-Haruka POV-
"I see… Alright. I'll be there soon."
Levi hung up and exhaled slowly, pressing his fingers against his temple.
"Was that the hospital?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
He nodded. "My grandfather is stable, but they want to keep monitoring him for a while. The doctor wants to discuss his condition in more detail."
I stood immediately. "Then let's go."
Levi hesitated for just a second before nodding. "Yeah. Let's go."
Without another word, we grabbed our things and left the office, heading straight back to the hospital.
The ride to the hospital was tense. Levi barely said a word, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee. I didn't push him to talk. I knew his mind was racing with every possible scenario. I put my hand on his hand gently.
"Levi, don't worry. Everything's going to be alright." I said that softly.
He looked at me for a second, "Yeah." He said that and then focused back on the road.
When we arrived, we went straight to the private wing where his grandfather was being monitored. When we arrived there, my brother was there too.
"You've arrived. Come, let's talk in my office." My brother said, walking towards his office, and we just followed him from behind.
"Have a seat, both of you." My brother said, taking a seat on his chair at the same time.
Levi exhaled slowly, nodding before taking the seat in front of my brother, and I did the same.
"Mr. Ackerman, your grandfather's condition remains stable, which is a good sign," he told Levi. "But he's still unconscious, and it may take some time before he wakes up. Right now, we're monitoring for any complications, but so far, everything is progressing as expected." My brother explained calmly.
Levi's jaw tightened slightly, but he gave a small nod. "So, we just need to wait."
"Right…" My brother sighed, glancing at Levi before continuing, "We called you because there was a moment during the night when his condition was critical. There was some concern about the swelling in the brain due to the impact, and we had to run additional tests and scans to rule out any further complications. The good news is that there is no internal bleeding, and the swelling has been managed. But given his age and the severity of the fall, we're keeping him under close observation."
Levi's fingers clenched slightly, he's trying to control his expression. "And if he doesn't wake up soon?"
"We'll continue monitoring him, but it's not unusual for patients in his condition to take time to regain consciousness. His body is healing, but the brain needs time as well. The best thing we can do now is give him that time while ensuring there are no setbacks."
I crossed my arms, shifting slightly as I looked at my brother. "What about his neurological responses? Any irregularities in his brain activity?" I asked.
My brother met my gaze, knowing exactly where I was going with this. "So far, there's no sign of severe neurological damage, but we need to be cautious. He did react slightly to stimuli earlier, which is a good indicator, but we'll have to wait for more signs of improvement."
Levi looked at me then, his expression questioning, but I answered before he could ask. "That means his brain is still functioning well despite the trauma. If he responds to stimuli, it's a promising sign."
Levi let out a quiet breath. "So you're saying there's hope that my grandfather might wake up sooner than expected?"
"Yes." My brother answered. "But we need patience too. As I said, his body is recovering, but pushing him too soon could do more harm than good." He added.
Levi didn't respond right away. He simply looked outside the room, thoughts unreadable. I reached out and touched his arm lightly. "He's in good hands, Levi. I know waiting is hard, but he's fighting."
Levi let out a quiet breath again. "Yeah. I know."
"Can I see my grandfather?" Levi finally spoke after a short silence.
"Sure. But it's just for a while." My brother replied.
Levi stood up and looked at my brother. "Thank you for taking care of my grandfather."
"That's my job as a doctor, after all." My brother replied in a professional way.
Levi just nodded and made his way towards the door. I looked at my brother for a moment, nodding before following Levi from behind.
We arrived in front of his grandfather's room. He didn't enter the room right away, though. He just stood there for a moment, his fingers curling into a fist before relaxing again. After a moment, he entered the room, and I did the same.
He looked at his grandfather with an unreadable expression. I know, I know this is too much for him. His grandfather, the only person who understands him and treats him better than anyone else.
"I'll stay for a while." He finally spoke.
"I'll stay with you." I added without hesitation.
Levi glanced at me, and though he didn't say anything, I caught the brief flicker of something in his eyes. Something unspoken, but grateful.
