Bound in Madness (Dekinobi)

The moment Nobita stepped into Dekisugi’s room after returning from his House, he refused to let go of him. It didn’t matter that Dekisugi was injured, bandaged, and exhausted—Nobita clung to him like a lifeline.

Dekisugi’s parents, watching from the doorway, exchanged a glance. They had never seen Nobita so serious, so desperate.

“Nobita,” Dekisugi’s mother said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder, “you need to rest too, dear. You’ve been through a lot—”

“No,” Nobita interrupted, shaking his head stubbornly. “I’m not leaving. I’ll take care of him. No one else can do it.”

His voice held an unshakable determination that surprised even himself.

Dekisugi’s father sighed but smiled slightly. “You really love him, don’t you?”

Nobita’s cheeks turned red, but he didn’t deny it. He tightened his grip on Dekisugi’s hand, pressing it against his chest. “More than anything.”

Seeing this, Dekisugi’s mother wiped her tears and nodded. “Then you can stay. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself too, Nobita.”

“I will,” Nobita promised, though he wasn’t thinking about himself at all. His only concern was Dekisugi.

---

As the night deepened, Nobita sat by Dekisugi’s bedside, watching him sleep. His fingers lightly traced over the bandages wrapped around Dekisugi’s arm.

The sight made his chest tighten painfully.

“If only I had been more careful… if only I had stopped him…”

Tears welled up in his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away. No more crying. He had cried enough. Now, he needed to be strong—for Dekisugi.

A small groan escaped Dekisugi’s lips as he stirred.

Nobita instantly leaned forward. “Dekisugi? Are you in pain? Do you need something?”

Dekisugi’s golden eyes fluttered open, hazy with sleep. “Nobita…?”

“I’m here,” Nobita said softly, squeezing his hand.

Dekisugi blinked a few times before his gaze focused on Nobita’s face. A weak smile curved his lips.

“You’re still here?” he asked, voice hoarse.

Nobita frowned. “Of course I’m still here, idiot. Where else would I go?”

Dekisugi tried to sit up, but Nobita immediately stopped him, gently pushing him back down. “No moving! You’re injured.”

Dekisugi sighed, giving up. “I feel fine.”

“No, you don’t,” Nobita scolded, pouting. “Don’t act tough. You got hurt because of—”

He stopped himself.

Because of Luca.

The anger flared up in his chest again, but he forced himself to push it down. Dekisugi didn’t need to see him upset.

Instead, Nobita softened his gaze and stroked Dekisugi’s hair. “Just rest, okay? I’ll be right here.”

Dekisugi’s eyes fluttered closed again, but before drifting off, he murmured, “You worry too much.”

Nobita chuckled bitterly. If only Dekisugi knew how much he truly worried.

---

The next morning, Nobita woke up before the sun rose. He had fallen asleep sitting by Dekisugi’s bed, his head resting near Dekisugi’s hand.