In the morning, sunlight slanted through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow on Misaki and Kenta, who were quietly paying attention to the lesson. The teacher’s voice echoed through the room as they diligently took notes, occasionally whispering to each other.
“Should we go to the hospital again after school?” Kenta whispered.
“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.” Misaki nodded. “When we went yesterday, Zero Two looked really tired. I want to bring something to cheer them up today.”
“What do you think we should bring? Snacks, drinks… or maybe a sketchbook or something?”
“Since Hiro is still recovering, snacks might not be the best. How about something to help him relax, like a magazine or a simple puzzle book?”
Kenta nodded. “We could also ask the others if they want to chip in for a little gift.”
Their conversation, though quiet, was filled with deep care and friendship. As the bell rang for the next class, they quickly finished taking notes and prepared for the upcoming lesson.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, the atmosphere in the room was much lighter compared to the previous days.
Hiro lay quietly in his hospital bed, still weak but looking much better than yesterday. His eyes were clearer, no longer distant. Zero Two sat by his bed, carefully peeling an apple for him.
“You look so much better today,” Zero Two said, smiling as she cut the apple into small pieces. “Darling, you look more like your old self.”
“I think so too…” Hiro’s voice was weak but filled with a smile. “It’s probably because you’ve been by my side the whole time.”
Zero Two handed him the fork, speaking softly. “Of course, I told you I wouldn’t leave you.”
At that moment, the nurse entered to do a routine check. She looked at the monitor data and gently took Hiro’s temperature and blood pressure.
“Your condition has improved a lot,” the nurse said with a smile. “You still need plenty of rest, but you can get up and move around a bit today.”
“That’s great!” Zero Two’s face lit up with joy as she turned to Hiro. “Darling, how about I push you outside for some fresh air?”
“Yeah… that sounds nice.” Hiro raised his hand, still not very nimble, but at least he had regained some strength.
Zero Two carefully helped Hiro into a wheelchair, draping a blanket over his legs, and slowly pushed him out of the room. The hospital corridor was quiet and pristine, with small green plants growing by the windows. The sunlight streamed through, warming the floor and creating a comforting atmosphere.
“The sunlight here reminds me of the grass field we used to have back at Mistilteinn,” Zero Two said softly.
“Yeah… it feels nice,” Hiro gazed out the window, his expression gentle. “Thank you, Zero Two.”
“Don’t mention it, taking care of you is only natural,” Zero Two pouted but her face was full of tenderness.
She wheeled him to a small balcony and adjusted his position so he could see the distant blue sky and drifting clouds. The two of them sat in quiet contentment, basking in the peaceful moment and the warmth of the sun.
“When you get better, we’ll draw a picture of the blue sky together,” Zero Two said, looking at him with expectant eyes.
Hiro nodded, a small smile curling on his lips. “Okay, and you’ll teach me how to draw, right?”
“Of course,” she winked, grinning. “But you’ll probably still mess it up, Darling.”
Hiro blushed slightly and muttered, “I’ll practice, I promise…”
They shared a smile, and the sunlight seemed to add a golden warmth to their peaceful time together.
The bell for school dismissal rang on time. Misaki and Kenta grabbed their bags, walking and chatting about the gifts they had just bought.
“I think this puzzle book should be good. I heard Hiro used to really like solving things like this,” Kenta said, shaking the paper bag in his hand.
“Yeah, and I picked out a light-hearted manga. Hopefully, it’ll cheer him up a bit. Zero Two will probably read it with him too,” Misaki smiled as she replied.
They arrived at the hospital with a few other classmates, pushing open the door to the room where Zero Two was sitting by the bed, and Hiro was resting with his pillow, gazing out the window at the setting sun.
“Hey, we’re here!” Kenta waved as he entered. Misaki followed closely behind, with several other classmates carrying gifts.
“Wow, so many people…” Hiro said, surprised but pleased.
“You look much better today, huh?” Misaki approached the bed, noticing the healthy flush on his face.
“Yeah, I’m feeling better, thanks for coming to see me,” Hiro smiled politely.
“We brought some small gifts too!” Kenta opened the paper bag and pulled out the puzzle book and manga.
“You’re all too kind…” Hiro said, touched, as he took the gifts.
Zero Two sat nearby, watching the classmates who were concerned about Hiro, a faint smile appearing on her face.
“I can tell Zero Two has been taking good care of you,” Misaki whispered, glancing at her.
“Of course, I’m his nurse and guardian angel,” Zero Two puffed out her chest proudly.
“Here we go again—this couple is as sweet as ever!” Kenta teased.
“Not again… you guys!” Hiro waved his hands in embarrassment, his ears turning red.
Laughter filled the room, and the atmosphere was warm and light. Just then, the doctor knocked and entered with a report, a relaxed smile on his face.
“Hello, everyone. It’s quite lively in here today,” he greeted, then walked over to the bed. “I just reviewed Hiro’s stats, and his recovery is faster than expected.”
“Really?” Zero Two stood up immediately, her eyes filled with anticipation.
“Yes. If he doesn’t show any signs of fever or weakness in the next two days, we can consider discharging him the day after tomorrow. But he still needs to be monitored, and after discharge, he’ll need time to rest.”
“That’s great!” Misaki and Kenta sighed in relief, and the other classmates cheered.
“Thank you, doctor,” Hiro said gratefully.
The doctor nodded, leaving a final note: “Make sure to rest well, and call if you need anything,” before exiting the room.
They chatted for a while longer, until the evening sky darkened, and reluctantly said their goodbyes, planning to return to pick Hiro up when he was discharged.
Zero Two saw them off at the door, then returned to the room where she found Hiro looking at the puzzle book on the table, smiling.
“Everyone is so nice,” Hiro said softly.
“Yeah, but I’m still the closest caregiver,” Zero Two shook her finger as she walked back to his side. “So, Darling, remember to thank me first.”
“I know,” Hiro smiled and nodded.
As night fell, the soft lights of the room filled the space. The laughter and care from the day wrapped around them like a warm blanket, quietly comforting them.
To be Continued…
