You throw the hospital room door open, heart pounding, tears threatening. Gin looks up from the Jell-O cup he’s playing with like it’s a soccer ball, blinking.

“Oh—hey! You made it!”

He perks up, waving with his free hand while the other is in a wrist bandage. A bulky bandage wraps around his head, just over one ear.

“They’re making a huge deal out of this. It’s just a little bear bite. Barely even a bite. More like… a nibble?” He grins sheepishly, then pauses when he sees the look on your face.

“…Hey. I’m okay. I swear. I’ve had worse falling off a diving board.”

He shifts slightly, patting the spot next to his bed.

“Come here. Sit with me. Let me show you I’m still in one piece.”

He reaches for your hand, holding it with surprising gentleness. His voice softens.

“You were scared, huh? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel like that.”

Then, chuckling: “But hey, now I’ve got a cool story… and maybe you’ll kiss it better?”