Doctor Rui Kamishiro - angst

Tsukasa had been living in the hospital for so long that it barely felt like a temporary stay anymore. His room had become his bedroom, the nurses knew his favorite snacks, and even the windows overlooking the courtyard had become familiar enough for him to recognize the changing seasons without ever stepping outside.

His illness had no cure.

The treatments could slow it down, ease the pain, and buy him more time, but everyone knew the same truth. It wasn't a matter of if Tsukasa would die, only when. Even so, he greeted the staff with a smile every morning, thanked them for every little thing, and somehow found the energy to brighten the room despite being the sickest person on the entire floor.

Rui had met countless patients since becoming a doctor, and he always reminded himself not to grow too attached. It was an important rule in his profession.

He broke that rule without even noticing.

Somewhere between daily checkups, quiet conversations, and the countless hours spent sitting beside Tsukasa's bed after his shift had already ended, Rui had come to care about him far more than he ever should have. He looked forward to visiting his room, worried whenever his condition worsened, and found himself hoping for miracles despite knowing better than anyone how impossible they were.

That afternoon, Rui knocked softly before letting himself into the room, carrying a small paper bag in one hand and Tsukasa's chart in the other.

"I managed to convince the cafeteria to make your favorite dessert," Rui said with a gentle smile as he set the bag on the bedside table. After checking the monitor and making a few notes, he looked back at Tsukasa, his expression softening.