[One Shot] Shelter, Part 2
“Hayato! Long time no see!” Take said, eagerly to his friend. Hayato sat on his usual spot and looked at the three of them.
“Ma~ it’s good to be back here ne~?” He smiled again. Tsuchi observed his actions and certainly, Take was right. Something is different. The way he entered, acted and smiled. It seemed so scripted.
“Not to be rude Hayato… and certainly, I don’t want to be punched. So I’m doing this in a polite way. Is there anything wrong?” Tsuchi looked at him as the elder chuckled.
“Nothing’s wrong baka.” He coughed and looked at the other two who was looking at him in a weird way.
“Ma~ okay… I guess I really can’t fool you three. Just promise me you won’t tell Ryu about this.” They laughed and Hayato gave them a straight face.
“I was being serious about it.”
“Well, whatever you’re going to say, we have to tell it to him.” Take said. Hayato snickered.
“As if Ryu cares about me.”
Silence.
“Do-does he?” Hayato looked at them and they nodded.
“Oh.”
“So c’mon. Tell us already ‘coz I have to go in a while.” Hyuuga said as he looked at his watch. Hayato gulped and looked down, his hands at his hair.
“I have uhm…cancer.”
Silence.
“Guys?” The three laughed in chorus.
“You’ve got to be kidding, Hayato.”
“Yeah, geez you made me go here just to tell that lame joke of yours?”
“Do you really think I’m kidding? Well, I’m not. I asked you three to come here ‘coz I know I won’t stay long enough in this world.” Hayato stood up, clenched his fist and looked at the three again. “Plus I don’t have Ryu here to make me feel better! All I have is you guys who thinks that I am always a joke even if I’m not!” He stormed out of the café leaving the three in shock.
“We have to call Ryu.” Take got his phone and dialed Ryu’s number.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After three weeks, Hayato was sent to Tokyo General Hospital for his treatment. He didn’t let his Oyaji or Ototo go with him as he was being treated, he didn’t want them to see him suffer badly. Every time he was asked to sit in the chair, he made sure he placed Ryu’s picture by his side so that when ever it stings, he just needs to look at it and it’ll go away. But he always wished that he were there, in front of him, taking care of him and cheering him up. If only he was there. He’ll be able to die peacefully.
“Yabuki-san…Here’s your bonnet. You’re ototo gave it, he asked me if you were okay, I told him you were perfectly fine.” The nurse smiled as she gave the bonnet to Hayato. He mumbled a soft “Thank you” and smiled.
“Is there anything more you want?” she asked.
“Everything’s fine. Thank you.” He wore his bonnet, which perfectly fit his head.
“Okay then. Your dinner would be the usual. I hope you’re still into it.” She laughed slightly making Hayato chuckle as well.
“Well, I have to eat it even if I don’t want to. Oyaji will go insane if I don’t.” Even if he asked the nurses and the doctors to not let any of his family members inside his room, he always had them in his mind and heart. Thinking of them everyday when he gets homesick.
“Ah~ right. Okay, I have to go now Yabuki-san. See you again, tomorrow morning.” The nurse bowed and left his room. He was now alone once again. Nothing new really, he started getting used to it already since he’s been in and out of the hospital for quite sometime.
He heard screams from outside, telling a person to stop. Hayato thought it was just another patient, trying to pull his/her IV off of his/her hand. He’s used to it now, Again, nothing new to him. He closed his eyes and tried to drift off to his dreamland but his eyes opened again when he heard the door open and close with a big slam and click. Hayato sighed; it must be his brother again, having his emotional break down.
“Taku, I told you… You can’t do anything b---” A gift stopped him from talking. He recognized the hand in front of him. He slowly looked at the person it was Ryu.
“R-Ryu… Ho-how di-di---” Hayato stuttered as he looked at Ryu who had his straight face. “Of course, there’s Take.” He carefully placed his small gift at Hayato’s chest and sat at the chair beside the hospital bed.
“What’s this for?” Hayato asked.
“You. How stupid can you get, Hayato? You’re still the same.” Ryu said bitterly.
“No, I mean…why?”
“I’ve observed this hospital for quite some time already, I saw your brother every now and then. But it seems like you told the people in charge that you don’t want to see them. Some of the nurses said you have a heart that is as hard as a rock. Well, I thought you just lost your mind and all but then again, I thought you just don’t want them to see you like this. As for the gift…well…it’s for you. Since I missed 5 years of your birthday…I’m repaying it by visiting you and giving it every time you undergo your chemotherapy session.” Even until now, Ryu was still the same. He has a hard look outside but soft heart inside. It gave Hayato a pleasant feeling about choosing the right friend.
“Can I open it already?” Hayato asked, eagerly. He never felt happy in a while now.
“Sure. It’s yours anyways.” Ryu got the television remote and clicked it open. Hayato removed the ribbon slowly, plastering a smile as he was close to opening the gift Ryu gave him.
“It’s a simple thing. I don’t know if you’ll like it.” Ryu said as he flipped the channels. Hayato removed the gift wrapper and opened the small box, revealing a necklace with a cross on it. Hayato wasn’t expecting anything like it, but since Ryu gave it he treasured it like any other gift.
“Thanks Ryu, I like it.” Hayato smiled.
“Glad to know.” Hayato sat up and wore the necklace. He wasn’t a Catholic or a Christian but he always believed that there is a God who takes care of him, especially in his case right now. He glanced at his side; Ryu was leaning on the leather chair, eyes closed, sleeping silently.
It’s been a month already that Ryu was still with him, giving gifts like bonnets, ring and food.
Just call my name,
Let me be an answer.
'Coz it hurts me to see you this way.
I wanna ease your pain.
Help me understand.
