My Peaceful Hospital Stay is Wrong, As I Expected

I don't know how long it was before I woke up. The world came back slowly, like waking up from a long, deep sleep. My head was throbbing, every muscle screaming, and there was an uncomfortable, cold feeling pressing against my cheek.

I opened my eyes.

Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, glaring down at me like they had something personal against me. I squinted, the reality of the situation creeping in.

I let out a slow breath, dragging my gaze around the room. White walls, stiff blankets, that faint antiseptic smell clinging to the air.

Now I imagined a nurse walking in and saying: Congratulations, you're not dead, but our food will make you wish you were.

Hospital. Great.

So, I survived. Lucky me.

I shifted slightly, wincing at the dull pain radiating from my leg. A thick cast ran from my ankle to just above my knee. Figures. I vaguely remembered the car and something about a tiny dog.

Right. The dog.

I saved it. Probably. If it's haunting me as a ghost, I'm going to be very upset.

I let my head rest against the pillow, sighing. The clock on the wall was blurry, but the sun peeking in through the blinds told me it wasn't too late in the day. How long had I been out? A day? Two? More? Long enough that I missed the thrilling opening ceremony of Sobu High's new school year. A true tragedy.

At least I had an excuse this time.

A few hours later the door creaked open.

"Onii-chan!"

I didn't even have time to brace myself before Komachi rushed over to the bed. Her footsteps were soft, but the way she threw herself toward me felt like getting hit by a very energetic, overly emotional puppy.

"Ah, careful—" I winced as she wrapped her arms around me, ignoring the numerous wires and my clear discomfort. The pain flared immediately but I couldn't bring myself to push her away.

Komachi pulled back, her eyes watery but bright with relief. "You're finally awake! You scared me, you know. Do you know how long you've been out?"

"No, but I assume you're about to tell me."

"Three days, Onii-chan. Three! I had to visit every day. They wouldn't let me bring snacks either."

Truly the greatest injustice against my cute little sister.

I sighed, leaning back against the pillow. "You shouldn't have worried so much. I'm clearly still here."

Komachi puffed her cheeks out in frustration, crossing her arms. "That's not the point! What if you didn't wake up? Mom and Dad were worried sick too, even if they didn't say much."

That caught my attention. "They came by?"

"Of course! You're their son, you know!"

That's right. They have to pretend to care at least a little.

Her words were lighthearted, but there was a hint of seriousness in them. I could picture it—the awkward shuffle of my parents standing at the doorway, not sure what to say but still showing up. They probably left once they were sure I wasn't going to flatline.

"Anyway," Komachi continued, plopping down into the chair by my bed, "I'm just glad you're okay. I don't care what happens, but you can't scare me like that again."

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting her words settle.

For all my complaints, having Komachi here felt comforting. Even if she was loud, and her hugs posed a greater threat to my health than the car that hit me, Komachi's presence made the sterile room feel a little less cold.

"I'll try not to heroically throw myself into danger next time,"

She grinned. "Good. I can't have my Onii-chan becoming a tragic protagonist. That's way too much work."

I smirked, wincing slightly as the movement tugged at something in my chest. "Yeah, I'd rather avoid that too."

Komachi leaned forward, resting her chin on the bed. Her gaze softened, and for a moment, the teasing faded.

"I really was scared, you know," she said quietly.

I glanced down at her, feeling the weight of her words.

"I know."

"You look terrible, by the way," she remarked.

"Gee, thanks," I said. "I'm sure the car looks worse."

She giggled, but the sound was brief, almost as if she was holding back. Komachi's eyes flickered toward the monitors beside me for a moment.

Then, as if deciding it had been long enough, she joked. "Well, at least you didn't lose your face. I mean, your social life was already beyond saving, but your dead eyes are all you had going for you, Onii-chan."

I raised an eyebrow. "Wow. That's bold talk coming from someone who practically cried into my hospital gown five minutes ago."

Her cheeks flushed, but she quickly covered it with a huff. "I did not."

"I sense a big bro-con energy right there," I smirked.

She gasped in mock horror. "Eh, excuse me? I think you've got it backward, Onii-chan. It feels more like you're the one who can't live without his adorable little sister. Classic sis-con behavior, huh?"

