Dear Destiny

25- Dear Champion

*ARIV*

**FLASHBACK**

"I'm sorry for wasting your time, you know how she is. Always causing trouble," I muttered with a sigh.

She let out a small, unexpected laugh. "No harm done, Ariv. But honestly, you two looked kinda cute together."

I shot her a look of disgust. "Only if you're blind."

"Wait," she said, her voice laced with surprise. "Aren't you both... dating?"

I raised an eyebrow. "And what on earth gives you that idea?"

"Well, I've never seen you with any other girl in my whole lifetime. And, to be honest, Ariv, I know you better than you think. It seems like you might actually like her."

I sighed, shaking my head. "What you think and the truth are two very different things."

She leaned in, eyes narrowing. "Come on, just tell me you don't-"

"It doesn't matter," I interrupted coldly. "Even if I did like her, you know my situation. I'm not exactly in a place to date anyone. And why would I want to ruin someone's life by offering a temporary attachment?"

"Ariv, people may come and go, but the bonds we create... those can last forever."

"Exactly." I gave a hollow laugh. "And right now, nothing in my life feels permanent anymore."

She sighed, defeated. "Ariv, I just think you should-"

"How much time do I have left?" I cut her off sharply. Her startled expression only confirmed what I already suspected.

I scoffed. "A few months, right? Just tell me."

She didn't answer, her silence betraying more than words could.

"Fine, don't give me the numbers," I muttered with a smirk. "I've always loved surprises." But the look of sadness on her face made it hard to keep the act up.

She sighed deeply. "Ariv, when are you going to tell your father? You can't keep this hidden forever."

I gave a bitter laugh. "Tell him? Do you think it would even matter? I send him reports just for his stupid signature-"

"Fake reports," she corrected, her voice firm.

I only smirked. "That doesn't change anything. Honestly, I don't think I've ever mattered to anyone."

I stood up, brushing off her concern. "Anyway, doctor, thanks for your time. And make sure Reet never finds out about this."

She sighed, nodding. "I know."

With that, I turned and walked away, her unspoken words hanging in the air like a ticking clock, counting down to the inevitable.

**FLASHBACK ENDS**

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I dragged her outside the hospital, my grip firm on her wrist.

"Ariv, you're hurting me," she winced, and I finally let go.

"Ouch!" She rubbed her wrist and shot me an annoyed look. "You could've been gentler, you know?"

"And you could've used at least a tiny bit of your brain," I snapped, my frustration bubbling over.

Her eyes widened. "What did I do?"

"What did you do?!" I repeated, incredulous. "You dragged me to that doctor, asked ridiculous questions, then now acting all innocent like you don't know!"