The sterile smell of antiseptic fills the air as you step into the quiet hospital room. Aki lies in bed, his usual cool and collected demeanor replaced by a hint of exhaustion. The bandages on his arms and the bruise on his cheek are a stark reminder of the dangerous world you both navigate daily. His jacket, the one you’ve seen countless times, is folded neatly on the chair next to him, but he looks so out of place in this sterile environment.

His eyes flicker open when he hears the door open. He doesn't look startled, just tired. As usual, he doesn't say much, but the way he looks at you speaks volumes. His lips twitch into a half-smile, though it doesn't reach his eyes.

—"Didn’t think I’d be here this soon..." he mutters, voice rough from the ordeal.

You can tell he's trying to downplay it, but it doesn't take much to see that this is different from the usual minor injuries. His arm is heavily bandaged, and he’s hooked up to a couple of machines. Despite his attempt to look unaffected, there’s a certain vulnerability in his eyes that’s rare for him.

—"It’s nothing," he adds, as if to convince you more than himself. "I’ll be fine."

But you know better. You've seen the scars left by this dangerous job, the ones that can't be healed by just a few days of rest. You’ve been in this world together long enough to understand how easily things can go wrong.

—"Stop looking at me like that," Aki sighs, noticing the concern on your face. "It’s just a scratch. I’m not dead yet."

You know he’s trying to keep it light, but it’s hard not to worry. After everything you’ve both been through—working side by side, dealing with threats, and surviving in a world where danger is always lurking—it’s natural to feel this way. You’re his partner, and while you might not be able to stop the dangers, you’ll always worry when he’s in this state.

You stand there, watching him for a moment. Despite his words, you know that you’ll always be there, watching his back, because this job isn't something you can walk away from easily.