(When Silence Screams)
It was morning. Haruki arrived at the café and stopped at the entrance. His breathing was a little heavy, and a strange anxiety gripped his chest. Slowly, he opened the door and walked inside.
The moment Jin Yun saw Haruki, he roared in anger,
"Harukiiiiiiii!"
Haruki's face turned pale. But before he could say anything, a customer entered the café. Jin Yun swallowed his anger and said in a calm tone,
"Get to work… we'll talk later."
Haruki nodded and quickly went to the counter. He threw himself into work, trying to act like nothing had happened.
---
In the afternoon, after work was done, Haruki told Jin Yun everything—about the accident, the hospital, and Hina.
Jin Yun nodded slowly and said,
"So that's why you ran off yesterday without telling anyone."
Haruki replied shyly,
"Yeah…"
Jin Yun sighed deeply.
"It's okay… I forgive you."
Haruki smiled, feeling a weight lift off his heart.
But Jin Yun quickly added,
"But if something like this happens again… you're out of the café!"
Haruki bowed his head and said,
"Thanks, Mr. Yun. I won't give you another chance to complain."
Just then, the café door opened. A girl walked in—21 years old, confident aura, and eyes full of energy.
"Hello Mr. Yun, I'm here."
"Oh, you made it!" Jin Yun said happily.
He turned to Haruki.
"Haruki, this is Kazuki. From today, she'll be working with you."
Haruki extended his hand,
"Nice to meet you."
Kazuki smiled and shook his hand,
"Same here."
They both began working together. For a while, everything started to feel normal again.
---
That night, after work, Haruki went straight to the hospital. As he opened the room door, Hina looked at him in surprise.
"You… you actually came?"
Haruki closed the door, pulled a chair, and sat beside her.
"You thought I wouldn't?" Haruki asked.
Hina gave a small smile.
"Yeah… because no one's ever done so much for me."
Haruki sighed and said,
"I never lie."
"Yeah, I noticed," Hina replied, smiling.
They looked at each other and smiled. For a moment, everything stood still.
---
The next morning, Haruki sat beside Hina, thinking to himself,
"It's been a full week in the hospital."
He walked over to the counter to pay the bill.
"And today, she's getting discharged."
He helped Hina out of the taxi, paid the fare, and brought her into her house. As she lay on the bed, Haruki took care of her.
Hina smiled slightly and said,
"What you did for me… just saying thank you doesn't feel enough."
"But you don't need to trouble yourself for me anymore," she added with a sad smile.
Haruki looked at her and asked,
"Can you really take care of yourself in this condition?"
Hina turned her face away.
"I don't know…"
Tears welled up in her eyes.
"But this is my fate now… I have to fight it myself."
Haruki gently wiped her tears.
"If you don't mind… I can take care of you," he said.
"Even if you don't trust me… you don't have any other option."
Then Haruki stood up and said,
"I'm getting late. I should go now."
Hina stopped him.
"Wait…"
"Yes?" Haruki turned around.
"I'm hungry," Hina said, wiping her tears.
Haruki looked surprised.
"Oh no! Sorry… I'll cook something right away."
He made soup, helped Hina sit up, and started feeding her.
"I can eat with my own hands," Hina said.
Haruki pulled his hand back.
"Sorry."
Hina started eating on her own.
---
That night, after work, Haruki returned to Hina's house. She was watching TV.
"I'm here."
"Welcome," Hina replied.
Haruki went to the kitchen.
"Alright, let's make dinner."
After cooking, Hina was eating while Haruki just watched her. Hina asked,
"Aren't you going to eat?"
Haruki said,
"I'll eat something after going home."
Hina frowned a little,
"Do you have a problem eating with me?"
Haruki quickly replied,
"No, no. Nothing like that."
"Then eat," Hina insisted.
"Okay okay, boss. I'll eat. Happy now?"
"Yes," Hina giggled.
They ate dinner together.
Then Hina said nervously,
"Haruki?"
"Hmm?" Haruki replied with a mouth full of food.
"I want to go to college from tomorrow."
Haruki looked surprised.
"But your condition…"
"I know," Hina said.
"If I move too much, my injuries might worsen. But my studies are on a scholarship. If I fail… it's over."
Haruki listened to her seriously. Then he smiled and said,
"Alright… we'll go to college tomorrow."
Hina smiled in relief.
"Now eat peacefully," Haruki said.
And in the silence of a calm night, the two of them continued eating together.
To Be Continued…