Fragments of Us (Megumi Fushiguro)

CHAPTER 23

The quiet of the night blanketed the room as Megumi kept watch, his gaze fixed on Y/N's peaceful face. His heart was heavy, knowing how troubled her dreams had been lately. His worry was a constant presence, and even though he was exhausted, he refused to let himself sleep, determined to stay by her side in case she began to sleepwalk again.

Just as he was beginning to nod off, he heard a soft whisper of his name.

"Megumi..."

He blinked, surprised, and looked over. Y/N was awake, her eyes soft in the moonlight. Without warning, she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. His heart skipped, taken off guard.

"Y/N?" he asked gently, wrapping his arms around her. "What's wrong?"

She buried her face in his shirt, her grip firm, as if she didn't want to let go. "I know I've been sleepwalking," she whispered. "And I know... I know you've been watching over me every night. Thank you."

Megumi held her close, feeling his pulse race at her touch. He could feel the weight of unspoken words lingering between them, things he'd been holding back for so long. Finally, he gathered his courage and spoke, his voice barely a whisper. "Y/N... I like you. I like you so much that it scares me. I don't want you to leave. I don't want you to go anywhere without me."

Y/N's hands tightened around him, her face hidden in his shirt as he spoke. He wanted to see her face, to look into her eyes, but she kept hiding, burying herself further against him.

"Please... talk to me," he urged, his voice gentle. "Whatever it is, whatever you're going through... let me be there. Let me help you."

After a long pause, she finally lifted her head, and he could see the sadness in her red eyes, emotions swimming beneath the surface. She looked at him with a sorrow that was hard to bear. "Megumi..." Her hand reached up to cup his face, her fingers cold and trembling. "I don't want you to hold onto me too much. One day, I might not be here anymore."

His breath hitched. He brought his hand up to cover hers, holding it tightly. "I don't care. Even if you leave, I'll be there to bring you back. No matter what, I won't let you go."

A tear slipped down her cheek, and she shook her head, her voice breaking. "I don't want anyone to suffer because of me. I don't want anyone I love to get hurt because of what I am. Megumi... I need you to let me go."

The words cut him deeply. The thought of letting her go was unbearable. "No... I can't," he whispered, his voice breaking.

She looked at him, her gaze filled with both love and regret. "Megumi... I'm grateful for everything, but please... let me go."

He felt his chest tighten, unable to believe what he was hearing. The ache in his heart grew, but before he could say anything more, she cupped his face and brought her lips to his. The kiss was soft, tinged with sadness, but he returned it, holding her close, pouring all of his unspoken feelings into that moment.

But then, he felt a strange taste on his lips—something metallic. Confused, he pulled back slightly, his eyes widening as he realized there was blood on his lips. It was Y/N's.

"Y/N, what...?" He felt dizzy, the world beginning to blur as he realized she had poisoned him with her blood. His body grew weak, and his grip on her loosened. Panic filled him as he watched her take a step back, her face filled with sorrow.

"I'm sorry, Megumi," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I have to do this... to protect all of you."

She turned, walking away, and Megumi struggled to stay conscious. His vision was fading, and he fought to keep his eyes on her. He tried to reach out, to call her name, but his voice wouldn't come.

"Y/N... don't... go..." he whispered, but it was too late. The last thing he saw was her figure disappearing into the darkness, her whispered apology hanging in the air as everything went black.