The first time she woke up, she was feeling like shit. She had a headache and was feeling dizzy, as if there was a sort of heavy pressure in her head. Opening her eyes, everything seems fuzzy and blurred. The lights, in her sight, were also way too bright and annoying.

'I must be in the afterlife with how bright this place is.'

She immediately shut her eyes upon noticing that the bright light is adding to the head splitting headache she's currently feeling. She tried to move and discovered that she can't since her arms and the rest are numb yet it felt like it was weighed down by lead. But if anything, she was persistent. She tried again and again -and ultimately regretted her decision- as she found it in the hard way that moving a part of her even slightly hurts like hell.

"CHUUYOU-NEE! YOU'RE AWAKE! MOM! DAD! WAIT NO! THE DOCTOR FIR-"

"Shutdafu-'' it was difficult for her to speak, as her speech was slurred so she immediately stopped speaking. Her throat feels parched and dry like a dessert. Talking hurts. Not the painful kind of hurt. More like, 'I haven't used this part of my body for a long while so it's now refusing to move properly.' And if possible, she felt her headache becoming more intense at the loud and obscene voice from who she guessed was her younger brother. She wanted to rub her forehead to alleviate the pain but well, she tried doing that before and it did not turn out so well for her.

'Even speaking hurts. Ugh. I'm definitely in hell.'

"CHUUYOU!" Her mom shouted as she opened the door and immediately rushed to her side, with her sister following right after her. "HOW ARE YOU FEELING? DO YOU NEED SOMETHING? WHY'S THE DAMN DOCTOR TAKING SO LONG-"

'Why the hell is everybody shouting right now.' She was annoyed at the loud sounds as she let her mom fuss around her.

"Please lower your voices. She might be feeling sensitive to loud sounds right now." A warm voice said as she felt an unfamiliar person come near her. The unfamiliar person was saying something, but she was feeling tired already so she couldn't listen to them properly.

"I think she's falling asleep again, but this is definitely a g-" she didn't hear enough as she quickly dozed off again.

· · ·

The second time she woke up, to her relief, was far better than the first one. She tried to sit but found herself having difficulty doing it. She felt the person sitting next to her bedside shuffle before a hand was placed into her back and side, helping her to sit properly.

"Here." Hatsukou gently handed her a glass of water and assisted her in drinking it, which she was grateful for.

"Thanks." Her voice was scratchy- probably because of how long she hasn't used it. Speaking of that-

"How long have I been out?" She asked as she squinted. Everything is still fuzzy looking so she can't give a good look around her.

"6 days." Hatsukou sighed. "We were getting worried. The doctor said it was not a severe case of traumatic brain injury or something- it was a minor thing apparently. But you've been unconscious for days."

"Oh."

She tightly gripped the white blanket- why was everything even white? Couldn't they use... I dunno, blue or something? No wonder hospitals are so depressing. Well, no use thinking about that right now. It's not like she could just ask for them to be replaced.

Also, 6 days? What day is it exactly today?

"What day is it?" She asked.

"17. Thursday in the third week of November. It's currently 7PM-"

Her head throbbed as she tried to remember what happened. The last thing she can remember was the exams... She was sure she did so well on it! Or did she? Then she left the classroom and walked, met up with the guys, and then-

And then...

What happened after that?

She's pretty sure it was supposed to be the school festival, but hell-

She squinted at the ceiling of the hospital room, as if it held the secrets of the universe. She was unsure of what had happened. Everything, both physically and mentally is fuzzy to her.

Did she even come to the school festival?

'Oh but I'm pretty sure I did...' she thought as she grimaced, trying her best to make her head think and remember. She was already sure that something happened, but she doesn't know what. It was bothering her severely. Kind of like an itch you just can't scratch.

Hatsukou stared at her as if she was understanding what was running in her mind. "Don't worry too much. The doctor said it was normal for you to not remember anything for a while. It'll come back soon enough."

"If you say so..." She said. She was happy to say that she lasted a few minutes longer before feeling tired again and needing to sleep.

· · ·

The third time she woke up, she was in for a surprise.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked at the surroundings. It was definitely daytime today, she noted when she looked at the window.

She's proud to say that she definitely helped herself sit up instead of lying down without help- i mean, that was an achievement, right? Few hours (or was it days now?) ago, she couldn't even move her arms without a head splitting headache following right after.

She decided to survey the room, starting from her left, where there was the window- it's definitely a good day outside. There were various things on the side table like crystals for some reason, but her sister or someone probably got bored and brought them. Aside from that, there was also a sealed water bottle, which she immediately took, and with a lot of difficulty uncapping, she drank it, not caring about the few droplets that fell down. Her throat felt like sand was poured into it. It was dry as hell. So the water definitely helped in soothing the feeling. Not to mention, she was thirsty. After draining the water bottle, she placed it on the table again and continued looking around. In the middle of the room, there were a lot of flowers- some with cards attached on them which she assumed was "get well soon" or something along those lines was written.

There were also some weird things hanging around. Like the tag those Shinto priests use for religious ceremonies. Bunch of omamoris are present too, but she can't exactly read what was written, since it's blurry. Along with some shady things she's not really sure she'd like to describe. She decided to ignore that and just think about that later when she's more cohesive.

