Unfated Lovers

Chapter 6: Signs of Illness

The days with Hana felt like a blur of happiness to Yumi. Between stolen moments after school, laughter-filled weekends, and quiet conversations that seemed to dissolve her worries, she felt like she was living in a beautiful dream. It was easy to get lost in Hana's warmth, to forget the reality of her condition. So, Yumi chose to ignore the signs. She brushed off her dizziness as "just needing to eat something" or her fatigue as "just a busy day." She didn't want to taint their relationship with her own burdens, not when everything was so perfect.

One Saturday, Hana suggested a visit to a nearby botanical garden she'd been eager to explore. Yumi's heart leaped with excitement, though deep down, she felt the familiar pull of fatigue.

The garden was filled with blooming flowers, rows of vibrant reds, pinks, and purples stretching as far as the eye could see. The air was fragrant and fresh, bringing a hint of tranquillity to Yumi as they walked along the winding paths. Hana led the way, her face lit up with childlike excitement as she pointed out rare plants and described her favorite flowers.

"I can't believe I haven't come here sooner," Hana said, a soft smile on her face as she admired a cluster of white lilies. "It's so peaceful here. Don't you think?"

Yumi nodded, though her chest felt tight, and her breaths came shallow. She clenched her hands to steady herself, willing her vision to stop swaying. "Yeah... It's beautiful," she replied, forcing a cheerful tone. "Almost as beautiful as you," she added with a playful grin, trying to lighten the moment.

Hana chuckled, gently nudging Yumi's shoulder. "You're always so cheesy."

Yumi laughed, but it was interrupted by a soft cough, which she quickly stifled. Hana didn't seem to notice, already distracted by the next row of flowers. Yumi took a quiet, steadying breath, relieved that she had hidden the momentary weakness. Hana's happiness was worth it. If hiding her condition meant seeing Hana's carefree smile just a little longer, she would do it, no matter how heavy it felt.

The days with Hana felt like a blur of happiness to Yumi. Between stolen moments after school, laughter-filled weekends, and quiet conversations that seemed to dissolve her worries, she felt like she was living in a beautiful dream. It was easy to get lost in Hana's warmth, to forget the reality of her condition. So, Yumi chose to ignore the signs. She brushed off her dizziness as "just needing to eat something" or her fatigue as "just a busy day." She didn't want to taint their relationship with her own burdens, not when everything was so perfect.

One Saturday, Hana suggested a visit to a nearby botanical garden she'd been eager to explore. Yumi's heart leaped with excitement, though deep down, she felt the familiar pull of fatigue.

The garden was filled with blooming flowers, rows of vibrant reds, pinks, and purples stretching as far as the eye could see. The air was fragrant and fresh, bringing a hint of tranquillity to Yumi as they walked along the winding paths. Hana led the way, her face lit up with childlike excitement as she pointed out rare plants and described her favorite flowers.

"I can't believe I haven't come here sooner," Hana said, a soft smile on her face as she admired a cluster of white lilies. "It's so peaceful here. Don't you think?"

Yumi nodded, though her chest felt tight, and her breaths came shallow. She clenched her hands to steady herself, willing her vision to stop swaying. "Yeah... It's beautiful," she replied, forcing a cheerful tone. "Almost as beautiful as you," she added with a playful grin, trying to lighten the moment.

Hana chuckled, gently nudging Yumi's shoulder. "You're always so cheesy."

Yumi laughed, but it was interrupted by a soft cough, which she quickly stifled. Hana didn't seem to notice, already distracted by the next row of flowers. Yumi took a quiet, steadying breath, relieved that she had hidden the momentary weakness. Hana's happiness was worth it. If hiding her condition meant seeing Hana's carefree smile just a little longer, she would do it, no matter how heavy it felt.