"You say that, but look who's still here even though visiting hours ended twenty minutes ago."

Komachi crossed her arms, pouting. "You think I'd just leave you to suffer alone? I am your only cute, socially adept little sister."

I rolled my eyes but felt a familiar warmth settle in my chest.

For all the teasing, Komachi's presence really did make the walls feel a little less suffocating.

ㅤ

ᛚᛟᚾᛖᛚᚤᚲᚤᚾᛁᚲᚨᛚᛋᛟᚢᛚ

ㅤ

I thought my hospital stay would be peaceful, but as expected, I was wrong.

I should've known. There's no such thing as peace when Evil God exists.

It wasn't the sterile beeping of machines or the distant footsteps in the hallway that alerted me. No, it was the sheer sense of unease creeping in like when you realize the villain's been in the room the whole time, and you're only just now noticing.

I glanced at the doorway. And there she was.

I felt déjà vu

Evil God stood there, her expression as expressionless as ever, but somehow hiding that overwhelming pressure that could drain the life from any room she stepped into should she wish.

She stepped inside without hesitation as if visiting hours for the family didn't apply to her. Maybe they didn't. Maybe hospitals had a separate clause for supernatural entities.

"...How did you even get in here?" I muttered, pulling the thin blanket over me slightly as if it could somehow ward her off.

She didn't answer immediately. Her gaze flicked briefly to the side table where Komachi had left some of her snacks as if evaluating whether they were worth confiscating.

"I have my ways," she said, finally taking a seat beside my bed with the ease of someone who had already claimed the spot as her own.

I narrowed my eyes. Komachi must've told her.

That was the most logical explanation. No amount of supernatural sixth sense should let her track me down across the city. There is no way she just clairvoyantly sensed my hospitalization.

…Unless that really was part of her Evil God skill set. I wouldn't be surprised. Evil God's omniscient gaze pierces through mortal realms. How could I forget?

Evil God tilted her head slightly at whatever face I was making.

"Remind me to have a chat with my sister about privacy."

I glanced toward the door, half-expecting to see Komachi peeking around the corner with that little sister smirk she saved for moments like these...

...only to see no one.

This meant Evil God actually managed to get past visiting restrictions, probably bent reality in the process.

Evil God said nothing.

"You know, I thought hospitalization might give me a break from all this," I muttered.

She regarded me carefully. "You seem disappointed."

I let out a slow breath. "Yeah, I guess it wouldn't feel right without you casually invading my personal space."

Evil God leaned back slightly in her chair, "It's a good thing I came, then. I wouldn't want you to think you were forgotten."

There was a weight to those words that lingered for just a little too long to my liking.

I shifted against the pillows, feeling more comfortable now. The pain in my leg had mostly faded, leaving behind only the dull aftereffects of the injury. Well, at least one part of me was back to normal.

Her golden eyes caught the slight movement. "Painkillers not working?"

"They're doing their best. Can't say the same for the rest of me. My head feels like exploding any minute now."

Evil God's gaze remained steady, her head tilting slightly. "Would you like me to check your temperature?"

I frowned, not sure if I'd heard that right. "...What?"

"If you're still in pain, it could be a fever. I can check by touching your forehead."

I shifted uncomfortably, already picturing the absurd scene in my head. Yeah, no thanks.

The mental image practically drew itself like one of those awkward manga moments where the guy suddenly leans in to check the girl's temperature, leaving her flustered and red-faced. And of course, the stammering follow-up: "Y-Y-Yes, I'm fine!"

I contorted internally from the sheer cringe.

I wasn't about to let that reverse scenario happen to me.

"If you say so."

For a moment, silence settled between us.

She broke it first.

"You're not missing much at Sobu, I think. The year started the same way it always does so you shouldn't worry too much."

"Sounds exhausting," I replied dryly. "Wish I could relate."

"You could if you wanted to."

"Yeah, well, I'm not in a position to be making any high school memories right now. Unless you count hospital food reviews."

Evil God's gaze lingered, unreadable as ever. Then, almost too casually, she said:

"As long as you have me, there's no need to worry about things like that."