She then turned to her right, where someone was sleeping. She nodded before looking at the window to entertain herself. The clouds that day look fluffy. If only she could stand up and look at them better. She'll go to the window. Maybe even up on the rooftop of the hospital for an even better view. Or should she go back to sleep? She was still feeling tired, but not that much anymore!

Her head immediately turned to her right again after a few more minutes, fully processing that yes, there's a person sleeping besides her. Well, not exactly beside her like in the same bed besides. The person pulled a chair and was sleeping on it. Uncomfortably, if she might add.

Said person was Koutarou, who was leaning on the rest of the chair, his hands folded in his lap. The chair was one of those without rest, so he looked like he would fall if he leaned in the wrong direction.

She wasn't exactly sure what to do at that moment. She wasn't thinking really carefully -as her mind still feels clouded like the sky she was staring at earlier- so the best thing she did was to observe him.

'He does kinda look tired...' she noted the bags under his eyes. He was wearing a blue hoodie and sweatpants, like it was just something he threw and immediately rushed out, making him look disheveled. His hair also looked way more wilder than usual. And that's saying something since his hair already looked wild normally. It was so untypical to his usual cheerful and orderly look. Koutarou isn't the tidiest person to look at (at times, he isn't even wearing his uniform ironed and the tie looks like it's barely hanging there), but he definitely doesn't look as bad as this.

She immediately felt a wave of guilt flood her as she noticed his state, but was still unsure on what to do. Should she wake him up? But that seems like a bad move on her since he looks like he hasn't been getting enough sleep. Should she continue staring at him like a damn creep? No. Just no. Then, should she scoot so she's beside him? Absolutely not.

'Just tap him. It's not like he'd be mad at you if you do that.' a part of her mind impatiently said.

'Are you insane? He looks tired! Let him rest.' another part argued.

'He looks like he'll be more tired in that position, I tell you.'

In the middle of her argument with herself (and why was she even arguing with herself), she didn't notice that Koutarou had already stirred. He must have felt the heavy weight of her stare. He yawned before looking at her, shooting her a small smile and saying a quick "good morning" in the process, before shuffling a little to make himself more comfortable if possible in the chair and closing his eyes again to sleep.

A few seconds later, his expression shot up, almost tipping himself back off the chair from the abrupt action as he scrambled.

"CHUUYOU! YOU'RE AWAKE!" He shouted as he stood up.

"Hey." She greeted. She cringed at the sound of her voice, as it sounded strained.

'I definitely won't be singing in a few days...'

"Do you need something? Water? Are you hungry? Or do you feel like something hurts somewhere? Should I call the doctor or a nurse? How do I call someone here again-" his words got hurried the more he rambled. He looked like he's about to descend into a panicked mess as he continued talking.

"Kou, calm down." She said as she placed a hand on his, immediately halting him from his ramblings. She quickly pulled it back when she noticed his reaction, slightly feeling sad at how he reacted. 'WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK- YOU FUCKING IDIOT! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? AHHHHHH-' she continued screaming and berating herself internally, totally in contrast to her usual indifferent expression that she has right now. "Sorry. I didn't-"

She immediately freezed and blushed brightly as Koutarou suddenly leaned and hugged her. It was a weird sorta hug if she were to describe it, as it wasn't the typical hugs they do. It's more like he's... Careful? Yeah! Careful was the word. It was like he's careful of not squeezing her- as if she was something that would break if he so much as held her tight-, but since Koutarou has a big frame, it still looks like she's drowning in his hug.

She didn't know what to do, so she sat there like a statue, unmoving. If not for the slight and small rising and falling of her chest, someone might say that she wasn't breathing. She was thinking, yet she couldn't process anything. That seemed to be her theme in the past few days. Should she hug back? Say something?

Her inner debate stopped once she felt a wet patch in her shoulder, with Koutarou's small sniffles right after. Without thinking, she followed her body and immediately hugged him back while rubbing soothing circles in his back. Tiring? Yes. But it's Koutarou, so she's not caring about that.

"Hey... What's wrong?" She asked soothingly as Koutarou still continued to hug her. It's starting to get a little worrying.

"Sorry." He sniffled, voice shaky as he whispered from beside her ear. "I know you're literally the one in the hospital bed between us but I was just so relieved. I'm glad you're awake now. I was so worried when I watched you fall-" he stopped himself from talking, giving himself a few more seconds in the hug before pulling himself away. "I didn't know what to do! They didn't allow me to run after you! Please don't do that again! I don't want to lose you..." He whispered softly as tears continued cascading to his cheeks. He used his sleeves to wipe his tears away before forcing himself to smile at her, but you can see the relief in his eyes. His expression looks strained yet genuine. A bit contradictory, but he somehow did it.

Her heart melted at the expression as she fumbled into what to say. Multiple thoughts floated in her mind. She wanted to say so many things- like how worried she also was about him, about how much she wanted to tell him to please stop crying, about how glad she was that he's here- but she couldn't stop herself from blurting "lose me?" and immediately regretting it right after she said it. Koutarou, bless his heart, didn't even think that the question was a little weird as he fervently nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. You're important to me! I don't want that to happen to you ever again. I won't know what to do if I actually lose you!" He stated in full confidence, his round eyes conveying his sincerity. She gripped the blankets as a smile made way into her face.

