Aika stood at the edge of the hospital courtyard, the cool breeze brushing against her skin.
It was late afternoon, the sun starting to dip behind the buildings. Riku sat in a wheelchair beneath a large cherry blossom tree, his gaze distant as he watched the soft petals drift lazily through the air.
Aika approached slowly, her hands tucked into the sleeves of her sweater. Her heart was steady but heavy. The soft sound of her footsteps made Riku turn his head.
"Aika."
She smiled faintly and sat down on the bench beside him.
"You okay?" she asked softly.
Riku's gaze returned to the cherry blossoms above them. "I'm fine."
Aika's brow furrowed. "You don't have to say that, you know."
Riku's lips curled into a small smile. "I'm trying to believe it."
Aika's gaze softened. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "You don't have to pretend around me."
Riku's smile faded slightly. His hand brushed over the armrest of the wheelchair, his fingers lingering on the smooth surface.
"I'm not sure how to be honest about this," he admitted quietly.
Aika's heart clenched.
"Then… don't say anything."
Riku's head turned toward her.
Aika smiled faintly. "Just let me stay here with you."
Riku's gaze softened. His hand moved slightly, hesitating before resting on the bench beside hers.
The silence between them stretched, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was fragile, but comforting.
"I guess I never really thought about what would happen if I told you the truth," Riku said after a long pause. His voice was quiet, almost thoughtful.
Aika glanced at him. "What truth?"
"That I don't have much time left."
Aika's breath hitched.
Riku's eyes remained fixed on the cherry blossoms above. "When I was in middle school… I collapsed during a school event. That's when they found out about my heart condition."
Aika's fingers tightened against her knees.
"I had surgery back then, but…" Riku's expression darkened slightly. "It wasn't enough. My heart is weak."
Aika's chest tightened painfully. "You've known all this time?"
Riku nodded slowly.
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I didn't want you to worry."
Aika's breath came shallow and uneven. Her hands curled into fists.
"But I do worry," she whispered. "And now—"
"I know." Riku's voice was steady, but his gaze softened. "That's why I'm telling you now."
Aika swallowed hard. "How… how much time do you have?"
Riku's gaze dropped toward the ground. "They don't know. It could be months, maybe longer."
Her heart slammed painfully in her chest.
"I didn't want you to carry this," Riku said softly. "I wanted to protect you from it."
Tears burned at the back of Aika's eyes.
"You don't have to protect me from this." Her voice trembled.
Riku's hand brushed against hers. His fingers were cool.
"You don't have to do this alone," Aika said, her voice firmer this time.
Riku's gaze lifted. His eyes softened.
"I don't want you to see me like this," he whispered.
Aika's hand shot forward, curling around his. His breath hitched at the contact.
"I already see you," she said fiercely. "And I'm not leaving."
Riku's eyes widened slightly. His lips parted as though he wanted to say something—but no words came out.
"I'm going to stay with you," Aika whispered. "For as long as I can."
Riku's hand tightened around hers. His expression softened into something fragile and vulnerable.
"Okay," he breathed.
Aika's eyes burned, but she smiled faintly.
For a long moment, neither of them moved. The breeze stirred the cherry blossom petals, some of them brushing against their hands.
"I'm not letting you face this alone," Aika whispered.
Riku's thumb brushed over the back of her hand. His expression relaxed, and for the first time in days, he looked… at peace.
Aika leaned her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes.
"Even if it's temporary… I'll stay with you."