The second day that Harue got admitted to the hospital, he got some new visitors that entered the room to check on him.
They were members of the drama club, the club that Harue was in. He expected them to arrive here because he knew of their good nature.
Well, not all members were here, nevertheless, it brought a smile to Harue.
Alongside those members were Kouki and Kana. In all, they were all students from the same school. It was kind of strange for him to see his friends all wear their school uniform and blazers while he is the only one not.
Maybe it was the side effect of coming to school every day, or maybe he is unusually embarrassed that they got to see him in a patient's attire.
Either way, he shrugged off that feeling and viewed all of his visitors. In total, there are 6 people, including Kana and Kouki.
"Everyone. Good afternoon."
Harue faced his visitors with a welcoming attitude. The visitors too greeted Harue by bowing slightly to him. Well, except Kana, Kouki and two of the new visitor did not bow.
Seemingly, two of the new visitors are third years. One of the third year is a girl who has pale brown long hair that reached just below her shoulder. Her brown eyes fell on Harue's bandage around his head and initiated the conversation.
"Harue-kun, how is your head?"
"It is just a minor concussion, Paro-san."
"And what about your knee? I heard from Kouki-kun that you have injured your knee as well."
"It still hurts when I move it a little so I guess it is going to take time for a full recovery."
The 3rd year girl, Chiziwa Paro, was befuddled. She paused as she stared at Harue before she asked another major question.
"...What exactly happened?"
Harue did not find it difficult to narrate his whole story of what led to his injured state. He calmly explained and even gave the detailed situation he was in, as if he was telling a kid's tale.
If only that was the case.
The more Harue talked, the more grim the listeners' expression got. Even Kouki and Kana, who had not yet heard of Harue's side of the incident, were clearly shocked. But Kana tried to hide her uneasiness yet Harue could perceive the discomfort she felt.
"And a Hero, wearing a blue futuristic kind of outfit saved us from them."
Harue did not mention the female Hero, Trista, because he did not know that she was also there rescuing Yuna. He thought that Haze did all the job. By the time Trista showed herself, he was unconscious.
Yuna stared at Harue narrating the whole event in his perspective. She could not help but notice how unperturbed he was when describing the details even she did not see.
".....That was really hell. Harue-senpai, weren't you scared?"
The one that worriedly spoke to Harue besides Paro was a girl named Kinugasa Hishimi. She had medium-length black hair with a ponytail. She was decent-looking, slim and wore a red spectacles.
"I still am. Whenever I even thought about yesterday, I would get chills."
"Is that so...?" Hishimi was kind of confused as to how Harue replied to her.
"That was a rather stupid question, Hishimi-san."
"What did you say you cute-looking bastard!?"
In retaliation, Hishimi erupted an annoyed scream at the patient called Harue. Harue sneered cutely and appreciated her remark.
"Thank you for your compliment."
"That wasn't one!"
Yuna and a boy wryly held her as if she wanted to pounce on Harue and bury her claws into his chest.
"Calm down Hishimi-san! This is a hospital!"
"Do I look like I care!?"
Yuna's attempt to calm her down was fruitless.
Nevertheless, a nurse who was close to the commotion put a stop to Hishini's tantrum. She felt apologetic to the nurse as she realized the big disturbance she was causing to the patients.
While Hishimi was being politely scolded by the nurse, Harue let out small chuckles that Hishimi could hear.
"Looks like she does care."
He only did that to make Hishimi more annoyed and it succeeded. But this time, she endured it until the nurse finished talking with her.
Watching all of this, excluding Hishimi, all of the visitors for the day felt less grim and more relieved. The heavy atmosphere was alleviated thanks to Harue's and Hishimi's fight.
Hishimi has calmed down and returned her sight to Harue.
"That was not a stupid question Harue-senpai. The way you were telling us your situation without even being flustered or bothered just nags my mind."
Harue wore a smile to Hishimi and presented an answer to her questions.
"Then did you want me to revive every second of the emotions that I felt when I was in there as a hostage?"
"....." She kept quiet. Not only Hishimi, but everyone else was listening quietly to Harue.
He was not being rude or irritated by Hishimi but instead, he talked to her calmly and with a friendly tone.
"What is the point of remembering bad times? They should be discarded from our mind, right?"
"....I...somehow agree."
"See? Now, do you want me to answer any of your stupid questions?"
