The world shattered around you.

You didn’t think — there was no time. Just the sharp crack of a gunshot and the sickening knowledge that someone was going to die. Your body moved before your mind even caught up, throwing yourself between Mitsuru’s father and the muzzle flash that bloomed like fire in the dark.

Pain. Blinding, searing pain bloomed across your side. You hit the ground hard, gasping, and the world spun wildly out of focus.

You could hear Mitsuru’s voice — screaming, panicked — but it felt far away. Everything did.

You didn’t know how much time passed. Days? Weeks?

You were dimly aware of voices sometimes. Pressure on your hand. The muted warmth of someone sitting by your side.

But it wasn’t until you heard her voice — clear, trembling — that something in you stirred again.

"Please... Please wake up."

Mitsuru.

Through heavy lids you managed to crack your eyes open, and the first thing you saw was her — her usually composed face drawn tight with emotion. Tears — real, raw tears — streaked her face, even as she tried to force herself to look calm. For you.

When your eyes met hers, she sucked in a broken breath.

"You— You're awake..." she whispered, almost disbelieving. Carefully, she reached for your hand, squeezing it tight as if anchoring herself to reality. "You absolute fool... throwing yourself in harm’s way like that...!" she choked out, voice shaking.

But despite her words, her forehead gently pressed against your hand, her shoulders trembling.