The Liar and The Patient

The Following Spring

Thanks again to @NewSterlingCrimson for helping with this chapter.

In a small valley hidden away in the mountain range, there was a field of cherry blossoms, stretching as far as the eye could see. The powder pink petals slowly and gently descended onto a ground filled with emerald green grass, gracing the land with a breathtaking scene that one could only encounter in their dreams. Adding to the colors were white clouds that floated in the brilliant blue sky and bushes of yellow Japanese Kerria and white Andromeda scattered throughout the forest of cherry blossom trees.

"I made it."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Nishikata looked to the side, with a picnic blanket on hand.

"I got out before the cherry blossom season ended," Takagi gave him a smile.

She was no longer in her blue hospital gown. The pure white dress she wore looked as light as feathers, with the skirt dancing in the wind along with her silky brown hair. Her big round eyes and pink cheeks were more mesmerizing than the cherry blossoms blooming around them. She reached her hand out to let a petal land in her palm. She looked like an angel who descended and immersed herself into the whimsical world of the pink forest.

"Yeah... Thank goodness..." Nishikata swept his head to the side with a blush.

"Are you flustered already?" Takagi leaned in and crept her head closer to his. Her playful grin could be seen even from the corner of his eyes. "I haven't even started teasing you yet!"

"It's just that I haven't seen you in a while..." Nishikata trailed off with a mutter , "Of course I would get a bit nervous."

"Well, you better be prepared," Takagi chuckled as she made her way into the pink shower. "I still have a lot of pent-up teasing up my sleeve~"

What a devilish angel.

Takagi skipped and hopped as Nishikata followed tightly behind. They ventured deeper into the forest, sometimes stopping at some lower branches to give the flowers a closer look. The smile never faded from her face, replaced only by the occasional O-shape when she saw something that caught her eye.

Nishikata walked a step behind her, taking the sights and sounds in with a mix of happiness and slight concern. Her prancing and giggling left him mortified at the chance of her dropping to the ground and never getting up again.

"Nishikata, nothing is going to happen."

"Eh?" Nishikata shook his head and focused his gaze towards the front.

Takagi was facing him with her hands on her back. A single glance at his scrunched face was enough for her to once again read right through him. As per usual, she immediately got to work on comforting him.

Another round of petal rain was triggered by the spring breeze, showering her in a dazzling mirage of pink as she formed a wide grin on her face. "I'm all good now. Look!" She did a graceful spin. Her skirt flowed with the wind and spread out into a circle, looking like a delicate snowdrop.

"Yeah... I guess so..." Nishikata sighed and allowed a gentle smile. However, the moment his gaze landed on her arms his smile soured. The medical tape plastered on her arms was enough for him to imagine the countless needles that pricked her. He did try his best to hide his concerns , but when was that ever enough?

After all, Takagi somehow caught the little change in his expression. His subtle frown and stiff forced smile never managed to slip away from her eyes. She swung and folded her hands to the back as she walked up to him. She leaned in closer, causing Nishikata to jolt slightly out of nervousness.

"What do you want?" He stuttered as he took a step back.

"Thank you for being concerned about me, Nishikata," Takagi formed a wry smile. "But you can't be feeling bad for me for the entirety of our date."