//SKIP//
By the time we finally left the hospital, the sky had darkened, and the city lights illuminated the streets. Levi hadn't spoken much, but I could tell the exhaustion was starting to weigh on him. The silence in the car was heavy, but I didn't try to fill it. He needed time to process everything, and I was willing to give him that space.
When we arrived at his place, I followed him inside. He sank onto the couch without a word, leaning back against the cushions, his eyes shut. I set my coat aside and took a seat next to him, close enough for him to feel my presence but not too close to make him uncomfortable.
"You should get some rest." I said, after a while.
Levi exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable. "I don't think I can."
I hesitated for a moment before reaching for his hand, giving a light squeeze. "You don't have to go through this alone. I'm here."
His fingers curled slightly around mine, and for a moment, neither of us spoke.
The city lights flickered outside the window, casting faint patterns on the walls of Levi's living room. He hadn't moved from his spot on the couch, his body tense despite the exhaustion that weighed on him. I stayed beside him, silent but present, letting the quiet stretch between us.
After a while, I felt Levi shift slightly. "You don't have to stay." He murmured, though his grip on my hand didn't loosen.
"I know." I met his gaze, unwavering. "But I want to."
He exhaled, rubbing his free hand over his face. "I should at least get a shower."
I nodded, releasing his hand as he stood up. "Go ahead. I'll be here."
Levi hesitated for a moment before walking off upstairs towards his room. I leaned back on the couch, staring at the ceiling. The events of the past hours played on a loop in my mind. His grandfather's condition, the weight Levi carried, the silent battle he fought against his emotions. I closed my eyes briefly.
When Levi finally returned, his hair was still damp, and he had changed into a loose shirt and sweatpants. He looks slightly better, but the exhaustion in his eyes hasn't faded.
He sat down beside me, quieter this time, and I didn't push him to speak. Instead, I reached out to touch his hair. He blinked at me but didn't protest.
"You should dry your hair first, or else you'll get sick." I said, taking the hair dryer, and then sat back beside him.
"You should sit on the carpet, since you're taller than me." I said with a chuckle.
He didn't say anything, he just did as I said, and I got to work. Drying his hair without saying any other words.
After I was done drying his hair, I reached for the blanket on the back of the couch and draped it over him. He looked at me with his tired eyes.
"You need rest," I said softly. "Even if it's just for a little while."
Levi didn't argue. He leaned back, letting his head rest against the couch. I expected him to close his eyes and drift off, but instead, he turned his head slightly towards me. "You used to be a doctor."
I nodded. "I was."
"Do you think he'll wake up?"
I exhaled, choosing my words carefully. "The fact that he responded to stimuli is a good sign. His body is fighting, and he's stable now. But recovery takes time. In fact, you were in worse condition than him five years ago, Levi. And here you are now, still breathing and well. Trust me, your grandfather will wake up soon." I squeezed his hand gently.
Levi was silent for a moment. "I just… need him to be okay. You know, he's much older compared to me."
I reached for his hand again, squeezing it gently. "I know. He'll get through this, Levi. He'll be fine."
Levi didn't reply, but his fingers tightened slightly around mine. Minutes passed, and slowly, his breathing evened out. He didn't let go of my hand even as sleep finally claimed him.
I stayed there, keeping watch over him as the city continued to hum quietly outside. After he was really deep in sleep, I took a chance to lie him down on the couch to make it more comfortable for him.
Then I hopped in the shower for a while and then sat down beside him on the carpet, resting my head on the couch. I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently until I fell asleep myself without realising.
-The Next Morning-
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over Levi's quiet place. I stretched slightly, my back stiff from sleeping on the couch. Levi was still beside me, his head tilted slightly toward my shoulder, his breathing slow and steady.
I didn't move right away. He looked peaceful for once, the tension in his face eased by sleep. I stayed still, letting the moment last a little longer.
Eventually, Levi stirred. His long lashes fluttered before his eyes opened slowly. He blinked, adjusting to the light, then turned his head towards me.
"You stayed." He said, his voice low and rough from sleep.
"I said I would."
He looked at me for a moment, then let out a soft breath. But then his eyes widened.
