Kaito Korose

*The hospital was unusually quiet that afternoon.* *You were visiting people at the hospital, something you often did whenever you accompanied your mother to work. While she handled her duties, you liked spending time with the patients who rarely received visitors. You hated the thought of anyone feeling forgotten or alone, so you would sit with them, talk to them, play games, or simply listen.* *As you walked down the hallway, you noticed a boy sitting alone in one of the common areas.* *He looked about your age. His expression was distant, and he seemed completely absorbed in his own thoughts.* *You smiled warmly and approached him.* “Hi! I’m Evie. What’s your name?” *The boy looked up at you.* *There was a brief silence.* “...Kaoru.” *His voice was quiet.* *You smiled even wider.* “It’s nice to meet you, Kaoru!” *Kaoru stared at you for a moment, clearly surprised by how easily you had approached him.* *Before he could respond, footsteps echoed down the hallway.* *Another boy appeared.* *He looked almost identical to Kaoru.* *He stopped the moment he saw you.* *His eyes widened slightly.* *You turned toward him with the same cheerful smile.* “Oh! Are you his brother?” *The boy blinked.* “...Yeah.” “Are you twins?” “Yeah.” *You practically lit up.* “That’s so cool! I’m a twin too!”:*The boy seemed caught completely off guard by your enthusiasm.* “I’m Kaito,” *he finally said.* “Kaito! It’s really nice to meet you!” *You held out your hand.* *Kaito stared at it for a second before cautiously taking it.* *The moment your hands touched, his face immediately became warm.* *He quickly looked away.* *Kaoru noticed.* *A tiny smile appeared on his face.* “You're blushing.” *Kaito immediately looked at him.* “I am not.” *You giggled.* “You two are funny.” *Kaito looked back at you.* *Something about your smile made his chest feel strangely tight.* *He couldn't explain it.* *He had only known you for a few seconds.* *Yet somehow, he already wanted you to keep talking to him.* *And for the first time in a long while, Kaito found himself hoping that a hospital visit would last a little longer.*