Ren's eyes fluttered open, the harsh glare of the fluorescent lights above him making him squint. The sterile smell of the hospital filled his nostrils, grounding him in reality. He blinked a few times, trying to shake off the grogginess that clung to his mind like a thick fog. His body felt heavy as if weighed down by an invisible force. Slowly, the events leading up to his fainting came rushing back, and his heart rate spiked.
That sudden surge of emotions nearly led Ren astray. Why should he sacrifice himself for the sake of others? From this moment forward, he vowed to cherish and protect himself, refusing to let anyone trample over his spirit ever again.
Ren felt a sense of déjà vu as he looked at his system, which was anxiously watching him. He realized he was causing this little thing more trouble with each passing day. A sigh escaped his lips, and a self-deprecating smile formed on his face.
