"Oh, by the way," Shiro Sakamaki said, pausing near the hospital room door. "One of your classmates is waiting outside. If you're okay with it, should I let her in?"
Tomoya Aki thought for a moment, then gave a slow nod. "Yeah… sure."
Shiro leaned out and called softly, "Kato, it's fine—come on in."
Megumi Kato stepped into the ward, holding a bouquet of flowers and a small basket of fruit—the result of a modest donation from their classmates. Tomoya had always been the eccentric one in class, a bit of a loner, more often avoided than approached. But when news of his accident spread, even those who barely knew him were moved enough to show concern.
She placed the gifts beside the bed without saying much at first, her expression calm and composed, as always.
"Tomoya Aki," she said finally, "everyone was worried when they heard what happened. I hope you recover soon and can come back to class."
Tomoya's eyes narrowed slightly in recognition. This was the girl from that day—the one he'd seen on the hill, the one he'd called his "heroine" in his heart. He'd been so sure of it.
But back then, she hadn't been alone. She'd been laughing with Shiro Sakamaki, looking so at ease in his company. That wasn't part of the plan.
Originally, he'd just wanted a small incident—a moment of "fate." Maybe a minor crash to spark sympathy, an excuse to enter her world.
But then the brakes actually failed. And Shiro Sakamaki had reacted faster than expected, shielding Megumi and taking the full force of the truck's impact himself.
Now here they were—together again. Visiting him. Tomoya felt bitterness rise in his throat, but he masked it with a practiced smile.
"You said… classmates?" he asked, feigning surprise. "So we're in the same class?"
Megumi tilted her head slightly. "Yes. Though we haven't talked before, we've sat next to each other all semester."
Tomoya tried to summon the memory, but came up empty. Apart from the image of her standing on that hill, his mind was blank.
"Sorry," he said with a sheepish chuckle. "Maybe the accident scrambled my brain a little. I really don't remember."
"You don't have to apologize," Megumi said calmly. "I've never had much presence, even in elementary school. Once, my family went on vacation and forgot I wasn't in the car."
Tomoya forced a chuckle, but Megumi continued, her tone softening, "Anyway, it looks like you're recovering well. I'll let the teacher know. We won't stay long and interrupt your rest."
Before he could respond, she turned and gently tugged Shiro's sleeve, motioning toward the door.
Tomoya watched them go, the smile melting off his face the moment the door shut. His eyes darkened, glowing faintly red as his breathing quickened.
"Why…" he muttered.
"Why…?!"
He slammed his fist against the wall. Cracks spiderwebbed instantly from the point of impact.
"Why is it always him? He wasn't even supposed to be there. It should've been me beside her…!"
"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be like this. He ruined everything. He stole her."
His voice dropped to a whisper, trembling with rage. "I'll kill him. I swear, I'll kill Shiro Sakamaki…"
---
Outside the hospital, Shiro glanced at Megumi, a bit puzzled by her quiet urgency.
"You rushed out like there's a monster behind us," he joked lightly.
Megumi hesitated, then said quietly, "I don't know… Standing in front of Tomoya Aki, I felt uneasy. Like something was wrong."
"Wrong?" Shiro asked, raising an eyebrow.
She frowned slightly, searching for the right words. "It felt like he wasn't looking at me, but… like he was looking through me. No, more like—" she hesitated, "—like I was food."
Shiro's expression froze for a split second. She really noticed that much...?
He shook his head and forced a small smile. "I didn't feel anything off. He looked a bit irritable, but he's recovering well. Still… better safe than sorry. If he makes you uncomfortable, keep your distance."
Megumi nodded. "I will."
Shiro smiled. "Now, since it's a rare day off, would the elegant Miss Kato do me the honor of helping me pick up some daily necessities?"
Megumi tilted her head playfully, lips curling just slightly. "If you insist, I suppose I can spare you some mercy."
"Heh, much appreciated."
---
Soon, they were weaving through the lively crowds of Ginza.
Once the most expensive shopping district in Asia, Ginza still held its charm—luxury boutiques, glimmering storefronts, and a dazzling variety of high-end goods lined the streets. But Shiro wasn't interested in fashion today. He had a simple plan: spend time with Megumi Kato.
She, on the other hand, took the errand seriously. When Shiro gave her a list of what he needed, she thoughtfully compared quality, price, and functionality, even considering layout ideas for his apartment.
Initially, she suggested cost-effective combinations, but Shiro waved that off. "Get the best. Don't worry about the price."
With that green light, Megumi switched gears. For the first time in a while, she allowed herself the freedom to indulge, curating the perfect balance of style and utility—regardless of cost.
At one point, she stopped briefly, drawn to a simple but elegant dress in a boutique window. Her fingers brushed the price tag, and her expression shifted. A moment later, she turned away without a word.
But Shiro had noticed.
He quietly walked up to the counter, sized her up with a glance, and pointed to the dress. "Wrap that one for me—size… yeah, that."
The sales clerk nodded knowingly, a grin tugging at his lips. "Excellent choice. She'll love it."
Shiro gave a small, secretive smile but said nothing.
---
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