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The park was serene in the early evening, bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun. Tall trees lined the pathways, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. Birds chirped melodiously, flitting from branch to branch. The pond at the center of the park shimmered, reflecting the vibrant hues of the sky as it transitioned from blue to a mix of pink and orange.
Bokuto and Akaashi sat on a weathered wooden bench near the water's edge. Bokuto, ever energetic, had been fidgeting with a small pebble for the past few minutes. With a swift flick of his wrist, he tossed the pebble into the pond, watching intently as ripples spread out across the surface. "Akaashi, did you see that?" He asked with the usual big smile etched on his face.
Akaashi turned his attention from the ducks swimming nearby to the ripples in the water. "Nice throw," he replied.
The two had spent the afternoon meandering through the park, enjoying a rare break from their rigorous volleyball practice. Bokuto's boundless energy had led them on a series of spontaneous adventures-attempting to climb trees, racing along the winding paths, and now, simply relaxing by the tranquil pond.
Bokuto stretched his arms above his head, his face glowing with contentment. "This is nice, huh?"
Akaashi nodded, his gaze following a pair of ducks gliding gracefully across the water. "Yeah, it is."
The sun continued its descent, casting long shadows and bathing the park in a gentle, golden glow. The air was cool and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still, the peacefulness of the park wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.
As they sat in comfortable silence, Bokuto's usual exuberance was replaced by a rare moment of calm. Akaashi glanced at him, noting the way the fading light highlighted his features, casting soft shadows on his face. It was moments like these, away from the hustle and bustle of their daily routines, that he cherished the most.
"Hey akaashi" Bokuto called him out suddenly, breaking Akaashi from his thoughts before turning his head to Bokuto.
"After graduating, are you still continuing volleyball?" He asked, voice somehow more calm as he turned his gaze to Akaashi.
"No" Was the only reply Bokuto got, he flinched upon hearing the answer before widening his eyes. Before he could complain, Akaashi continued "I want to stop playing volleyball after graduating Bokuto-san" with a voice ever-so-gently.
Bokuto shot up from his seat, eyes widening before speaking with a loud voice "Youre stopping volleyball?! Then what are you going to do after graduating?" he asked dementedly while keeping eye contact with Akaashi.
"I want to focus on collage and getting a work in the literature department" he replied immediately and sternly, leaving no space for Bokuto to counter.
Upon hearing that, Bokuto slowly sat beside him again.
"then who's going to set for me" he said with a voice too quiet for anyone to hear but loud enough for Akaashi to hear.
His mouth slightly agape from what he heard, he turned his head to look at Bokuto's face before speaking.
"Then-" He speaks before getting cut off by Bokuto, "Then, toss for me tomorrow, just this one. for the last time" He requested, voice so gentle it aches Akaashi's heart before continuing.
"Please"
He practically begged to Akaashi which he nodded to Bokuto request.
All Bokuto could do is just let out a nervous chuckle before sighing.
"Thanks"
He thanked with the usual cheerful smile.
_________________________________________________________________
The gym was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting long, golden shadows across the polished wooden floor. The rhythmic sound of a volleyball being struck echoed through the quiet space. Bokuto Koutaro and Akaashi Keiji were there, fulfilling their promise to practice together, a silent pact made to push each other to greater heights.
"Bokuto-san, ready?" Akaashi's voice was calm, yet carried a note of anticipation.
Bokuto nodded, his eyes bright with determination. "Always, Akaashi."
With a fluid motion, Akaashi set the ball into the air, a perfect arc that seemed to hang for a moment in the golden light. Bokuto sprang into action, leaping with a grace that belied his strength. His spike sent the ball crashing to the floor on the other side of the net, a testament to their shared dedication.
Bokuto landed lightly, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "Did you see that, Akaashi?"
Akaashi, wiping sweat from his brow, returned the smile. "It was perfect."
They continued, the sounds of their practice blending with the soft hum of the evening. Each set, each spike, was a dance of trust and synergy, a language spoken without words. The gym, usually bustling with their teammates, now felt like a sacred space where only the two of them existed.
As they paused to catch their breath, the light from the high windows painted them in hues of orange and pink. Bokuto looked around, taking in the serene beauty of the moment. "We make a good team, don't we?" His voice slightly hoarse.
"Yeah," Akaashi replied softly. "We do." His voice slightly dropped, sadness somehow was heard from his voice
The world outside seemed distant, and for a brief moment, time stood still. It was in these quiet, shared moments that their bond felt strongest, unspoken yet undeniable.
The silence was broken by a sudden loud request, "Akaashi! Another one!"
He shouted with such enthusiasms.
Akaashi nodded as he was getting into position before setting the ball to him.
With that, Bokuto immediately leaps into the air, ready to spike the ball.
"This height, this timing, this position!" Bokuto thought happily as he started to sway his arm with his full force, ready to nail the spike.
