The Person You Left Me With Only an Year Left to Live

Ch.3 : What I don't want to lose, what's left in my heart

Note: starting from this chapter, the mention of names between Misaki and Mizuki is without honor/without "-san", because they are officially dating. 

"Wow! Mizuki, look! Very beautiful"

"Yes. It's completely different from what I've seen on TV."

The Christmas tree that entered the clouds let out a startling sound.

December 24. Christmas eve.

After finishing their usual behind-the-scenes work, the two walked home and stopped by to take a look at the lively lanterns on the street.

"Listen, Misaki. It is said that this tree uses 20,000 light bulbs. I don't know how much the electricity cost last night."

"Mizuki can you stop saying things like that that shattered my dreams. In that case, you could say 'Misaki, you are a thousand times prettier than a lantern.' Wouldn't that be great?"

"It's a bit shameless to say something like that yourself."

The two of them chatted happily and laughed at each other. And a scene like this has been like this since summer, and it hasn't changed.

However, something has changed.

After Mizuki and Misaki start dating as lovers, they appreciate the time they spend together even more.

After finishing the behind-the-scenes work after school, the two would go home together and spend their rest day together. Even if you don't do anything special or play anywhere, as long as the two of you stay together, you'll be satisfied.

However, no matter how satisfied the time was spent, Mizuki always felt restlessness in his heart.

"Oh, Mizuki! Look, the fountain is lit over there!"

"Ah, Misaki, wait. Don't be too impatient, the fountain won't run."

Seeing Misaki holding his hand and pulling him hard, Mizuki made a flustered sound and ran forward with her.

During this pause, Mizuki looked sadly at Misaki and took her hand.

Recently, Mizuki noticed that Misaki was losing weight. When he held her hand, when he held her arm, Mizuki felt that Misaki's body was gradually losing weight. This may be a real manifestation of Misaki's deteriorating condition.

The doctor said that Misaki could not survive until the age of 20. Not only that, but even a year in serious cases.... Even though this was a choice she made, it was no wonder that Misaki who refused to be hospitalized for treatment had reached the point where she was about to die.

"What is it? You look weird."

"Oh, it's okay. —By the way, Misaki, could you come over here?"

"Hah? Is it okay?"

Misaki tilted her head curiously, Mizuki gave a gentle smile. I hide my pain and anxiety in my heart...

Immediately, Mizuki took out a slim box with ribbon from his backpack.

"Merry Christmas. Here's a Christmas present for you."

"Wow! Thank you What is this, may I open it?"

Inside is a pair of mechanical pencils and pens designed to be paired.

"Initially, I thought about buying a small piece of jewelry or something, but I didn't know what to choose.... Then I thought that if I bought this, you could use it every day."

"Yes, I will use it at school. Thank you, Mizuki."

Misaki put both pens into the box and smiled.

Looks like Misaki is also very happy, Mizuki heaved a sigh of relief.