流れ星 (Shooting Star) Ai Hoshino X OC | Oshi No Ko

•••...•Chapter 3•...•••

Yuuto sat beside Ai on the hospital terrace, feeling a strange mixture of comfort and vulnerability in her presence. Her kindness was a rarity, something he hadn't experienced from many others. As they sat together, he found himself stealing glances at their intertwined fingers, a brief moment of connection amidst the chaos of his reality.

Finally mustering the courage, Yuuto spoke, his gaze fixed on the setting sky. "I...I have a condition," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "It's called IPF. It's a progressive lung disease. It makes it hard for me to breathe, and it's only gotten worse over the years."

"IPF," Ai repeated softly, her expression sympathetic.

"So how long will it take for you to recover?" she asked, her optimism shining through.

Yuuto furrowed his brows, feeling a pang of irritation. "What do you mean? I said it's a progressive disease. It only gets worse," he replied, his frustration evident.

"But you'll recover, right? It'll take time, but you'll recover eventually, right?" Ai pressed, her voice filled with hope.

"I kept telling myself that for the last 8 years, and now I've given up," Yuuto confessed, his tone heavy with resignation.

"Gave up? Why did you give up? Do you not trust your doctor? He will get you well," Ai insisted, her concern evident.

Yuuto shook his head, feeling the weight of his reality bearing down on him. "Why are you shaking your head?" Ai asked, puzzled.

"Only a miracle could save him," a voice interrupted from behind. It was Dr. Amamiya, his presence a stark reminder of the harsh truth Yuuto faced every day.

Yuuto felt a pang of frustration at Dr. Amamiya's words. "Miracle? There's no such thing," he muttered under his breath. Amamiya's presence was a reminder of his reality, a reality he couldn't escape even in the solace of the hospital terrace.

Ai glanced between Yuuto and Amamiya, sensing the tension in the air. "What do you mean, sensei?" she asked, her brows furrowing with concern.

Amamiya sighed, his gaze shifting to the horizon. "IPF is a relentless disease. It's taken its toll on Yuuto for years, and despite our best efforts, we haven't been able to find a cure."

Ai's expression softened with understanding. "But there's always hope, right? New treatments, medical advancements..."

Amamiya nodded solemnly. "Yes, there are treatments, but they only slow down the progression of the disease. We can't guarantee a full recovery."

Yuuto clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. "I've been through countless treatments, medications, therapies... Nothing works. It's just a matter of time."

Ai placed a comforting hand on Yuuto's shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine sympathy. "But don't lose hope. Miracles can happen when you least expect them."

"I only have one year, or probably only 8 months. That's what sensei told me," Yuuto revealed, his voice tinged with resignation. Ai's heart broke as she processed the gravity of his condition. "I'm sorry," she whispered softly, her eyes filled with sympathy.

"I bet your parents would be really sad. I mean, they would want to spend all their time with you now, right?" Ai remarked, trying to comprehend the situation. Yuuto scoffed bitterly. "They'd be happy, actually. Except my sister," he admitted, his tone tinged with bitterness.

"What do you mean they would be happy?" Ai asked, her curiosity piqued. Yuuto fell silent, his thoughts consumed by painful memories. Sensing his discomfort, Dr. Amamiya intervened. "Ai, it's time for your scanning and tests," he announced.