A week ago, Gio sat beside Miyuki, her heart aching as she watched her daughter’s small, pale face light up with a smile, despite the sickness weighing her down.
Miyuki’s laughter filled the room as Gio played along with her, pretending to be a character from one of Miyuki's favorite stories, each gesture full of love and care, masking the worry she carried.
Suddenly, the door opened, and in walked the doctor Gio’s brother-in-law, a man who knew all too well how delicate the situation had become.
His expression was gentle yet serious, and Sari, who was nearby, sensed the shift in the room immediately. She joined Gio and the doctor, instinctively taking Miyuki's hand.
The doctor approached gently, giving Gio and Sari a sympathetic look. "I'm afraid we need to discuss something important regarding Miyuki’s treatment,” he began. “The leukemia has progressed, and we’re reaching a stage where the chemotherapy is going to have more visible effects."
Gio’s heart sank, and Sari instinctively tightened her grip on Miyuki’s hand. "What does that mean?” Gio asked, her voice shaky but resolute, determined to stay strong for Miyuki.
The doctor took a deep breath. “The side effects are going to increase, and it’s likely that Miyuki will start losing her hair soon. To minimize the shock and help make things easier for her, we need to cut her hair.”
Gio felt a lump form in her throat, and Sari’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at their little girl, still laughing and playing, oblivious to the harsh reality she was facing.
The thought of Miyuki’s tiny head, bare of the beautiful hair she’d so loved, was a painful reminder of the severity of her illness.
But both Gio and Sari knew it was necessary, and they nodded, steeling themselves for the difficult days ahead.
Sari bent down to Miyuki, brushing her hand through her daughter’s soft hair.
“Miyuki, anak,” she began softly, her voice filled with tenderness. “The doctor says that you’re going to have a cool new look soon, one that will make you even braver, like the superheroes you love so much.”
Miyuki’s eyes widened, her curious gaze shifting from Sari to Gio. “Like a superhero?” she asked, her voice a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Gio leaned down and held Miyuki close, nodding as she brushed a tear from her eye. “Yes, baby. Just like the bravest superheroes. And no matter what, you’ll always be beautiful to us.”
Together, they embraced her, promising to be by her side every step of the way. That day, as they prepared for the next chapter of Miyuki's battle.
As Travis entered the hospital room, holding a bouquet of flowers and a few toys for Miyuki, he paused for a moment, taking in the sight before him.
Gio was sitting close to Miyuki, whispering softly and making her laugh, while Sari watched them both with a quiet, contented smile. When Sari noticed Travis, she met Gio’s eyes, silently asking for a moment alone with him.
Gio gave a gentle nod and turned her full attention back to Miyuki, giving Sari and Travis a bit of privacy.
Stepping into the hallway, Sari closed the door gently behind her, turning to Travis, who was already watching her with a look of both curiosity and unease.
He let out a slow breath, his gaze dropping to the bouquet in his hand before he spoke.
“So… are you and Gio okay now?” he asked quietly, trying to keep his voice steady, though his emotions were clearly just beneath the surface.
Sari nodded, offering a small but genuine smile. “Oo Travis” she replied softly. “Naliwanagan na ako, for now. Pareho kaming kailangan ni Yuki.”
Travis gave a slow nod, his face showing a mixture of understanding and sadness. After a pause, he took a shaky breath, his voice lower this time.
“Sari… there’s something I need to tell you,” he said, hesitating for a moment before finally continuing. “I know it might sound strange, but I’ve… I’ve loved you for a long time. Even back in college, akala ko mag kakaroon ako ng chance sayo.”
Sari’s heart softened, feeling the weight of Travis’s words and the vulnerability behind them.
She reached out, gently resting her hand on his arm. “Travis… alam mo kung gaano ako nag papasalamat sayo, nandiyan ka nung mga panahon na kailangan kita. kami ng anak ko,” she began, her voice filled with warmth.
“Pero Travis. Sa totoo lang sinubukan din kitang mahalin, pero hindi ko kaya, hanggang kaibigan lang ang maibibigay ko sayo. Yun lang at wala nang mas hihigit pa don.”
Travis tried to smile, though there was a sadness in his eyes. “I understand,” he murmured. “una palang alam kong wala na akong laban kay Gio, I just… I guess I hoped things might be different.”
He forced a small laugh, shaking his head. “But I just want you to be happy, Sari. And if Gio is the one who makes you happy, then I’ll be okay with that.”
Sari nodded, feeling grateful for his understanding. “Thank you, Travis. You’re such an important friend to me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you these past few weeks.”
They shared a quiet moment, both coming to terms with the boundaries of their relationship.
Travis, though heartbroken, knew he had to let go, and Sari held his hand for a brief, comforting moment before he pulled her into a hug. “If you ever need anything,” he said softly, “I’ll be here.”
YOU ARE READING
MY FIRST AND MY LAST S2 (HAMBEBE AU)
Fanfiction(🐰) and (🐨) A couple deeply in love and committed to building a life together. From the early days of friendship that blossomed into romance, they face life's highs and lows side by side, showing what it means to be partners in every sense.