Chapter 1

It had been some time since Adrian set foot into that hospital.

It was a dreary place for him, a place he was obligated to visit. Adrian's parents were intent on having him intern in a hospital nearby, so that he could stockpile more things that would look good on his resume, for future purpose.

Often times, however, Adrian would disagree with his parents, unhappy with the suggestions they’d given him. But ultimately, they would urge him to carry out the task that had been pushed on him, and one way or another, he’d do it.

Asking around here and there, the male put little to no effort in finding out where he could go to sign up for what. He didn’t care, nor did he think he would care in the near future. Adrian was unhappy with where he was, unhappy with what it was that he was doing. He was wasting time, asking for something that he did not want in the least.

Pointing a finger down the hall, a small assistant nurse directed Adrian to a different desk, one where he would be able to find more information on the subject. Blatantly, he thanked her, and continued on his way, passing by several rooms as he did so.

His eyes were set forward. He didn’t look into any of the rooms. He didn’t want to. It would hurt if he did.

Adrian closed his eyes and sighed, swaying absentmindedly in his step, opening his eyes just in time to swiftly avoid colliding with someone.

A doctor- no- just another person.

He circled around the male, apologizing flatly before he continued on. An ‘It’s alright,’ could be heard from behind him, but it soon faded as Adrian continued forward.

Do I really want to do this?

His eyes stared forward, uninterested in the information desk several meters from him.

No, I really don’t.

Standing still, Adrian remained in place for quite some time, his legs refusing to carry him further. People walked by him, around him, up and down the halls, to and fro, but no one seemed to notice him. He stood there, hesitant, uninterested, indifferent.

Unfeeling.

He remained in place silently. No one was bothered by him, so there he stood. He brought a hand up to push through his black hair, and slowly, his head fell forward. Adrian stared at his shoes.

What am I doing?

The thought rattled his mind.

Why am I even here?

Another person walked by at a gradual pace at first, then slowed progressively as they drew near. Their walking then slowed to a halt, and it was then that Adrian had become aware of the new individual who’d invaded his personal space.

From his peripheral, Adrian could see their hand reaching out to him.

He withdrew and looked up.

“Oh- you can move.” He smiled in Adrian's direction, bright yellow eyes catching his own. It had been the same guy he’d almost bumped into… Perhaps he’d remained in the hall and watched as Adrian had gone from a brisk walk to a sudden stop. He understood how that would be alarming to some people.

“Is there something wrong with me standing here?” Adrian asked sincerely.

“No, I don’t think so.” He brought his hand down to his side. “Why did you stop so suddenly? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I was just thinking.” Adrian blinked slowly.

“Of what?”

A question asker. How thrilling.

“Of this hospital. I’ve realized that I don’t want to come here anymore.”

The male who stood across from Adrian shifted his weight to one leg. “Were you sick? Are you checking out?”

Adrian stared through the stranger. “No. I’m not sick, but this place makes me feel like I am.” His answer was cold, but it did not seem to cut through the other’s pleasant mood.

“I feel the same about this place, honestly.” He paused. “So you must be leaving soon, then”

“Yeah.” Adrian shifted, leaning in the direction of where he’d come from.

He had no interest in staying where he was. His only intention was leaving. He figured he would tell his parents that the people in the hospital were too occupied with everything else to tend to him. He started on his way without so much as a second glance in the other’s direction. “Goodbye.”

“Hey, hey!”

Adrian turned his head. “What?”

“What’s your name?”

Why did he want to know his name? When would he ever use it again? The stranger could have been a patient at the hospital for all Akaashi knew, and the last thing he needed was a sickly acquaintance to add to his already short list of friends.

“You don’t need to know”

The male across from him did well in hiding the look of offense that almost surfaced upon his face. “I understand. But for what it’s worth, my name is Edward.”

Adrian cast a weary look in Edward's direction, gave a nod, and continued on his way until he was out of the building.

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