"That's... That's really nice to say. Thank you." She replied as she looked down embarrassed yet touched at his words, unsure of what else to say.

'He really has no idea what he says sometimes, doesn't he?' She thought with a smile as she lifted her head again to look at him. "Well... As much as I like you being here- and believe me, I really do, but shouldn't my family members be here now?"

"Oh. Yuna-san and Hiro-san said they're going back to their jobs, and Hatsukou-san and Keizo both went to their classes. They were about to ask one of your relatives outside of Tokyo to come here but I said I can do it when Hatsukou briefly mentioned it to me."

'That's understandable. Mom and dad's jobs are something they couldn't just pull away from if they want...'

"Huh. Thanks..." She trailed. "Wait... Don't YOU have classes today? What day is it exactly?"

"21." Koutarou said. "This was my first absence since today is monday." She scrunched her nose at that, slightly miffed at him missing his classes for this. Now that he mentioned that, she took a quick glance at the clock- Quarter to one. Fukurodani's classes are about to end in a few more hours.

"I don't think you shouldn't be missing classes just to stay with me... What if I was unconscious for one more week?"

"Then I would miss one week's worth of classes for you." Koutarou immediately said without a beat, expression unwavering, making her explode red in embarrassment.

"YOU CAN'T HAVE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES SINCE YOU'RE GRADUATING NEXT YEAR! AND WHAT ABOUT VOLLEYBALL PRACTI-" she immediately halted as they both heard her stomach protested in hunger, making her redder if possible from sheer embarrassment. She wanted to bury herself for that, but it seems like he had no problem about it as he only laughed. He stood up, stretching a little.

"Wait for a bit. I'm calling a nurse." He said with a smile before walking to the direction of the door and opened it. He gave her a reassuring look before completely going out and closing it, leaving her alone and embarrassed with her thoughts.

· · ·

"I hate hospital food." She grumbled as she took a bite of her porridge. It's not like the porridge was bad per se, but it was bland (for her taste at least) like the rest of the things she can see in the hospital.

"It isn't that bad." Koutarou commented with a nod as he also took a bite of his porridge. Why he was suffering eating the same food as her when he could have the good ones, she doesn't know.

"You're too optimistic." She placed the half empty bowl of porridge on the bed side table. She once again saw the crystals (so she really wasn't hallucinating those earlier) before completely ignoring it as she watched Koutarou fully finish his food. She doesn't know what it's for and doesn't want to know.

When he did finally finish, they talked. He helped him catch up to what had happened the past few days she was incommunicado, telling her the stories of what had occured.

Apparently, there had been a short prayer dedicated to her from the vice principal wishing her a well recovery before classes (which is pretty cute of them).He also had apparently visited once and dropped some flowers (that's now wilted). Some of her classmates, friends, and others from the other class also stopped by, along with the nekoma guys, to drop flowers as well.

Dowoon also apparently kept sending (read: spamming) worried texts to Koutarou, since Hatsukou, Jinsung, and Keizo blocked him for being too annoying and texting them every damn minute. Koutarou was the only one kind and patient enough to reply to him.

He recalled that particular hour where Dowoon was so hysterical when he heard about it that he almost booked the nearest flight back to Japan. He was the one who dissuaded the idea out of him, promising that he'll keep him in the loop about everything. He does understand his worry since he felt the same as him. Even if the texts are starting to get a little annoying for Koutarou.

'If this is the amount of flowers I received from a mild injury,' Chuuyou noted as she looked contemplatively at the flowers. "I wonder how many more would I receive if it was my funeral?" She realized that she asked that part loudly, since Koutarou turned immediately and was giving her a look that made her shrink.

"Please don't say that kinda stuff." Koutarou said, scrunching his face from slight disdain but didn't say anything else about it. "But anyways, that's everything that happened."

"Okay." She muttered something incomprehensible, before turning to him. "I'm dropping that one, but um... quick question?" She deadpanned as she looked at the state of the room. "Why the hell are there so many..." She trailed as she observed the trinkets hanging everywhere. In the bedpost, in the table, in the window, in the corner of the room, looking at the items carefully. "tags, ward off evil omamoris, talisman for protection, shield from curses, amulets and... And are those REAL FUCKING CRYSTALS-"

'This place looks like it's something out of a witch's hut. Or a cult. What the hell.'

"Well, Komi brought those..." Koutarou began as he gestured to the said omamori and talisman that was hanging on the bedpost and on the bedside table. "He said that his grandfather is a Shinto priest and asked him for those things. Your mom was also on board on the idea and brought the crystal thing from abroad. Said something about having healing and cleansing properties. Whatever that means. Then they both redecorated the room. When the others saw that, they started bringing those instead of flowers since it last way longer"

"They should have just called Gojo. Makes things far easier than doing this." She mumbled slightly giggling.

'Though he is already missing for 1000 days if I'm counting the times I was unconscious oof-'

"I'm sorry?"

"Ignore that." Silence filled their conversation as they awkwardly tried to make another topic.

"So, do you know what those are for?" He asked curiously. 'I can understand the get well ones but curses?'

"Probably because of my 'cursed name' thing" she offhandedly said with a quoting gesture.

"CURSED?" He asked slightly alarmed.