I adjusted the blanket over myself as if that could somehow shield me from the unsettling weight of that statement.

I guess I'm doomed anyway.

Doom is inevitable fate.

Yeah, because that sounds so much better.

It was then I decided to mention the uniform she was wearing.

Red blazer, bow tie, white pleated skirt.

"Wait, aren't you supposed to be at your new school?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I am," she said simply.

I frowned. "And you're here."

"Trains exist, you know."

I glanced at the clock. Afternoon.

"So instead of going home, you decided to hop on a train, ride across half the prefecture, and show up unannounced just to visit me here?" I let out a sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. "You know, most people send a text or flowers. But sure, ominous personal visits work too."

Evil God nodded. She didn't even flinch.

I let my head sink deeper into the pillow. "At this rate, you might as well transfer to Sobu. Clearly, you miss harassing me."

Evil God gave me a long, slow look. "Do you want me to?"

I cursed myself for speaking.

"It's some time before they let me out of here," I muttered, mostly to myself.

"I see. Well, then I suppose I'll be visiting you regularly now that you're awake."

I froze, the sudden realization hitting me like a truck. My mind scrambled to process her words. I didn't say anything right away. Part of me was in panic mode, desperately trying to think of a way out of this situation, but I couldn't come up with a reasonable excuse. So, I just stared at her, wide-eyed.

Okay, calm down. Think. I'm literally stuck in a hospital bed, there's no way out of this. There's no running away from Evil God.

"Right," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper, trying to sound indifferent despite the rising sense of anxiety in my chest. "That sounds... good."

"Are you afraid of me?"

No, I'm not afraid of you but the idea of you hanging around my hospital room every day definitely makes me want to crawl into a hole and disappear.

I cleared my throat. "No. I just—well, I'm good," I said with a forced chuckle. "Somehow."

"Would you like me to tell you about my days at ANHS?"

I blinked at the unexpected offer. "I… yeah. Sure."

And with that, I couldn't tell if I was dreading or looking forward to hearing what Evil God had to say. Knowing her, it was likely to be a bit of both.

Evil God, trying to experience high school life.

The thought alone felt wrong. It was like watching someone desperately attempting to blend in with humans, mimicking behavior but never quite getting it right. It was impressive, sure, but mostly unsettling.

"There is a girl in my class who lends me her notes. Her name is Kushida."

"…That's it?"

She nodded.

"Yeah, is it good?"

I shrugged. "Sure. Sounds normal enough."

So, a nice girl, then. That was the obvious conclusion. Simple, polite, and helpful. Probably the type that smiled at everyone and volunteered for everything.

After a moment, she continued without any change in tone.

"And another girl occasionally invites me to join her for lunch, but then she tries to blackmail me."

"…Come again?"

ㅤ

ᛚᛟᚾᛖᛚᚤᚲᚤᚾᛁᚲᚨᛚᛋᛟᚢᛚ

ㅤ

"Hikigaya," Evil God said, seated next to me. "Would you like to watch this 'anime' with me?"

I cracked one eye open, staring at her through the narrow gap in my lids.

"What."

"I thought it might make your hospital stay more enjoyable," Evil God said, her tone as neutral as if she were suggesting a business meeting. "I've heard it's popular nowadays."

"…You're telling me you've never watched anime before?" I shifted slightly in the bed, raising an eyebrow.

"No," she replied plainly.

Well, that tracks. I imagine when you're an Evil God, your schedule's packed. Hard to make room after manipulating mortals.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Shouldn't you be studying or something? You know, for school?"

Her eyes met mine. "There's no need."

No need.

What exactly does that mean? Did she somehow fast-track the entire curriculum? Rewrite the school's policies through sheer demonic intervention. Or did the teachers just accept their fate and pass her out of fear?

It's an Evil God.

I could feel my thoughts spiraling into dangerous territory, but I caught myself before they snowballed into dread.

"Is that a yes?"

I hesitated. Every cell in my body screamed at me to decline and preserve what little dignity I had left.

But then I remembered—if I said no, she might actually try harder.

This… isn't exactly how I pictured spending my hospital stay. I had been ready to endure boredom with stoic grace, possibly even enjoy the peace of isolation.

