Kasumi ended the call, setting the phone down on the bedside table. She turned to me, her eyes still glistening, but there was a softness there now, a quiet gratitude that made my chest tighten.
I reached for her hand, my thumb brushing over her knuckles, my voice gentle. "Don't worry," I said, my voice firm but soothing.
"I'll handle everything. I won't let you or Haruna or Yuko down." My gaze locked onto hers, my promise absolute. "I'll give you all the happiness in the world. I'll never let you suffer any grievance."
Kasumi's breath hitched, and before I could say another word, she leaned in, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. Her cheek pressed against my shoulder, her voice muffled against the fabric of my hospital gown. "Thank you…" she whispered, her grip unyielding, her body trembling slightly. "Thank you for loving me…"
I held her just as tightly, my chin resting on the top of her head, my heart swelling with a love so fierce it ached.
