You can't keep doing this

The slender figure in an oversized gray sweatshirt sat cross-legged on the floor next to a pile of books. Most of them were medical textbooks, scientific journals, and neurological research papers, along with notebooks full of scribbles and handwritten notes.

The space was dark, except for the nightstand lamp that lit a small area around the slouched person. His rather small hand wrote notes as his blue eyes scanned the pages, soaking up as much information as possible.

The door opened and a petite woman with black hair entered the room. She appeared equally tired, her eyes sunken and her posture slumped as she sank into an armchair nearby.

"I ordered food," she stated expressionlessly.

"I'm not hungry," the other answered just as stoically.

The woman sighed and gazed at the empty coffee cups as if they represented the man's sleepless nights.

"Take a break," she suggested and continued with a sigh.

"You can't keep doing this. It will drive you crazy."

Natsuo's jaw clenched and he slammed his notebook shut. He looked dull and drawn, carrying dark circles under his eyes that reflected his exhausted state.

"I can't just take a break! I need to figure this out!"

The woman stood up and crouched beside him, keeping her face calm when placing a hand on his arm.

"I know you want to help Jiya, but it's not your job to revive him," she said softly.

Ayumi had moved temporarily to the penthouse after their friend's unfortunate incident. She had been there reminding the other resident to eat and take care of himself, distracting him from his obsession with finding a cure for their friend's condition.

The blue eyes became dull and hazy. Ayumi carefully took the journal from the man's sluggish hands and put it away.

"Come on, just lay down here for a minute," she said, touching the nearby king-size bed.

Natsuo was so worn out that he complied with the woman's request, and even allowed her to guide him under the sheets. He usually argued about it, but that day, he didn't have the energy to put up a fight.

The black-haired woman silently threw away all the used sweetener packets and cleaned all the stained coffee mugs. She glanced back at the figure, now curled up and clutching a pillow that belonged to their common friend.

(The next day)

Natsuo opened his eyes slowly. He blinked a few times before rubbing his eyelids and groaned weakly. Even though he had been sleeping for a few hours, he felt he hadn't rested for days.

He checked his phone, hoping for news that his boyfriend was awake, but nothing was there. Like every other day, he sank into disappointment, not wanting to face the reality that awaited him that morning.

His arms clung tightly around Jiro's pillow, trying to find comfort in the familiar scent that used to be there, but had now faded away. Tears stung his eyes as he thought about losing his partner, so he buried his face under the blanket, even though no one was around to see what he was feeling.

Six weeks had passed. Each day Jiro spent in a coma reduced his chance of waking up. Natsuo had tried to be optimistic, especially when talking to his unconscious boyfriend, telling him all about his research and plans for the future.

He had painted hopeful pictures with his words, wishing the man would somehow hear them and feel better, whatever realm he was in. Their conversation had been obviously one-sided, but Natsuo had swallowed his emotions and kept his voice steady, as he tried to stay strong for the both of them.

"Good morning!" Ayumi shouted rather cheerfully, catching Natsuo off guard.

She headed over to the window and opened the curtains, brightening up the messy room instantly with warm sun light.

"This isn't like you," Natsuo frowned and tried to pull the duvet over his head, but the woman quickly stopped him.

"Today, we will go for a walk and touch the grass."

"There is no way - "

She squeezed his cheeks, forcing him to look at her. Her hair was just as wild as his teal hair, but her expression was much softer.

"Do as I say."

"Or else?" Natsuo muttered muffledly when her fingers remained on his face.

"You don't want to know. And you will start by taking a shower."

She pulled him out of bed and pointed towards the master bedroom's ensuite.

"I will make us breakfast in the meantime. And use soap!"

Natsuo sighed, disappearing into the gray-tiled bathroom and following her instructions. As he turned around, he saw his reflection in the large mirror and a face almost unfamiliar to him.

A couple of red blemishes had formed on his skin, most likely caused by the excessive stress he had been suffering from. His hair was quite scruffy and dirty after a couple of days without a bath, but that was the least of his worries.

He removed his clothes, revealing the ribs that had started to show through the thin layer of his skin. Lately, he had lived with coffee and an occasional snack to keep him going, as the meals he had once enjoyed had lost their appeal.

Just as he was about to step into the lavish shower, a voice yelled behind the closed door.

"If you are not fully clothed in the kitchen in ten minutes, I will break this door!"

The blue eyes rolled in response. He opened the shower, letting the warm water cascade down his body and soak into his skin.

"Are you using soap?" Ayumi questioned shortly later, startling the young man once again.

"Didn't you plan to make food?" Natsuo grunted back.

"That isn't a yes!"

"I'm using soap!"

In the corner of the shower, he spotted a scented shampoo bar, the same sweet-smelling soap Jiro had always used. He picked it up and brought it closer to his nose, breathing in the memories it brought back.

(A while later)

Natsuo emerged from the bedroom in his typical loose-fitting clothing. He had put on olive-colored shirt and black sweatpants, which had become too big for his current frame.

"Can you help me?" he murmured as he saw Ayumi preparing a cup of coffee for them. He had tried combing his tangled hair, but the knots were too stubborn to handle.

"Sure, sit down," the hairdresser answered, taking the comb from her friend's hands.

She patiently worked through the man's damp locks, untangling the knots and breaking down the small clumps of strands.

"Is this what you call preparing breakfast?" Natsuo asked, somewhat amused as he saw the cornflakes and carton of milk she had laid on the dining table. It was far different from the cooked, fresh meals he had eaten with his multimillionaire housemate.

Ayumi slapped the man's head.

"Don't be so ungrateful. Can't you see the fruits I brought for us?" she scolded as she gestured to the plate of fresh cherries.

"Sorry," Natsuo mumbled.

Ayumi smiled and patted his friend's head forgivingly before stepping back to admire her work.

"There," she said, looking pleased with her achievement.

"You would be surprised to see how great you look now. I think Jiya would be proud of you."

"You think so?" Natsuo whispered, lowering his gaze as he remembered the white-haired man's face.

Every time, he pictured him smiling, showing the small dimples on his cheeks. His brown eyes were always warm and focused, glowing with his natural calmness and kindness.

"Well, after you have eaten. Then he will be very pleased with you," the woman remarked and motioned to the cereal.

Natsuo twitched his lips as he tried to force a smile, even if it was a sad one. He grabbed a plate and poured cornflakes on it, ready to do anything to make his companion happy - even if he imagined it.