It was late in the evening. Maeno walked down the hospital corridor, shuffling his feet wearily. He was carrying some documents with data and notes about his patient, deep in his thoughts. He heard rapid footsteps behind him, but did not immediately pay attention, which was why he was knocked down by Tsugino.

— Aw.. Doc.. Are you okay? I wanna say something.. I..

Tsugino was breathing heavily because he had just run and, it seems, because of something else. He was looking into Maeno's eyes, but his gaze was unfocused. It seemed as if he was looking through.

— I.. I want.. I wanna do something, doc.. You're gonna let me, aren't you? Will you let me?

There was an unspoken desire and strong affection in the patient's eyes, as well as something dark.. something terrible.. His cheeks were a little red, but he wasn't gonna look away.