I'm sorry...for everything

[3]

The nurse mentioned that Ray's father was expected to arrive later and might provide more information about Ray's condition. Sand nodded gratefully, feeling immense gratitude toward the nurse for her reassurance.

Sand kept thanking the nurse for her help and after she had left, Sand opened the bento box she had brought for him, and took a bite. To his surprise, the food tasted delicious, and he found himself eating with newfound vigor, savoring each bite as a symbol of hope and renewal.

__

Upon regaining consciousness, Ray was immediately greeted by the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor, a sound that echoed through the room and seemed to be a constant reminder of his fragile state. As his senses gradually returned, so did the flood of memories - events leading up to his hospitalization rushed back with startling clarity.

"Sand!"

Ray's first instinct was to call out for the other, but his attempt to rise was met with a gentle push back onto the bed. Disoriented and still reeling from the shock of awakening, he searched the room frantically until his gaze settled on a caring nurse, her expression laced with concern.

"What happened?" Ray's voice was hoarse and dry. The nurse offered him a bottle of water which Ray gratefully accepted.

"How are you feeling?" Her voice was soothing, and she quickly called a doctor to check up on Ray's condition.

"I don't know. Is Sand here? I need to see him!" Ray's urgency was palpable as he struggled to rise again, but his strength failed him and he slumped back onto the bed.

"First, you need to calm down." The nurse advised calmly. "You've been in a coma for nearly two weeks. It's natural to feel disoriented and confused after waking up."

"But Sand-" Ray's concern for Sand was paramount, but the nurse interrupted him gently.

"He's fine." She reassured him. "He's been here the entire time."

Ray's worry lessened slightly at the news, but he still felt a desperate need to see Sand.

"Can I see him?" He asked.

"I'm sorry but he is not permitted to visit you." The nurse explained apologetically.

"Why?"

"Because he is not a family member and your father has requested that none of your friend are allowed to visit you."

"What?" Ray suddenly yelled, his frustration bubbled to the surface. "Can I at least leave to talk to him?"

"I'm afraid not." The nurse replied sympathetically. "Given the circumstances of your hospitalization, you're considered an at-risk patient. For your own safety and that of others, you're not allowed to leave your room."

Ray's heart sank at the realization of his confinement, feeling utterly helpless.

"Please," he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "I need to see him."

"I understand." The nurse said, her tone empathetic. "But I'm afraid I can't allow it. However, I can assure you that your friend has been here the entire time, refusing to leave even though he couldn't visit you. He's been worried about you, so please try not to worry. You'll see him soon."

Sand had been waiting for him the whole time? And being worried about him? Despite everything?

Ray was deeply touched by Sand's unwavering loyalty. After everything he had done to him, the other still stayed by his side, not even leaving for a minute.

"And there's something else you should know:" The nurse continued. "Your friend, he's the one who carried you out of the burning house. He's the one who had saved you." Ray was stunned into silence as the nurse revealed the unexpected truth. The dark angel he had seen amidst the flames; it was...Sand!? Sand had risked his own life to save him from the inferno? It was a revelation that left Ray speechless, a mix of disbelief and gratitude flooding his mind.