Hanahaki: Butterflies in My Stomach, Thorns in My Heart

"Hey, do you know anything about Hanahaki?"

"Hanahaki? What's that? A flower's name?"

"Not quite. They say it's a kind of disease. One that is contracted by a person whose love is unrequited. Flowers will bloom in your chest, you will cough up flower petals, and soon enough, you won't be able to breathe. You can die from it, actually."

"What? Is there any cure?"

"You'll have to undergo surgery. Once done, the flowers will be gone together with your unrequited feelings. The thing is, after curing Hanahaki, you won't be able to love the same person who caused it ever again."

***

Aurora's been in love with Kenji for quite a long while. They were childhood friends, and at a young age, the girl realized that she held deep feelings for him. He was so mean and cold to her, and he only acknowledged her as a friend if he needed something. Yet she couldn't help but feel butterflies in her tummy when he gave her praises even if they somehow sounded insincere.

He showed not the slightest interest in her, but still, she decided to chase after Ken. Always running like a trained dog at his command, always being there at his beck and call, and always being ready to provide for his every whim.

She was one naive little girl. One who believed that her consistent effort would make him see her in a new light. She thought that if he saw how much she cared for him, then he would return her affections.

A new brand of stupidity.

She could never be more wrong.

After all, Kenji was gay.

And he was in love with Zachary, her best friend.
***
"It isn't love if it doesn't hurt. But for how long can you bleed for a love unreturned?"

In which a butterfly chases after the rainbow.