"Kou, you didn't know?" He vehemently shook his head in denial. "Huh... I thought everyone I'm close With at this point already knows and just don't wanna ask something about it... Long story short, my name was apparently cursed, since it means 'dying young'"

"I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THAT! I THOUGHT YOUR NAME MEANT MIDDLE?"

'I DON'T ACTUALLY NOTICE HOW SHE WRITES HER NAME NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT. AND I'VE KNOWN HER FOR MONTHS! Well, I was borderline failing kanji before so...'

"Yeah, I'm not that surprised since others also just assume it was middle until they see me write it." She shrugged. "Anyways, if it's Komi, yeah... I can see him doing something like this. He was pretty convinced that I was actually cursed when I told him." She finished with a little snicker. "Do you want to know the full story about my name?"

"I mean..." He started unsurely while playing with his fingers. "If you're comfortable telling me, why not?"

"Then..." She scooted over before patting the now empty side of the bed. "You should get yourself more comfortable. It's a long story."

"Um. It's tight. I don't think I'll fit ..."

"Pfft." She laughed. "We'll make it fit."

'It's not like we haven't cuddled... Eh whatever. I just want his hugs if I'm being honest… I'm so fucking shameless aren'I…'

"Well... If you say so." 'Hospital beds are kinda small so we'll be cramped in there.' Koutarou hauled himself on the bed next to her, carefully kicking off his shoes so he wouldn't dirty the sheets and leaning his entire back on the headboard. Immediately, Chuuyou leaned her head on his shoulder as she latched onto him.

"This is fine right?" She asked, tilting her head slightly to look up at him.

"yeAh." Koutarou said embarrassedly while slightly blushing, his voice cracking unnoticeably unless you were intentionally looking for it as he also unconsciously leaned on her as he listened to her words intently.

"To start, way before Hatsukou was born, my mom and my father's sister, auntie Kimiko, didn't get along. At all. Dad and auntie's parents are Japanese who decided to move to America, so they were born and raised as Americans. At one of their visits in Japan, they found out they like it here more than America, permanently moved here, met mom, got married, and had us. And since both of them were raised out of Japan, they have a... Different views and values. Mom meanwhile, was raised from a super religious household. Even if she doesn't really abide with all the values of religion, she's still devout to them."

'Cause if she was as religious as my grandma, she would have not taken a job and became a meek little housewife instead like her. Well, at least grandma got a lot of money and properties out of it since grandpa died right after their 12th kid. And grandpa was 30 when he died… I don't even want to think about the fact that grandma just kept popping out babies every year since she was 16-'

"And then?"

"Their differences- mom and auntie I mean, caused them to argue every while and then. One of them being our names. Auntie thought Hatsukou-nee's name was ridiculous, as it meant first born daughter, but mom liked it and dad was okay with it too since he agreed on us having traditional Japanese names. When she heard that they were planning to name me Chuuyou, from middle path [中庸, auntie thought it was more ridiculous than Hatsukou's. I was born a bit prematurely- two weeks ahead than they expected, so dad wasn't there and my auntie was the one in the delivery room. She went behind their backs, thinking that it was a chance to change my "ridiculous name" as she was the one who would be taking care of the other matters for dad including the name written in my birth certificate. She wanted to use the kanji of fragment [葉] along with middle, so my name would have meant 'the middle of an era' [中葉, but since she lacks knowledge in kanji..." She paused to take a breath, slightly tired from her long tirade. Koutarou quietly opened another water bottle he brought earlier with their food before giving it to her, which she was grateful for. After quickly drinking the water, she continued.

"Anyways. She scribbled a random thing that offhandedly looked like the

kanji of calamity [夭]. Combined with middle, it would have meant dying young [中夭]." She paused to study his expression. "Yeah... Mom was so mad at her for that. And my grandparents from both sides were also with her. Dad's family literally shunned her after that event too, but she still tried to make it up to them during that time."

"But... Shouldn't the nurse or a staff member confirm it with your mother first before immediately publishing it on your birth certificate?" Koutarou wondered. 'I'm not familiar with the legalities, but I'm pretty sure that they should be confirming it with the parents first before putting anything in official documents, especially if another person aside from the parent did something horrible like that…'

"Eh. The nurse that saw it was horrified from what I knew, but she didn't do anything since it's not technically her job. The staff who's supposed to be doing that at the hospital just chalked it off to my parents wanting me to have a quirky and unique name. And the name pronounciation was the same so it was finalized as that. Not to mention, they were in a rush since there's so many things happening at once that day. Yeah. Some people got fired that day." She was silent for a while as she let Koutarou process those, inwardly arguing with herself if she would tell the rest or not.

'It was a pile of bullshit I tell you.'

"And well, that's not how the story ended." Sighing, she began unsurely. She wanted to share everything with him, but she didn't want him looking at her in pity. Nor start treating her like she was some porcelain that could shatter in a moment.

'Like Dowoon.' her mind helpfully supplied.

She likes Dowoon. In fact, she could confidently say that he was like a brother to her, as they were very close. But he could get really overprotective at times, which she didn't like. She had been treated as she was something so fragile her entire life. She doesn't need another one doing that too!

But he did skip school for her so might as well make it worth his while.

