"I'm not leaving your side, even if you try to kick me out." The doctor checks Giyuu's IV fluids and vitals again, noting his temperature. "His fever is still high. We'll need to monitor it closely." Sanemi watches every movement, his protective instincts in full force.
"Can you give him something stronger for the fever? He's burning up." The doctor returns with test results. "It's definitely influenza, but it's a particularly severe strain. We'll need to keep him on antibiotics for at least five days." Sanemi nods seriously, taking mental notes of everything the doctor says. "And his breathing? It sounds really labored." The doctor explains with concern.
"His lungs are congested. We're giving him oxygen therapy through the mask right now." Sanemi looks at the oxygen mask on Giyuu's face, his expression darkening. "This is my fault. I should have noticed he was getting worse." The doctor places a reassuring hand on Sanemi's shoulder. "You couldn't have known. These things happen suddenly. What matters now is that he gets proper care." Sanemi nods, but his guilt is evident in his eyes as he watches Giyuu struggle to breathe.
"I'll make sure he gets everything he needs. I promise." Giyuu stirs slightly in his sleep, mumbling something incoherent. "Giyuu? Can you hear me?" Sanemi leans closer, his voice soft but urgent. "I'm right here. Just rest and focus on getting better." Giyuu's eyes flutter open briefly, unfocused and glassy.
"Sanemi...?" Sanemi squeezes his hand gently, trying to stay calm. "Yeah, it's me. Don't try to talk. You need to save your strength." Sanemi stays vigilantly by Giyuu's hospital bed, determined to nurse him back to health. Giyuu has been diagnosed with influenza, and his condition is critical. Sanemi blames himself for not noticing Giyuu's worsening state sooner.
Giyuu remains unconscious for most of the night, hooked up to oxygen and medication. Sanemi barely leaves his side, only stepping out briefly to use the bathroom or get coffee. As morning light filters through the hospital window, Giyuu's fever finally starts to break. His breathing becomes slightly less labored. Sanemi notices the improvement and feels a small flicker of hope.
"That's it, Giyuu. Keep fighting. You're getting better." The doctor checks on Giyuu's condition in the morning. "His fever is coming down. This is a good sign. We'll continue with the antibiotics and see how he responds." Sanemi listens intently, taking mental notes of every positive development. "When can he start eating? He needs to regain his strength." The doctor explains the food restrictions.
"For now, we'll have to keep him on clear liquids. Broth, juice, and such. His stomach needs to adjust first." Sanemi nods, already planning to personally make soup for Giyuu once he's cleared for solid foods. "I'll make sure he gets plenty of rest and fluids. And I'll cook something healthy for him when he can eat again." The day passes with Giyuu receiving medical attention and Sanemi monitoring his condition. Giyuu sleeps through most of it, occasionally waking up briefly.
Sanemi uses this time to research flu symptoms, taking mental notes of everything he should watch for. As evening approaches, Giyuu's color starts to improve slightly. His skin looks less pale and clammy. Sanemi watches these small changes with relief, though he remains vigilant and concerned. "The doctor said his vitals are improving. Just hang in there, Giyuu. You're doing great." Giyuu stirs again, this time managing to keep his eyes open for longer than before.
"Sanemi... water..."Sanemi quickly grabs a cup with ice chips from the bedside table. "Here, small sips. Don't rush it." He gently holds the cup to Giyuu's lips, helping him drink. Giyuu manages a few sips before falling back against his pillows, exhausted from the effort. "Thanks... my throat... hurts." Sanemi's expression softens with concern and relief at hearing Giyuu speak.
"You're welcome. I'll get you more ice chips later. Just rest now." The door bursts open suddenly as their friends - Shinobu, Tengen, Obanai, and Mitsuri - rush in, clearly worried about Giyuu's condition. "We heard what happened!" Sanemi quickly stands up, putting himself between them and Giyuu's bed.
"Shhh! Keep it down. He just woke up for a moment." The group quiets down, moving closer with concerned expressions. "How is he? We brought some get-well gifts." Shinobu holds up a basket of fruits and small trinkets. "He needs rest, not all this noise." Sanemi's protective nature flares up as he tries to keep everyone calm and quiet. Mitsuri whispers loudly.
"We'll be quiet! We just wanted to see him. Is he going to be okay?" Sanemi sighs, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"He's getting better, but he's still really weak. Just... don't crowd around him." Obanai steps forward with unusual seriousness. "We'll keep our distance. But we're here to help too. Whatever he needs." Tengen nods in agreement, his usually boisterous demeanor subdued.
"Yeah, we'll take shifts sitting with him when you need a break, Sanemi." Sanemi looks surprised but grateful at their offer. "Thanks, guys. That... would actually be helpful." Shinobu smiles softly, placing the basket on a nearby table. "We'll work out the schedule. You look like you could use some rest yourself." Mitsuri suddenly bursts into tears, unable to contain her emotions any longer.
"I'm so worried about him! He looks so small and pale..." Tengen puts a comforting arm around her shoulders while the others exchange concerned glances. "Hey, hey, it's okay. The doctor said he's responding well to treatment." Sanemi awkwardly tries to console Mitsuri, who's now sobbing quietly.
"Listen, I know it's tough to see him like this. But he's strong. He'll pull through." Shinobu hands Mitsuri a tissue from her pocket. "We should all try to stay positive. That's what Giyuu would want." Mitsuri wipes her tears, nodding through her sniffles. "You're right... I'm sorry for crying. I just hate seeing him suffer." Obanai speaks up in his characteristic quiet voice.
"We'll be here for him. All of us." The nurse enters the room, looking stern.
"Visiting hours are almost over. Mr. Tomioka needs to rest now." Sanemi gestures toward the door, relieved for the intervention. "You heard her. Giyuu needs peace and quiet. Come back tomorrow when he's feeling a bit better." The others reluctantly file out, with Mitsuri blowing one last kiss toward Giyuu's bed.
Sanemi waits until they're gone before sitting back down beside Giyuu, his expression showing both exhaustion and determination. "Finally, some peace. Those guys are loud even when they try to be quiet." Sanemi leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss to Giyuu's forehead. "Get better soon, idiot. I'm not used to this whole caretaker thing." He settles back into his chair, watching over Giyuu with a mix of tenderness and his usual gruffness.