'This is where we Part'

Chapter 2 - The Promise Under the Sky

Snow had long melted into the chill of early spring, but for the Nanase family, time felt frozen inside the hospital walls. Almost two months had passed since that terrifying night and yet Riku still remained in the ward, tethered to soft tubes that fed him air. The world outside went on with its usual rhythm—children playing in schoolyards, parents chatting on streets corners—but for Riku, days blurred together with medicine, quiet books and Tenn's constant company. Still, his smile never faltered.

"Look, Tenn-nii," Riku said brightly, his thin fingers smudged with crayon. The hospital table between them was scattered with sheets of paper, a box of colours and little doodles half finished. "this one's for mom—see? I drew her smiling on stage!"

Tenn leaned over, watching the wobbly drawing of Miyou's in a sparking dress with stick figure applause beneath her. Despite the shaky lines, the picture glowed with warmth.

"That's good," tenn said with a smile. "She'll be happy. Dad needs one too, right?"

Riku's eyes lit up. "yes! I'll draw dad playing his guitar and you can draw us! Then we'll give them together."

They bend their heads close, crayons scratching against paper as the minutes slipped by. Riku hummed softly while colouring, his cheeks a little flushed with excitement. Every so often, a cough shook his small body, but he waved it off with his usual cheerful grin.

When at last they held up their finished drawings—two sheets filled with family smiles and bright skies—Riku's face glowed with pride. "Now, then mom and dad come tonight, we'll surprise them! They'll know we're cheering for them too!"

The evening came quietly, snow falling once more against the hospital windows. Riku clutched the drawings close to his chest, waiting with child's bubbling anticipation. But before long, his small body betrayed him—another coughing fit shook his frame, leaving him pale and exhausted. The nurse administered medicine and soon his eyes fluttered shut, the pictures still pressed protectively against his side.

Tenn sat beside him, careful not to wake him, his own eyes drooping with fatigue. When Riku's water cup ran empty, Tenn slid off the chair, deciding to go down to the cafeteria to refill it. His small slippers padded softly along the quiet hallway.

That's when he heard them,

Just outside the doctor's office, his parents stood with tense shoulders, voices low but heavy. Tenn froze, pressing Himself against the wall, his breath caught in his throat.

"No real improvement," the doctor said gravely. "His lungs are too fragile and stress seems to trigger the worst of his attacks. We'll need to keep him under observation much longer, and he'll require constant oxygen support at home."

Miyou's voice wavered. "How long..how long do we have to keep him here?"

"As long as it takes," the doctor replied gently. "I'll be honest—it's not just his body. Even emotional strain is dangerous for him. You must keep his spirits up, no matter what."

There was a silence, then Nishi asked, quieter, "and the bills..."

The doctor hesitated. "treatment, medicine, equipment...it won't be easy. I know it's a lot but Riku needs this. Without it--"

"Don't say it." Miyou whispered sharply, her voice breaking. Tenn's hands tightened around the empty cup. His chest felt too small for the weight pressing into it. He wanted to run, to cover his ears, but his legs wouldn't move. Finally, Nishi's voice came again, hushed and worn.

"We'll keep the theatre going. No matter how hard. We'll do anything for him"

Tenn blinked rapidly, forcing the tears back. He couldn't let anyone see. Not his mother, not his father and especially not Riku. When the footsteps echoed down the hall, he quickly straightened, walking past as though he had heard nothing—just a boy going to fetch water.