Chapter Text
Alarm Clock
Hey
Hey
god damn it
Call started
Call ended
How the heck are you still asleep I woke you up when I head out
Sorry, was busy drawing
Alarm Clock
Uh huh... Anyways, I need to ask you a favour.
Fuck off
Alarm Clock
No I'm being serious right now
Akiyama is sick
Touya and I had to help them to the infirmary
they couldn't walk straight
WHAWTAe HApefaW
Alarm Clock
Calm down. Akiyama isn't dying.
Sorry. It's just...
Alarm Clock
I understand, just listen to what I have to say.
Yes, yes explain please
Now school is over and we have to head out
but apparently there's a issue with Akiyama or smth
they're still at the Infirmary, idk the deets.
can you come to school early and check if Akiyama is ok?
on my way.
🎀
Mizuki had never felt this miserable. At least physically.
Their body was practically on fire the moment they woke up. Their head hurt like someone was bashing it in with a rock, and their limbs felt weighed down, as though someone had swapped Mizuki's bones with lead. A persistent chill crawled up their spine despite the heat radiating from their skin, and every breath scratched against their sore throat.
But Mizuki couldn’t skip school. Their attendance was already in shambles, and supplementary classes were scheduled today. With the consequences of their actions weighing heavily, tempered with nothing but painkillers, Mizuki’s day began.
By the time they stepped into the classroom, the headache had dulled slightly, and their cough fits subsided, enough for Mizuki to summon their usual cheerfulness. With sheer willpower and what felt like ten years shaved off their lifespan, they managed to act as usual. At least, as usual enough to not draw too much attention.
But as time passed, their body betrayed Mizuki more and more. Mizuki couldn't focus at all. The teacher’s words blurred into meaningless murmurs, and the writing on the blackboard were like scribbles by a 5 year old. At this point, Mizuki was fighting to just stay upright.
By the time the final bell rang, Mizuki was holding on by a thread. One moment, they were packing their bag; the next, they were waking up in the infirmary, staring at the sterile white ceiling.
"An unfamiliar ceiling..." Mizuki murmured. Their body felt like it had been wrung out and left to dry. The fire from earlier had simmered into a dull, aching heat that clung to their skin, and a faint throbbing remained in their temples.
The nurse noticed they were awake and came over, her face softening with concern. “You collapsed on your way out,” she explained gently. “Touya and Akito brought you here.”
Mizuki winced, guilt mingling with the discomfort in their chest. “I… I see,” they murmured, their voice rasping weakly.
The nurse offered a small, reassuring smile. “It’s alright. But we need to contact your parents to come pick you up. It's best for you to go home.”
Mizuki hesitated, staring at the phone on their table. After all... “They’re… in France,” Mizuki spoke, their voice barely above a whisper. “Visiting my sister.”
The nurse blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “France?” she repeated. After a pause, she sighed. “I see. That… complicates things.” She crouched slightly, resting a hand gently on Mizuki’s shoulder. “Alright, don’t worry about it for now. Just focus on resting,” the nurse said in a calm, reassuring tone. “I’ll speak with your homeroom teacher and see what we can do.”
Mizuki gave a weak nod, the effort making their head spin. “Okay,” they murmured, sinking deeper into the infirmary bed.
As the nurse left Mizuki to rest, silence enveloped the room, broken only by work ambience. Exhaustion wrapped Mizuki like a heavy blanket as their mind drifted aimlessly, and an all-too-familiar sense of isolation crept in.
What should I do? What should I say to N25? Would they worry about me? I hate making them worry …They closed their eyes, the faint hum of the infirmary lights blending with their thoughts.
Time blurred as Mizuki faded in and out of sleep. Dreams and reality intertwined, driven by fever and exhaustion.
At some point, Mizuki thought they heard a voice. It was soft and caring. It reminded Mizuki of their mother.
When Mizuki's eyes fluttered open, they saw Ena sitting beside their bed. Her hand was wrapped around theirs, warm and steady. Her head was bowed, her hair falling in loose strands that obscured her face. Mizuki couldn’t see her expression, but her presence alone was enough to calm the storm in their chest.
So this is what a fever dream feels like. I guess I should savour this moment of Dream-Ena holding my hand...
A soft sniffle broke the silence. It wasn’t theirs.
Ena? Mizuki’s chest tightened. Was she crying?
“Ena…” Mizuki rasped, their voice barely audible, their throat burning with the effort. Mizuki hated the thought of making Ena worry, even in a dream. Mizuki had already hurt her too much.
Mizuki wanted to tell Ena that they were fine, that she didn’t need to worry, but the words stuck in Mizuki's throat, too faint to reach her.
But Ena didn’t respond. Mizuki's feeble murmurs didn’t seem to reach her. Instead, Ena released her grasp to adjust the blanket over Mizuki’s shoulders. The motion was careful, an artist’s precision being used to its fullest not to disturb Mizuki. Her other hand rose to her face, and Mizuki caught the faintest glimpse of her rubbing at her eyes.
