Yuta's Hesitation

Orange sunlight filtered through the hospital room window at dusk.

"Did Sora come again today, Big brother?" Asuka's frail voice asked.

Yuta smiled while checking her IV drip. Though her face still held traces of childhood, he could see the inner strength that always seemed to support him. Her condition had been stabilizing lately, with fewer emergencies than before.

"Yeah. She said she'd help with studying again today."

"I'm glad... Ever since Sora started visiting, every day has become more enjoyable."

Yuta's hand paused momentarily at those words. Indeed, since Sora had begun frequenting their home like family, their lives had changed dramatically. Asuka's condition had stabilized remarkably, and even their mother had regained her smile.

However, Asuka had been confined to the hospital these past few days. The change of seasons had affected her health, and her doctor had recommended a brief hospital stay.

"I want to go home soon..." Asuka's whispered words found silent agreement in Yuta's heart.

Yet a heavy shadow perpetually lingered in his chest.

---

"Monthly report received."

He had just finished his secret meeting with Sora's grandfather. The usual luxury car with its chauffeur picking him up at the hospital. The solemn reception room. The detailed report about Sora.

"There haven't been any unusual developments lately..."

His own voice sounded hollow as he reported.

"Oh? What about the rapid recovery of injured patients?"

"Well, about that..."

Yuta deliberately held back details about Asuka's recovery, his words heavy with hesitation. It was information he should have reported immediately, and yet his tongue felt heavy.

"Yuta-kun, I understand how you feel."

Those shrewd eyes pierced through him.

"However, this is our agreement. Asuka's medical expenses, her future—everything depends on this promise."

Yuta could only remain silent at those words. The reality was that everything—medical bills, tuition—relied on Sora's grandfather's support. Considering this, he had to fulfill his role even if it meant suppressing his true feelings.

But is this really okay?

The question growing in the depths of his heart constricted his chest. Every time he saw Sora's pure nature or Asuka's smile, his role as an observer tormented his conscience.

---

Returning to the hospital room, Asuka was breathing peacefully in her sleep. However, Yuta's heart tightened when he noticed her eyelids moving slightly.

Could she have heard...?

Anxiety crossed his mind. But Asuka's sleeping face remained peaceful, seemingly just quietly sleeping, oblivious to his concerns.

Am I really protecting what I should be protecting? Or...

A bitter sensation spread through his throat. The choice he made to protect his family might be hurting someone else. This possibility was haunting him.

---

Just then, light footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Turning around, he saw Sora bathed in the sunset light. Her white jacket and blue checkered skirt uniform were tinted orange in the evening glow.

"You've been deep in thought lately, haven't you, Yuta?"

Yuta's chest tightened at Sora's innocent and worried expression. Her pure gaze seemed capable of easily seeing through his lies.

"I'm just tired. Don't worry about it."

Does Sora really not know anything...?

As he told the lie, he felt himself breaking apart inside.

"Then, would you like to eat this? It's freshly baked bread!"

The fragrant aroma wafting from the paper bag filled the hospital room with warmth.

"Haruka-san made your favorite Golden Melon Bread!"

---

At that moment, another voice rang out from the hallway.

"Oh my, did you already tell him?"

Turning around, they saw his mother standing there in her bakery uniform, holding a package.

"Mom?"

"Sorry, I was planning to give it to Sora-chan."

His mother entered the room with a wry smile. Her eyes held a mixture of kindness and playfulness that softened the atmosphere. As she slipped past Yuta, she whispered:

"She's such a wonderful girl, isn't she?"

---

Those words caused Yuta's heart to waver greatly. His mother's comment touched something deep within him while simultaneously creating new doubts.

How can I possibly protect everyone I care about...

By the window sat Ten, the familiar gray cat. Those eyes seemed to see straight through to Yuta's heart. Yuta couldn't maintain eye contact. Ten's silent presence felt as though it was staring straight into his lies, exposing every hidden truth.

What he wanted to protect had always been clear in his mind. Asuka. He was willing to sacrifice anything to protect his frail sister and create a happy future for her. Even his own pride and sense of justice.

However, for that—

He glanced at Sora. Her pure, trusting smile. Yuta involuntarily averted his eyes. In that moment, a sharp pain welled up from deep in his chest.

I'm betraying Sora... I'm not even worthy of being called a friend...

No, the word "friend" couldn't contain it anymore. Yuta had already realized it. His feelings for Sora had transcended friendship. But he had no right to harbor such feelings. Not him, who continued to betray her trust and lie to her goodwill.

Looking back at Asuka, he thought he saw her eyelids flutter slightly. It was as if she might be listening to their conversation even while sleeping.

Will my lies reach Asuka too?

A bitter lump seemed stuck in his throat. How could he protect the happiness of either of them—Asuka, whom he wanted to protect, or Sora, who had become their salvation—when he couldn't tell the truth to either?

Sora continued smiling innocently. The fragrant aroma of the bread she handed him seemed to wrap the tense hospital room in a gentle atmosphere. Yet even that scent weighed heavy on Yuta's heart.

"Shall we all have some tea?"

Sora's words softened the room's atmosphere. Ten turned to stare intently at Yuta. Those eyes seemed to hold a stillness that said "lies are heavy."

While suppressing the urge to cry out inside, Yuta forced a smile.

I want to protect both Sora and Asuka—but if I can't, then at least let me hold onto this fleeting moment..

The sunset gradually sank. Ten quietly absorbed that light by the window. This precious time that should have passed without anyone knowing flowed quietly within the hospital room.