Identical Memories (An OHSHC Fanfic) [Completed]

Chapter Twenty-Five

A/N: I'm keeping a running tally of how many times I get distracted while writing this.

IIIII IIIII II

Eri

I hated the hospital.

Similar to Emi's opinion on the wretched place, the hospital held far too dark memories for me to feel step inside without being forced. Although, I suppose my feelings about the place were already pretty obvious. I'll restart.

There was one, singular hospital I didn't hate.

The Ootori Research Hospital had somehow become an exception to the rule. Rather than dredging up feelings of hatred and fear, it'd somehow become a somewhat neutral existence for me. Which may not seem like much... but it was a vast improvement considering how I felt about the average hospital. This matter happened to be the sole reason that when Kyoya called me-- interrupting my completely against the rules invasion of Emi's room, she always hated when I admired her sketchbooks without permission, but hey, I was bored-- I didn't hesitate to drop everything and change into something appropriate for our weekly hospital visit.

Well, mostly appropriate.

Since our return from the beach, the chills I'd felt had yet to fade. I'd discreetly checked my temperature a few times over the week, but it'd steadily settled just above the average range. Nothing too concerning-- it wasn't abnormal for me to run a temperature for an extended period of time. Still, it was enough that instead of wearing a nice blouse like I may have otherwise done, I threw on a hoodie and jeans. I then snuck down the stairs and slipped out the side exit to avoid running into either of the boys. Seeing my brother or him would have most definitely ruined the decent mood I'd settled in despite how the occasional cough acted as a dampener.

Within minutes of my exit, Kyoya's car pulled up. It almost always seemed to be like this, it was as if he knew the exact moment to arrive. Shaking off the strange thought, I slipped into the car and offered Kyoya a greeting smile. In turn, he studied me with slightly pursed lips.

"I'm fine," I said before he could ask. "How was your morning?"

He shook his head and turned his gaze back where he had his laptop settled atop of his knees.

"Small talk?" Kyoya questioned.

"I prefer it to whatever you were thinking," I retorted.

His lips twisted up in just the smallest degree. Taking that as a confirmation of my change in subject, I fastened my seatbelt then leaned in closer as the vehicle started out onto the street.

"What are you working on?"

"Next month's budget."

"Oh... does Tamaki really spend that much on instant coffee?"

Kyoya nodded, his lips settled into a grim line. "Unfortunately."

I laughed and settled back, letting Kyoya focus on the budget. In turn, I focused my own attention on the world outside my window. The only real break to the calm silence that filled the air came as the driver informed us he would have to take a longer route in order to avoid a traffic jam. Given that we were always running just a bit ahead of schedule, it didn't matter all that much. I preferred it, honestly, the moment I realized that this new path took us towards the outskirts of the city, giving a clear view of the mountains that laid beyond all the buildings.

Even this escaped my attention when the vehicle passed a bookstore showing a large, colorful poster with the names Ono Fuyumi and Yukito Ayatsuji. Without thought, I pushed myself up in my seat, attempting to catch a glimpse of the times on the poster even after we'd traveled too far down the street for me to really see any of it. Kyoya, obviously noting my unusual behavior, cocked a brow when I reluctantly settled back down with a huff of annoyance.