Chris wasn’t sure how Jun did it every week, how he took time out of his busy schedule to visit the children’s hospital to read to sick kids.  Most weeks, he knew the other boy was nearly falling over from exhaustion, having worked himself extra hard on the other days to make up for time lost on Sunday.  But it didn’t matter what happened, what the weather was like or what homework was due, he always made time for the kids.

But then, that’s just how Jun was.  He talked a big game, shouted and growled at kohai and peers alike, but he was the first one there if someone needed a hand.  It didn’t even matter what the thing was – it could be really annoying and terrible, it could cut into time he needed for his own stuff greatly, and he would still be there.  He was that kind of friend, and that kind of boy.  There were lots of times Chris thought Jun was the best and kindest of them all.

Which is why he found himself following up with the other boy’s suggestion of visiting the hospital himself.  He wasn't sure how to go about volunteering so he asked Jun to take him.  Jun had grinned at him, and his joy almost made it worth it before they even left.  Chris realized that Jun had always wanted someone else to go with him, but of course, was not the type to seriously ask, especially other boys on a baseball team.

Amused, Chris listened to Jun chatter the whole way to the hospital.  He mostly talked about the kids, gave introductions to each of the ones that had been there a while, and spoke out funny anecdotes that had happened over the year and a bit he’d been volunteering.  By the time they reached the hospital, Chris almost felt like he knew them all.

As it turned out, Jun wasn’t wrong about the girls either.  The older ones especially seemed to eye him with favor, and since they were little girls, they weren’t exactly subtle.  Chris found himself blushing lightly as they clamored for attention, especially since all Jun did was laugh at him, providing no help at all.

They all had games or things they wanted to show him, accepting him easily and without question.  And so while Jun read to some, Chris entertained the rest, playing silly little games with them or just listening to them talk.  It seemed to him, that more than anything, they just wanted to feel heard.

They were all sad to see him go, pouting rather spectacularly until he promised to come back when he could.  Jun chuckled as they left.  “Fun, right?  Kids are tenacious, and kind of hilarious, even when they don’t mean to be.”

Chris smiled.  “Indeed, we could probably learn a thing or two from them.”