Heartrending Stories: Angel
Karte 01
We've made it through the year-end holidays, which always sees an uptick in patients, and the doctors of the EICU are celebrating at the Pen.
MC: "Mmm. The meaty protein is flooding my body with joy."
Hosho: "I'm very happy for you, MC."
Hosho: "You're welcome to have mine too, if you like."
Kyogoku: "You and Takado are on the same page. Look at him silently going to town on the shrimp."
Ekuni: "Is the shrimp flooding your body with joy?"
Takado: "Don't compare me to MC. This is how a normal person eats good food."
Matsunaga: "Well, isn't this a peaceful scene? Eh, Kasumi?"
Kasumi: "..."
While everyone is satiating their culinary appetites...
Kasumi is looking at his phone.
Matsunaga: "You're grinning."
MC: "!"
(Oh no. Please don't tell me he's looking at photos of me making weird faces.)
We're seated in the order of me, Kasumi, then Matsunaga.
I quickly block his view of Kasumi's phone, not wanting him to see that.
MC: "You can't look, Matsunaga!"
Kasumi: "Huh?"
MC: "Err..."
When Kasumi seems confused by me saying this, I look at the phone in his hands.
It's just a photo of snowdrop buds on the balcony.
MC: "That's what you're looking at?"
Kasumi: "What'd you think I was looking at?"
MC: "Um. I..."
Kyogoku: "What WERE you picturing?"
Takado: "Kasumi must have some wacky pictures of you."
MC: "I was so sure that's what it was!"
Ekuni: "Kasumi was grinning."
MC: "Exactly. I know I grin when I'm looking at photos of Kasumi, so I naturally assumed..."
Kasumi: "Oh really? You look at pictures of me that often?"
MC: "I..."
Hosho: "Kasumi, you look like a happy man."
Kyogoku: "It's rare to find a girl who's this fun to mess with."
(If we don't change course, Kasumi is going to mess with me a whole lot more tonight.)
I want to avoid that.
MC: "What's everyone's cell phone wallpaper?"
I desperately attempt to change the subject.
Takado: "Wallpaper? It's whatever the phone came with."
Ekuni: "Same."
MC: "You guys have no personality."
Kyogoku: "Takado, want me to change that to a photo of shrimp for you?"
Ekuni: "Me too! Make mine donuts!"
Kyogoku: "No problemo."
Hosho: "Matsunaga takes changing out his wallpaper seriously. It's always a new picture of Hawaii."
MC: "Aw! I love Hawaii."
Matsunaga's dog is white, fluffy, and awfully cute.
Matsunaga: "What can I say? The girl has my heart."
Kasumi: "You've made the right decision."
MC: "I wish I were petting Hawaii right now. Her fur is so soft."
Kasumi: "You think she'll let you?"
Takado: "Kasumi? What do you... Oh, right."
Kasumi: "Don't pity me."
Matsunaga: "Err..."
Kasumi: "..."
(Aw. Kasumi looks bummed.)
(I hope Hawaii likes me eventually.)
Matsunaga: "MC, I think you'll get along swimmingly. She just needs a little time. She and Takado are basically engaged."
Kasumi: "Good for them."
MC: "Um..."
Takado: "..."
Kyogoku: "How dare you put words into Kasumi's mouth."
Takado: "Yo, MC. Help me out."
MC: "Why me?"
Matsunaga, noticing that I'm getting flustered, responds by smiling with a look of pure happiness.
Matsunaga: "At times like these, I think to myself, life is good."
MC: "Is it fun to look at me while I'm being persecuted?"
Matsunaga: "It's just good to see you two getting along so well."
Takado: "Who's getting along?"
Hosho: "You know, nobody believes you when you say things like that."
Matsunaga: "This is nice. Getting together like this, everyone having a good time."
Kasumi: "..."
--
A few days later.
It's a public holiday, and we have a leisurely breakfast.