"Oi!! What did you say?"
A vein popped on Hishimi's forehead and bared her fangs at Harue. He was visualizing Hishimi as a stray cat when she was this angry.
"Alright now stop your little fight."
Paro intervened Hishimi and tried to change the topic.
Hishimi was compelled to stop but Harue secretly teased her by sticking his tongue out annoyingly. Even though Paro did not notice, their little fight continued in clandestine.
Paro resumed talking to Harue about school and their club. Harue is in the drama club so his unhealthy condition affected the club.
He was in charge of the attires. It is a major role that few could take it and few would want to maintain.
Yet, his fellow club members did not mention any of that matter. All of them present here, prioritised his well being. In his mind, Harue was waiting for them to mention the club's matter and he was still waiting.
He was glad when he waited.
"By the way, where is Seita-kun and Daisuke-kun?"
"Ah, those two boys are trying to recruit the freshmen into our clubs. Seita-kun would have no problem ensnaring a good number of the freshmen in but....."
".....Hmm?"
Paro averted her sight from Harue and spoke in a troubled tone.
"Daisuke-kun's face will be the problem."
"Oh well, don't fret over such a trivial matter."
"That is not a trivial matter."
Harue was not exactly worried about a thing that Paro said since he did not think it was that serious. So he tried to fend the matter off.
Yuna stepped into the conversation, diverting the flow into a different direction.
"Paro-Senpai, don't you think that you are being too rude towards Daisuke-kun."
"That was not what I meant, Yuna-chan."
Hishimi backed Yuna and berated Paro as a chance to retaliate from the embarrassment she felt from fighting Harue.
"Yea Paro-chan! Daisuke-kun is a major member of the drama club, yet you are insulting him."
"What did you say!?"
Hishimi hid behind Yuna as Paro got her hunter-like eyes befell on her. But Paro is not like Hishimi. She composed herself and ignored Hishimi's teasing. She would not want to cause another commotion in this room.
Hishimi, although she is a 2nd year, she treats all of her upperclassmen like she is in the same year. Cheerful and short-tempered, she is easily teased.
"Well well, don't worry Paro-san."
In a reassuring tone, Harue caught Paro and everyone else's attention.
"Daisuke-kun is one of the nicest guys in our club. So if people misunderstand by judging only his appearance, then aren't they better off away from us?"
Everyone was surprised but they totally agree with what Harue said.
"You have a point Harue-kun but sometimes, can't you use better words?"
"Hmm? I did though."
"Forget it." Paro was in disbelief and rapidly got over the slight negative emotion.
"Harue-senpai. Aren't you going to ask about.....Kagome-san?"
To that, Harue sighed exasperatingly as he stared at Yuna for asking that question. All of the members of the drama club mood changed and Kana and Kouki could feel the atmosphere.
"Is there any point for me to?"
".....I guess not. Sorry for asking that, Senpai."
Kouki kind of understood the situation but Kana was oblivious to it. Since she does not know and does not want to get involved, she stayed quiet. Even Kouki did the same.
Hurriedly, Harue let the conversation flow another way.
"Anyway, I'm going to stay here for about a week. So expect to see me in the school uniform on next week."
"We hope that you will get well soon."
Every other club members nodded along Paro's words.
Just then, the other 3rd year, a boy who was the new visitor opened his mouth.
"Harue-kun, we.....are in the same class this year."
It was a slight low voice but Harue heard what he said loud and clear.
"Are we? That's good to hear. At least one club member is going to be in my class."
"Yes. I'm just informing you that you don't have to worry about the topics we will cover during the week. I'll copy it."
"Oh, you don't have to do it Ike-kun. Just focus on your studies."
"It is the least that I can do to help in your time of needs."
".....Thank you."
He took Ike's offer. Although Harue did not like that he was indirectly affecting Ike's studies, the courage it took for him to say it was admirable.
Higashiyama Ike is a silent person. He rarely talks with people. Maybe it is because he is bad at communicating with people or maybe he is too shy to make a move at socializing.
He had a lone wolf vibe to him as he is like unapproachable.
But in the drama club, he is different.
"Shall we get going then?"
"Yes."
The new visitors for the day decided that it was time for them to return home. It was going to be dark soon so they took the opportunity to walk home before night falls.
"Bye."
Harue waved them back and he was only left with Kouki and Kana.
"How is school going for you?"
"You sound like an old hag."