"I... I was a weak baby. They weren't expecting me to survive, you know? Addison's disease, inherited from grandpa from mom's side, which was far rarer than actually contacting it from an autoimmune response or from other diseases. Mom and grandma immediately blamed auntie for that, saying that me 'dying' at that age was her fault- it was because she cursed me with her horrible words, directly or not wherein no one actually has fault for that." She laughed wryly.

'It doesn't even make sense to be honest.' Chuuyou thought. 'I mean… they do believe in the luck that you tie during new years so it's not that weird that they also believe in the power of names.'

'Then again, blaming others is always the easier option. It's not like it's auntie's fault I was born weak. Mom and grandma- they were just desperate to find something they could turn against, someone that could take the pain away from them. Auntie just so happened to be a stock ready to be taken out when the situation demanded it.'

"And then I became one year old, then two, then three, four -when I met Dowoon- and so on. At first, they thought I wouldn't survive till 10. That I was lucky for not immediately dying, but I fucking passed that age too." She looked at him determinedly. "And now here I am, 17 and still counting. I fucking told them I'm living till I'm 100. Granted, if not for mom and dad doing everything in their power to afford my medications, and later grandma for paying for my treatment that time in America, they would have probably been right."

"Do you hate your aunt?" He asked.

"Auntie Kimiko? Heavens, No!" She instantly said. "I could never hate her. In fact, she was the only other person tolerable in our extended family except for grandma. She's really cool!" She gushed. "I-" she sighed as she squeezed Koutarou's arm tighter. "I hated how they treated her. Dad's family, even him, pretended that she didn't exist- like she was a pest to them. Mom's side of the family was outwardly hostile towards her after that event. All of them were traditional AND religious, which would make a perfect recipe for an extremely toxic family. You should have seen them at gatherings- always competing and one upping each other, thinking that those who don't have professional jobs or hobbies like music, arts, and sports are morons. Basically just that they're better than everyone else around." She snorted as she recalled the various family reunions, which were held often times a year. She hated going in there and faking that she likes everyone else in there.

'Actually, that's probably why Hatsukou asked Kou and agreed when he volunteered. She knows how much I hated those pieces of shits. Our extended family sucks and I won't be keeping in touch with them when I'm older.'

"But before I get on a full rant about them, let's go back to the original topic. Koutarou," she looked at him intently to make sure that she was conveying what she was trying to say perfectly. "I am not a religious person as you know." He nodded in understanding. "But that doesn't mean I don't believe in the gods. I do, it's just that. The universe is vast- we haven't seen everything out there. I believe that they exist, but I don't believe that they have full control in our lives. It was something mom and I just don't talk about, really, since if we did, we would probably fight." She cringed as she imagined her mom and her fighting. They rarely fight, and it's usually not that serious. The only serious fight they had happened one time and it was so difficult for her that she doesn't like that to happen ever again. "I'm getting off topic again, but what I'm trying to say is, I believe that auntie's mistake doesn't have a connection with religious beliefs whatsoever. It was just pure bad luck. And if anything was really at fault for this as they keep on insisting, it would be grandpa's line of the family since it's where I got it from." She shrugged.

Silence followed after that, as they both thought about the information. To Koutarou, this was something he never learned as she apparently doesn't like talking about it. He was hanging on her every word and making sure that he won't forget a single thing.

"And-" Koutarou immediately snapped out of his inner musing to listen to her. "I don't really hate my name to be honest. In fact, I really like it for some morbid reason. It's something I have as a motivation to myself, 'defy the heavens and your fate'" She finished with air quotation marks. "It makes me feel better for myself, since it's not like I'm completely healed anyway..." She whispered the last part, but since they were side by side, he heard it clearly.

"You're... You're still sick?" Koutarou asked hesitantly. He processed everything she said, as he was listening to her intently. But the last bit made him nervous. He doesn't know what that sickness was, and he plans on researching more about it later. Maybe it was really just a minor thing now like she said, but he doesn't want to take chances.

"I mean, I still am. Addison's doesn't have a real cure, just treatments that could help." She admitted. "It's not as bad as before. Modern medicine helped to the point that I don't even need the alert bracelet anymore. I just stopped wearing those 2 years ago? And me exercising daily- including our walks since that counted as an exercise- helped." Shz immediately added once she saw that he was starting to frown. "Well, I was doing that with Dowoon way before so yeah? Anyways, even the hospital visits become rarer. Way back in our first year, or even in middle school, I needed weeks of time out of school every month to make sure it isn't coming back, and the last time back it was September, it was only three days. Doctors loved me for that, since I was the proof of them finally starting to have a breakthrough at Addison's."

'So that's why she goes missing sometimes... Why didn't she tell us this? Even if not me, what about her bandmates?'

"Though, it is annoying that mom's a little overprotective. I got a fever? Immediately go to the hospital. Granted that me being sick can um... actually could be a sign or a cause for my Addison's coming back but yeah... They won't even let me find a job that was straining." She grumbled. "Anyways, that's about it."

"If that's the case..." Koutarou immediately recalled so many things as he slightly shuffled so he could look at her more clearly. At each memory he goes through with her just being her dumbass self, he was starting to get horrified. "Why did you still continue to be reckless? Gaming with Kenma till 3? Chuuyou, sometimes you're not even sleeping!"

"Um-"

"And really, band practices on top of school festival organization, and then classes?"

