Chapter 2
"Hello Prime Minister" a nurse pleasantly greeted Shoko as she approached the hospital check-in desk. "Come to check on our patient?" she asked.
"As always" Shoko forced a brave smile. "How is he doing today?".
"No change, I'm sorry to say" the nurse answered escorting Shoko to Room 415, opening the door she had become most familiar with in the recent past. "If you have the time, the Doctor would like to speak to you for a moment".
Shoko nodded and took a chair beside the bed as usual.
It had been exactly 18 days and nights that he'd been in this bed; in a coma-like state. She'd like to hold his hand, tell him all would be alright. Hoping he could hear her but knowing there was no chance. His runes were gone; His memories. There was nothing there save one that was stored just as he was about to die. She had no idea what exactly it was but knew that L-elf, the lad who she never quite trusted had been the one who saved Haruto. He would never tell anyone what the rune was but the fact that he saved Haruto's life earned him her trust from that point on. He'd never made her regret that decision.
Saki Rukino watched from the shadows, tracking Shoko-oneechan to the hospital where she just knew he had to be. "He's alive" she whispered aloud tears in her eyes yet a slight smile on her lips.
"Why did you keep us apart, Shoko-chan" she spoke in a hushed whisper knowing all too well there was no way Shoko would hear or even answer from the distance between them. She knew he was here. Tonight, once Shoko-chan had left; she'd sneak into the hospital, into his room, and finally see the man she loved once again.
A cellphone rang waking Shoko out of her slumber. As usual, she fell asleep in the chair beside Haruto's hospital bed. She'd speak to him all night; sharing stories of their childhood and teen years hoping they'd stick. They never did. He never as much as responded.
"Prime Minister Sashinami" Shoko answered the phone.
"Prime Minister" her assistant asked. "Where are you?". "The new president of Galactic Banks is here for his appointment".
Shoko thought quickly "tell him I'm on my way. I got caught up in double-checking the plan that he proposed". Shoko thought quickly on her feet "Give him a smile and inform him that I have very favorable news for him. He'll be happy to wait" Shoko giggled.
"I'm sure he will" her assistant chuckled as Shoko hung up.
"I must be off my sweet Haruto. I'll return once the meeting is over" Shoko informed her childhood friend. Giving him a hug and a quick peck on the lips hoping once again he'd return the favor. "Nothing" she thought to herself in great sadness. "Will he ever come back".