Was it meant to be?

The unexpected kiss

It's been a few days since the camping trip, and my leg had only gotten worse. They sent me to the hospital the morning after, and when I arrived, the doctors said that, luckily, I hadn't done much damage to the bone. They assured me it would heal with time. The day I was admitted, Near came by with flowers to visit. I really appreciated it—it made me feel so much better just to see him.

Later that day, a doctor entered my room. "You have some visitors," he said. I nodded, feeling too weak to speak. They had given me a private room since it was a private hospital, the kind Watari always sent Wammy's kids to. It helped reduce the risk of our real identities being leaked. I heard a knock on the door.

"Hey, Y/N!" Matt greeted, surprising me with no PSP in hand for once. Instead, he held a gift. Shine and Mello followed behind him. Shine also had flowers.

"Hey, guys," I smiled, though I felt drained. I tried to sit up as the three of them settled into the visitor chairs. "How have you been?"

Shine leaned forward, concern evident in her voice. "How's your leg?"

"My leg's okay," I replied. "They've got me on meds that numb most of the pain, but they make me really tired."

"Have you been eating? You look like you've lost weight," Shine asked, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Yeah, just not much. I've been sleeping a lot." I didn't want to worry them, so I left out the part about how little I had been eating.

Matt grinned. "Don't worry, Y/N. I got you something to cheer you up." He placed the gift on my lap, watching eagerly as I opened it. Inside was a small plush turtle.

"Aww, Matt, thank you! It's adorable," I said, stretching out my arms for a hug, which he gladly returned. I then turned to Shine, beaming. "And thank you, Shine, for these flowers. They're so beautiful."

"Of course, Y/N! We all picked them out together. We thought white and pink hibiscus suited you better than roses. I remembered seeing those flower clips in your room," Shine explained, handing me the bouquet.

"I absolutely love them, thank you so much!" I hugged her from my bed, careful not to knock the flowers onto the floor.

Shine smirked. "Mello also got you something, but for some reason, he's refusing to give it to you."

Mello, flustered, quickly retorted, "Excuse me! I said I'd give it to Y/N when you two idiots aren't around."

Matt and I couldn't help but laugh as the two continued bickering for a good couple of minutes.

30 minutes later

The group spent the next half hour catching me up on life at Wammy's, which made me feel much better. I didn't feel so disconnected from everyone anymore. Just then, Shine's phone chimed with a notification.

"Watari messaged me—he'll be here in 25 minutes," Shine said, getting up. "Me and Matt will head out so Mello can give you his 'secret' gift." She rolled her eyes playfully.

I said my goodbyes to Matt and Shine, and as soon as the door clicked shut, Mello pulled out a single red rose.

"Aww, thank you, Mello... wait, this isn't real," I said, inspecting the rose. Then it hit me. "Ohh, it's a chocolate rose! That's so sweet." I couldn't help but smile, which made him smile too.

"That's not all," he added, handing me a small box. Inside was a Vivienne Westwood pearl and silver necklace.

I gasped. "Oh my god, Mello, you didn't have to get me this! These are so expensive!" I was in shock—the necklace had to be at least £150. "Thank you so much," I said, hugging him tightly.

This was the moment. I had to tell him.

"What I was trying to say that day... is that I love you, Mello." My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't believe I had finally admitted it out loud, but somehow, it felt right.

Mello's face registered surprise for a split second before he smiled. "I love you too, Y/N." We locked eyes for what felt like an eternity—fifteen seconds, at least—before he suddenly burst out laughing.

I blinked, confused. "What?"

"Of all names, Y/N, you panicked and said Near's!" He laughed even harder, and soon, we were both cracking up.

We spent the next 15 ish minutes talking, the air light between us, until I noticed the time.

"Hey, I know Watari's going to be here in about eight minutes, but I'm really tired. I don't want to fall asleep in the middle of talking to you," I admitted, feeling guilty. "Is it okay if I sleep now?"

Mello smiled warmly, more understanding than I expected. "Of course. Get some rest." He carefully placed my gifts on the bedside table. As I drifted off, I didn't hear him leave, so I assumed he was quietly sitting with his phone.

But as I lay half-asleep, something strange happened. I heard him move, and then I felt something soft brush against my lips. No way. Was he... kissing me?

Yes, that had to be it—it felt exactly like lips. My mind raced with excitement and confusion, but I was too tired to open my eyes. I heard the door close softly behind him, and before I drifted into full sleep, all I could think was: I got my first kiss. My heart pounded with excitement. Did this mean Mello liked me back... like that?