MC: "Want some more coffee?"
Kasumi: "I'd love some. Thanks."
(Yes! He's getting used to letting me do things like this for him.)
At first he was overly protective, saying he didn't want me to burn myself.
But that meant he was always cooking for me and never the other way around.
(I wish I had the barista skills that Kyogoku has.)
(I'll have to do some research.)
No sooner do I stand up than the intercom buzzes.
MC: "Huh. Who could that be so early?"
Kasumi: "..."
Kasumi stands up without showing a hint of surprise and presses the button on the intercom.
The moment I see who's on the screen, I rush over.
MC: "Are you kidding me?!"
(Matsunaga and Hawaii?!)
Kasumi: "He's going to be away for the day. I said we'd take care of Hawaii."
MC: "And you didn't think to mention this to me?"
--
Matsunaga: "I am worried about her. It's probably stressful for her to be in a new place."
MC: "I'm sure."
Matsunaga: "Anyway, I made this for you. It's a list. Saya says it should come in handy."
MC: "If it has Saya's seal of approval, I'm sure it will. Saya wasn't available, huh?"
Matsunaga: "No, uh..."
Kasumi: "It's one night, and MC's here."
Matsunaga: "You're right. I'm sure she'll be fine."
Kasumi: "You're not running late?"
(Why does it feel like Kasumi is trying to get rid of Matsunaga?)
It seems like Kasumi is trying to shoo Matsunaga away.
Matsunaga: "Okay, okay. I'm going."
There's no time to offer coffee or tea before Matsunaga stands up and pets Hawaii in her carrier.
Hawaii: *whimper*
Matsunaga: "We'll be together again tomorrow, Hawaii."
MC: "Um... I'm sure this is crazy, but... Did Kasumi arrange this somehow to steal Hawaii from you?"
Kasumi: "Either way, Matsunaga still has to go."
MC: *gasp* "You're not denying it!"
Matsunaga: "You give me a call if you need anything, MC."
MC: "I will. Of course."
And so, with a look on his face that could be either a smile or a frown, Matsunaga goes.
--
Hawaii: *whimper*
Kasumi: "..."
Kasumi is threatened by adorable dog from the get-go.
MC: "I think we should leave Hawaii be until she gets used to the new place."
Kasumi: "I thought I was leaving her be."
MC: "She's scared of your stare. You haven't taken your eyes off of her."
Kasumi: "This is hard."
(It's natural that she'd be scared after having been brought to a new, unfamiliar place.)
When she finally settles down on the corner cushion, I decide to seize the opportunity to approach her with one of the treats that Matsunaga left with us.
MC: "Hey, Hawaii. I've missed you. Think you'll let me pet you today?"
Hawaii: "..."
Hawaii sniffs at the treat in my palm and tilts her head to the side.
MC: "Gah. So cute."
Hawaii: "Arf!"
MC: "Go ahead. It's for you."
(Oh my gosh! She's doing it! She's eating out of the palm of my hand!)
(She's like an angel!)
MC: "Kasumi... Are you seeing this?"
Kasumi: "It's really cute."
Kasumi is absorbed in taking photos of the scene.
But he remains at a distance so as not to scare Hawaii away.
Kasumi: "Matsunaga was right. What is it about you and Takado that she likes?"
MC: "Good question."
Kasumi: "All right. That's enough indoor play for now. We're going for a walk."
--
I do wonder if going on a walk will be as easy as all that...
Hawaii: *whimper*
Kasumi: "Hawaii, why am I the only one you behave that way toward? It makes a guy sad."
Hawaii: *whimper*
Kasumi: "You're not going to defeat me with those cute whimpers of yours."
Hawaii: "Arf! Arf!"
Hawaii comes and stands behind me, as if to deliberately provoke Kasumi.
Kasumi: "Oh really? You're trying to steal my MC away from me now?"
MC: "Why is this the moment you're unleashing your inner dark prince?"
