Several days later.
The hospital hallway was quiet, the polished floors reflecting the soft morning light.
Kyouko arrived early, just like she had every day.
She stood near the ICU doors, eyes fixed on the small window.
Waiting.
Her hands were gently clasped in front of her, but her fingers kept fidgeting.
The moment the clock struck visiting time.
She stepped forward, heart racing, hope quietly blooming in her chest.
But when she entered the ICU room.
She froze.
The bed was empty.
No Haruki.
No machines.
No nurse nearby.
Just silence.
Her heart dropped.
Panic surged through her.
She turned and rushed out, heels echoing down the corridor as she hurried to the nurse's station.
"Where's Haruki!?" she gasped.
"Where is he!?"
The nurse at the counter looked up in surprise.
"Ma'am—please, calm down!"
"Tell me where he is!" Kyouko's voice trembled.
Her eyes were already welling up.
The nurse quickly checked the chart.
