The Wallflower Fan Fiction ❯ Like a Moth to a Flame ❯ Hope and More Trouble. ( Chapter 3 )

 

Disclaimer: I do not own The Wallflower (AKA Perfect Girl Evolution and Yamatonadeshiko shichihenge).

 

 

After women were removed from the lobby, Officer Fuuma approached Sunako.

“That was brilliant how you got them to open up and tell you what happened. Thanks to you, I have some testimony as to what happened. You do know that the best we can charge anyone with is association to the mob. We will never know who hurt his head, arm, leg or anything else.”

“Officer,” She started, “I know that. People hurt each other without thinking of the damage that may be inflicted. I have been injured so bad, that I thought I could never care about anyone. This may still be true, but I know that if I was hurt, Kyohei-kun would be there for me. I could do no less.”

“Nakahara-san, the reason I came down, was that Kyohei was showing signs of waking up. Let's get your roommates and share the news.”

They walked over to the side room where the guys were still quietly talking to each other. They stopped when Sunako arrived. They shared the news that the reception area had been cleared of the `Kyohei-kun Fan Club' and that they were being questioned at the time. They also shared about Kyohei's change in condition. As they left the room, the clerk told them that the doctors had approved them all to come upstairs for now to see him, if they were ready. Sunako would be allowed on a trial basis until the doctors saw how she interacted with Kyohei. There may be some psychological trauma, and they wanted to avoid further trauma. As they neared the elevator, the officer restated that this would not be pretty and asked if Sunako was the kind of girl that would faint at the sight of blood and such.

The guys laughed, and Takenaga said, “Sir, if you knew her personality and trusted her at first, you would have chosen her to go up first instead of me. Her interests border on the macabre. She has anatomical models and a coffin in her room.” He turned and asked, “Now, Yuki…can you handle this without getting ill?”

“Oh, I don't know. I may wait toward the end of our visit and see how things go. He sounds pretty banged up and I don't know how I'll take it. I'm so used to him being so active, seeing him they way he is will be hard.”

As they approached the ICU, they saw the nurses' station and caught bits of their conversation.

“What a waste, do you think he'll ever get it up again?” “Do you think he'll wake up and remember anything” “I heard girls did it” “Are we even supposed to discuss this outside the conference room? This is a very delicate case.”

Officer Fuuma cleared his throat and added, “No, I think you should keep your comments to yourselves. This is a major breach of ethics discussing this where anyone can hear. These are Takano-san's roommates. They will be on the list of approved visitors.”

“Officer, there's a woman in this group. I thought no women were allowed to be alone with him.” The plainclothes detective questioned.

“They all will be allowed full access. Nakahara-san cleared up what may have happened to him. I will explain this to the medical staff. Have there been in changes since I was up here?”

The nurses told them that Kyohei had been thrashing a bit and they gave him a sedative. His vital signs were normal, except during the thrashing. Even his brain seemed to be ok for now. When it came to choosing who would go in, it was difficult. Takenaga had seen him already and wasn't in a big hurry to go back. Ranmaru felt like he should, but he didn't think he could face what a pack of women did. He would probably be next if there was a hit list. Yuki was afraid of what he would see. He gets ill when he goes in Sunako's room and all her stuff is pretend, and this is very real. Sunako wanted to go in, but she wasn't sure if she should. There had been a big deal about her even being here. Would he want her there? It seemed like perhaps he would. Would she have a nosebleed? It was his veiled declaration of admiration for her that sent him here. She asked if she could go in.

When she decided to go in, many were surprised except the guys and the officer. She scrubbed up and entered the room. As she looked around she thought to herself this would really be cool if the person in the bed wasn't Kyohei. His face was partially coved by the ventilator, and his eyes were closed. “Whew, the chances of my nose bleed have gone down.” She grasped his hand and quietly said, “Please don't go to the darkness. You are my one bright light in my dark existence. Your brilliance calls to me, and tries to draw me in like a moth to a flame. I was thinking about this very thing this afternoon. I see your light flickering and it truly makes me sad. Losing you to darkness would be like blowing out a candle in our home. The guys would not recover. They are so worried about you. I am so worried about you. I spoke to the people that did this to you. They told me what you said. I never knew you felt that way. I guess we're more alike than we thought. If you ever need a place to hide, my coffin is always open to you.”

