima who waited for Shin to return. The door open, expecting it to be him but they were surprised to see someone they haven't seen in a while. He waved at the two when he got inside the room. The megane and the freckled face boy was left in a state of surprise.
"Hey, come on. Are you really going to stare at me like that?" The boy sighed.
Yamaguchi scratched the back of his head in apology, "It's a surprise to see you back, Katsuki."
"It's good to see you, Tadashi." Katsuki smiled at him, "Hey, Kei, aren't you going to give me a brotherly hug?"
"Do you want me to cringe?" Tsukishima cocked an eyebrow at him.
Katsuki grinned at him, patting his shoulder, "It's good to know, you're still the same Kei!"
"So, how did you know?" Tsukishima asked.
Katsuki's usual bubbly personality faded, "I heard from mom which she got from Himiko-kāsan a month ago. I couldn't really skip school to go here. Mom's visiting an old friend who got admitted here. I took the chance and went with her." His eyes shifted towards (F/N)'s bed, "I still can't something this awful could happen to her. Did they caught the one responsible for this?" He gave (F/N)'s hand.
"The truck driver was found guilty. He's serving in prison right now," Tsukishima answered, "But that doesn't change the fact that (F/N) is still in a coma." His hand turned into a fist.
"Walk with me Kei," Katsuki said with both of his hand shove inside the pocket of his jeans, "I'll be borrowing Kei for a while, Tadashi."
Yamaguchi nodded, "Take your time. I'll stay right here," He knew what Katsuki was trying to do. They've been friends for a long time to know what is wrong with the other.
They left the room, heading towards the rooftop of the hospital. They stood there watching the lights from the the buildings towering before them. Katsuki handing Tsukishima over a small juice box. The two of them remained silent for a little before one of them spoke.
"How you've been so far?" Katsuki spoke.
Tsukishima stared down on his juice box, "What a stupid question Katsuki."
"Stop lying to me, Kei. Quit lying and suppressing that frustration all to yourself. You're one of the people who feel devastated after what happened to (F/N)." Katsuki said, bluntly.
Tsukishima clicked his tongue. He really can't lie into his friend's face especially the ones who knew him since before he became like that.
"All I can hear was silence ever since that day. As if all the sound around me was muffled. I couldn't even remember the sound of her voice anymore. It's been that long since she called me by my first name. Those little sounds she makes when laughing, I can picture it but I couldn't hear it." Tsukishima's gripped around the juice box tightened.
"Did you ever got the chance to tell her about what you feel?" Tsukishima shook his head, "So, you finally realize but it was too late." Katsuki crossed his arms, "When did you...?"
"After that stupid stunt of yours," Tsukishima replied shortly, glaring at the boy beside him.
"Chill, that was true! I do like (F/N), alright? You're really dense that time so I gotta help you out by getting my heart broken instead." Katsuki turned to look at his friend. He sees something glistening from the corner of Tsukishima's eyes, rolling down on his cheeks, "Kei, are you alright!?"
Tsukishima removed his glasses, "Dammit, what's happening to me..." He wiped away his tears.
Katsuki remained silent, giving a reassuring pat on Tsukishima's shoulder. After their short yet serious conversation. Katsuki left with his mom after the visit.
Tsukishima returned to (F/N)'s room to see Oikawa and Iwaizumi. He didn't bother saying anything and said goodbye to Shin. He left with Yamaguchi and that was the last time they visited the hospital.
Tsukishima was able to visit (F/N) again after a few days. Their practice was cut short due to the monthly inspection. He went straight to the hospital after that. He brought a few gifts from (F/N)'s classmate who couldn't make it.
Shin was nowhere to be found when he got there. He replaced the wilted flower on the vase with a new one from the (F/N)'s class. There's still no progression with her coma, but she remained stable. Tsukishima took the chair and placed it beside the bed. He sat there staring at (F/N), not sure what to do next.
All he could think about was to hold her hand tightly. He didn't realize he fell asleep while looking after her. He woke by a gentle squeeze on the hand. He woke up, rubbing his eyes gently. He got up from his seat to get a glass of water but got held back. He turned to look back to meet an all too familiar sea blue eyes staring back at him. He blinked a few times making sure he wasn't dreaming.
"(F/N)...?" He trailed off.
A small smile appeared on her lips behind the oxygen mask.
After hearing the news that (F/N) had finally awakened up from her comatose state. Everyone in the Karasuno Team rushed to the hospital. They never felt so happy in a while. It was really good news to know that their club manager actually survived everything that has happened.
When they got inside the room, they found (F/N)'s cousin, Oikawa, and childhood friend, Iwaizumi sitting by the couch. Shin stood on the other side of the bed while the doctor examines his sister. Tsukishima stood there on the other side of the bed. Then there's (F/N) leaning against her inclined bed. She looked at the group of people that just arrived.
"It's a miracle that she was able to get out of a coma. I'll be running some more tests to check if there are any complications," The doctor said.
"(L/N)-san! It's good to see you!" Hinata ran up to the end of the bed, grinning.
"Oi, boke! Get back here!" Kageyama said.
Oikawa clicked his tongue, "So, noisy,"
Iwaizumi slapped the back of Oikawa's head, "Stop that, you looked like a loser that couldn't move on from what happened. Besides, they're here as (F/N)'s friend. Stop being rude,"
Oikawa grumbled on his seat while crossing his hand. He didn't say anything afraid Iwaizumi would hit him again.
"How are you feeling (F/N)?" The doctor asked.
(F/N) turned to the doctor. She hasn't spoken since she woke up, "I...I feel fine? It's weird..." She trailed off.
"Are you alright, sis?" Shin asked, worried.
(F/N) looked at him, "Sis? You're my brother?"
Shin blinked, turning to the doctor confused about what's happening. He saw the doctor's expression changed, he hang his stethoscope around his neck.
"(F/N)," The doctor called out, (F/N) looked at him, "She knows her name," he mumbled, "Do you recognize these people?"
(F/N) tilted her head, smiling a little, "I've been wondering for a while now. Who are you?"
Her question shocked everyone. It was definitely not a funny joke but they can see in her eyes that she wasn't fooling around. She really couldn't remember who they are. While she sat there leaning against her bed, she was trying to remember their names. But if she tries pressuring her mind, a bad case of headache comes after. And she was still not allowed to get stress or overthink, it may cause further complications in her brain.
"Oh no..." Shin covered his mouth in shock.
"(L/N)-san..." Hinata stared shock at (F/N)
"...lost her memories," Kageyama was frozen on his feet.
"No way..." Oikawa was already up in his seat.
"This is gonna be a problem," Iwaizumi said.
"(F/N) got an...amnesia? Tsukishima muttered.