I will always find you

Natsuo woke up drenched in sweat as the vivid nightmare of being tortured by the yakuza raged through his mind.

He quickly calmed down when he noticed he wasn't in the filthy basement anymore, but in a clean hospital room with a white sheet covering him. His body was sore as he tried to move, so he remained still. He soon realized he was hooked up to several machines, which were making beeping noises and showing different readings.

Then his memories flooded back in bits and pieces. He remembered feeling sick and dazed, the sound of sirens and yelling as someone raided the building where he had been locked up. He recalled his captor shoving him into a tight, pitch-black space in the ground. His last drop of energy had faded away and he had fallen into unconsciousness, oblivious to everything around him.

But at some point, a familiar voice called his name loudly and clearly.

Natsuo's heart jumped as he recognized the figure that had just stepped into the room - it was the same person who shouted his name, the one who saved him from the clutches of the criminals.

For a moment, they stared at one another, neither knowing what to say. Natsuo wanted to thank him for rescuing him but didn't know how to express his gratitude.

His savior seemed to understand and smiled as if he was aware of what was on the other man's mind. The white-haired's presence somehow managed to bring comfort and reassurance to the air, giving the brunet the courage to speak.

He uttered a soft thank you, feeling eternally grateful for being rescued from his never-ending torment.

"I am sorry it took me so long, but we had to plan this carefully," Jiro stated as he approached the bed. He was wearing dark jeans, a light gray shirt, and his leather shoes were slightly scuffed from the dirt from the street.

"But this is why I told you to stay in the car," the man somberly reminded.

Natsuo muttered an apology, deeply ashamed of all the trouble and pain he had caused.

"You are safe now. That's what matters," Jiro smiled as he sat on a stool nearby.

"What about you... are you in danger because of this?"

"I can't say for sure. We will have to wait and see."

He gazed at the brown-haired man next to him, a sad look in his eyes.

"Don't run away in the future, so I won't have to search in the wrong places for you. No matter what, I will always find you."

The patient's throat tightened and his chest contracted, making his heart flutter as he listened to the other's determined words. A strange warmth engulfed him, the kind he had long suppressed and pushed away. He wanted to trust the man in front of him and let him in, but he was still hesitant, scared of what could happen between them.

"Do you need anything to make your stay more comfortable?" Jiro asked, a hint of worry in his voice as he glanced around the blank room.

Natsuo shook his head, not wanting to ask for too much. The room was sparsely decorated, but there was a small TV in the corner and a window that revealed a concrete landscape outside. He couldn't have asked for anything more.

(Later that day)

Jiro returned with a bag of sweets and treats from the local bakery near the hospital.

"Look what I got you. You deserve these for being so brave," he explained with a half-smile.

The white-haired man pulled out a box of chocolates, a pack of mochi, and a couple of pastries. He arranged the desserts on the table, making sure they were all within the patient's reach. Last but not least, he opened a sports drink and placed a straw in it before setting it aside.

"And I thought this would replenish your energy. I hope you like the flavor."

Natsuo responded with a small, timid smile of his own.

"Thank you, Jiro."

The yakuza hesitated for a few seconds, glancing between the door and the patient before him. Uncertain of what to do, he shifted his weight and scratched his neck.

"I guess I should get going if you are tired."

The blue eyes drooped slightly as he lowered his gaze and a disappointed look appeared on his face.

"Well, unless you need my assistance opening these..."

Natsuo looked at how his housemate started unwrapping the treats. A tiny part of him wondered if the man was only helping him out of obligation or if he really wanted to stay and spend time with him.

"Uh... if you have nothing more important... do you want to share them?" he asked timidly.

Jiro's face lit up with a warm smile and he nodded his head.

"Sure, I would love to."

The man sat on the bed, but was careful not to get too close or make the patient uncomfortable. He offered the box of chocolates to his roommate, scanning through the selection of treats and looking for a tempting one for himself as well.

Natsuo's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the beautiful designs on each piece - they were all handmade and decorated with great attention. His nose was filled with the rich, creamy aroma of cacao that made his mouth water.

Jiro selected one of the darkest chocolates and bit into it, but winced at the overpowering sweet flavor that burst through.

"Ah, so much cherry. Too sweet for me," he explained and was about to throw the remaining bite away, but the other quickly stopped him, holding out his hand and gesturing for his visitor to hand it over.

Jiro raised an eyebrow as he looked at him.

"I... I like cherries," the brunet confessed shyly.

"You don't mind if I tasted it already?"

Natsuo frowned a bit blankly, thinking about the foul things the yakuza had forced him to eat before - and of course, he hadn't forgotten how stale and spoiled food was when he lived on the streets, so he always appreciated anything that was freshly made and full of flavor.

"No, not at all."

Jiro handed over the sweet treat to the person beside him. His focus lingered on the patient's face, as if captivated by the way his eyes glowed with pleasure and how the slight curves of his cheeks seemed to brighten with joy.

(Later that night)

As the sun slowly disappeared behind the horizon, the hospital room was bathed in golden light. Visiting hours had ended and all the visitors had left, leaving only the sounds of nurses and doctors passing by.

Natsuo gazed at all the snacks his housemate had brought him - even when his body was severely weakened, he felt unusually content, knowing he had someone in his life who was so kind and caring.

A sudden tingle spread within him, the one he had tried to ignore for so long, but now it was impossible to deny. The patient wasn't sure if it was the chocolate, the reunion, or something else entirely, but it made him feel strangely happy.

He had thought it was too late to form any connection with his previous classmate, but maybe they had been given a second chance.