With Every Breath I Take

Gardenia

You didn't know when exactly you had started loving the boys.

All you knew was that it happened while you got to know them.

And it hurt. It hurt so much.

The flowers were stuck in your lungs.

It had started out with seeds. Infatuation. A crush.

It has progressed into petals and the occasional small flowers. Stronger.

Then the buds opened. Love.

You were gasping for breath every free moment you had from prying eyes.

The roots were squeezing your lungs all day.

The coughing fits grew worse. You started coughing up whole Gardenias and other types of petals.

You were able to hide it, for the most part.

Your parents found out quickly.

Your mother burst into tears after coming to you with petals clasped tightly in her hands.

Soon afterwards your father hugged you tighter than he did before.

Your world was perfectly balanced with hiding your condition and having fun with your friends.

Until the scale was ripped and everything came crashing down.

"You... you have Hanahaki?"