SAI SHINU
Ah… does she want to hold my hand?
For a moment, I froze. She seemed to be asleep, but… should I?
I hesitated. My hand hovered in the air, torn between doubt and longing. Finally, I slipped it under the blanket, my fingers brushing hers before gently holding on.
Her hand was so much smaller than mine—cold, almost fragile. Or maybe mine were just too warm. I couldn't tell.
Minutes passed. Slowly, her hand grew warmer against mine. And with every bit of warmth, I felt the distance between us shrinking, as if our hearts were quietly meeting in the silence.
Then, softly, I heard it.
"Hi."
The voice startled me from my thoughts. I turned quickly—her eyes were open, shining, watching me.
"Hi…" My voice came out low, awkward. "How are you now?"
She raised our joined hands slightly, her cheeks flushed. "Are you sure we should do this?"
"I mean…" My words caught in my throat. I had no idea what to say.
She looked down, her voice faint, colored by embarrassment. "I just don't want… misunderstandings."
"Me neither. But… misunderstandings with who?" I asked gently.
"If you had a girlfriend…" she whispered, "…this wouldn't be appropriate."
A strange laugh slipped out of me—part nervous, part too honest. "No. It's fine. I'm alone." I said it with a confidence that felt ridiculous, but true. I let our hands part, awkwardly pulling away.
But then—
"No. Please… continue." She caught my hand again, holding it firmly this time, her eyes locked with mine.
I swallowed. "Are you sure? I'm worried about your father…"
She shook her head, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "It'll be fine. He won't find out."
"…I hope so, but—"
A knock at the door cut me off. A voice called, asking permission to enter.
I stood quickly, turning to her. "Yes—I'll open it."
But before I reached the door, I leaned close, my hand pressing gently against her back. Her breath caught as our faces drew dangerously close.
"We'll meet tonight," I whispered. "Under the hospital. Nine o'clock. That way… we'll have plenty of time to talk. Got it?"
Her whole face turned red, but she nodded. "Y-yes."
I eased her back onto the bed before stepping away, but she grabbed my hand once more.
"You're the patient," she said firmly, though her cheeks were still glowing. "Lie down."
I gave in, sitting back on the bed as she went to open the door.
A moment later, she returned with a man in hospital uniform. His calm eyes gave away his role before she even spoke.
"This is my father's private assistant," she explained.
I straightened, respectful. "Nice to meet you, sir."
He waved a hand dismissively. "No need for formalities. How are you, Sai?"
"I'm good. I feel fine, si—" I paused, embarrassed. "Forgive me… I don't know your name."
The man smiled faintly, almost relieved. "That's very good to hear. And yes… let me introduce myself. My name is—"