Until Her Last Day

One-shot

Clark Kent Bautista was not your typical high school senior. Known as the "certified snob" of Sacred Heart Academy, Clark kept to himself, rarely engaging with his classmates. It wasn’t that he thought he was better than them; he simply didn't see the point in forming bonds that could easily break. Friends were a liability, and Clark had learned that the hard way after his parents' messy divorce. The isolation was his shield, his armor against further emotional damage.

Enter Vincent May Jenuvia. Transferring to Sacred Heart Academy from Davis Academy, Vincent was a whirlwind of energy and positivity. Her laughter could be heard echoing through the hallways, and her smile was infectious. On her first day, she caught the attention of almost everyone, except Clark, who remained steadfastly indifferent.

Despite her bubbly nature, Vincent had her own burdens. She was battling leukemia, a fact known only to her family and her best friend back at Davis Academy. Determined to live her remaining days to the fullest, Vincent approached her new school with unyielding optimism.

The collision course between Clark and Vincent was inevitable. Their paths crossed during a group project in literature class. Vincent, assigned to work with Clark, approached him with the same enthusiasm she showed everyone.

"Hi! I'm Vincent May Jenuvia, but you can call me Vincy. Looks like we'll be working together!" she said, extending her hand.

Clark barely glanced at her. "Clark," he mumbled, focusing on his notebook.

Unfazed, Vincent took a seat beside him. "So, Clark, do you like literature? I love it. There's something magical about getting lost in a story, don't you think?"

Clark sighed. "It's just a subject. Let's get this project done."

~~~~~~~~~

For weeks, Vincent's persistent cheerfulness clashed with Clark's icy demeanor. But Vincent was undeterred. She chipped away at his defenses, inviting him to sit with her at lunch, chatting with him in the hallways, and even surprising him with a book she thought he'd enjoy.

One afternoon, as they worked on their project in the library, Vincent asked, "Clark, why do you always keep to yourself?"

Clark looked up, caught off guard by her directness. "I just prefer it that way. Less complicated."

Vincent nodded thoughtfully. "Sometimes, the best things in life are a little complicated. You miss out on a lot when you shut people out."

Clark wanted to argue, but something in Vincent's eyes stopped him. There was a depth there, a quiet resilience that intrigued him. Against his better judgment, he found himself opening up, sharing pieces of his life he had kept locked away.

As the months passed, Clark and Vincent grew closer. He found himself looking forward to their conversations, her laughter, and even her relentless optimism. For the first time in years, Clark felt a warmth in his chest that he had long forgotten.

One day, Vincent didn't show up to school. Clark tried to shake off the worry gnawing at him, but when she missed the entire week, he decided to visit her house. Vincent's mother greeted him, her eyes red-rimmed with worry.

"Vincent's in the hospital," she explained, her voice trembling. "Her leukemia has worsened."

Clark's heart dropped. He rushed to the hospital, finding Vincent pale and weak, yet still managing a smile when she saw him.