Kazu lay in the infirmary bed, his body swathed in white bandages, each tender ache and dark bruise telling a silent story of the fierce battle he had recently endured. The room was enveloped in a tranquil silence, the only sound being the soft, rhythmic hum of the medical equipment that monitored his condition. He could feel the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him, settling deep into his bones like a heavy fog. As he drifted in and out of consciousness, caught between the realms of wakefulness and sleep, he heard the unmistakable sound of familiar footsteps approaching—a melody of comfort and reassurance that lifted his spirits.
The door swung open to reveal Hanzo, Daichi, and Unmei, each carrying support tokens to ease Kazu's recovery. Hanzo entered with a bright smile, a colourful assortment of sweets cradled in his arms. The delightful aroma of chocolates wafted through the air, some unwrapped and glimmering invitingly, ready to share. Daichi followed closely behind, bearing a pitcher of cool water and fresh towels, his face radiating calm concern as he surveyed Kazu's condition. Unmei brought up the rear, balancing a stack of books and magazines he had eagerly borrowed from the library, his intention clear—to keep Kazu entertained and engaged during his recovery.
"Hey, look who's awake!" Hanzo announced with a playful tone, carefully placing the sweets on the bedside table before settling beside Kazu. His eyes sparkled with mischief. "I thought you'd sleep right through our visit."
Kazu managed a weak but genuine smile, his heart warming at the sight of his friends. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, would I?"
"Here, let me get you some water," Daichi said, his voice soothing. He poured a glass of water, the liquid shimmering in the light, and handed it gently to Kazu. He watched attentively as Kazu took slow, deliberate sips, ensuring that he was comfortable before finally taking a seat nearby.
Unmei, who had perched himself at the foot of the bed, offered Kazu a reassuring smile that radiated warmth. "You're incredibly lucky that Daichi was there to heal you after that fight. Otherwise, it could have turned out a lot worse." His eyes sparkled with admiration for Daichi's skills.
Kazu nodded a wave of gratitude washing over him. "Yeah… I owe Daichi big time for that one. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Daichi offered a modest smile, brushing off the praise. "No need to thank me. We're a team, and I couldn't just stand by and let you get hurt. We all have each other's backs."
As they settled in, the atmosphere lightened, and they spent the morning together, exchanging stories, reliving past adventures, and sharing warm laughter. Hanzo, ever the entertainer, regaled them with colourful tales from his past escapades, embellishing them with outrageous exaggerations that pulled hearty laughs from everyone present. He made sure to hand Kazu a chocolate now and then, convincing him that sweets were an essential part of the healing process.
"Eat up, Kazu," Hanzo said playfully, giving him a cheeky wink. "They say sugar's great for recovery. And let me tell you, if you don't get better soon, I'll have no choice but to eat all of these myself. It would be a tragedy!"
Kazu chuckled softly, taking a chocolate from Hanzo's hand. "I don't doubt it, Hanzo. You'd devour every sweet in this infirmary if you had the chance. Just make sure to leave some for me!" The warmth of his friends' presence surrounded him, filling the room with laughter and love while bolstering Kazu's spirits as he began the slow journey to recovery.
As the day unfolded, Kazu felt his spirits gradually lifting, buoyed by the unwavering care and companionship of his friends. The sun streamed through the window, casting a warm, golden light in the room, enhancing the sense of comfort that enveloped him. Daichi, ever attentive, periodically checked on his injuries, his brow furrowed with concern. He adjusted Kazu's blankets and made sure that his bandages were secure, all the while offering gentle words of reassurance that his wounds were healing well.
Unmei, with his infectious enthusiasm, kept the atmosphere lively by engaging Kazu in conversation. He produced a collection of books he'd brought along, each one carefully selected to spark Kazu's interest. "How about I read a bit from this one?" Unmei suggested, holding up a book with a colourful cover. Whenever Kazu's eyelids grew heavy, threatening to drift into sleep, Unmei's voice would rise gently, reading aloud with expressive inflexions that brought the characters to life.
It was a serene day, yet it was punctuated by warmth, laughter, and the unspoken bond that tied them together as more than mere teammates. The presence of his friends wrapped around Kazu like a comforting cloak, making him feel valued and supported, especially as he wrestled with the lingering pain of his sister's indifference—a wound that seemed harder to heal than the ones on his body.
"Thanks for staying," Kazu murmured, his voice thick with gratitude as he glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of each of his friends. "You have no idea how much this means to me." His lips curled into a small, sincere smile, one that underscored the deep appreciation swelling within him.
Hanzo, with his trademark warmth, clapped him gently on the shoulder, his face breaking into a bright smile that seemed to light up the room. "Don't mention it. That's what friends are for, right?" His tone was casual, but the sincerity in his eyes conveyed a deeper promise of loyalty and support.
Daichi nodded, his expression softening as he added, "We're here for you, Kazu. Just focus on getting better, and we'll take care of everything else." The sincerity of his words echoed in the air, reinforcing the strength of their friendship—a bond that had been forged in triumphs and trials alike.
Unmei, ever the motivator, wore a reassuring grin that radiated positivity. "And besides, you're going to need your strength if we're going to keep up with the next mission. There's no way we're going without you." His enthusiasm was infectious, and it momentarily pulled Kazu's mind away from his worries about his injuries.
At that moment, Kazu's heart swelled with gratitude and affection, the kindness of his friends acting as a healing balm for the ache that had settled in his chest since his return. For the first time in days, he felt a release—a letting go of the hurt and frustration that had weighed him down. As they sat together, enveloped in lively conversation and bursts of laughter, Kazu realized he was surrounded by souls who genuinely cared for him, who saw him for who he truly was, and accepted him—injuries, burdens, and all. The knowledge of their unwavering support filled him with hope and renewed strength, a reminder that even in his darkest moments, he was never truly alone.