“Sorry, Mizuki,” Ena whispered, her voice thick with emotion Mizuki couldn’t quite decipher. Worry? Frustration? Sadness? All of the above? “My classes start soon… see you tommorow.”
Stay… Mizuki pleaded. It’s my dream, right? Can’t we stay like this, just a bit longer?
Those pleas did not materialise as their throat locked up. Mizuki tried to reach out, to stop her from leaving. But their body betrayed them, heavy and unresponsive. The warmth of Ena’s hand faded as sleep claimed Mizuki once more.
When Mizuki woke again, Ena wasn't beside them. Why would she be?
Mizuki couldn't tell if it was their illness or their desire that made it hurt so bad in their chest.
🎨
Ena couldn't focus at all during classes. How could she, when her crush... best friend was down and out? Thoughts about Mizuki was at the forefront even as Ena tried to take notes and focus.
Fifteen minutes after the night classes ended, Ena finally packed her bags and left the classroom. The room was long since deserted, her classmates' laughter and conversations fading into the halls. Ena was always one of the first to leave, so the unfamiliar silence weighed heavy.
At least Mizuki should be home by now, with their parents.
Ena clung to the thought as she descended the staircase, her shoes echoing in the stillness of the school. It was the only thing keeping her from rushing straight to the infirmary each recess. Mizuki would be resting comfortably at home, right?
However, as she reached the first floor, a familiar silhouette stopped Ena in her tracks.
“Mizuki?” Ena called out, squinting through the dim lighting. The lights in the corridor were mostly off, casting long shadows across the walls and floor.
The figure shifted slightly, and a strained voice answered. “...Ena? Is that you?”
Even though Mizuki’s voice was huskier and weaker than usual, the sound of it eased something in Ena’s chest. At least they were awake, though not entirely okay.
“Yes, it’s me,” Ena replied, hurrying closer to the pink-haired figure. “What are you still doing here, Mizuki? I thought you went home.”
“I, uh…” Mizuki faltered, their gaze darting away from Ena’s. “I was asleep.”
Ena stopped in front of Mizuki, tilting her head slightly. The way Mizuki avoided her eyes made it obvious that they were lying. It wasn’t even a convincing lie. It was as fragile as glass, Ena could see right through it.
“Mizuki,” she said softly but firmly, her brows furrowing. “I can tell there’s more to this than that. Please, tell me what’s really going on.”
Mizuki hesitated, their hands fidgeting with the hem of their sweater. Their voice dropped to a shy, almost guilty murmur. “I… My parents aren’t home today. They’re… abroad.”
Ena’s heart clenched. Abroad? She hadn’t expected that. A pang of frustration and worry swelled in her chest. So Mizuki's all alone?
“So the school decided to keep me in the infirmary for as long as possible,” Mizuki continued, their tone barely above a whisper.
Ena nodded slowly, piecing it together. “And since night classes are over, the school has to close. They can’t let you stay here overnight, can they?”
Mizuki shook their head. “No…”
Ena exhaled sharply, trying to keep her frustration from showing. “I see. So what’s your plan for tonight? What are you going to do?”
“Uhh…” Mizuki faltered again, unable to give Ena an answer.
Ena sighed, stepping closer and raising her hand to Mizuki’s forehead. She felt the lingering heat radiating from their skin. It was better than before, but still unnaturally warm.
“You still have a terrible fever,” Ena said, her voice softening despite her rising concern. “Do you have anyone to take care of you at home?”
“I…” Mizuki trailed off, their eyes falling to the floor.
Of course not. Ena bit her lip, a wave of frustration bubbling inside her.
Why are you like this, Mizuki? You’re so thoughtful when it comes to everyone else, but when it’s about you, you act like you don’t matter.
She wanted to shake them, to scold them, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Not when Mizuki looked so fragile, standing there with slumped shoulders and flushed cheeks.
Ena let out another sigh, this one quieter. “Look, Mizuki,” she began, her voice gentler now. “You’re sick. You don’t have to worry about anything right now, okay? Just focus on getting better.”
Mizuki didn’t respond, their silence speaking louder than words. Ena clenched her fists briefly, then released them, an idea sparking in her mind.
“Oh! I have an idea,” she said, her tone brightening as she reached for Mizuki’s hand. “Why don’t you come over to my place? My parents are home, so it’s safe, you know? They won’t mind at all.”
Mizuki blinked, their wide eyes meeting Ena’s for the first time that evening. “Your place…?” they repeated hesitantly.
“Yes,” Ena said, squeezing their hand lightly. “You shouldn’t be alone when you’re like this. And honestly…” She paused, her gaze softening. “I’d feel a lot better if I could keep an eye on you myself. Please, Mizuki. Let me help you.”
Mizuki opened their mouth as if to argue, but no words came out. Their shoulders sagged, and they nodded reluctantly. “...Thanks,” they murmured.
Ena smiled, relief washing over her. “Good. Keep holding my hand so that you don't stumble while we go or anything.”
She tightened her grip on Mizuki’s hand, leading them toward the school entrance. As they walked side by side, Ena couldn’t help but glance at Mizuki, her heart aching with equal parts worry and affection. I'll be there for you. In sickness and In health.