After everything they'd been through together, Katashi couldn't believe it turned out like this. He still couldn't wrap his head around the idea that the cheerful, hopeful Satchiko he had known was now an empty shell, and he couldn't help but feel nothing but hatred and rage towards the man who did this.

The pianist was seated in an old wooden chair next to the bed with white sheets that the broken girl laid in. It had been about ten minutes since she had woken up, but neither of them had moved.

"Good morning, Satchiko, how'd you sleep?" Katashi finally asked, faking a smile.

Satchiko said nothing, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Katashi's smile fell, and he looked down onto his lap. "I want you to get better, so badly, but... I don't know how to help you..." He slipped his hand into her cold one, earning no reaction. "I really hate seeing you like this...."

After a while, Katashi stood up, leaning over the girl who still paid him no attention. He leaned closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. As he slowly pulled back, Satchiko finally spoke.

"Katashi...." Her voice was dull, lacking any form of emotion.

"Yes, Satchiko?" Katashi asked, looking at her expectantly.

Her blue eyes met his, and for once, they shone with emotion. "Hope...."

"Yeah... hope." Katashi responded. "I'll hold onto hope for you, I promise. I will never give up on you."

This time, Katashi's smile was genuine.