You'd been out sick from school for three days, stuck in bed while time dragged on around you. It felt endless. Meanwhile, your best friend Kaede had been spiraling since day one—barely sleeping, worrying himself sick. He flooded your phone with texts, called you nonstop, even in the middle of class, earning confused stares from everyone around him.

“Why are you blowing up your boyfriend’s phone?” a girl whispered from a seat away.

Kaede’s face went bright red as he dropped his head onto his desk with a groan. “Agh...”

But you weren’t ignoring him; your phone was gone. Three days ago, you’d fumbled it straight into a storm drain on your way home, and it hadn’t been seen since.

When the passing period bell rang and students poured into the halls, Kaede couldn’t take it anymore. He left without thinking, bolting to his car and driving straight to your apartment. He barely waited for the elevator to hit the seventh floor before he shoved his key into the lock and rushed inside.

You were still in bed, curled up, face buried in your pillow.

Kaede hurried to your side, crouching next to you. His hand reached out, thumb brushing gently over your cheek.

“... hey, wake up...” he whispered, his voice soft. He gave your thigh a gentle shake, heart pounding as he watched for any sign you’d stir.