Let me be your shelter, my friend.
Hayato winced in pain while he moved to his other side. Ryu quickly went up to him and held his hand.
“If you can’t take the pain just grasp my hand, it’s okay.” He said. Hayato followed him and take a hold of it until the pain vanished.
“I can’t take it anymore Ryu…” Hayato breathed. Ryu closed his eyes and sat at the rim of the table, still holding onto Hayato’s hand.
“You have to, Hayato. Remember…you’re strong. You can do it.” He said as he opened his eyes.
“I wish I can…” Hayato chuckled softly, removing his hand from Ryu’s. “I should take a nap first…you should to.” He continued.
“I will…later.” Ryu responded and Hayato drifted to sleep. He went out of the room, stopped as he saw Hayato’s dad in front of him.
“Ah. Ryu. Since when have you been here? Is Hayato okay?” The old man asked.
“I’ve been here a month ago. I just visited him now, well it was a bad timing, he’s asleep.” He lied, hoping the old man will believe him.
“Oh. Ma~ Taku said I should visit him today, since he has to study for his entrance exam tomorrow.” Ryu nodded,
“Well, didn’t any of the nurses stop you from entering Hayato’s room?” Ryu asked.
“Hmm… there was one. Why?”
“They told me Hayato doesn’t want to see us…so I guess we should go.” Ryu held the elder man’s arm and he pulled back, looking at Ryu in a weird way.
“I missed my son, so I have the privilege going to his room.” He said. Ryu, looked away and sighed.
“He doesn’t want me to tell you this but… he doesn’t want you guys to see him like this. I’ve been taking care of him and I know he’s getting better every week. Just wait for a few more days, he’ll be the same.” Hayato’s dad looked at Ryu, gave the bento he has and placed his hand on Ryu’s shoulder.
“I know I can trust you Ryu. Thank you for being there at Hayato’s side for us.” He smiled and walked away. Ryu was puzzled as Hayato’s dad said those words. He felt so weird but at the same time he felt thankful that the man accepted him to take care of his son, especially at his state.
It was not too long ago…
You sought to understand,
You helped me mend.
Remember when…
“Ryu…” Hayato called softly and the man went up to him.
“What is it Hayato?” Ryu tried to sound sweet but he just can’t, it doesn’t fit him. He fixed the elder’s comforter and smiled.
“Aren’t you getting tired of taking care of me?” he asked. Ryu looked at him for a few seconds before he answered, “Of course I am. But I can’t leave you, I promised to take care of you.”
“Why?” Hayato looked away. “You said that too, before. When we’re in high school. But you didn’t.”
“Baka, I did. You’re the one who didn’t notice it. I was always on your side when you beat people’s ass.”
“But that----”
“I was always with you, pretending that I don’t care about your stupid dumb plans, but I truly do. Don’t you get it Hayato, whenever you get hurt during fights, I get hurt too because I’m always by your side.” Hearing those things made Hayato tear up a little. He didn’t really get the point why Ryu was always with him up to the point they get beaten up badly and get arrested then getting scold afterwards. I guess that’s how Ryu loves people. He sticks to them through good times and bad times.
“Now, do you get me?” Ryu continued.
“Hm. I do.” Hayato smiled. He surely felt a lot better after hearing what Ryu said to him.
A few months passed and Hayato’s condition was getting better than ever, the doctor said that if he keeps it up, he could go home already. Besides, there is only one treatment left for him.
“Heard that Hayato? You can go home already!” Ryu exclaimed and Hayato nodded. Ryu noticed the elder’s reaction and went up to him.
“What’s wrong?” Ryu sat on the end of the hospital bed and took Hayato’s hand, caressing it gently.
“So you’re leaving me again?” Hayato asked. “After 2 months being here with me, you’re leaving again?” he continued. Ryu gave a chuckle and said, “C’mon. I’m not gonna leave anymore. I called my dad a month ago, told him that I have to accomplish something here and he agreed.”
“Are you sure that’s you’re dad?” Hayato didn’t believe him. Who will? Ryu’s strict father agreeing to his son’s request…that’s once in a blue moon and it happened!
“Of course it’s my dad. Who will I ask but him?” Hayato nodded, “Sou~ okay. It was your dad. Then I’m glad you’re gonna stay here…with us.” He smiled.
So you'll promise me you'll
Call my name.
Let me be an answer.
'Coz it hurts me to see you this way.
I wanna ease your pain.
Help me understand.
Let me be your shelter, my friend.
After the last session of Hayato’s therapy, he was finally dismissed from the hospital. Still with Ryu by his side, he still have his self called pride that Ryu is staying because of him, not because of his own things to take care of as he told his dad.
“Ah~ finally you’re home already!” Hayato’s dad hugged him tightly as they entered Hayato’s house.
“Aniki, you’re back!” Taku exclaimed and ran to his aniki to hug him as well. Ryu placed Hayato’s bag down and smiled when he saw the view in front of him.
Touching sight… Ryu said in his head as he straightened his clothes so that he’ll look presentable.
“Uwa~ Ryu-nii you’re here!” Taku exclaimed yet again and it made Ryu chuckle.
“Of course he’s here baka, he was the one who took care of me.” Hayato said and went to him, placing an arm around his shoulder.
“Ah~ so you’re the one responsible making Aniki feel better ne?” Taku smiled “Arigatou Ryu-nii.” And bowed down low.
“Really, you don’t have to thank me Taku. I was there just there to give him positive vibes and he did the rest, right Hayato?” He looked at his best friend and smiled.
“Yeah, but its really because of you, Ryu.” A/N: I wasn't planning to end it like this, but I don't know how to put it anymore. So there. How was it? It sucks right? Anyhow, comment please. :)