The Wallflower Fan Fiction ❯ Like a Moth to a Flame ❯ Awakenings ( Chapter 4 )

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

 

 

Sunako and the group returned to a busy ICU. It seemed that Kyohei had an increase in consciousness and was fighting the ventilator. He also was thrashing about. They were told that the attending was paged and was on his way. They were ushered back into the Visitors' Room, and were told to wait until things calmed down. They watched through the window as they worked with him. It was decided that he didn't need the ventilator after all, and the swelling on his brain had normalized. So Kyohei was able to lose two devices keeping him down and that gave him the opportunity to try to speak. Due to the ventilator, he couldn't yet. All he could manage was a raspy “SSSSSUUUU”. They gave him a few chips of ice for his sore throat, and then a sedative. The doctor came into the room to explain what happened.

“I'm sorry you had to see that. When patients start to rouse, it can be scary for them. I take it Takano-san is a fighter, eh? It took a lot of staff to keep him down while we removed the ventilator and brain monitor. He is sedated now, but he'll be coming around in about 2-4 hours. Do you guys live somewhat close by? You have had a rough night; you may want to freshen up at home a bit. When he wakes up, he may be able to talk. I will be contacting Officer Fuuma to keep him up to date on this. We have your number if something changes.”

Sunako stood up and said, “Guys, I hope I'm not too forward here, but can I stay here a bit longer? He's been responding to me and I'd like to be there when he opens his eyes. I need to check something with that. I think it would be good if one of us was here all the time. There's a feeling I have about all this happening in the half-hour or so we were gone. Maybe he was afraid or something. Can you pack a small suitcase for me Takenaga? You're the only one not afraid of my room. I don't need anything fancy, just enough to keep the daily funk away.”

“Nakahara-san, it's not necessary, but if it makes you feel better, I suppose so. For not being his lover, you sure act like it. I saw the reports; you do seem to be calming to him. If you'd like, when your roommates return with your clothes, you could use his bathroom to clean up.”

So, one by one the guys went in and checked on Kyohei before they left. Even Yuki went in, because he looked a little better without the vent and brain monitor. After they left, Sunako returned to her chair, and returned to her previous position. The nurse looked in and shook his head. What a waste, he thought. He looks too good to be straight, that poor girl is deluded.

“Nakahara-san? Do you need anything? I'll be right here. Takano-san is my only patient, so I can help with anything he might need. Are you sure you don't need to go home too? There's really nothing here to do but wait out the sedative. That can be boring.”

She stood up and glared at the nurse. “I want to be here when he wakes up. He's been through something traumatic. He deserves to see someone familiar when the sedative wears off. He might be confused, isn't it possible that's why he was so upset before? The police will be asking questions you know and it can be stressful. He has helped me through some difficult things. I want to be there for him” She sat down and patted his hand. “I'm not going to leave you, my radiant being.” If you don't mind, I'd like to rest as well. As you said, there's not much to do until the medications wears off.

Well, she's attentive, I'll give her that, the nurse mused.

When the guys got home, they dealt with a mountain of `Get Well' presents and a full answering machine. They decided to call Auntie and tell her what happened. She decided that she would give them a break on the rent when they told her that Sunako had gone into `Florence Nightingale' mode, and wasn't leaving Kyohei's side. She offered to send someone to receive the gifts and calls since everyone was going to be in and out.

Takenaga braved Sunako's room and found some simple outfits, and grabbed her toiletries. While he was looking around, he found a locked journal. A picture was falling out, so before he pushed it in, he took a peek. It was a picture of Kyohei and her with a note on the back. It said “Dance competition- What a great experience, until we were disqualified. Kyohei has such strong arms, and to be held by him is wonderful.” A ha! I knew it. Perhaps I'll put some `nice' things in here too, I'll ask the others for ideas, he thought.

A little after lunchtime, they returned to the hospital. The reception area was filled again, but they were able to get through the crowd unscathed somehow, and reported to the security guard to go to the ICU. They brought Sunako's bag and some carryout oden. The couple was still sleeping in a similar fashion as earlier. Ranmaru snapped a picture, “I have to record this. Neither would admit this could happen.”