Kasumi: "She stole you from me."
MC: "You're being overly attentive. That's what's freaking her out."
Kasumi: "..."
Hawaii: "..."
It's a stand off between the two of them. The tension is palpable.
MC: "Stop fighting, you two!"
Karte 02
After that, Hawaii continues to be chased around by Kasumi, and the gulf between them only grows.
MC: "It's dark out, and you still haven't made friends."
Kasumi: "Grrr."
Hawaii: *growl*
MC: "Hawaii, aren't you tired?"
Kasumi, sullen, goes out onto the balcony to check on the snowdrops.
MC: "Hey, Hawaii.
I sit on my knees next to Hawaii, and she wags her little tail.
MC: "You did a great job today. And tomorrow, you're going home to your beloved Matsunaga. Won't that be fun?"
Hawaii: "Arf!"
MC: "You're answering me? What a good girl."
Hawaii: "Arf, arf!"
(You're so dang cute. Are you a little angel? Yes, you are!)
While Hawaii and I are all over each other, Kasumi brings in a planter from the balcony.
MC: "Oh yeah. There's supposed to be a storm tonight."
Kasumi: "Yup."
Hawaii: "Arf!"
Hawaii scampers over to look at the snowdrops.
MC: "Hawaii went over to you! That's great."
Kasumi: "Hawaii, this isn't for you."
Kasumi puts Hawaii in his lap when she tries to dig up the dirt.
Kasumi: "It's very important we keep this nice."
Hawaii: "..."
The look on Kasumi's face as he explains this to her is so gentle, and yet somehow sad too.
(Hawaii's obeying without complaint.)
Kasumi: "You'll be going home with Matsunaga tomorrow, okay?"
Hawaii: "Arf!"
Kasumi: "Oh, you understand that, huh? You're a smart cookie."
Though Hawaii couldn't be said to look happy, she doesn't try to escape, even if she doesn't look comfortable.
MC: "Hey! This is progress!"
Hawaii: "..."
MC: "Oh, maybe I was imagining it."
Hawaii withdraws from Kasumi's hands and, with some distance between them now, starts grooming herself.
Kasumi: "You're a formidable opponent."
MC: "No, I think this was progress. Why won't Matsunaga be home?"
Kasumi: "His annual physical. I booked him for a complete examination, with an overnight stay. I looked up his plan and made the appointment for him."
MC: "His annual physical?"
Kasumi: "You leave him alone, and all the guy does is work. He's too old for that."
MC: "I really don't think you have the right to criticise someone for that."
Kasumi: "You calling me an old man?"
Kasumi jokes, then tenderly looks at the how his thriving buds are doing.
It's the way that Kasumi looks at the people he cares about, including Matsunaga.
(He must've been pretty worried about Matsunaga.)
He acted like he was doing this to spend time with Hawaii.
In reality, he wanted to set this time aside for Matsunaga to take care of himself, which the latter always puts off.
MC: "He'll be okay."
I get down on my knees, too, and take Kasumi's hand as he gazes at the snowdrops.
MC: "He will be, but also I wish you would let me worry with you."
Kasumi: "Okay. You're right."
MC: "You know, what would've been really great is if you got your checkup at the same time."
Kasumi: "But then I wouldn't get to play with Hawaii."
MC: "The truth comes out."
I smile, and Hawaii comes between us.
Hawaii: "Arf!"
Kasumi: "Oh really? You want to be friends with me now?"
Hawaii: "..."
MC: "Something tells me you have a long road ahead of you, but this is progress."
(Seriously, though, how is she so cute?)
Hawaii, who's surely at least a little nervous. Kasumi, who's eyes are on her.
I'm overcome with affection from the sight of them and gently stroke Hawaii's little head with my fingers.
--
The next day.
Matsunaga has returned from his overnight physical exam, and we deliver Hawaii to him.
MC: "Here you are, Hawaii. Home sweet home."
