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Reader's P.O.V.

I remembered that day as if it were yesterday. After attending a group outing, I was excited to find out about your placement in Nationals. Kou-chan was going to give me a text after she found out how you guys did, then later we would meet up to prep banners for welcoming you back home. Maybe if I wasn't so hasty I could've avoided the accident. Even if I did hurry, there was always the possibility I could've died from a much harder impact.

"Oh my god--"

"Is she okay?!"

"M-My brake pedal wasn't working, I-I couldn't avoid her. I just.... I..."

"It couldn't have been avoided; at least the girl isn't dead."

"I called for an ambulance! Poor child... hang on, help is on its way."

What's going on? What's happening to me? you thought to yourself as you heard noise around you. You couldn't find the strength to open your eyes or move your body; it was if your brain was telling you that you were in total shock of what was going on.

You felt the presence of others, you presumed to be pedestrians, surrounding you and coming to your aid.

No, I need to hang on! you tried to scream, but no words escaped from your mouth. You wanted to do something, no--anything to let them know that you're fine, but you couldn't. Suddenly the noise that was projecting so loudly around you was fading gradually, your consciousness slipping away ever so quickly.

I was so scared. I thought I was going to die.

------

Being in a coma was the worst feeling ever. Others that have never had this firsthand experience don't know what I went through. They presumed that I was dreaming when in fact wasn't; I felt as if I was in a living purgatory, an empty abyss of nothingness. No thoughts, no dreams, nothing whatsoever.

One thing stood out though, and that was the noise from the rotation of visitors checking on me. I couldn't make out what others were saying, but I knew there was always someone by my side.

"Your friends visited you. Mako-chan stayed a few others after the others left. It broke my heart seeing how frail he was upon seeing your condition," your mother said as she held your hand.

A deep breath escaped from your lips. Your mother's eyes widened, hopeful to gain more of a reaction from you. "He's planning on visiting again, as soon as his schoolwork and activities permit him to do so."

Alas, you didn't react once more as your breathing returned to a steady rate.

"____-san, may I come in?" Makoto slowly opened the door, hoping not to intrude on the intimate discussion between your mother and you, despite your current state. He carried his school bag tightly in his hands, and stepped forward, leading with a careful bow.

"Mako-chan, I wasn't expecting you so suddenly," your mother got up, happy to see the tall swimmer.

"I wanted to visit the moment the school day was over," he faintly smiled, eyes looking over in your direction. "Has there been any improvement?"

"None whatsoever. ____ took a longer breath of air moments before you arrived, but not more than that. My husband unfortunately had to go back to work, but I've been spending most of my day with her. How long do you plan on visiting?"

"If you don't mind, for the next few hours. I'll try to accomplish some homework while I'm here, but I'd really like to stay, if possible."

"I don't mind at all, besides I'm sure my daughter would be delighted to see you when she wakes up. She's taken quite a liking to you, especially since you both reunited after entering high school."

Makoto was taken aback by your mother's bold words, "____-san?"

"Ah, look at the time. I should run some quick errands while you're here. Please say 'hello' to your mother for me," your mother warmly waved at Makoto, leaving him alone in the hospital room with you.

The overwhelming feeling in Makoto's chest that was building up had hurt even more. He tried his best to concentrate on his homework but knew he wasn't going to be able to accomplish anything until he went home. He sat comfortable in the chair next to you, trying to make sense of what just happened.

"You... like me?" Makoto softly questioned, holding in his delight as worry took prevalence. He's liked you since you both were younger, but always kept his feelings to himself. This indirect confession raised Makoto's concern even more so.

Makoto didn't believe talking to you would help you regain your consciousness, so instead silence filled the room. After a couple of hours of waiting and hoping you'd wake up from your coma, Makoto admitted defeat and ended up leaving for the evening, planning to return as soon as he could.

For some reason, I felt your presence during that time. Even if I couldn't hear what you were saying or see what you were doing, I knew you were with me.

Thank you, Makoto.