The Only One

Chapter 23 : Only The Tragedies

Riku looked around, confused by their reactions. "Did something happen?"

Tenn was the first to recover, forcing a small smile. "You fell, huh?" He chuckled lightly, trying to play along. "Well, clumsy as always."

Riku pouted. "Hey! It wasn't my fault!" He let out a lighthearted laugh. "I remember you scolding me about being more careful back then."

Tenn gave a slight nod, but his mind was racing. Why was Riku's memory stuck three years in the past? Did the angel's power have an effect on his memories? Or was this Riku's mind protecting itself from the recent trauma?

Mitsuki clapped his hands together, changing the subject quickly. "Anyway! Since you're awake now, we should celebrate! How about a feast when you get out of here?"

Riku's eyes lit up. "Really?!"

"Of course!" Tamaki grinned. "You can even pick the menu, Rikkun!"

Iori shot Tamaki a look but sighed, playing along. "As long as you don't overeat and make yourself sick again."

"Aw, come on, Iori! I'm totally fine!" Riku laughed, but Tenn could see how fragile that smile was.

Sogo smiled gently. "Then it's settled. We'll plan a welcome-back dinner for you."

Riku beamed. "That sounds amazing!"

As everyone continued chatting, Tenn remained silent, observing Riku closely.

For now, they wouldn't talk about what really happened. If Riku's memories were shielding him from the pain, then maybe... it was better this way.At least, until he was ready to remember.Even though Riku's memories had regressed by three years and some of the painful memories had disappeared, his body still carried the consequences of everything he had endured.

Tenn watched as Riku happily chatted with the others, acting as if nothing was wrong, but Tenn knew better. No matter how bright Riku's smile was, his body was still fragile. His limits hadn't changed—if he pushed himself too hard, he would pass out without warning.

Kichiro had already informed them that Riku still needed full medical supervision. His asthma, weak immune system, and overall frail condition required constant monitoring. If they let their guard down, even for a moment, things could go wrong.

Despite this, Riku seemed completely unaware of his condition. When he tried to sit up too quickly, his vision swayed, and he nearly fell back against the pillows.

Tenn immediately steadied him. "Don't push yourself."

"I'm fine, Tenn-nii!" Riku laughed, but Tenn could hear the slight breathlessness in his voice.

Tsumugi, who had been standing quietly near the door, finally spoke up. "Riku-san, you're still in recovery. You need to take it slow."

"But I feel okay—"

"No." Tenn's voice was firm. He placed a hand on Riku's shoulder to keep him from moving too much. "Even if you feel fine, your body isn't. You're still weak, and if you don't take care of yourself, you'll collapse again."

The room fell silent. Riku's smile faded slightly. "...I really made everyone worry, huh?"

Mitsuki forced a grin, ruffling Riku's hair. "Of course! You're our center, you know?"

"Yeah," Tamaki muttered, arms crossed. "So don't do anything dumb."

Riku let out a soft chuckle but nodded. "Okay, okay, I get it. I'll be careful."

Tenn sighed in relief. Even if Riku didn't remember everything, at least he was still listening to them.

But deep inside, Tenn knew this was only temporary. The missing memories, the sudden change in behavior, and the unnatural way Riku had lost his trauma—something wasn't right.