Chapter 71 - Hinata-C Somber Evenfall (2/2)

He struggled with his words at the sight of Akira bleeding out on the ground from a gash wound to his stomach.

”We, we were spotted.” Akira spat blood to the ground. ”They found us. One kempei was wounded. One I thought shot you.”

Tears streamed down Hinata's eyes. He held Akira, balancing him on his lap as he unwrapped his obi to bandage his wound. He was able to secure the wound from further damage.

”G... Guns. They... came.” Akira gurgled. ”I made sure Yuri could take them... away.”

Hinata held the man tight to his bosom. ”Can you walk?”

”You're s... safe. I'm happy.” Akira's hand tenderly caressed Hinata's cheeks. His eyes were glazed with delirium. ”I love you.”

”Save your breath and walk.” Hinata said as he and Rika helped Akira stand.

They carefully assisted him back to the lorry and into the passenger seat.  Hinata administered the painkillers, that Rocko had given him, to Akira. Riko passed him cloth that he could use to dry Akira and keep the wound from seeping.

The wound had fortunately stopped bleeding. Akira was clammy with a fever. He needed proper medical attention before he went into a cold shock.

Hinata hastily dried himself the best he could and wrapped his arms around Akira to keep him warm with his body heat.

”He should survive until we reach Kominato-sensei.” Rika said. ”He must've fall asleep.”

Hinata started talking about anything that would keep Akira awake.

She set the lorry into motion and drove down the roads back to the makeshift hospital.