"Wait, did you sleep on the carpet?" He asked, realising he's still on the couch. "
"Well, it seems like that, haha." I said that with a smile.
"Why didn't you sleep in the room?" He asked, feeling guilty.
"Hey, it's okay. I wanted to accompany you, and I didn't even realise when I fell asleep." I said, reaching his hand gently.
He let out a soft breath. "Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me. You'd do the same." I replied.
Levi sat up, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't think I'd actually fall asleep."
"You needed it."
He gave a small nod, then stood, stretching his arms overhead. "Coffee?" He asked.
I chuckled. "You know I preferred hot chocolate."
He smiled faintly. "Then I'll make you one."
"No, it's okay, I'll make it. For you too." I said, standing up and bringing myself to the kitchen.
While I moved around the kitchen, Levi leaned against the doorway, watching me. There was something different in his gaze this morning. Not lighter, exactly, but less guarded.
"I talked to Lauren earlier," he said as I handed him his tea. "They're going to stay at the hospital today. My grandmother didn't want to leave."
"Understandable. But you needed the break. You can't help anyone if you're running on fumes."
He sipped his tea, then nodded. "I know. Just feels wrong not being there."
"You're allowed to rest. It doesn't mean you care any less."
Levi looked at me, eyes searching mine. "I'm glad you're here with me."
I smiled faintly. "I told you, you're not alone. And you never will be."
He didn't say anything else, but the way he stepped closer and rested his forehead against mine said more than words ever could.
We stood in silence, our drinks forgotten, just two people grounding each other in the middle of a storm.
After a moment, Levi tilted his head slightly, brushing his lips gently against mine. It was a slow, lingering kiss. More comforting than passionate, filled with gratitude and quiet understanding. I leaned into it, my hand finding his cheek.
When we finally pulled away, I looked at him. "You really don't have to go to the office today. You should rest."
Levi shook his head. "If I stay, I'll spiral. I need to keep myself busy."
I sighed but nodded. "Alright. But I'm not letting you skip lunch again."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Deal."
We went to get ready, our movements quieter than usual, but every so often, I'd catch his eyes lingering on me. And in those brief glances, I saw the same thing I felt. We were in this together.
//SKIP//
The ride to the office was filled with soft music and silence, the kind that felt comfortable. Levi drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the console between us. I watched the city pass by, thinking of how quickly everything had shifted in the past twenty hours.
When we arrived, I followed Levi through the lobby into the elevator. His usual sharpness was dulled today, but he held himself together. As the elevator doors opened to our floor, he turned to me for just a second and gave a faint nod, as if reassuring himself more than me.
Once inside, I moved to my desk. I started organising the files that had piled up from the day before, keeping my eyes on the screen but my ears open.
A few minutes later, Levi stepped out of his office. "Haruka." He called.
I looked up.
"Come in for a moment."
I followed him in, closing the door behind me. He was already seated, flipping through the document, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.
"What is it?" I asked gently.
He leaned back against his chair, finally setting the papers down. "I just… needed you close."
I watched him for a moment, then stepped closer. "I'm right here. I could stay here working in your office if you want me to."
Levi looked up from the papers, something flickering in his eyes—something softer than usual.
"I'd like that," he said, barely above a whisper.
So, I settled on the chair across from him, pulling out my laptop. The room was quiet, but it didn't feel heavy anymore. It felt like a space shared—two worlds blending quietly into one another.
It wasn't a normal day, not even close. But we were finding a way through it. Together.
-Levi POV-
My fingers tapped idly against the desk as I scanned the latest quarterly report. Haruka was still sitting across from me, quietly focused on his laptop, occasionally glancing up just to make sure I hadn't drifted too far out of the present. His presence grounded me more than I cared to admit.
The office was unusually still, the only sounds being the occasional shuffle of paper and the soft whirr of the AC. Then my phone buzzed.
I glanced at the screen. It was an internal call from the executive floor.
"Levi Ackerman," I answered.
"Mr. Ackerman," my father's secretary spoke, formal as always. "The Chairman would like to see you in his office. Right away."
TO BE CONTINUED!!!