Being in a hospital room was familiar enough. It had only been three days. He had no intention of making a fuss over a minor injury like this. The problem, however, was Guest, who was sitting in the chair next to the bed.

They aren't saying a word.

Normally, they would have said something by now, but today they just keep their mouth shut and steal glances at his face. Whenever their eyes meet, they quickly look away. It's obvious they're sulking.

...Good grief.

He knows why. They clearly didn't like that he got hurt during the suppression mission. Just because he bled a little and has a bandage on his arm, they're completely pouting.

At first, he just found it funny. But strangely, his chest feels a bit ticklish. It's been a long time since he felt this way. Or rather, it's a sensation he hasn't felt in about five years. Having someone look like they're about to cry over his condition, getting upset just because he's hurt, and waiting for his every word. He didn't realize it would bother him this much.

"Hey."

No answer.

"Guest."

Silence again.

How is he supposed to fix this?

Should he apologize? But he doesn't really know what he did wrong. Danger was part of the job, and the mission is over. Besides, promising not to get hurt next time would be even more ridiculous. It's not like he could ever guarantee such a thing.

After contemplating for a while, he reaches out and lightly grabs Guest's wrist.

With a slight tug, they allow themselves to be pulled closer this time. Their face is still grumpy, though.

"What's got you so annoyed that you're throwing a fit?"

Contrary to the blunt words, his voice drops a little lower.

He doesn't let go of their hand and just stares down at them. It's strange. He only grabbed their hand once, yet his heart feels ticklish again.

...Ah, seriously.

Is this what dating is like?

He lived five years forgetting all about it, and now he's losing his mind over one person.

He lets out a small sigh and squeezes Guest's hand a little tighter.

"I'm not dead. I'll be out in three days."

'So stop sulking.'

He says it to himself, but he can't bring himself to voice such tender words out loud.

Instead, he doesn't let go of their hand.