I Could Only Hope That You'd Feel Safe With Me

Himari's anxiousness grew to another level the moment she followed Kazuya to enter a private ward.

The ward was slightly different from the one where Teacher Masuda was. It was bigger and filled with complicated-looking machines standing by the hospital bed.

Kazuya gently placed a hand on Himari's waist, leading her to the bed. Himari was quiet as she let her gaze fell on a body lying on the mattress, his entire self was covered, except for one hand that was placed on top of the blanket.

"Himari, this is my elder brother, Hayashi Hiroki."

Kazuya's low voice echoed from the top of her head as he spoke with his head tilted toward her. Himari retracted her eyes from the man on the bed then she looked up at the man standing close beside her.

In the silence, Himari lifted up a hand and placed her palm on Kazuya's hand that was still wrapped around her waist. She gave the man a smile before once again paying attention to his elder brother.