I Love You (Ennotana)

Chapter 4

!!TW IMPLIED DEATH TOWARDS THE END OF THE CHAPTER!!

Somehow, he managed to make it through morning practice and the regular school day. He mostly stayed quiet, and whenever Tanaka would start talking or go off about how much he misses Kiyoko being here, Noya would shoot him a look of concern, but Ennoshita would give a nod of reassurance, and if more petals threatened to escape, he would do it as silent as he possibly could.

But something was also bothering Ennoshita. Noya didn't answer him earlier that morning. He wanted to know if Tanaka really was in love with Kiyoko, and he would ask him after practice.

...

Once there was hardly anyone left in the gym, Ennoshita approached Tanaka. "Hey, can I ask you about something?"

"Sure, do you wanna walk home and talk about it?" Tanaka offered.

"Uhh sure," Ennoshita agreed and they headed outside of the gym.

"Okay, um serious question, are you in love with Kiyoko?" Ennoshita asked.

Tanaka answered right away,"Of course I am! And it's cool too because I haven't gotten hanahaki disease, so that probably means she likes me back!"

"Oh that's really great I'm happy for you," Ennoshita smiled weakly.

"Yeah." Tanaka responded happily. "Is there a reason why you asked?"

"No just wondering," Ennoshita said looking up at the sky. He was right. The person he loved didn't love him back. He was just a friend to Tanaka, and he would die for this love.

But then the thought of reality hit Ennoshita hard. And he felt like he couldn't breathe. He didn't want to cough up petals in front of Tanaka, but it's not like he had a choice. He opened his mouth and started to cough and petals started flying out, causing Tanaka to stop. Ennoshita kept coughing and wheezing, the pain hurting more than ever before.

"Ennobro, how long has this been happening?" Tanaka asked once Ennoshita calmed down.

Still breathing heavily, he responded, "Not quite a year but it feels like ages at this point. I've just been hiding it really well but sometimes I feel like I can't breathe anymore."

"Well maybe there's still time. Maybe we can get that person to fall in love with you." Tanaka said hopefully.

Ennoshita didn't say anything, he just gave Tanaka a weak smile. "I wish that were possible, but I know that the person I love is in love with Kiyoko and that he has a chance with her."

Tanaka's eyes widened. "No, no, no, no you can't be dying over me."

"But I am, and I don't think I have much time left. But don't feel sad. You and Kiyoko will make a great couple one day. You love each other."

Ennoshita started to walk ahead of Tanaka. Tanaka's head was spinning. He didn't want to lose a friend he cared about. And it felt like it was his fault Ennoshita wasn't going to live a long life. "Wait," he called out.Ennoshita stopped and turned around. "Yes Tanaka?"

"I don't know how much time you have left, but promise me you will show up tomorrow," Tanaka said.

"Of course," Ennoshita said, before walking off again.

The next morning, Tanaka anxiously waited to see if his friend would show up. When he didn't, he thought he would come to school late. At lunch, Tanaka and Noya shared worried expressions since no texts were returned, and Ennoshita never showed up.

The next day, it was revealed Ennoshita was in the hospital hooked up on equipment to help with his breathing. Ennoshita didn't want to tell his parents, but when he got home the other night, he could no longer breathe and the pain in his chest was too much to handle.

After practice, the team went to go visit him, and Ennoshita tried to reassure them that he would be back to good health soon. But the only people who knew that was a lie was him, Tanaka and Noya.

As they were leaving, Ennoshita said, "Tanaka can you please stay for a minute?"

Tanaka nodded and headed next to the bed Ennoshita was in.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to come to school like I promised you," Ennoshita said.

"Don't apologize. but I'm glad you're still somewhat okay." Tanaka said weakly.

"For now," Ennoshita said softly.

"You know you could always get the surgery," Tanaka suggested quietly. "There's probably still time."

"Yeah, my parents said that too. But I really think I don't want to." He said while coughing more petals.

"Yeah I probably wouldn't get the surgery either if I had it," Tanaka responded, looking down at the floor. "By the way, I'm sorry I did this to you."

"This isn't your fault Tanaka. This is the price I have to pay for falling in love and thinking I have a chance."

"But you still shouldn't have to suffer because of that." There was a silence between them. It wasn't like the silence they have shared before. Those times were nice and peaceful. This time, it was grim, and agonizing. There was a feeling of discomfort, like you want to cry, but no tears can come. "Can I see you tomorrow?" Tanaka asked, breaking the silence between them.

"Please? I could use the company," Ennoshita said.

"Great, I'll see you tomorrow then!" Tanaka said, cheering up a little. Ennoshita didn't say anything. He just smiled and nodded.

When he went to go see Ennoshita the next day after practice, there was a slight smile on his face. He would see him today and could help distract Ennoshita from the pain. But when he stepped inside, there was an ominous feeling that made his smile fade. Approaching the room, the door was closed and Ennoshita's parents were outside, holding each other. When they saw Tanaka, they didn't say anything. They just looked up at him teary eyed, and Tanaka knew. He had arrived too late.

At the funeral, Tanaka brought flowers for Ennoshita's grave. After the service was over, he  placed them down. Irises. Ennoshita's favorite.