The morning sun streamed faintly into the dorm, but the air inside was heavier than usual. Riku sat by the window with his crutches leaning against the wall, staring at the world outside. His leg was bound in plaster, his arm wrapped tightly in a sling. The faint scratches on his face had already begun to heal, but the wound in his heart was far deeper.
The members moved around quietly, trying to keep things normal—cooking, chatting, playing but the silence around Riku was deafening.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Everyone froze for a moment before Nagi stood up and went to answer it. When he opened the door, two familiar figures were standing there.
"Excuse us for intruding," Mitsuhana said gently, her eyes soft as they scanned the dorm. Beside her, Natsuki offered a polite nod, carrying a small bag of fruits and medicine.
"Ah, guest?" Yamato raised a brow, exchanging a glance with the others.
"They are..." Tsumugi stepped in quickly, her smile composed. "Riku-san's family, his elder brother and sister."
The room stirred with surprise. Mitsuki nearly dropped the ladle in his hand. "eh??! Riku's family?"
Before Riku could stammer out a reply, Natsuki's sharp eyes narrowed. He stepped closer, crouching slightly to meet his brother's gaze. "Riku...you're warm," he said quietly, pressing the back of his hand to Riku's forehead. His brow furrowed. "you've got a fever."
"Huh?!" Mitsuki and Tamaki exclaimed at the same time. Sougo set down his cup, instantly attentive, while Yamato straightened in alam.
"I-I don't feel anything," Riku protested, his smile faltering as his cheeks flushed deeper. "It's just...probably from moving around too much--"
"Don't make excuses," Mitsuhana scolded softly, brushing her fingers against his temple. The worry in her eyes was unmistakable. "you didn't even notice your own fever? Honestly, Riku..."
Iori immediately moved, pulling out his phone. "I'll call Kazuya-sensei.."
"No!" Riku burst out, clutching his brother's sleeve with trembling fingers. His eyes were wide, pleading. "Please...not the hospital, not the kazuya-san right now. Just...let me rest here. Nee-san, Nii-san... could you just nurse me? Like before?"
For a moment, silence hung in the room—until Mitsuhana's lips curved into the faintest smile. Natsuki sighed, exasperated, but his expression softened.
"...you really haven't changed," Natsuki murmured, ruffling Riku's hair. "Always trying to look strong and then asking in the cutest way possible."
"Honestly," Mitsuhana added, shaking her head but warmly, "how can we say no when you make a face like that?"
Iori thumb hovered over his phone screen, but Mitsuhana gently lowered his hand. "you don't have to call, We'll take care of Riku." She said with calm smile.
"You should lay down in your bed right now," Natsuki added, his tone more commanding as he eased Riku toward the couch.
"But i--" Riku tried to protest, only for his brother's steady gaze to silence him. With a small sight, he obediently lay back, clutching the blanket Mitsuhana draped over him.
"I'll help with some porridge to make him eat," Mitsuki chimed in, already dashing toward the kitchen. "Riku always eats when I cook, right? Leave it to me!"
Tamaki crouched down beside the couch, puffing out his cheeks. "Guess I'll feed him if he refuse."
"Don't scare him, Tama," Yamato muttered, though there was a smile tugging at his lips. He glanced at Sougo, who had already moved to fetch a cool towel.
YOU ARE READING
'This is where we Part'
FanfictionSnow fell softly from the night sky, quiet and gentle, as if the world itself were holding its breath. The hill where the twins lay was blanketed in white, their small footprints already fading beneath the steady snowfall. Their parents had gone out...
