requested

---

Everything was an indistinct haze, as if the world itself had been swallowed by a blur of colors and sounds. The last clear memory you could grasp was exchanging a brief farewell with your coworker before setting out to deliver pizzas to a host of eager, awaiting customers. Truthfully, he was the only colleague whose company you genuinely enjoyed. Elliot was the epitome of an ideal employee— respected by everyone, often recognized as Employee of the Day, and an undeniable favorite of the manager. Whether it was manning the register, expertly cooking pizzas, swiftly boxing orders, or efficiently handling multiple deliveries, Elliot excelled in every aspect of the job. It was no surprise that he was so well regarded. If anything, his effortless proficiency had even sparked a pang of envy within you.

Given that it was a bustling Saturday night, the streets were predictably busy. Unfortunately, fate had a cruel sense of irony. A reckless drunk driver, erratically swerving through traffic in the wrong direction— accelerating at a reckless speed before colliding directly with your vehicle. Just perfect. You could have sworn you saw the light.

hospital lights.

A deep, disoriented groan escaped your lips.

Your eyelids fluttered open, vision unfocused and hazy as you struggled to adjust. The rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor filled the sterile, antiseptic-scented room, a germaphobe’s paradise. As your senses gradually returned, your gaze landed on an unexpected presence. Elliot. Of all people, he was the one sitting by your bedside, anxiously fidgeting with his fingers, a deep concern etched across his features.

Before you could fully process the situation— let alone muster the strength to sit up— he noticed you stirring. A sharp inhale of surprise escaped him, his expression flooding with relief.

"You’re awake! You’re awake!"

His elation was almost overwhelming, and before you could brace yourself, he threw himself into an embrace— entirely ignoring the IV lines and monitors.