The chirping of the birds woke Kana up slowly the next morning. Her eyes slowly opened, her surroundings trying to adjust in the light. Her body felt heavy from what happened yesterday. In fact, she couldn't really remember much after she had fainted in Mitsuhide's arms.
Kana tried to sit yourself up, but the pain in her abdomen was still there. It wasn't excruciating pain like before, but it was still a little painful. Another reason for not being able to sit up was because she felt a weight on your left arm. She turned your head to find Ryuu sleeping peacefully next to her, his head on Kana's arm.
"Ryuu.." Kana whispered, smiling.
Seeing her little brother next to her made you happy. Although, she was a bit worried about his reaction when he saw her. Kana felt him stir a bit, but he didn't move. She then realized that there was someone else on her other side.
"O-Obi..." Kana whispered in surprise.
The dark haired man was sitting on a stool with his head resting on her pillow. She noticed his arm stretched and she followed it, realizing that he was holding her hand. Kana stared at their entwined hands for a bit. His hand was big, enveloping her own and she could feel the roughness to them due to callouses. Suddenly, Obi's hand squeezed hers.
"Obi..." Kana whispered, now staring into his hazel eyes.
His gaze was melancholic and filled with worry. He had bags under his eyes so she could tell he hadn't been sleeping well. Obi gave Kana a slight smile and squeezed her hand once more.
"How are you feeling?" He asked quietly, noticing that Ryuu was still asleep.
"I've felt better," she replied with a slight laugh. "But much better than yesterday!"
Obi's eyes examined hers. They were no longer filled with the cheerfulness they used to hold, nor was he smiling as usual. He really looked concerned for once. After a few minutes of silence, she felt Obi grab her hand and caress it in his own.
"Obi-"
"Why did you do it...?" he asked. "Why would you jump in front of that poisoned arrow?"
"Obi-"
"It was stupid of you..." his voice getting louder, more angrier. "You could've died!"
"Obi!" Kana harshly whispered, making sure Ryuu was still asleep.
"Why...?" Obi whispered, covering his face with her hand.
"You would be the one in here if I didn't jump in front of it," you explained.
Obi looked up at her, tears developing in his eyes. Kana was shocked. She didn't think Obi would ever cry. Like he has done for her many times before, she reached up her hand, which he was holding, and wiped his tears away.
"Kana, I-"
"Listen," she said quietly and gently. "You were protecting Shirayuki with all your might because you really care about her right? Well I wanted to do the same for you..."
Kana stroked his jet black hair as he stared at her intently. She was surprised. His hair was softer than it looks and Kana thought it'd be more spiky and rough.
"You're my partner," Kana smiled. "I've got your back! And to be honest, I wasn't really thinking much when I protected you. My body reacted on it's own, like my heart told me to."
Obi's eyebrows furrowed. He seemed frustrated at her answer, but his eyes were staring at her gently. Before Kana knew it, his face was inching closer to hers , as if he was about to lean in and kiss-

"Onee-chan...?"

Obi froze and quickly turned away once he realized what he was doing. Ryuu stirred and slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"Onee-chan, are you okay?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'm feeling a little better. Thank you for staying with me, Ryuu," Kana smiled hugging him tightly.
The young boy hugged her back and then began to squirm when she didn't let go. After releasing him from her hold, Ryuu started to climb out of the bed.
"Ryuu? Where are you going?" Kana wondered.
"Well if you're feeling better, I'll go back to work," he replied, walking away.
You sweatdropped.
"He never changes.."
Kana turned towards Obi who was still staring at the wall. She had a feeling he was contemplating about something, but before much time passed, he got up from his seat and left the room without saying a word.
Later, Zen, Mitsuhide, Kiki, and Shirayuki came to visit. They were all quite glad that Kana was feeling much better. She thanked Mitsuhide for carrying her in and he gave Kana a hug, glad that she was able to fight the poison.
Garack later came in once everyone was gone, telling Kana that she could leave the pharmacy with some help. Shuuto later arrived to help her on her feet and supported her on his shoulder as the two of them walked back to your room.
"I told you not to be reckless," Shuuto sighed.
"I was doing my job," Kana muttered.
"But for that shady guy? Is he even worth losing your life?"

Obi peered around the corner. He was just passing by the hallway when he heard Kana's voice. Curious, he stood behind the wall, listening in.

"What do you think?" she questioned stubbornly.
"You know he's in love with Shirayuki-dono," pointed out Shuuto.
"I already know that."
"Then why-"
"I love him! Okay? I just.. I fell in love with him.. No matter what I do I can't stop thinking about him..."
Shuuto looked at her with sad eyes. Kana knew the man's feelings for her , but like Obi towards her, she couldn't return Shuuto's feelings. Kana sighed.
"It's nothing to worry about. Like you said, his feelings are for Shirayuki."
"Right."
"Will you check my wound, Shuu? I feel it stings a little..."
Shuuto smiled as he lifted Kana into his arms.
"Gladly, my lady."

Obi watched as she disappeared down the hall in Shuuto's arms. He felt his heart beating so fast when he overheard what Kana had said. She loved him, but he couldn't return her feelings... What would happen to their partnership?