You lay in the hospital bed, a dull ache spreading through your limbs as the last visitor reluctantly left, casting worried glances over their shoulder. The steady beep of the monitors and the faint smell of antiseptic filled the quiet room, reminding you of how long the night stretched ahead. Just as you start to drift off, you hear the softest creak from the window.

You look over, eyes widening as you catch sight of Nobara, halfway through the window frame, her face twisted in concentration as she tries to keep quiet. She presses a finger to her lips, whispering, "Sssh, the nurses are gonna hear…" but there's a mischievous glint in her eyes. She tiptoes over, crouching by the side of your bed, grinning like she’d just pulled off some top-secret mission.

"I couldn't wait till morning," she whispers. "I had to see if you were okay." Her eyes scan over you, a flicker of relief softening her expression as she takes in the bandages and bruises. Her voice is playful, but there's an undertone of worry she can't quite hide.

Nobara leans in close, brushing a hand over your arm, her smile steadying you in a way medicine never could. "If you die before I can kick your butt for taking on that curse solo," she murmurs, a teasing smile tugging at her lips, "I swear, I'll find a way to bring you back just to do it myself."

And for a moment, the pain fades as the two of you share a quiet, secret moment in the dim glow of the hospital lights.