Hawaii: "Arf! Arf!"
MC: "Ah!"
The second we open the carrier, Hawaii makes a beeline for Matsunaga.
She jumps into his lap, her tail wagging like crazy, and brings her face right up to Matsunaga's.
Matsunaga: "Welcome home, Hawaii. Were you a good girl?"
Hawaii: "Arf!"
MC: "She was very good. But, as you would expect, she missed you."
(Hawaii really loves him.)
Her entire being is radiating her love for Matsunaga. It's incredibly sweet.
Kasumi: "You're loved."
Matsunaga: "And the two of you made friends. I couldn't believe it when I got that photo of the two of you."
MC: "Friends might be a strong word, but they certainly existed in the same space."
Kasumi: "You're really leaving me, huh, Hawaii?"
Hawaii: "..."
Hawaii takes no notice of him.
Kasumi: "..."
Matsunaga: "Thanks for taking care of her."
Kasumi: "Hawaii only has eyes for you, Matsunaga. I hope you take that responsibility seriously."
MC: "Yeah. She needs you."
Matsunaga: "..."
Matsunaga smiles helplessly and hugs his Hawaii.
Matsunaga: "Thank you both."
--
We didn't have Hawaii for long at all, and yet the apartment feels empty without her.
Kasumi: "..."
(Kasumi misses her.)
I've settled down to study, and Kasumi is reading on the couch too.
But every once in a while, he seems spacey, like his mind is elsewhere.
(I think I'll make tea. But first...)
I sit down next to Kasumi and stroke his hair.
MC: "I miss Hawaii too. She's a sweet little angel. I liked how much she liked it when I pet her like this."
Kasumi: "I'm not Hawaii."
MC: "I know you miss her, but I'm here."
Kasumi: "Does that mean I can do this?"
Kasumi lies down and puts his head in my lap.
MC: "What's this?"
Kasumi: "You'll comfort me, won't you?"
He looks up at me, like it's a test, and my heart nearly stops from the force of that look in his eyes.
(You sneaky jerk.)
MC: "Wouldn't you know, I've found another angel."
Kasumi: "Mmhm."
Kasumi's outstretched hand cups my cheek.
(Is this angel requesting a kiss?)
MC: "Oh, Kasumi..."
(I know I want to kiss him.)
(And he's clearly showing me that he wants me to, right?)
(Okay. Here goes--)
Kasumi: "Too slow."
He lifts himself up, and as his face draws closer, he's all that I see.
His mouth connects oh so gently with mine, then pulls away, and Kasumi returns his head to my lap.
MC: "My angel is impatient."
I smile, and this time, I give him that kiss.
He can seem straightforward when he's not.
And he can seem oblique, when really he's straightforward.
A kindhearted man with a great deal of love for those around him.
He'd deny it if I said so out loud, but he is a truly sweet person.
Kasumi: "This is nice."
MC: "My lap is all yours, any time you want it."
Kasumi: "I want it."
Kasumi holds my hand and closes his eyes.
(He looks like an angel when he sleeps too.)
I feel so happy, so content, as I put my hands in the hair of the man I love.
Karte 03: Kasumi POV
Matsunaga: "It's great to see that you two have become friends. Life is good."
Seeing Matsunaga like that, I couldn't do nothing.
I want him to continue to experience that happiness again and again.
I want him to want more for himself.
Kasumi: "Remember what I said the other day about getting a complete physical? Well, I received word that there was a cancellation at a good place. You'd normally need to make the appointment six months in advance. You're going to stay overnight. Think of it as a holiday, and give yourself time to relax."
Matsunaga: "I don't know. This is pretty sudden. I'd have to rearrange my schedule, and then there's finding someone who can take care of Hawaii, and..."
Saya: "That won't be a problem. Dr. Kasumi discussed this with me, and I've made all the arrangements."
Matsunaga: "That was fast. I can't believe you're making me get examined."