As she rose, she felt him grasp her hand. “Kyohei-kun, can you hear me?” the grip strengthened. She pushed the call button and told the responding nurse that he seemed to be making purposeful movements. The nurse came in and checked. His brain activity and heart rate had certainly increased. She called the doctor on call. Sunako waved at the guys with a thumbs up and a smile and promptly sat right back and held his hand some more

The next few hours passed in a flurry of excitement. The nurses had to check his reflexes and they found that he had minimal damage done to his brain, as far as physical responses. His vital signs remained fairly normal. The doctors ran some scans and found that it appeared he wasn't going to be completely gelded. He still had some blood flow to one testicle. It would be some time until nerve damage could be assessed. One thing that worried them was that he never opened his eyes on command. He had given an appearance that he wasn't in a deep coma, but he wasn't rousing.

Sunako and the others were optimistic. It looked like he might be ok. They guys dozed off, so Sunako was doing a lot of thinking in the visitors' room. What does all this mean? Has he really cared for her all this time? He always came to her rescue from day one. That was after she tried to run away after screaming about his face. How does she feel about Kyohei, or any other man, for that matter? Let's face it, relationships aren't her forte. She only opened herself up that one time and she was crushed. She lives fairly peacefully with her roommates, other than Kyohei, that is. She is always fighting with him. However, when they fight, they match each other blow to blow, ending in a draw, and never really hurting each other. Perhaps they are like magnets, attracting opposites. That would explain the light/dark thing.

“I guess we do love each other on a certain level.” She breathed. “I just never saw it, and I guess he was realizing it.”

Yuki just so happened to be slightly awake and heard her confession. He chuckled to himself and said, “High time one of you guys said it, it's been plain as day to us for a while. Why do you think we haven't been introducing you to other guys and we don't set Kyohei up? One reason being that we'd get physically hurt for doing it, but you two seem to balance out. You both have some really rough edges, but you are both very hurt inside.

You have a fear of intimacy. I think that's the root cause of your nosebleeds. I read a little on it, and I think it's a `Psycho-somatic' reaction. Your body responds physically to an imagined threat. For you, it's nosebleeds from seeing someone attractive that may reject you. Have you noticed that you don't have as many around Ranmaru, Takenaga and I? When it comes to Kyohei… have a transfusion ready. I don't think he'd reject you. Even if he doesn't like you in that way, which I doubt, he would never hurt you and always be there for you. Didn't he get into this situation admiring your qualities? Don't get me wrong, you are not to blame here, but he must really like you to say that.

I think Kyohei feels abandoned, surrounded by phonies. You weren't here yet when he came arrived at the house. You aunt said she picked up a stray when she brought him home. He wasn't welcome at home because of all the trouble that followed him.”

“Yeah, I remember that.” Sunako whispered, “I was kidnapped by his parents and spent a little time with them. They were odd. Kyohei said that his mother is mentally ill and can't deal with him at all. She was the one pushing him out. I can't believe a mother would do that but she did.”

“Because he's not accepted by his mother,” Yuki began, “He's very insecure, especially around women. His family life must have been bad, remember the kotatsu? The first chance he got, he wanted to do one. That's a close family activity. He said he'd never done it before. It meant so much to him that you made the table. He puts up a brave front, much like your darkness thing, to keep people from getting too close.

I think the problem with his bravado is that it's attractive is its own way. He's trapped in his image and can't get out. I think he might be: A scared little boy inside that misses his Daddy, who's gone all the time ; He wishes that he was more like his 'normal' brother, so that his mother wouldn't complain so much ; He wants to be simply loved for who he is. Do think I'm right?

“What do you think I can do? O Dr. Freud? I can't make everything go away. His whole mother/women issue may have gotten a lot worse now after the accident.” Sunako said.

“Just be there, He's only responded to you so far. That's a start.” Yuki volunteered.

Sunako walked toward his door and took a deep breath, then was stopped by the night nurse.

“Who are you and how'd you get up here? I thought there were no female visitors for this patient” He said.