"But-"

"Why did you jump into a cold river if you're aware you could have gotten a fever from th-" Koutarou was a little mad as he continued listing the things she had done.

"Kou-" she tried interrupting but he kept on going. She sighed and let him continue, lightly tuned him out as she clenched the sheets embarrassedly. Now that he says it like that, it does sound a little bad...

"-waking up too early too at times! That's the opposite of taking care of yourself!" He finished with a huff, before immediately feeling guilty for everything he had said. I mean, what right does he have? just a friend. He had no say on how she chose to live her life. He calmed himself as he looked down to avoid her looks, which if he didn't do, he would have noticed that she was looking at him fondly and admirably. "Sorry... It's just..." He sighed as he fumbled into his words about what to say. "I- I hope I'm not overstepping but you're more than a friend to me you know..."

Her heart raced up at that, immediately feeling hopeful. To hell with his worried tirade earlier. Or the fact that she was still in a hospital bed. This is more important.

'Don't worry about that. I hate it when people fuss over me like that, but well, you immediately apologized so I guess it's fine. Just please don't be like that again. You also kind of remind me of Hatsukou but you're more kind about the things you say.'

"Yeah? What do you mean more than a friend? Kou?" She asked excitedly as she stared at him. Koutarou looked at her embarrassed, but continued nonetheless.

'OH- IS THIS IT?' she inwardly screamed excitedly, but carefully maintaining an indifferent and neutral expression outside.

'Um... I could really tell her now since we're alone.'

"You know..." He cringed, still not looking at her. He took a deep breath as he mentally chanted words of encouragement in his mind.

"I think you're really beautiful and kind and-" it's like his mind and his mouth was not coordinating. He knows what he wants to say. It was a mere three words. Three. Short. Words. So why the hell does he have difficulty saying those. "and uhm... I really admire you and that I-"

He suddenly stopped when the door was flung open, with Komi immediately entering. "Chuuyou! Thank Kami sa- oh." Komi immediately stilled before coughing in embarrassment upon seeing them side by side and with a serious, heavy, yet intimate atmosphere between them. "Sorry. I'll wait outside and tell the others not to enter yet. They were waiting in the lobby as we didn't want to overwhelm you, but yeah. Hurry it up." He gave them a quick thumbs up before immediately closing the door. Koutarou and Chuuyou listened to his footsteps for a few minutes as it slowly became quieter and quieter until it completely stopped, unsure of how to break the now awkward atmosphere between them.

"Um-"

"So uh-" Koutarou sighed as they spoke at the same time.

"You go first." She coughed to cover up her embarrassment.

"What I was trying to say is, I don't want us to be just friends anymore. I wish- no. I WANT for us to be more than friends. I want for us to be something far more closer than that. you know?" He leaned closer as he looked into her eyes while encasing his hand on hers. "Because I already have strong for you and I want you to be my-"

"YOU GUYS!" Koutarou was interrupted again as Kuroo shouted while flinging the door open before stilling once he saw what they looked like. They were still in the bed after all, looking at one another, hands laced together, so near to each other that one of them could just lean up or down and their faces would be touching. "Uh- did I enter at a bad time? Should I get out and give you two a few minutes first?"

'I probably should have listened to Komi... Yeah... Damn it.' He immediately cringed before backing away.

"No, it's fine." Chuuyou said, backing away from Kou while beckoning him in. Komi immediately arrived back again, panting and sweating as he glared at Kuroo. He looked like he ran a marathon, which he probably did since he was chasing after Kuroo. "We're done talking anyways." She glanced at Koutarou, expression screaming 'NO WE'RE NOT!' "Why don't you call the others too? You said that they were in the lobby, yeah?" Kuroo immediately nodded while guiltily slinked away out of the room. He knows he's the reason for the sudden awkwardness between them.

And he felt guilty since he definitely noticed that the two seemed suddenly depressed and melancholic.

'The mood's already ruined anyways...' Koutarou thought dejectedly as he got out of the bed and returned to the seat he was occupying before.

'That... Yeah... I'm definitely cursed. How the hell did we just get interrupted two straight times in a single day... Damn it Kuroo...'

Komi watched them awkwardly as they silently looked around the room for other things to occupy their minds other than the interrupted conversation.

· · ·

"So did you two finally sort it out? I know Kuroo had bad timing but that's still a few minutes, right?" Komi whispered mischievously, carefully glancing at the other people in the room and shutting up once they as much as looked in their direction weirdly.

"No." Chuuyou whispered back, annoyance evident in the short answer. "I swear to FUCK, Koutarou was about to say I like you... I think... Right when Kuroo entered." She whined slightly as she glared at Kuroo, who was chatting animatedly with Kenma and Washio.

"That's an awful bad timing for him..." Komi said, expression darkening as he watched Kuroo loudly laugh at something.

"I know!"

He continued to glare at Kuroo menacingly, before deciding to grab one of the talismans in the wall and throwing it to Kuroo.

"Like I'd believe that- Ow! What the fuck- KOMI?" Kuroo asked confusedly as he caught the said item when it lightly bounced from hitting his arm.

"It seems like not all evil curses have left the room yet, unfortunately." Komi grinned menacingly while holding another one of the various trinkets. For some reason, in Kuroo's eyes, it look like a horrible weapon capable of murdering him.

