✔︎ unrequited flowers | nishimura riki

XXII

Ni-Ki wiped away Sunoo's tears. They were talking for a bit more, telling each other how much they loved one another and how Ni-Ki was never going to move on without Sunoo. Of course Ni-Ki was angry that his husband never told him anything about this. All of a sudden, Sunoo gasped as the pain radiated from his chest to the rest of his body.

Sunoo's hand loosened in Ni-Ki's grip, "No. Not yet. Not yet. Please, not yet." Ni-Ki's heart breaks, he didn't mean to make Sunoo sad. Fate was cruel. This cancer disease was cruel. "Ni-Ki..." Sunoo smiled up at him."Shhhh. It's okay. You're fine." Ni-Ki lowered his head to kiss Sunoo's forehead, "Not yet... not yet." Ni-Ki was still in denial as tears streamed down his face.

It was really windy outside, bringing more leaves down with it. It was as if the trees were crying with them at love that was being taken. At the life that was like a cherry blossom. A life that was ending too soon. "Ni-Ki, I'm so s-sorry." The boy shook his head. "You have nothing to apologize for." "I lied, I l-lied to you for a really long time." Sunoo whispered, "A-Ayano... Please, don't lose her too... Sh-She grew flowers for someone special. It was y-you !. I'm so sorry. Please don't hate h-her." Sunoo's voice cracked, "It's my fault. Please don't hate her."

Ni-Ki turned away for a moment, fighting the tears at Sunoo's confession. He brought his hand to rest comfortingly along Sunoo's cheek, "I don't hate her, and I never will. I-I just knew she had flowers growing in her... just didn't know who they were f-for-" He began, "There's so many things I want to say to you. Want to do with you. I want us to be three again ! Please Sunoo, don't l-leave me !"

"I wish I had time to love Ayano, the way I had time to love you." Ni-Ki said as it was true. If only they could save Ayano too after Sunoo goes. But perhaps, it would also be too late for the girl. "I wish I had time to love you both even more." Ni-Ki said, sniffling. The pair went silent for a moment. Sunoo felt tired, like his mind was in a haze that wouldn't lift. "Even though it's cruel, it's beautiful." Sunoo coughed up another puddle of blood. 

"I like the cherry blossoms." Sunoo says quietly. Ni-Ki stared into his eyes, a sad smile forming on his lips."They're as beautiful as you." Ni-Ki whispered back. Sunoo smiled, Ni-Ki always was such a flirt, even at this very moment. "I love you, Nishimura Riki."

"My Ni-Ki, who always smiles brightly no matter what goes through his mind."

Sunoo gasped, his back arching upwards. "What's wrong? ddeonu, what's wrong? You can't leave me, please. PLEASE !!..." Sunoo could barely see through the tears and the haze, but he smiled. "I'm sorry. I can't be there for you. Please tell Ayano, thank you.... F-for s-sacrificing for me a-and y-you..." His breath hitched, "Tell A-Ayano I'm sorry I c-can't s-see and a-acompany her anymore."

The heart monitor was beeping constantly at a fast pace. Ni-Ki yelled for the doctor but no one came.

"SUNOO !!"

The first drops of frozen snow had fallen over the night sky. Ayano was laying in bed, only getting to close her eyes. Sunoo closed his eyes at the same time, letting the force of the petals crash over the two in waves. Sunoo's and Ayano's bodies shook as he wailed in agony. "Sunoo. D-Ddeonu ! KIM SUNOO" Ni-Ki called.

"AYANO ! OPEN YOUR EYES !" Sunghoon shook Ayano's body as they were still in the car. Sunghoon and Ni-Ki were panicking as their loved ones weren't responding to any of their screamings. Sunghoon let out a frustrated breath as he carried Ayano back into the apartment, running up the stairs.

"Sunoo." Ni-Ki's voice broke, choking back his tears. "Open your eyes. Look at me, Sunoo please. Open your eyes!" Ni-Ki sobbed and rocked Sunoo gently in his arms. "It's okay. You're okay. It's okay." It was all but okay. Sunoo's breath shuddered, then faded. The waves of petals in his blurred vision finally crashed into him. He could hear Ni-Ki telling him he loved him, a small smile on his lips knowing in the end he was loved as the wave of petals swept him under.

Sunoo opened his eyes to see Ayano right in front of him. Smiling as she led her hand out.