Takenaga spoke up, “You know, I saw an interesting photo in her room. Did you know that she has a picture from the dance fiasco? It seems that she may have had a secret crush on him, but was afraid to act on it. The journal was locked, but that picture was sliding out. So I looked. It just commented on enjoying his arms, nothing juicy. Have any ideas to liven up her suitcase? I could only think of adding body lotion and gently scented soap, instead of a harsh one. Would you believe she has some really nice light blouses and shorts? They were hidden, but much nicer than the sweats she wears. She's prettier when she wears clothes that fit, you know. Protect me if she goes off the deep end.”

As they were talking, the nurse came by. He told them that nothing had changed while they were gone, but he should be coming out of the sedative anytime now.

After they settled into the Visitors' Room, Takenaga decided to check on Kyohei and deliver Sunako's bag. When he entered, he saw Sunako still holding his hand. He tapped her on the shoulder to wake her. Snapping out of her daze, she focused on Takenaga.

“I brought your suitcase.” He started, “Don't be angry, but I didn't bring sweats. I thought you might want to dress up a bit for when he first wakes up. I found these clothes in a bag in your closet. They seem to be the same size as your other things, and look comfortable. This blouse is even treated to protect against stains. I know that nosebleeds are one of your concerns. While he's still asleep, you can freshen up. We brought some food, if you're hungry. I'll sit here until you return, but I won't try to wake him.”

She made a face as she rummaged through her bag and sighed. “Well, at least you didn't put a dress in here. It's obvious you looked around in my room. You even found the lotions and soaps Auntie sent for my birthday. Thank you. I will get ready as soon as I can.”

Whew! That went well. He thought. Perhaps she has a feeling I know more than before, or she's ready to confess how she feels.

As she took her quick shower, she began to contemplate how she ended up here. Yesterday, she would have never imagined getting cleaned up, preparing to see Kyohei. Yesterday, she was simply his cook and maid. She knew what made him upset and tried to avoid those things, and tried to make it better if she could. That shrimp dinner…he really liked her tempura shrimp. She knew he'd come home in a mood after the arcade and she was going to cheer him up with a good meal.

Today, she's here to help pick up the broken pieces of the brilliant white knight she lived with. He was shattered, partly because of his courtly admiration of her approach of life. I'm really not that special, she thought. As she looked at what Takenaga brought, she decided to wear a dark top and Capri-styled pants. She put her hair in a ponytail and returned to the room.

“I'm back. I'll wait to eat until he wakes up.” She told Takenaga.

As she sat and held his hand, she looked at his face. He looked like he was concentrating.

“I'm here, Kyohei. The guys are just outside. Can you move your hand? They took out the ventilator, so you can talk, if you want to. Can you open your eyes yet?”

“You smell nice Sunako.” Kyohei rasped. Where were you? I dreamed you were guarding me, and then you left. Something felt wrong and I woke up and couldn't breathe. I felt a pinch, and now I wake up and I hear your voice. What's happened to me? I assume I was in a fight. I feel like hell. I can't open my eyes to see my condition.”

“Don't try to talk too much.” Sunako whispered back. “You were in a fight yesterday. It seems you made a lot of girls angry. Do you know why?”

“Um, maybe” He stuttered. “I think I told them to leave me alone, and that I wasn't interested in them. I remember pleading on my knees to go away. Then, oh, they knocked me down. I don't remember much after that.”

“The police will want to talk to you. They have spoken to people that were there, but they want your side. I don't want to tell you much about what I heard, so what you say isn't influenced by what I tell you.”

Almost as if on cue, Officer Fuuma arrived. “Has he woken up?”

“Yes, officer.” Sunako answered. “He just did. He wants to know what happened, but I haven't told him anything. That's what's best right? I want those responsible to pay.”

“Officer, can you tell me anything? It's like she said, I really don't remember much about who did what. All she told me was that it looked like I was beat up by a mob of girls. I don't even know how bad I'm hurt. I'm in pain all over; it's hard to say what hurts more.”

“Well, Takano-san, I'm not qualified to inform you of your condition. I really need your statement though. We have some people in custody, but I need your help to figure out what happened. Your friend was right in not saying much, so go ahead. Do your best”

“Water, please.” after a few sips, he began. “I like to go to the arcade and play the games there. My roommates don't enjoy them like I do, so I go alone. That doesn't mean I'll be left alone though. As my roommates can attest to, I'm followed constantly by women. I suppose most would enjoy this, but it has become a real problem in my life. I was actually kicked out of my home because my mom couldn't handle the calls and gifts we'd receive. Here, in Tokyo, I have people that understand that problem and buffer it somewhat. Since I went out alone, I was singled out. This usually happens there. I get to play, but I get pestered a lot.

