The Only One

As the quiet, secluded retreat came together, everyone felt a sense of purpose. This wasn't just any getaway; it was a chance for Riku to finally step away from the shadows of his trauma and find peace surrounded by his closest friends and family. The gentle landscape of a lakeside cabin, far from prying eyes and city noise, was chosen as their destination. It would be a safe haven for Riku—a place where he could begin to breathe freely, away from the haunting memories of hospital walls and the pressures of the stage.

On the day of departure, Tenn stayed close to Riku, watching over him with a mix of pride and protectiveness. Riku's steps were a little surer now, his smile more frequent, though his eyes still held traces of the weight he'd carried for so long. The whole group sensed the fragility in his gaze, a reminder of the dark months he'd endured, but also the strength he'd shown by facing each day.

As they arrived at the cabin, everyone worked together to create a welcoming atmosphere, each of them going out of their way to make Riku feel supported and understood. They knew that even small, joyful moments mattered, especially for someone who'd fought his way back from so much pain.

That evening, as they gathered around a warm fire, Riku found himself laughing freely, his voice soft but filled with an emotion that touched everyone present. The healing had just begun, but the weight of the past felt a little lighter here, in the glow of friendship and the comfort of family.

And as Riku looked around, he knew that this was more than just a retreat; it was a new beginning, one he was ready to embrace with an open heart.

As the evening settled into a peaceful quiet, Riku drifted off to sleep, his breathing steady and calm, a stark contrast to the restless nights he'd endured over the past months. His friends watched over him with fond smiles, noticing the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he lay bundled in a blanket by the fire. His face, usually touched by worry or tension, looked serene—a reminder of the boy they knew before everything had changed.

Yamato was the first to break the silence, his voice low and contemplative. "You know, he's been through more than anyone should have to bear. But look at him... even after all that, he's still Riku."

Mitsuki, sitting closest to Riku, brushed a hand lightly over Riku's hair, his own expression a mix of sadness and admiration. "It's like he carries this light with him, no matter how dark things get," he said softly. "And it's still there. It's a miracle, honestly."

Iori nodded, his gaze fixed on Riku's sleeping face. "I sometimes forget how fragile he really is. He's always been so upbeat, so willing to push himself. But... I never realized just how much he'd hidden from us."

Tenn listened quietly, his gaze distant as he reflected on the years they'd shared. "I've always wanted to protect him. But this... I couldn't protect him from this," he admitted, his voice thick with emotion. "He went through it all alone, and I didn't even see it."

Kou, sitting near the fire, glanced over at them and offered a small, reassuring smile. "You're here now," she said gently. "And that's all he needs. Even though he's weak and tired, he's happier than I've seen him in a long time."

They all nodded in silent agreement, feeling a collective sense of responsibility and gratitude. For so long, Riku had been the one to lift their spirits, and now it was their turn to carry him, to support him as he recovered.

As they stayed by his side, each of them silently vowed to protect him and cherish these moments together. Riku had brought them together in a way they hadn't expected, and as he slept peacefully, they sat vigil, grateful for the chance to see his light shine once more.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

"RIKU!!!!"

Tenn jolted awake, his heart pounding as he tried to shake off the horrifying images from his nightmare. In it, he'd seen Riku right in front of him, pale and trembling, with a shadowed figure moving in close, a glint of metal flashing in the dim light. He'd tried to reach out, to shield his little brother, but he was frozen, helpless, as Riku collapsed, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and silent forgiveness. The vision had felt so real; Tenn could still feel the cold terror clinging to him.