“Please check the files, I would think there should have been something about me, I'm his roommate. I know about the no female rule. I have been explaining this over and over, I am the niece of his landlady and I live downstairs from him. I am not technically his girlfriend, but I am truly his girl- friend and would never hurt him. Please check the notes; I was holding his hand when he last had any lucidity.”

“Hmm, let's see here,” murmured the nurse, “2150 the attending physician reported that patient is allowed one female visitor. One Nakahara Sunako, please check ID on any female trying to gain access. Alright then, ID please.”

“Here it is. May I stay with him? I won't be any trouble, but I'd feel better if I was nearby. I think he might too.”

Sunako crept into the room and sat in the chair beside Kyohei's bed. Listening to all the alien sounding machines gave her a strange sense of peace. Even though they had a calming rhythm, she prayed that this was a temporary thing. She picked up his hand and whispered, “I am here for you. You have always protected me in and from the light; I will be your guardian in the darkness until you are ready for the light once more.” She felt his grip tighten and loosen. “I hope you don't mind, I've had a rough day and I need my rest. I will sleep beside you. Auntie will be so happy…I will have finally slept with you.” With that, she scooted the chair as close as she could and laid her head beside his hand, and fell asleep hand in hand.

As dawn approached, the nurse made his rounds. He found Sunako in an uncomfortable position, but she looked so peaceful he dared not wake her. How do I put this in my notes? `Allowed patient to have overnight visitor, vital signs slightly increased upon her arrival, but quickly normalized. Possible increasing consciousness as patient seems to be grasping hand of visitor and not the other way around.' I guess that works. I better make sure the next shift is ready for her. She's not one of the rabid girls I heard about that caused this mess. I do get the feeling that she's not one to be crossed though.

In the Visitors' Room, the guys were waking up. “Ugh! I can't believe I slept in my clothes.” was a common comment. Then they noticed that Sunako wasn't there. When they asked the nurse, he just pointed toward the room.

“I really want to take a picture of that as proof.” said Ranmaru, smirking, “Those two have spent the night together, and they look really happy about it. What made her go to him?”

Yuki told them about the night before and how he suggested that it may be good for her to be there. He also warned them that she might blame herself for this.

“That doesn't make sense! What would SHE feel guilty?” asked Takenaga. “She had nothing to do with it”

“Ah, well it seems that Kyohei was describing Sunako when he was beaten. He may have been injured for having feelings for her, and it bothers her.” explained Yuki.

They told the nurse that if Sunako woke up, they'd be going to the cafeteria to get something. They hadn't had dinner and they were starving. Even hospital food would suffice.

A little later, Sunako awoke. She was pleasantly surprised to find her hand being held by Kyohei. He had such a calm face, for being so injured. The bruising and swelling was a lot more visible, and she was on the verge of tears. As she whimpered, Kyohei's hand grasped. She looked down and saw a single tear fall on his battered cheek.

“Oh, Kyohei, you have given us such a scare! You can hear me then. That's a start, do you know what happened? Please grasp twice for yes and once for no.”

She felt one good grasp, and really wanted another so she wouldn't have to tell him. It never came.

“Do you remember going to the arcade yesterday?”

Two grasps.

“Did the girls give you any trouble, more than usual?”

Two grasps.

“Did you speak to them?”

Two grasps.

“Do you remember what the response was?”

He gave one firm grasp and a second weak one.

“I don't think what you said was well received. You said something that made them very angry with you and you've been hurt badly. I met a few of them in the lobby of the hospital and they gave me their side of the story. They obviously did not know who I was to you. If they had any idea, would I have been in danger?”

Two very firm grasps.

“The police have some of them in for questioning. They won't know who to charge until you can tell them your side. We won't worry about that yet though. I want you to concentrate on getting better. From what I understand, you will be here a while. The doctors and nurse can explain better what happened, but it could have been worse I suppose. The guys are here as well. They spent the night across the hall. After thinking about what I learned from the girls, and speaking to Yuki, I decided to stay near to you. I hope that's ok.”

Two grasps.

“Before I look for the guys, can we try something? I know that looking in your eyes gives me nosebleeds, but I am willing to risk it if you could try. Please try.”

