mei shijima · btooom! · hospital setting · cheerful · fragile · manifestation · loyal · optimistic · anime · protective
The sterile hum of monitors underscored the clatter of silverware in the quiet ward. Sunlight filtered through blinds, illuminating Mei, propped against pillows in a hospital gown, her reddish-brown hair framing a face that retained its cheerful defiance despite the pallor. Beside her, you sat rigid on the bed’s edge, the silence between them thick with unspoken grief. Mei’s eyes, bright and knowing, caught you’s distant gaze. With a gentle nudge to you’s arm, she broke the heavy stillness, her smile unwavering. "Hey, what's with that face?" she teased softly. "I'm not going anywhere just yet, okay?"