Ep 27: The Day the Rain Didn't Stop.

The episode opens in a dimly lit hospital hallway. The rain outside hits the glass like a heartbeat. Naoki sits beside his mother's hospital bed, her breathing shallow, machines beeping steadily. Hana had come earlier to bring food, but left quietly, sensing Naoki needed space.

Ren arrives quietly, offering Naoki a drink. They don't talk much — they don't need to. Just sitting there, with the sound of the rain filling the silence, was enough.

Later, the boys walk out to the waiting room to stretch their legs. They sit side by side, sipping vending machine coffee that tastes like cardboard.

Naoki suddenly speaks.

> "She told me not to cry if anything happened. That she hated when I looked sad…"

Ren doesn't reply, but the look on his face says everything.

There's a moment where Naoki breaks — just a little. He rests his head on the wall behind him, eyes shut.

> "What if I wasn't enough?"

> "You were," Ren says firmly. "You are."

Before Naoki can answer, the hospital intercom buzzes faintly. A nurse passes by and nods at them politely.

---

Later that evening, Hana texts both of them:

> Hana: If either of you need anything... I'm here, okay?

Naoki types something. Stops. Then just replies:

> Naoki: Thanks.

Ren walks Naoki out for some air. They talk a bit about school, about nothing. Naoki even cracks a dry joke about the vending machine stealing his coins.

> "You think she's going to be okay?" he asks quietly, looking up at the overcast sky.

> "I hope so," Ren replies.

---

The screen cuts to black.

Then a phone rings.

Naoki looks down.

Doctor (via phone): "Naoki… I'm sorry to call so late. It's about your mother. There's been a development. You should come quickly."

Naoki's hand tightens around the phone. The rain, outside, starts falling harder.

Cut to black.