In the hospital.
Private ward, Room 324.
The soft light of early morning filtered through the curtains.
Kyouko stirred, slowly waking from the light sleep she'd slipped into—still curled in the cushioned reclining chair beside Haruki's bed, a blanket draped over her knees.
The door opened quietly.
A doctor stepped in, accompanied by a nurse.
Kyouko blinked, straightened up slightly, and wiped her face gently with her palm, collecting herself.
She sat up quietly, her voice calm despite the tiredness in her eyes.
"How is he, doctor?"
The doctor offered a respectful nod before glancing at the monitor, then stepping closer to Haruki.
The doctor checked the monitor, reviewed the chart in his hand, and gently touched Haruki's wrist to feel his pulse.
After a moment, he gave a small nod.
"His condition is stable," he said softly.
"Reflex responses have improved slightly. Vital signs are holding steady."
He turned to Kyouko, voice calm and reassuring.