"HUH?"

"It means that he's exorcizing you, rooster." She snickered.

"I SAID I WAS SORRY!"

· · ·

"GOD- I'M SO SO SORRY!" Eri sobbed hysterically from the chair. When her bandmates entered, the others conveniently had some things to do or check, with Tsukiko and Takara suddenly missing. Only Eri and Chuuyou were left in the room.

They went a little later after some of the volleyball guys, since they stopped by her favorite dessert shop (Which she was thankful for. She was getting tired of the hospital food). They talked with her for a bit, ignoring the place that they were currently in, as if nothing happened- as if this was just a normal day for them. Tsukiko even gave her some notes for the class she missed, courtesy of Ueno, which she was confused about because he usually isn't that nice to her. Apparently, he said something about 'not losing his rival' or something along those lines. She still gladly accepted it, because even if Ueno's a piece of shit in her eyes, his notes are impeccable. She won't admit that out loud though.

They were joking around until Eri suddenly bursted in tears while shouting apologies, hence the current situation.

"Hey hey- it's okay!" Chuuyou waved her hands around as she tried to assure her, which was proven ineffective as Eri continued crying. She didn't know what to say, as comforting people wasn't her forte. It's usually Tsukiko who does that, and when she has her own problems that she wants to resolve, she just laughs it off while having a mental breakdown before forcing herself to feel better the next day. So yeah, she doesn't know how to comfort people, especially since it's Eri.

'Now that I think about it, I think this is the first time I saw her cry.'

"It's- it's my fault! If I didn't push you, you wouldn't have fallen!"

"But you didn't push me!" She insisted.

"I DID, AND YOU KNOW IT!" Eri shouted. "I was so careless for that and now you're stuck in the hospital." Chuuyou sighed as scooted to the side and pulled her to a hug. It was definitely easier for her to move around compared to earlier, which she was happy for. She hugged back while still loudly sobbing. Chuuyou's shoulder became wet again from another person crying on her.

"Hey." She said gently while rubbing circles in her back. "I swear, it's not your fault. If anything, it was the dumbass who placed the pile of wires next to the damn stairs." 'And I'm pretty sure the guy who did that was my classmate since we were the one who did the stage…'

"But still-"

'Okay… if she won't stop blaming herself and her self-deprecating words, I'll have to resort to the other option.'

"No. Listen." She said firmly, which stilled Eri's sobbing into small sniffles. "Stop blaming yourself. You didn't do anything. If you continue doing that, then I'll be mad and won't be talking to you."

"BUT THAT'S ILLEGAL? YOU'LL STOP TALKING TO ME IF I DON'T STOP APOLOGIZING TO SOMETHING I WAS AT FAULT FOR?" Eri immediately pulled away from the hug and looked at her, who was slightly glaring

"Yes."

Eri stared at her, face scrunched up in confusion as she slowly nodded.

"Eri," she sighed as she grabbed her hands and held it tightly. "Again, it wasn't your fault, please keep that in mind. It was a freak accident. Or just bad luck. Did you want that to happen to me? Did you intentionally push me?"

"NO!"

"Well, that's your answer." She shrugged. "You didn't do it on purpose, and it's not your fault in the first place. You have nothing to apologize for. Now-" she let go of her hand as she turned around to the bedside table. She's pretty sure there's some tissues over there. She would have given her a handkerchief if she had one right now, but she doesn't so tissues would have to do it. Eyes lighting up in relief when she saw that she was right, she pulled out the tissues from the drawer. "Go on, wipe your tears. You look way prettier when you're not snotty looking."

"Way to ruin the mood Chuuyou." She giggled before taking the tissues from her hand. "I think I need to… I don't know? Make myself more presentable in the bathroom…" standing up, Eri gave her one last hug before exiting to the door. A few minutes later, Konoha poked his head in and fully went inside when she gave him a thumbs up, asking for the other to also go inside as well.

"Did you two talk it out already?" Tsukiko asked.

"Yeah." She smiled. "Yeah we did."

· · ·

With Koutarou's encouragement, she gave everyone currently in there a rundown of what she told him earlier. As she expected, they started fussing and being worried, which was honestly sweet but annoying.

"I mean... I have Addison's disease, but it's not that bad!" She instantly said once she noticed their frowns. "It was uh, hereditary, in my mother's family. But it wasn't that lethal. Modern medicine helped, and since my family is loaded, I got the help I needed. I did have to occasionally go to check ups to make sure they ain't coming back. They already talked about that one to the school for my monthly checkups. It's usually the same results that I'm fine already but my parents are such worrywarts. Even minor sickness like fever worries my parents so much. But overall? I'm fine."

"SO THAT'S WHY YOU GO MISSING AT TIMES?" Tsukiko exclaimed as her clenched fist hit her opened palm.

"Pretty much. Addison's isn't that bad... The mortality rate isn't even high." She immediately downplayed what she said once she noticed that they were frowning.

"We're dropping that one out and talking about that in the future but," Konoha said as he really had no idea what Addison's was. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Well, what was I supposed to tell you?" She mumbled while looking down and awkwardly fiddling with her fingers. "Hi guys! Oh by the way, I have a long term sickness that has been going on ever since I was born?"

