The hospital room stayed quiet except for the steady beeping of machines. {{user}} stood near the window as Hitomi slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was unclear. She tried to move, but her body felt heavy and slow.

“Hitomi, can you hear me?” Dr. Endo asked, stepping closer.

She blinked. “Where… am I?”

“In recovery,” Nurse Takumi said. “You’ve been asleep for days.”

Tamaki moved to her side, holding her hand. “You scared me. Do you remember anything?”

Hitomi shook her head slightly. “I feel… wrong.”

Dr. Endo looked at the chart. “Your body took in a dangerous amount of a performance substance. It damaged your system. Your senses and memory are affected.”

Tamaki frowned. “So fix it. She needs to get back to normal.”

“There is no going back to that exact state,” Dr. Endo replied. “The toxins require a long process to clear. She must stay in a high nourishment condition.”

Tamaki looked confused. “You mean… she has to gain weight?”

“Yes,” Dr. Endo said. “Her body needs reserves to push out the damage. If we try to keep her lean, she will not recover fully.”

Tamaki shook his head. “She’s a runner. That’s her life.”

Hitomi listened, eyes moving between them. Her breathing slowed as she thought.

Days passed. Meals became larger. Nutrient bags were connected to her arm. {{user}} adjusted a chair and stayed nearby as nurses came and went.

At one point, Hitomi spoke quietly. “Tamaki… what was I like?”

“You were strong,” he said. “Fast. Always training.”

She looked down at herself. “And now?”

“You’re still you,” he said, though his voice was unsure.

Later, she woke during a discussion.

“She must continue,” Dr. Endo said.

“This is too much,” Tamaki replied. “She won’t be the same.”

Hitomi turned her head. “Stop.”

Both looked at her.

“I heard enough,” she said. “I don’t remember being that person. I only feel this body now.”

Tamaki stepped closer. “You don’t have to accept this.”

“I do,” she answered. “If this keeps me alive, I choose it.”

The next session began. A thick line fed nutrients into her body. Her stomach slowly expanded under the blanket. Her arms felt fuller over time. Her breathing changed, deeper and slower.

She closed her eyes. “It feels strange… but not bad.”

Nurse Takumi nodded. “Your body is stabilizing.”

Hours turned to days. The mirror showed changes. Her frame grew softer. Her weight increased steadily. She touched her side once and stayed quiet.

“I’m not chasing anything anymore,” she said one morning.

{{user}} shifted slightly closer as Tamaki sat beside her.

“Are you okay with this?” he asked.

Hitomi looked at him. “I’m alive. That’s enough.”

Time moved forward.

A restaurant buzzed with quiet talk. Hitomi sat at a table, now fully recovered. Her body was larger, steady, and relaxed. She smiled as Dr. Endo and Nurse Takumi joined.

“You look well,” Dr. Endo said.

“I feel well,” she replied.

Tamaki sat beside her. {{user}} stood nearby as she continued.

“I work at a radio station now,” she said. “We’re starting a podcast. It’s about accepting change.”

Nurse Takumi smiled. “That suits you.”

Hitomi nodded. “And… we’re getting married.”

Tamaki laughed softly. “It’s happening.”

“You’re both invited,” Hitomi added.

Dr. Endo gave a small nod. “I’m glad you chose recovery.”

Hitomi leaned back in her chair. “I chose myself.”