RIIZE | Tuesdays with You 《Anton》Completed✔

Chapter 6: A Step Further

As the taxi rolled through the quiet streets, Lola leaned back in her seat, reflecting on the magical night she'd just spent with Anton. Dancing together, his protective presence beside her, and how he had effortlessly shifted the mood when Sungchan made her feel small. But now, in the stillness of the car, something felt off. She glanced at Anton, who sat beside her, staring out the window, his tender smile still on his lips, but it was the strain beneath it that worried her.

Lola's gaze lingered, and she noticed how his forehead glistened with sweat despite the cool air-conditioning, how his breathing seemed a little shallow. He was always so good at hiding his pain, but tonight... it was harder for him to mask it.

"Anton, are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern.

Anton turned to her, still smiling, though now it felt weaker, as if he was using all his strength just to maintain it. "I'm fine, really," he replied gently. "I just wanted to make sure you had fun tonight."

Lola stared at him, her heart sinking deeper with each passing moment. "You don't look fine," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Anton... what's wrong?"

Before he could answer, a small drop of blood slipped from his nose. The sight of it made her heart pound in panic.

"Oh my God, Anton... your nose!" she exclaimed, grabbing a tissue and pressing it gently to his face.

Anton quickly wiped it away, still trying to downplay the moment. "It's nothing, really. I'm okay, I promise."

But Lola wasn't convinced. Her chest tightened with fear as she watched him struggle to keep his composure. "Why are you here, Anton? You should be at the hospital... Why did you come?"

Anton's smile faded a little, and his eyes softened, looking almost apologetic. "Because it was important to me," he said quietly. "I wanted to be there for you tonight."

She felt her emotions rise, frustration and worry mixing together. "I don't care about that! I'd rather you be okay than put yourself through this for me."

The taxi slowed as it approached her stop, and Lola made a quick decision. "I'm getting out here," she said. "You can head to the hospital now."

But Anton, ever stubborn, shook his head. "I'm walking you home, no matter what."

"No!" Lola's voice broke, tears forming in her eyes as she pushed him gently but firmly. "You're sick, Anton! You need to take care of yourself. This—this isn't right. Why are you acting like everything's fine when it's not?"

Anton caught her hands, holding them gently but firmly. "Lola, I'm okay. Please, don't worry so much."

His calmness only made her more emotional. "I saw you, Anton," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "I saw you at the hospital yesterday. I know... I know you're not fine. I know about the treatments, about everything. Why didn't you tell me?"

For the first time, Anton looked away, his expression conflicted. He had been trying so hard to keep this part of himself hidden, to shield her from the burden of knowing. "Because I didn't want you to look at me differently," he admitted, his voice quiet. "I didn't want you to see me as just... someone who's dying."

Lola's breath caught in her throat, the weight of his words hitting her hard. She reached for him, her hands trembling as she placed them on his chest. "But I'm falling in love with you, Anton. I can't just pretend like this doesn't matter. I care about you... so much."

Anton's eyes widened at her admission, a mix of surprise and sadness crossing his face. He let out a slow, shaky breath and gently took her hands in his, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Lola..." His voice was barely a whisper, his gaze falling to the floor. "I don't want you to get hurt because of me. I'm not—" He paused, struggling to find the words. "I'm not going to be around forever."