Yesterday, they crossed the line. Someone thought it would be funny to pinch my butt while I was playing. I yelled out, but then someone proceeded to wrap their arms around my neck and blew in my ear. When I protested, the arms came down and I was groped. Whoever it was said something like `No need to get all worked up, but I can give you a work out.' I don't want this to get around, but I'm really no Casanova. I've only had a few encounters, and it's always been instigated by the woman. I am sick of being referred to as a hunk of meat. I decided to leave. I told everyone to leave me alone. I got down on my knees and begged to be left alone. Sunako, could you leave please? I may say some things that may embarrass you.”

“Kyohei,” She said as she looked at him shyly, “the reason there are people in custody is that they told me what you said. I told you this morning I had met them. I guess you were still a little out of it. I am curious to hear it myself. I will think of you no less if you still want me to leave though.”

“Um…Hmmm, so you know what I told them that made them angry?” He stuttered.

“Only what they said you told them. What you said and what they heard can be different. That is why Officer Fuuma is here. To get an idea of what you said and how it was said.”

“Oh, ok I guess you can stay. More water please. I told them that they were like Harpies or She-Devils and acting like whores, grabbing me like that. I told them that there was a woman in my life that wouldn't dream of throwing herself at me. I respected that woman for being able to close herself off from normal desires. She keeps her emotions locked up tight, but when she needs to, she fights for what she believes in. I had said that she had allowed part of herself to die to live in darkness, and shun the light. I added that she finds solace resting in her coffin, and that I wish that I could find the courage to be like that. But I would probably never find it. I said that I wished that she could show me how to go to the darkness and I'd gladly share her coffin if she'll allow it, because I know that loneliness is our shared problem. Mine, because I'm not treated like a person and hers, because she's afraid of getting to know people because she's be hurt before.

I think it was something like that. I never gave a name, but I think you know who I'm talking about. After I was done speaking, a group tried to pick me up and try to console me, I think. I pushed them away, I think one fell down. Then all hell broke loose. I just remember a flurry of kicks, knocking me over. I think someone yelled that if he doesn't want to be admired for his looks, let's relieve him of them. I am assuming I am not a pretty sight right now. I know my face is so swollen, that I can't open my eyes, that can't be good. I am certain I'm on pain relievers, but I still hurt all over. Sunako, did they succeed in disfiguring me? I need to know. If so, the nightmare of being followed everywhere because of my handsomeness is over. I just hope they haven't made me so ugly that I'll be stared at.

When they finished the interview, Officer Fuuma picked up his notes and had Sunako initial that she had witnessed the interview. He asked the nurse to verify that no one told him any details of the case. Sunako asked Kyohei if she could get a bite to eat, and offered to send one of the guys in. She told him that he should try to rest until the next visitor. She went to their room to get her (cold) oden and told them he was awake and remembered why he was attacked. She didn't share exactly what he said, but that he really didn't do anything to deserve what he got. Ranmaru said that he was ready to visit, and just as he got near the room, the doctor arrived with the nurse. The doctor advised him that he needed to speak with Kyohei, and tell him about his condition. He told him that he might want the others to hear too, so they know what they are facing as a group. So, he went back and got the others. Yuki even came, though he warned them if he felt ill, he'd leave with out warning. When they returned, the doctor began his exam and explanation.

“Takano-san, I am Dr. Basho. I have been following your case. I am glad to hear that you are on your way to recovery. You will still have a long way to go though. To begin with, are you aware of your injuries at all?”

“No, Doctor. I have only communicated with Sunako and the police so far, and they were not comfortable saying anything. I have a feeling it is bad.”

