Random COTE One-shots

AU: Recovery

Kiyotaka had always been a man of discipline and focus. His life was structured around routines and responsibilities, and he excelled in every aspect of it. He was admired by his colleagues for his meticulous nature and respected by his superiors for his unwavering dedication. Life had always been predictable and organized for Kiyotaka.

However, life had an unexpected way of throwing difficulties when you least expected it. This time, it came in the form of his dear Hiyori, falling seriously ill.

The days had grown shorter, and the air was filled with the scent of fallen leaves. It was a season of change, and for Kiyotaka, that change came swiftly and without warning. It started with a seemingly normal cough, just a gentle clearing of the throat that Hiyori tried to dismiss as a minor inconvenience. But as the days passed, that cough became more persistent, nagging, until it transformed into a constant companion in their lives.

At first, Kiyotaka and Hiyori both brushed it off as a passing cold, a minor hiccup in their otherwise smooth relationship. Hiyori continued with her daily routines,  attending social gatherings, and trying to keep up with her active lifestyle. Kiyotaka went about his planned days, juggling work and personal commitments.

But as the weeks went by, the coughing refused to relent. It became a constant reminder that something was wrong. Hiyori's laughter, once so vibrant began to wane. Her energetic persona dwindled, and she found herself fatigued even after a good night's sleep. Kiyotaka, ever observant, couldn't ignore the changes in her anymore.

One chilly evening, as they sat together on the couch, Hiyori wrapped in a blanket and Kiyotaka engrossed in a book, he couldn't help but notice her shivering. Her usual warmth, both in her demeanor and her touch, seemed to have faded. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, the concern etched on his face.

"Hiyori," he called out softly, setting the book aside and turning his full attention to her. "Are you feeling alright?"

She managed a weak smile, her eyes reflecting gratitude for his presence. "I'm just a bit under the weather, Taka. Don't worry too much."

But worry was the only thing occupying his thoughts lately though he rarely allowed it to surface. He had an uncanny ability to control his emotions and focus on solutions. Yet, as he watched Hiyori's pallor and the way she held onto the box of tissues as if it were a lifeline, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease in his chest.

The evening continued, but Kiyotaka's mind was preoccupied. He couldn't concentrate and every time Hiyori coughed, it was like a jolt to his system. After some time, he made a decision. He would monitor Hiyori's condition closely, and if it didn't improve by morning, he would take her to see a doctor. It was a rare departure from his usual methodical approach, but he knew that when it came to matters of the heart, both figuratively and literally, he couldn't leave anything to chance.

As the night deepened, he tucked Hiyori into their cozy bed, making sure she was warm and comfortable. He placed a glass of water and a box of tissues on the nightstand beside her. Before turning off the lights, he leaned down and kissed her forehead gently, a silent promise that he would take care of her, no matter what.

In the darkness of their bedroom, as Hiyori drifted into a fitful sleep, Kiyotaka found himself staring at the ceiling, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind. He had always been the pillar of strength in their relationship, the one who kept everything in order. But now, faced with the uncertainty of Hiyori's health, he felt a vulnerability he had never known before.

Little did he know that this night was just the beginning of a journey that would test the boundaries of his love, his patience, and his unwavering commitment to the woman he held dearer than life itself. The coming days would unravel a new facet, a side of him that would prove that love could be a powerful force, capable of guiding one through the darkest of storms.