".....Are you making friends with that polite attitude?"
Kouki snuck a suppressed laugh while hearing their small interaction. And seeing Harue's unbothered face towards Kana somehow made it funnier for Kouki.
"I'm guessing you did not make one?"
Kana swept a glance elsewhere from Harue.
"These things take time..."
He sighed at her response.
"Well, don't force yourself. Take it slowly and be patient."
"....."
She indifferently stared at her brother. Kouki looked at them with a smile.
"Kouki."
Hearing his name come out of his best friend's mouth, he immediately veered his head towards Harue.
"Watch over her at school."
"No problem."
Kana intervened as he glanced at Kouki and squinted her eyes with annoyance.
"What is this? You are going to be my stalker now?"
"More like a bodyguard."
"Don't you come close to me at school or I'm going to slap you hard in front of everyone."
"Point is noted."
"Tsk! You are not going back down huh."
"Your brother's order is mine to fulfil."
He displayed a bow as if he was in an ancient era. Harue approved of that behaviour of his, showing how much he respects his order. Only Kana was disturbed by this.
"What a slave."
She muttered as she side glanced Kouki.
Kouki took a look at his watch and informed those two that it is late. Harue understood and asked Kouki to do one last favour.
Accompany Kana to his house.
Well, Kana was insistent on how she was not a kid anymore but Harue was more stubborn. They were about to leave and Harue gave a last warning.
"Don't you dare leave her until you reached home."
"Roger that Harue."
Kouki saluted to Harue and Harue accepted his respect lavishly by doing the same action.
In between those two military posers, Kana was getting irritated and turned to the door while beckoning Kouki to exit.
As they were leaving, those two started talking and Harue could only catch the start of their conversation.
"Kou-nii, why are you always following his orders?"
"Hahaha.....It's a secret."
After that, all he could hear was the inaudible noise that became low in volume.
Harue was jealous.
Kana referring to Kouki as Kou-nii. He thought that was not fair!!!
Shortening his name to 'Kou' and adding 'nii' at the end. According to Harue, this was blasphemy!!
To Harue, Kana does not refer to him as Harue-nii. Hell, she does not even get the gender right. The envy he felt could not be described to him right now.
His thoughts were on Kouki who received such privilege.
Kouki knew Kana when Harue first brought Kouki home. It was difficult for Kouki to communicate with Kana at first but as time goes, they were better at least.
And now, they are close to siblings!!!
Interrupting his jealousy that almost peaked, a new visitor came into the room and approached Harue.
"Nee-chan? Are you alright?"
"Yes...I am."
She was panting. Exhausted, Akane took some breath to stabilise her heart rate. She sat to a stool next to the bed.
"Did you come running here?"
"You know...Visiting hours are nearly ending so I guess I had.....to run from where I was..."
"Take your time."
Akane took his advice. Harue waited for a few seconds before she calmly looked at Harue.
"So? What led you to do such action."
"Umm, it's my job. Yesterday, I did not inform my boss that I was stopping midway since I....."
"Since you directly rushed to the shopping mall when you heard of me being a hostage?"
"...Well, that's how it is. So I had to complete yesterday's tasks and today's as well."
*Sigh*
Well, Harue could not rebuke and scold her since she did some rash actions because she was extremely worried about him.
"Take care of yourself more."
"I always put that thought in my mind."
"But you don't exactly follow it. So I am worried. Do you want me to be worried?"
"...No."
"Then worry about yourself."
She gave up on continuing.
Harue changed the topic by asking for the things that he wanted. Akane pulled some cloth with different types of colours, a needle and strings.
"Sorry for the trouble Nee-chan."
"Don't mind it."
After they have chatted for another few minutes, a nurse came and informed Akane that visiting hours are over.
Akane got off the stool and greeted off Harue as she left.
The sun was closer to the horizon and the bright yellow sun rays became more orange when it approaches night.
Harue touched the bandage on his head. He also moved his left leg, specifically his knee for some movement. There was less pain so that was good news.
He just wants that there will not be any complications that could emerge concerning his concussion.
He sighed and took a deep breath. He exhaled a good amount of carbon dioxide and side glanced the materials that Akane brought him.
"Well, at least I won't be bored tomorrow."
He laid back and look at the white ceiling.
He has to see that white ceiling for 5 more days if nothing out of the ordinary happens, and he hopes so.