However, if watching anime with her meant the world wouldn't end then so be it.

"Fine," I relented.

I found myself regretting this decision almost immediately.

We sat side by side, the glow of the laptop screen illuminating the room. The opening theme swelled through the laptop's tinny speakers making my ears hurt. It started with over-the-top visuals, flashing images, and characters appearing dramatically against a fantasy background.

Evil God leaned in—too close—her shoulder brushing against mine as the opening started.

I focused intensely on the screen, pretending not to notice.

This isn't a romcom. There's no need for proximity like this. Boundaries exist for a reason you know.

Evil God's eyes followed what was happening. "What is the purpose of this?"

I glanced at her. "The opening? It's a staple. Sets the tone, and introduces the cast. Basically, it's just there to look cool and get people hyped."

She gave a small nod, processing the information. Her gaze remained fixed on the screen with unsettling focus.

A few seconds passed before she spoke again.

"Why are they singing?"

I blinked. "It's part of the experience. A catchy song helps with branding, I guess. People remember the anime by its opening."

"So it's a form of indoctrination."

I smirked ominously, "Sure. Let's go with that."

On-screen, the protagonist—a slightly pathetic teenager—found himself unceremoniously dropped into another world.

Huh. I didn't know this one.

Not long after, the guy stumbled across a beautiful half-elf girl. Cue dramatic slow-motion and sappy background music as he instantly fell head-over-heels for her.

I couldn't help but grimace.

"…Seriously?" I muttered.

Evil God glanced at me. "Something wrong?"

"This guy—he just met her. One look and suddenly he's ready to dedicate his life to her like some kind of medieval knight. It's embarrassing," I said, crossing my arms.

She returned her attention to the screen without comment.

A few more scenes passed in silence before she spoke again.

"What would you do in his place?" she asked, her voice as calm as ever.

I was caught off guard by the question.

"…You mean if I were magically transported to another world?"

She nodded once.

I thought for a moment, resting my chin on my hand.

"Well," I began slowly. "The first thing I'd do is avoid anyone who looked remotely like the main heroine. Based on the laws of this genre, interacting with them is a one-way ticket to disaster."

Evil God considered this with unnerving seriousness.

"And if avoiding wasn't possible?"

"Then I'd run a background check. Ask for a detailed list of affiliations, tragic backstories, and curses. If that fails, I'd probably just pretend I couldn't speak the local language."

"…So you'd lie."

I nodded.

"I see. Practical, but not very heroic."

I shrugged. "Heroism has a surprisingly low survival rate as you can see."

Evil God leaned in a fraction closer, and I could feel her eyes studying me even as I tried to focus on the anime. Please stop doing that or I would get a heart attack.

If she becomes an otaku because of this, I'm done. I'll abandon my path as a loner and embrace the road to becoming a raijuu.

The thought was enough to send a chill down my spine.

Her brow furrowed faintly as the protagonist shouted his name dramatically in the middle of the street.

"…Is this normal?"

I choked back a laugh. "Not exactly. It's just to show off how determined he is to save that elf girl or something. You know, foreshadowing."

Her eyes lingered on me for a moment before returning to the screen.

"You seem well-versed in this," she said after a pause.

I shrugged. "Not really."

She turned to me, raising an eyebrow ever so slightly. "You recognized the series immediately. Do you watch a lot of anime?"

I felt my muscles tense involuntarily.

"No," I answered flatly, "I didn't recognize it."

Her gaze remained unreadable as if she could see through the lie without needing to say it.

Of course, I didn't lie.

Watching anime takes time and effort. I'd rather read the light novel than that. It was faster, with more details, and less filler. Efficiency is key. I explained.

Evil God continued watching, seemingly satisfied by my response.

Whoever suggested the idea of anime to her I'm finding them. And when I do, I'm ending them.

I hid my true intention and asked Evil God. "So, who exactly thought anime was a good idea for you?"

"A boy named Ike. He was talking about it with his friends, so when I found out you were in the hospital, I figured it might cheer you up."

A mix of embarrassment and something else I couldn't quite put my finger on hit me. A random guy she barely knew suggested anime to her.

Well, it's the thought that counts, I guess.