"YES!" They chorused. She cringed at the sudden loud sound as she watched them all talk at the same time. While they were distracted, Kenma and Akaashi immediately took that as a chance to talk to her one on one.

"No more game nights for the two of us." Kenma said dryly. "You're not allowed anymore."

"But Kyanma!" She whined with an exaggerated high voice, making Kenma wince. "I like our game nights! How else are we gonna bond?!!"

"I didn't say we won't be playing together at all." Kenma muttered. "Just not at a time where we'll be both missing sleep. Maybe at 7 instead of 10. And please don't imitate Kuroo."

Akaashi slightly chuckled at Kenma as Chuuyou's eyes watered.

"SO YOU DO CARE! COME HERE AND GIVE ME A HUG! KEIJI, DON'T LET HIM ESCAPE-"

"Let go of me right this instance-"

· · ·

"WHAT? BUT I PROMISED HATSUKOU THAT-" Chuuyou immediately cut Koutarou off of his tirade.

"No. You look tired. You're going home with them and you're resting. Then tomorrow, you'll go to school with them." She said firmly as she shot down Koutarou's desire to stay with her for the night. "Hatsukou would understand."

"BUT-"

"Bo, she won't go missing." Konoha assured him with a smile. "We can visit after class again, you know? I know you like to stay here with her. We all do. But it won't be good for you to be missing classes."

"What about-"

"Not to mention," Washio piped. "We still have volleyball practices. Spring high nationals is just around the corner."

"I don't thi-"

"For fucks sake, Koutarou." She said annoyedly. "I love your company, but I don't want to see you looking so tired again. If you still insist on staying, I'll be telling the staff to ban you."

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT! THAT'S ILLEGAL!"

"Try me." She smirked at him, challenging. They had a mini staring contest before Koutarou sagged and gave in.

"Fine… If you say so. I'll still be visiting tomorrow. And the next few days, until you get out of here." She nodded at him, satisfied of the outcome.

"Great! Now get out! It's dark already."

They said their goodbyes and slowly excited the room. Akaashi and Kuroo were the last ones in there and were about to get out but she called them.

"Oh. Keiji. You left your wallet." Akaashi stilled before beckoning Kuroo to go ahead. He knows he didn't leave anything. His wallet was in his bag and he never took that out. Nevertheless, he was curious about what she was about to say. Kuroo nodded before leaving and closing the door on his way out.

"What's this about?" Akaashi asked curiously.

"Um." She began fumbling with her fingers while embarrassedly avoiding Akaashi's curious stare. "I'm just worried for Koutarou. He looked a little disheveled earlier. Is… can you watch out for him? I suspect he's about to do something… something that isn't entirely good for himself." Keiji smiled at the request before slowly nodding.

"Of course." He thoughtfully looked at her before continuing. "You know, he was really worried for you the past few days. The day of the accident, I was literally holding him back from sprinting towards you. Then the days we were waiting for news, his eyes were always red from crying. When we got the news from your sister that you already woke up, he was so happy he immediately went here."

"He did, huh." Chuuyou smiled at him in serenity while Akaashi nodded at her. "Thanks Keiji."

"Of course." Akaashi gave her one last look before hoisting his bag. "I'll be leaving now. See you soon." He dipped his head slightly as he walked to the direction of the door and exited.

"Yeah." She whispered as she watch him close the door.

· · ·

That night, Koutarou hauled himself on his computer. It was previously a family computer but he was allowed to keep it now since both his sisters brought their own laptops. Opening google, he typed "Addison's disease" and scrolled upon the numerous results before clicking into one.

He read the article fully, absorbing and taking note of the important facts before exciting and opening another article and doing the same. He did this for hours, just him scrolling onto his computer. Until he stopped when he noticed Akaashi's message telling him to stop whatever he was doing and go to sleep. He glanced at the clock, surprised that it was already 1:00.

He once again snapped out of distraction when he noticed that his phone dinged again.

Keiji 1:07

If you don't stop, I'm telling on her. You do know that she won't like it if she hears that you just deprived yourself of sleep, right?

He shot a quick reply assuring Akaashi that he'll go to sleep before closing all the tabs while spouting half baked explanations before fully agreeing. He opened and powered off his computer. He then lied on his bed as he contemplated his day. It was uneventful yet so many things happened at once.

He then sighed as he remembered his interrupted confession. He wanted to stay so they could continue talking about it, but he does understand their point of him needing to attend classes. It was true that his grades are now fine and not on the borderline of failing, but still. Classes are something he couldn't miss especially now that he's graduating in a few months.

Well, it's not like they can't talk about that for the next few days. He just had to make sure that they'll be completely alone. He knows he's a confident person, but he isn't that ballsy that he would pour his feelings about the girl he is trying to get together with in front of his friends. That's terrifying to think about! He's sure that they won't let that go! Not to mention, Kuroo will literally clown him-

He sighed as he kept thinking of ways and planning on how to tell her on the comforts of his bed. He burrowed on his sheets, as the November night was super cold but found it a bit less comfortable than the cramped hospital bed earlier. His thoughts swirled on her, until he completely fell asleep for the night, the moonlight seeping from his bedroom's curtains becoming the only light seen in his room.

-o-

Not sure about the accuracy of the medical terms as I just searched (intensively) those tbh, so don't take those very seriously