"Well, Milas pushed me-"
"I knew it!" Venti got up
"That fucke-" Kuni started but was interrupted b y the teacher,
"Okay Aether, it's time to go and Kuni please take care of him." The teacher rushed them out as the ambulance was already waiting for them. Aether stuffed the rest of the food in his mouth as he followed both Kuni and teacher Ghanni behind.
The ride to hospital was eventless, they checked into the hospital and Aether was given a bed in an extremely crowded room. It would've been fine if it weren't for the fact that people were sneezing and coughing left and right, looking at that Kuni briefly excused himself as he left to get some snacks for Aether and himself.
By the time he returned, Aether was already in a VIP room waiting for him. The doctors already informed Kuni that they have checked Aether for any internal injuries and he is in clear but unfortunately, he has a minor concussion so it is better for Aether to stay in hospital for a day and two so that they can monitor him closely.
"Now that's better," Kuni commented as he entered the room with a shopping bag full of snacks, fruit and drinks. He softly closed the door behind him and went down to sit beside Aethers bed, setting the food aside on the table as he took a bite out of red apple, "You want some?"
Aether shook his head before commenting "Why did the university suddenly give me this room? Last time I checked, they were stingy."
"Probably because you were a victim of assault from a student," Kuni took the last bite from the poor little apple before tossing the pit to the bin, "Now where was I? Oh yeah that fucker Milas, so what were you saying?" he got up from his chair and sat directly on the bed, closer to Aether, piercing his eyes onto Aethers.
"Uhh so," Aether nervously bit his lip.
"Look Aether," Kuni held Aether hands gently, messaging it softly "Dont be nervous, whatever that fucker threatened or did to you, just tell me without worries. You trust me right."
Aether smiled gently at him, he looked like an Angel but the bandages on his head and hands were a reminder that he was nothing but human, fragile. It sparked such a fierce protectiveness in Kuni that it felt almost suffocating.
"I trust you of course, I already told everything to the teachers so of course i should tell you too." Aether squeezed Kunis hand before he continued, "Milas called me over to a side as we were looking for the flags," Aether sighed "I obviously didn't suspect anything so I followed him around and didn't notice we were actually a bit far from the other two. Then he told me I should not lead anyone, how it's wrong and I should repent for my sins. And before I could register what he even meant by any of this, something struck my head. Honestly, the force was quite a lot and I think I almost fainted then and there but I do remember being pushed and falling and yeah, I blanked out. I have no idea what happened after that."
"Wow, so he signed his death sentence not only by hurting you but then also pushing you off the cliff," Kuni fumed as he squeezed Aethers hand.
"Can you stop that?" Aether scolded Kuni, "The teachers will take care of it and I don't want you getting in any trouble because of this!" Aether forced himself upright, but the moment he did, a surge of dizziness crashed over him, and he gripped his head with a grimace.
"Okay, okay," Kuni said quickly, rising to his feet, worry etched across his face. "Just lay down, we'll stop talking about that crap. You're right, the teachers will handle it." His voice softened as he carefully helped Aether lie back down, brushing the hair from his eyes with tenderness.
Aether narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced, and let out a quiet huff. "Promise?" he murmured, holding out his pinky.
Kuni rolled his eyes, but the tension in his chest didn't ease until he laid down beside him. Without a word, he gently grasped Aether's whole hand, then slowly lowered their hands, intertwining their fingers in a tender, lingering grip. His thumb brushed over Aether's knuckles, slow and deliberate.
Resting his head on his other hand, Kuni looked down at Aether with a softness he rarely let anyone see, eyes searching his face like he was memorizing every detail. Fuck Kuni was so in love that it scared him "Does your head hurt alot?" he whispered, voice barely above a breath.
"You didn't reply to my question. How stubborn can you be" Aether pouted.
"Oh my god Aether you are just as stubborn if not more." Kuni laughed softly, the sound laced with amusement. He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Aether's bandaged forehead, his lips lingering for just a second longer than necessary.
"Kuni…" Aether breathed, voice barely a whisper.
Kuni didn't answer. Instead, he kissed the tip of Aether's nose, then moved to his right cheek… then his left. Each touch was slow, deliberate, almost reverent.
"You—" Aether started but Kuni silenced him by leaning in and kissing him fully, deeply, with a tenderness that said everything he hadn't dared speak aloud.
Aether's breath hitched as Kuni kissed him, the world narrowing down to the warmth of Kuni's lips and the steady beat of his heart. The kiss wasn't rushed, it was slow, meaningful, threaded with a thousand unsaid things. When Kuni finally pulled back, just enough to rest his forehead against Aether's, their noses brushing, he didn't open his eyes.
Silence settled over them, not heavy, but full, charged with everything they felt and everything they were too afraid to say outright.
Outside, the world kept moving, but here, in this quiet, fragile moment, it was just the two of them.
—------------------------------------------
Aether slowly opened his eyes to the gentle sensation of fingers threading through his hair.
"Finally up, sleepyhead?" Kuni said softly, still twirling a lock of Aether's hair around his finger and then he gently leaned in to plant a soft kiss on Aethers forehead. Kuni's gaze was so gentle and he looked at Aether so fondly that flustered, Aether quickly covered his face with his hands, trying to hide the blush that was definitely there. His heart was beating so fast and loud he was afraid Kuni could hear it, it was a familiar feeling. His own realization made him more embarrassed and he let out a tiny groan of despair as he pulled the blanket over his head, retreating deeper into the covers like it could shield him from his own emotions.
"…Aether?" he said softly, reaching out to rest a hand on the blanket. "Hey, are you still sleepy?"
Aether pulled the covers tighter around himself and squeaked,
"No, just tired."
"Okay, rest some more then."
Kuni adjusted the blankets around Aether carefully, making sure he was warm and comfortable. Then, without another word, Kuni settled beside him, silent and steady, watching over him with quiet devotion, completely unaware of the chaos raging under those blankets.