Dr. Misaki took two full days off from the hospital without saying a word to anyone. She told her supervisor she needed to visit an old friend in the city and left without further explanation. The hospital didn't question her. She was too respected and too discreet for that.
She drove her small, black car through the morning traffic, one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting on her lap. Haruto sat in the passenger seat, completely silent, the faint scent of his apartment clinging to him. The guilt from the previous days sat heavy in his chest like a stone. Every time he looked at her, he felt embarrassed, guilty, and strangely comforted.
Dr. Misaki glanced at him sideways while driving and spoke in her calm, professional voice.
"I won't blame you for what you are doing or what you have done, Haruto-kun."
Haruto looked at her, surprised.
"Really?"
She nodded, her silver hair catching the sunlight.