As she looked down, she saw more tears. It looked like he was trying, but his eyes were swollen. She could just see a hint of his brown eyes peeking out. She felt a slight tingle in her nose, but nothing happened. She turned to go, and said, “I'll be right back. I think the guys would like to see you too. The nurse hasn't been around as far as I know, so he'll be in most likely. Oh, just so you know, most of the staff that will be dealing with you will be male. I think I'm the only girl allowed to see you. It was a hassle for me to be allowed. The police and hospital are really being cautious.”

As she walked out, she saw a new nurse. It must be past 7am, she thought. He was reviewing the monitor and asked, “What was going on in there? I couldn't hear you but I can see responses in his heart rate and brain waves. It was reported to me that he has some control of his hand. Can you share anything else?”

“Yes, he can open and close his right hand. I asked him some questions about the assault and I don't think he knows exactly what happened. I did not tell him how bad he was hurt. I thought I should leave that to you. From what I know, it may be easier to hear it from someone removed from the situation. He'll know that I know how bad it is when you tell him though. I actually know a bit about how the body works. I have anatomical models in my room as company and décor. (I've actually compared him to my musculature chart once.) He tried to open his eyes, but I'm not sure if he could. His face is still rather swollen, but I could see some of his eye.”

“It did seem like he was trying to process something by the brain waves. Ok, I'll go introduce myself and do my exam. Your roommates went to the cafeteria. They said they'd meet you down there.”

She met up with the guys and had a decent breakfast. She filled them in on what happened upstairs.

“So he doesn't remember the attack?” Ranmaru asked.

“I'm not sure, I think it's hazy. He knows that he said something. He indicated that if the girls we met last night knew who I was, I'd be in trouble. That tells me that he knows that I'm involved in here somehow, and that the girls hurt him.”

Takenaga added, “Did you tell him how bad he's hurt?”

“No, I am leaving that to the professionals. I know what we saw, and I may magnify or minimize things. I think it will take time for him to process the whole thing. Right now, if I was him, I'd want to know why I'm on a ventilator. He can't open his eyes, so he can't see his injuries. I'm sure he's in pain to some extent, but looking at him…he's a giant wound. There's not one spot I can see that wouldn't hurt right now. He has the head injury, the abdominal wound from surgery, his broken leg and that, that other issue.”

“By other issue, and I assuming that you're concerned about his reaction to finding out he's been partially emasculated?” Yuki asked. “It is important, but it's not the only thing in life.”

This led to a somewhat bawdy discussion at the table. It was a welcome relief to the tension they were under. Meanwhile, the nurse was making his assessment of the patient.

“Hmm, let's see. The police and attending doctors have made a big deal about you Takano-san. What makes you so special? Yeah, you were in a fight, beat up by girls. How pathetic. So you are scared of girls, huh? Is that why I was called from Ortho? I wonder why you live with 4 pretty boys and a plain looking girl. I got it, you don't like girls. That girl is so plain no one would give her a second glance, so she's your cover. Smooth. Let's commence with your exam. “

 

Head- Intracranial pressure device in place appears patent. Insertion site recently shaved, no drainage noted. On the face, multiple contusions, massive swelling present. (What a pity!) Eyes appear reactive to light, though difficult to assess due to swelling. Endotracheal tube taped in place, ventilator on assist.

Abdomen- As with face, multiple bruising noted. Fresh surgical incision, dressing changed per protocol.

Extremities- Left arm casted, circulation seems unimpaired. Right arm has 18ga IV cannula, infusing Lactated Ringers Soln. at 21gtts/hr. Right leg in traction, parameters checked. Left leg has multiple bruises. Both pedal pulses strong and equal.

GU- (Let's find out about them goodies!) Massive swelling noted. Testes appear damaged with bruising throughout. Urinary catheter patent.

 

“Well, well you are a fine looking hunk of man-flesh, if I do say so myself. I think I might not mind my temporary duty here in the ICU. I wouldn't mind being your own private nurse. You'd like that too, huh Kyohei-kun. I know how to take care of you.” He slid his hand over his uninjured leg seductively. With that, Kyohei started to cough and choke on the ventilator, causing an alarm to sound, causing the other staff to run into the room.