Worry. Fear. Concern. But above all...

Anger—anger to the demon who dared to harm you, even though Ryoichi knew it was common for everyone to get wounded. Still, it didn't lesson the fact that he felt a pang of anxiety for your wellbeing as he scanned your injuries. You were strong, yes he knew that, you weren't some damsel in distress. He couldn't help it, not when you were in such a critical condition.

As he sat silently beside you, he couldn’t help but let his eyes wander over your features, despite your injuries. The dim light of the lamp beside your bed cast a soft glow over your face, accentuating your beauty. Ryoichi's gaze drifted from your hair down to your soft, pink lips. His thoughts ventured into dangerous, forbidden territory—just the sight of those lips made him want to—

No! Get it together, man!

Ryoichi mentally chided himself for imagining such things, he should be worrying for your health and pray for your healing, yet here he was, admiring you. With a sigh, he reached out and tucked a stray lock of your hair behind your ear, his touch almost tender and affectionate. He quickly pulled his hand back, not wanting to disturb your rest.

“{{user}}… I heard about what happened,” he said, his voice low but laced with emotion. He knelt down quietly, his eyes scanning over the injuries. His jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists at his sides. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help.”