The Boy Made of Stars and the One Who Counted Them

Broken Heart Syndrome

Dry coughs filled the room as Akaashi sat in the dark, staring at Bokuto as he struggled to find peace in his sleep.

Bokuto's parents were on the other side of the door, giving Bokuto some space as Akaashi slipped in while they weren't looking.

Akaashi's eyes filled with tears as he watched the boy struggle. Bokuto was cuddled under the silk sheets of the hospital bed, an IV drip in his arm and a breathing tube in his nose. He looked so weak. Akaashi's head pounded and the cold scent of death filtered in.

He silently cried, trying not to disturb Bokuto as he continued to find sleep.

The night after their date, Bokuto went to his house, overwhelmed and nervous about everything he was told. He felt disgusting, the stench of death always followed him.

He knew, no matter what, staying alive was vital.

Through the turmoil in his head, his lungs began to empty, he started breathing heavier. He lost control of himself and started to black out. No one was there because his parents were working and he didn't think anything bad of it. He thought it was going to be like the other blackouts.

It wasn't even fair how fast his heart stopped.

The device in his heart kickstarted the beating but it was already way too late. He was gasping for air, trying so hard to reach his phone to call 911.

His parents found him, lying unconscious in the middle of his room, reaching, inches from his phone.

Akaashi watched and waited, flinching every time Bokuto gasped yet, fearing when he stayed silent.

"B-Bokuto?" Akaashi whispered in the dark. The boy in the bed slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes. The moonlight made him look pale and empty, a shell of the energetic owl he used to be. Bokuto's eyes widened and he tried to get up, but the pain in his heart kept him from moving farther than sitting. He swore under his breath, laying back and placing his hands over his eyes.

"A-Akaashi? What are you doing here? I-I don't want you to see this." Bokuto complained, his thick voice cut through the air. Akaashi smiled slightly, he'd rather hear him talk than hear him cough.

Akaashi walked toward the bed, dragging his feet and twiddling his thumbs. He didn't know exactly how to react to Bokuto in this state. He was always good at comforting in dreams, it was his home, he was comfortable there but, here, he felt the fear take over his thoughts. He was speechless as he pulled a chair and sat next to the boy he so loved. He silently grabbed Bokuto's arm and drew circles on it with his fingers. Bokuto stared at him and rolled his eyes, smiling. He reached his other hand across his body to Akaashi's face, cradling his cheek in his palm. Akaashi suddenly burst into tears.

"I know. I'm scared too." Bokuto whispered, rubbing his thumb over the tears that were rolling down Akaashi's face.

Akaashi stared at the boy who was dying, mesmerized.

The one who was slowly losing his life, slowly separating from the world he knew, had a smile on his face as he admitted defeat.

What a beautifully complex boy he fell in love with.

Akaashi nodded and leaned in, kissing Bokuto softly on his cheek. Bokuto turned to him and tilted his head, bringing his hand to his lips. He raised his eyebrow and pouted.

"Akaashi, we talked about this, it's not that hard to miss!" Bokuto giggled and Akaashi grabbed Bokuto's cheeks. He stared into eyes filled with sunshine and stardust, absorbing every detail of his face. Bokuto closed his eyes and smiled, humming a tune Akaashi was unfamiliar with. The low rumble of his voice filled Akaashi with such warmth.