Kasumi: "Is there a problem?"
Matsunaga: "No, no."
Matsunaga gives me a helpless, apologetic smile.
Kasumi: "I'll take care of Hawaii for you."
Matsunaga: "Uh... What?"
Saya: "Unfortunately, I'm tied up that day."
Kasumi: "Let me do it this one time. It isn't fair that Saya always gets that perk to herself."
Matsunaga: "This wouldn't be the real goal of all of this, would it?"
Kasumi: "Sure it is. What of it?"
Matsunaga: "You didn't mind admitting it, like the evil man you are."
Saya: "Regardless, taking care of your health is important for your work too. And anyway, you're doing it. I don't want to hear any complaints."
Kasumi: "Yeah. What she said."
Matsunaga: "... *sigh* Fine. MC'll be there, so I s'pose I can let you take Hawaii this once. I get the feeling that that angel would like to take care of Hawaii, anyway."
Saya: "Good. Then we're all in agreement."
--
Hawaii doesn't warm to me.
(MC and Hawaii, on the other hand, seem to have strengthened their friendship.)
(They both look so content.)
I feel like this image will always remain in my heart as a precious memory.
It's the same look of contentment that I saw on Matsunaga's face, and it's now something I don't want to lose.
MC: "Hawaii's fast asleep. She must've been tired. I have a text from Matsunaga."
MC's been getting ready for tomorrow's work, and only now does she walk over to me.
Kasumi: "If only Hawaii could talk. Then I could've listened to her concerns. But then I'd have to listen to the awful things she has to say about me."
MC: "Speaking for myself, it's funny watching the two of you fight."
MC, smiling, sits down next to me.
MC: "You really care about those you care about. Today has reminded me of that."
Kasumi: "..."
I have the distinct impression that she's including my concern for Matsunaga's health in that comment too.
For that matter, maybe those words encompass the way I live my life itself.
I'm suddenly overcome by the most indescribable sensation of relief, and I draw MC close.
Kasumi: "Then do you think you could let me care for you too?"
MC: "But you already do."
When she blinks, confused, I kiss her eyelids.
She responds shyly, and I kiss the tip of her nose. Then, MC reaches for my hands.
I lace my fingers with hers, and close my eyes, imploring her to kiss me.
(Hm. Caring for those I care about...)
I feel the warmth of MC, hovering over me, with my entire being.
And what's playing through my mind is what MC said a moment earlier.
Her smooth cheek, her soft lips. Everything about her fills me with affection.
MC: "Kasumi..."
Kasumi: "Hm?"
MC: "You have no idea what you do to me."
Kasumi: "I think I have an idea."
We kiss again and again, and hold each other, and it feels as intimate as anything.
And yet I still feel like I'm not conveying what I feel for her.
I want her to feel how important she is to me.
I want her to understand that she's the most important person in my life, and so deserving of love.
(What a wonderful person you are.)
As I trail kisses down her neck, I'm once again overcome by something inexpressible...
And I slowly, gently, undress her.
--
Later on, Matsunaga asks me to join him at the Pen, and so here we are.
Matsunaga: "I'm the picture of good health. Thanks."
Kasumi: "Thanks?"
Matsunaga: "My angels are really something."
I can't understand why he's always calling me an angel or whatever, but...
It is good to hear that the results of his physical were good.
Kasumi: "That's enough of that. Let me see the new Hawaii photos."
Matsunaga: "Didn't you take loads of them when she was at your place?"
Kasumi: "MC did, but I could only take them from a distance."
(And when she was close, taking photos wasn't my top priority.)
Matsunaga: "She is cute, isn't she? Hawaii."
Kasumi: "She is."
The Hawaii folder on Matsunaga's phone is stuffed with photos of that fluffy white furball.
(How does she look this angelic?)
(But then, I have an angel of my own.)
In my mind, of course, I see MC's smiling face.