Talking to the Moon

1

"Tadashi, I've told you I don't want you there when I first go," I looked over to my best friend and smiled.

"Silly Tsukki, I'll be there. You're going to the hospital for good now," I held on tighter to his arm. Six months ago, Tsukishima Kei had been diagnosed with lung cancer, but unfortunately it was too far along for any kind of chemotherapy to help him. Doctors told us he only had about 3 months left to live since his last appointment. And that was about a month ago as it is.

"But-"

"No buts. I'll be there no matter what you say, Tsukki,"

"Call me Kei," His sudden request made me jump.

"W-what?" I asked nervously.

"Call me Kei. It's only fair. Soon enough, you won't be able to call me even Tsukki," He was so blunt about it, I felt the tears coming to my eyes yet again as I was reminded he was going to die. I wouldn't have him with me anymore. I felt his arm snake round my waist and hold me tightly.

As I pressed my head closer to him, I could hear the raspy breaths he took that developed as a result of the disease. His heartbeat, stronger than ever, beating to keep him alive, calmed me.

"Okay, Kei,"

-

It was late now, and we were walking back to Tsukki's house. The walk was in complete silence, just enjoying each other's company.

We made it and his mother thanked me for walking him home.

"Oh, it's no trouble, Tsukishima-san. You know I love spending time with Tsu- Kei." I decided I was going to call Kei, Kei, seeing as he was probably right about me soon enough not going to be able to even call him Tsukki.

"Well, thanks anyway. You should be heading home soon, it's getting late, no? I can drive you in a moment if you'd like," Kei's mother's offer was nice, but I needed some alone time.

"Oh, thank you for offering, but I'll be fine just walking," I smiled. "Lovely to see you both. Bye, Tsukishima-san! Bye Kei! See you tomorrow," I called to them both as I walked out the front door, turning and sprinting home. I could feel my eyes stinging, fighting back the tears that I so desperately wanted to cry.

When I got home, I was about to just flop onto my bed and sleep, as I was very tired, but the aggressive buzzing on my phone kept me awake. I took it from the bedside table where I had set it down and read the messages coming through. As the words got to me, I realized what was happening. I jumped up, putting my shoes on and grabbing my jacket, I rushed out of the door and ran straight for the hospital.

Tsukki <3

Yamaguchi-kun, it's Kei's mother, he's collapsed and is being taken to hospital right now. He's awake and asking for you

Delivered 11.34p.m.

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I burst through the front doors and quickly made my way to the reception desk. The lady sitting behind the desk seemed bored, like she would rather be anywhere but there.