“Takano-san, the most worrisome injury was from blows to your head. There was some swelling on your brain, but it seems to have come down. We had a monitor in there, so there is a wound on the top of your head and it's shaved in that spot. We removed it after you awoke this morning along with the ventilator. We had you on that because of the surgery you had and the head trauma. It was simply a precaution. You have had abdominal surgery because your spleen ruptured and your liver was torn a little. You seem to be healing ok from that, but you won't be able to eat solid food for a few days because it takes a while for everything back to normal inside after we've been working in there. You have a broken arm and leg. We were able to cast your arm, but your leg was broken in 2 places and you'll need surgery to pin it in place. It's in traction, so you may feel the pull on it. The orthopedic surgeon wanted to make sure everything else was stable before he worked on it. He may take you in as soon as tomorrow. You have been beaten badly, and you have swelling on your face. It looks like you'll be ok, there wasn't any fractures noted. When the swelling goes down, I'm sure you'll be able to open your eyes. There's another serious condition… young lady, though you may be aware of it, can you step out of the room while I discuss it with Takano-san, and he calls you back?” Sunako turned to go, and said, “Kyohei, I care for you and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. No matter your condition, nothing changes.” and she left.

“Takano-san, you have an injury of a delicate nature”

“Let me guess. The way you treated Sunako-chan and the way you're approaching this…I was castrated wasn't I?

“Well, we aren't sure. It's pretty messed up down there, and we are fairly certain that you've lost one testicle. The other one still has blood flow to it. It's too early to say about nerve damage, and actual virility. There's a urinary catheter inserted currently, so you may be feeling that.” He did another exam, to check reflexes and his wounds and said, “If you have any questions or concerns, let me or the staff, know.”

Kyohei let out a sigh, “Well, guys have I lost any of my handsomeness? I hope I have, because as you all know `Beauty is a Beast'. I don't think I'll be in any fights anytime soon. Did she tell you anything about this?”

“Nope” they replied in unison.

“All we know is what we've gathered from around. However, it seems clear that Sunako is involved indirectly.” Ranmaru volunteered. “She's taken it upon herself to be by your side almost from the beginning. It hasn't been easy either. They aren't letting women around you. Don't you think it's odd there are no female nurses up here? There's a protective order signed by the police and co-signed by the doctor that women could be detrimental to you current well being.

Yuki piped up, “She's pretty shaken up, but she wants to be strong for you. I think she might actually like you, and from the things I've heard, you might too. Right now, accept her friendship. There's no pity related to it. Yes, she knows about all your injuries. I think the doctor wanted you to be able to process it away from her. He doesn't know all of our history and how interdependent we are. Knowing that the other guys and Sunako are here keeps me able to stay here. You aren't all that disfigured, honestly, but in my own strength, I'd have been long gone. Sunako is the glue that keeps up together.

“I don't know if I should tell you this or not, but as you may know, she hasn't left this place since we got here last night.” Takenaga stated, “She asked me to pack her a bag, but I did not give her the usual sweats. I found some cute outfits, and sent those along with some `Girly' soap and lotion. She used it, and is wearing the clothes without complaint. She actually thanked me for my choices.”

“Ah, you are the one responsible to my waking to the scent of plum blossoms then? Much appreciated. The hospital smells. Is it really true that you all spent the night here? Why would you do that for me? You said we are all interdependent, but why? I'm not rich like Takenaga and Ranmaru, and I'm not all that sweet and lovable like Yuki. I suppose I was handsome, but I can be a real prick to everyone around me. Not exactly best buddy material. Not someone that people would want to get to know. I was only good for eye candy, now maybe not even that.”

“You really don't look bad.” Yuki said. “You do look like you were in a fight though. All that means is that you have to fight to get back to your old self.”

“I have a question though about this morning. I vaguely remember Sunako here and talking to me, and then she left. Next thing I remember is a male voice talking to and about me and then he grabbed my thigh rather suggestively. I wanted to scream `Hands off!', but I couldn't. I guess I set off an alarm though, because a whole lot of voices came in. I guess I got a shot and went to sleep again. Then I awoke to Sunako holding my hand. That was a lot more pleasant than the previous awakening.

The nurse came in and said, “It's about 6:00pm, and I need to double check some things before I go off shift. Could you please exit the room, and join the young lady? Dinner is being served in the cafeteria until 7:00.”

They left begrudgingly, and decided that they'd stay upstairs and keep an eye on the nurse. They told Sunako what Kyohei said, and she agreed that someone should be on the floor at all times. Yuki volunteered to go get some food, and left. The others took a seat outside his door unbeknownst to the nurse.