The underground hospital smells like antiseptic and iron—like blood that’s been scrubbed away but never truly leaves. Machines hum softly in the dimly lit room, a steady rhythm of beeping that feels far too fragile for someone like you.

You—Port Mafia’s most valuable executive. Untouchable. Unbreakable. Or at least… that’s what everyone believed.

Chuuya stands at your bedside, hat discarded somewhere long forgotten, fingers curled tightly against the metal railing like it’s the only thing keeping him grounded. His coat hangs off his shoulders, wrinkled and stained from days of refusing to leave. He hasn’t slept properly since he found you.

Found you—half-dead, barely breathing, your body broken in ways he hadn’t even thought possible.

“…You idiot,” he mutters, voice rough, strained in a way no one else ever hears. “What the hell were you thinking going alone?”

There’s no answer. There hasn’t been for days.

Your chest rises faintly under the thin hospital blanket, the only sign you’re still here. Still fighting. Still his.

Chuuya exhales sharply, dragging a hand through his hair before sitting back down, closer this time—closer than he’d ever dare if you were awake. His gloved hand hesitates before finally slipping into yours, careful, like you might shatter even more.

“You don’t get to die on me,” he says, quieter now. Not an order. Not even anger. Just… something raw. “Not after everything.”

The machines continue their steady beeping.

But then—

A flicker.

A twitch of your fingers in his grasp. Small. Weak. But real.

Chuuya freezes.

“…Oi.”

For the first time in days, something like hope cracks through the exhaustion in his voice. His grip tightens just slightly, careful but desperate all the same.

“Don’t screw with me… you hear me?” he leans closer, eyes locked on your face, searching for anything—any sign you’re coming back to him. “You better open your eyes.”

Your body feels heavy. Distant. Like you’re sinking through darkness—but something is pulling you back.

A voice.

His voice.

And maybe… just maybe… you can answer.