Until July

Loved but taken away.

**July 17th:**

The bedroom was dimly lit, the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting a warm light over the room. Yuki and Mai lay side by side in bed, wrapped in the quiet intimacy of the moment. Mai's head rested gently on Yuki's chest, feeling the steady, calming rhythm of his heartbeat.The loud smell of his signature cologne felt comforting to her.

Yuki's fingers stroked Mai's hair, his touch gentle and reassuring. The day's trials seemed to melt away in the peaceful cocoon they had created together.

"Mai," Yuki whispered softly, his voice carrying a depth of emotion. "I'm so grateful we're here together. I know things have been tough, and I've watched you fight so hard. But in this moment, I just want you to know how much you mean to me."

Mai lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes shimmering with affection and trust. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Yuki," she said quietly.

Yuki smiled tenderly, his hand gently brushing against her chest . "I'll always be here . You know."

Mai nestled closer, her hand resting over his heart. "Sometimes, I can't believe how lucky I am to have you."

He leaned down, his eyes locking with hers as he spoke.He pulled Mai in gently.His body towered over her.

As their eyes remained locked, Yuki's face softened, and he slowly leaned in. Mai's breath hitched in anticipation, and then their lips met in a strong, lingering kiss. He pulled her in closer ,his arm wrapped around her waist.

He stopped for a moment but then Mai pulled him back in.The taste of her was a little more intense than usual.She pulled her mouth away and looked into his eyes. "T-tell me you love me,"
She whispered.

Yuki smiled "I love you Mai,"Mai fell to the bed and pulled him down.His warm lips caressed her neck then her chest.

Then when they finally pulled apart , their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the quiet room.

"I really do love you, Mai," Yuki murmured, his voice tender. "Always."

Mai's voice was barely audible as she replied, "I love you too, Yuki. Forever."

They settled back into their embrace, Yuki's arm holding Mai close, and the world outside seemed to fade away. In the gentle glow of the lamp and the warmth of their shared love,  drifting into sleep wrapped in the comfort of each other's arms.

—-
**July 18th:**

The day arrived, and with it, a sense of dread that Mai couldn't shake. Yuki, unaware of the significance of the date, suggested they go out for ice cream—one of their favorite things to do together. Mai agreed, forcing herself to smile, but her heart felt heavy.

They walked to the ice cream stand, hand in hand, their laughter filling the air. Yuki, always full of surprises, stopped at a nearby store and bought a blindfold, grinning mischievously.

"Put this on," he said, holding it out to her."Trust me,"he grinned

Mai hesitated, but she trusted Yuki, so she took the blindfold and tied it around her eyes. He led her a few steps, his excitement infectious, but Mai's thoughts were far away.

As they walked, she accidentally took a few steps back, lost in her own world.

In those few steps, she didn't realize she had stepped into the road...

Yuki's heart raced as he watched the scene unfold in horror. The world seemed to slow down as Mai was struck by the car, her body crumpling to the pavement. He dashed to her side, panic and fear gripping him with every step. He fell to his knees beside her, desperately trying to stay calm.

"Mai! No, please, no!" Yuki's voice cracked, his eyes wide with terror. He gently cradled her head in his lap, his hands shaking as he checked for a pulse, tears blurring his vision. "Please, stay with me. You have to stay with me!"

He looked around frantically as people began to gather, but his focus remained solely on Mai.
Her bloody, cold body spread along his arms."You can't leave me like this," he pleaded, his voice breaking. "We've come so far. I-i need you here with me. I can't... I can't imagine life without you."

Yuki's tears fell freely now, his face buried in Mai's hair. "You're my everything. I need you to fight. You're so strong—I know you are. You've fought through so much already. Please don't give up on us now."

He could barely get the words out through his sobs. "I love you, Mai. I love you more than anything. Please don't leave me. I'm here. I'm right here. Just hold on. Please, just hold on."

His desperate pleas echoed through the chaos around him, a heart-wrenching cry for the woman he loved to survive and come back to him.
"M-mai!"he shouted his tears falling onto her lifeless,cold chest.

But the sound of screeching tires was the last thing she heard before everything went back to darkness.