"We're gonna be..."

[Rehabilitation Room 5 - 20:53]

Kanae entered the room and sat down on a chair next to the unconscious Saku. He looked quite peaceful, which made sense since he had been sleeping for three days. Kanae looked at his unconscious face as her lips curled up.

"You're sound asleep, how cute." Kanae looked at his face for a moment, a speck of joy glinting in her chocolate-brown eyes. "I was told that you lost control because you were worried about me… I'm kinda thrilled that you would go so far as to protect me, it really made me happy..."

Kanae whispered, her velvety tone pulling the room all the more closer, her cheeks burning a furious crimson; only he shone in her passionate eyes. 

"Though I do wish you wouldn't do it again. I don't want to lose a dear friend if I can help it, hehe… Anyways, thanks—Saku… I hope you'll wake up soon… Cuuuuz… I'm not leaving until you do."

She gently pulled his hand toward her face and brushed her cheek against it. Feeling the warmth of his calloused hand, she smiled ever so slightly as she closed her eyes slowly and tenderly.

*****

[Makuhari - 8 years ago]

In a viridian grass field that perpetuated all around a giant healthy tree with leaves the color of jade, three nine-year-olds stood as they looked at the horizon, a cerulean sky mirroring in their young eyes.

The grass quivered as a soft blow of wind rustled it along with the tree's leaves and the three's clothing. The three of them were none other than Saku, Takeru, and Kanae.

Saku pointed at the sky as a radiant smile curved his lips. "Let's do it, you guys!"

Takeru replied as he sighed lightly. "You do realize that will be really difficult, right? I mean, we'd have to work super hard—"

Kanae jumped on Takeru's back, her hands wrapping around his neck as she tightened her arms obliviously. "Quit being a downer, Takeru, we can do it. As long as we've got each other, we can achieve all of our dreams! Count on it, tee-hee…"

"Okay—okay—now let—me—go… you're gonna—choke me—to death..." Takeru choked out, his hands hovering over his compromised neck.

"Whoa… Kanae, you're gonna kill him!"

Kanae let go of him, her awkward laughter shaping her face. He took a knee as he tried to catch his breath. "You're much… stronger… than you look… it's kinda scary…"

"Sorry about that, I guess all that training has finally paid off, huh."

"I guess… it did… Although… I wish you'd learn to control your strength… I'm not ready to die just yet," Takeru breathed, a comical, slightly fearful expression appearing on his face.

The three of them laughed happily as they stood side by side, their eyes locked on the beautiful sky once more. Saku grabbed both of their hands and raised them up into the air as he said, a confident tone parting from his lips, "Takeru, Kanae, can I say it?"

"Uh-huh."

"Sure, why not."

As they said this, Saku stood tall, his chest pushed out, his head held up high, a passionate smile tugging at his lips as his eyes crinkled. "We're gonna be… Union Officers!!!" Saku let out a whoop. "But not just any officers. We're gonna be the greatest officers of all time!!! And… we're going to be friends forever!!!"

"Forever and ever!"

"Till death do us part!"

"Dude, that sounds like a wedding vow… I know I'm handsome and everything but… I don't see you that way, so—"

"No, you idiot! I meant we'll be friends until death separates us! Why do you have to be such an idiot!"

"Hey, I'm not an idiot, you are!"

"The both of you are idiots."

"Fair," the two boys said in unison, their faces looking like stuffed animals.

"Hey, you guys, Grandma wants to talk to you, all of you," a girl yelled from far across the grass.

"Come on… let's gooo!"

Kanae ran forward without so much as a care in the world. She ran through the gentle grass, Takeru following closely behind her. Meanwhile, Saku looked at them, his childlike grin showing itself as he mused while looking at his friends. "We'll always be friends, forever and…"

Suddenly, darkness enveloped the land that was all around them—the grass, the tree, and even the three of them. Everything turned into complete darkness.

*****

[Present - 7:03 am]

Saku's lips moved as he said in a monotone voice, "Ever…"

He opened his eyes as the world around him effulged with light that greeted him. His tired-looking eyes stared at the ceiling.

The ceiling had white acoustic tiles, sprinkler heads that waited for emergencies, ventilation grilles, and recessed lighting caused by the square-shaped troffers.

He turned his head to his right as a golden glow came through from the giant glass window, brightening the dreary room. Then his gaze landed on his left, and there she was:

Kanae had placed her head on the left side of the bed while still holding his hand firmly. Her delicate face was somewhat at peace. She breathed slowly, her soft voice barely audible as she snored softly.

Saku simply looked at her for a few minutes while he tried to manage a weak smile as he pondered silently. How long has she been here? Knowing her, she's probably been here far longer than she should've been… The memory of Takeru's furious face appeared right before his eyes. I wonder… where are you right now… Takeru?

Saku's gaze lingered on the ceiling once more, his introspection clouding his vision. I… lost control… Tstst… Saku clenched his jaw. I made a promise… Damn it.

Ten minutes later, Kanae woke from her slumber as she let go of his hand and rubbed her eyes.

Saku said, his voice barely above a whisper, "Good morning, did you sleep well?"

"Oh, hey Saku… Wait a minute… YOU'RE AWAKE!"

"Please don't yell, it's way too early."

"Why didn't you tell me you were awake?!"

"You were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you."

"I guess that's fair."

Fair; that's what we said in my dream… I wonder if she still has that memory? Saku wondered as he looked at her calmly while smiling carefully. 

"Say, Kanae,"

"What is it?"

"Do you remember the day we visited Makuhari?"

"Mhm. That was what? Eight or nine years ago?"

"It was actually eight years ago. We were visiting your grandma and your cousin. Let's see, her name is—"

"Masa."

"Yeah. Do you also remember the promise we made that day?"

"That we'd one day become Union Officers? Of course I remember, I'd never forget." Kanae locked eyes with Saku, her voice laced with a little bit of anger. "Why are you asking me about it is my question, since you decided that it wasn't something you wanted anymore, or am I wrong?"

"Don't be upset, that will ruin your cuteness, you know. After what happened with my mom… I just couldn't see myself becoming someone like her." Saku said simply, a sad tone rattling in his throat.

"But now I've made up my mind. I'll continue striving and chasing my dreams, same as she did. She chased her dreams till the very end. That's what I'll do too. Although, I've got both goals and dreams, and my first goal is becoming a Union Officer, no matter what. I'll also achieve all of my other goals too, and my dreams. Count on it."

Kanae sighed as she glanced at him, her weary eyes glinting. "I know you will. We've got all the time in the world, after all."

"Oh wait, I've forgotten what your dreams are."

"You haven't forgotten because I've never told you. You only know my goal—our goal. I'll tell you the rest of them when the time is right."

"Okay."

"Just know that I'll be right here by your side, as we continue to chase our dreams together, alright?"

"Right, I'm looking forward to it."

As they looked at each other with genuine care, Kanae realized that she had said too much too soon, and immediately her entire face turned red. 

She turned away from him. Okay, Kanae, you need to slow down, that was way too forward. What if he catches on… although, it's not like he would, he's too dense for his own good.

Kanae thought, her face a mask of introspection. Just then, the door to the room hissed open as Shintaro stood right there in the doorway.