Or so he thought.
Just as his hand was about to hit the ball, he suddenly chokes.
He fell to his knees as he was suddenly coughing badly. Surprised, Akaashi just stares at Bokuto for a few seconds before running towards him, kneeling and patting his shoulder quite hard.
"Bokuto, are you alright??" He asked, a hit of concern in his voice. Bokuto let his hand off his mouth, his vision blurry as he focuses his eyes again. Both of their eyes widened, his hand painted in crimson red blood.
"BOKUTO ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" Akaashi shouted as he saw Bokuto slowly fall into his arms.
"he fainted!" Akaashi thought before carrying Bokuto, bringing him to the nearest hospital
____________________________________________________________________
Now it has been a week since Bokuto's incident. Now standing infront of a sleeping Bokuto, Akaashi couldnt help but keep pondering about his new-found disease
"Mr. Bokuto Koutaro is suffering from a disease called Hanahaki disease, a disease where the victim of unrequited or one-sided love begins to vomit or cough up the petals and flowers of a flowering plant growing in their lungs, which will eventually grow large enough to render breathing impossible if left untreated and can cause eventual death."
The nurse paused as she took a deep breath before continuing.
"It can be surgically removed but this excision also has the effect of erasing the patient's feelings for and memories of the enamored, i shall let the patient choose the decision"
"Death" and "one-sided love"
Ah, those words linger too much on his head to the point confusion and scared filled his head up.
Now sitting beside Bokuto, his hand gently resting on his, Akaashi watches with deep concern as Bokuto coughs up more blood and flower petals. The sight is agonizing, it pains him profoundly to witness Bokuto's suffering. If there were anything he could do to ease this torment, he would do it without hesitation.
___________________________________________
Hours turned to days, days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. Nothings improving, and it concerns Akaashi, a little too much.
It has been five months now, and Bokuto still lies in the hospital. Every day, Akaashi visits him, always asking the same question.
''Why don't you get surgery, Bokuto?'' he asks gently, caressing his hand.
''I-I don't... w-want to forg-get t-them,'' Bokuto replies, his voice almost gone, before another bout of coughing overtakes him.
"I love him"
He suddenly whispers to himself, voice too small for anyone to hear but him.
"What a cruel world" he thought as tears suddenly escaped his eyes and hit Akaashi's hand.
Akaashi let his hand grow damp, understanding deeply the weight of the moment. He drew Bokuto into a warm embrace, allowing him to weep on his shoulder and purge the blood and flowers that marked his pain.
Oh how Bokuto will miss this warmth.
_________________________________________
It has been almost a year, and without tire Akaashi kept on visiting Bokuto, everyday without missing a day.
Watching Bokuto sleep peacefully somehow made him feel relieved, watching him sleep with flowers on his side made him look beautiful.
Impossibly beautiful for a dying man.
He checked his watch, the clock showing 22.00 P.M.
It's that late already. He got up from his seat before quietly grabbing his things. But suddenly, he felt a little tug. It was Bokuto grabbing his jacket, Akaashi turned his attention from the hand to Bokuto.
His eyes slowly opened.
"Dont leave me, please."
Is the only word that Bokuto said before closing his eyes again.
Akaashi scrunched his face and sighed before sitting next to him on the bed and let his eyelids go down.
"I'm sorry, Akaashi"
___________________________________________
Another month passed, and Bokuto grew thinner, paler, and gaunt. He was no longer the same; his once meticulously styled hair now hung down in disarray, and his eyes, heavy with exhaustion, seemed perpetually sleepy. Akaashi watched his chest rise and fall, holding his hand with quiet sorrow.
"It's almost snowing now, Bokuto" Akaashi broke the silence as Bokuto turned his head to the window before nodding. Bokuto turned his attention to Akaashi once again before mouthing
"I want to see the snow."
"You can't go outside Bokuto, you'll get more sick" Akaashi replied sternly.
Pouting was the only response Akaashi received, feeling defeated Akaashi sighed before speaking
$fine tomorrow we'll go to the hospital garden for a minute or two, okay?"
Bokuto grinned widely as he nodded eagerly, waiting for the time where he could see the snow.
Now in a wheelchair, Bokuto face is lit up as Akaashi pushed him to the garden, "its very chilly today Bokuto, we'll have a look for a minute okay?" Akaashi asked to Bokuto which he nodded in response before continuing again
All that Bokuto could do is just stare at the snow wide eyed, oh if only he could stand up and walk normally just like he used to be.
For Bokuto, time sure flies fast, his time outside is up, now on their way to his room Akaashi asked "Are you satisfied?"
With no other choice, Bokuto nodded before looking at Akaashi.
"Why is it so short? Why cant i stay longer?" Said his eyes.
Akaashi chuckled at his words before shaking his head "you'll get sick, i dont want that" he said voice so gentle.
Before leading Bokuto to his bed.
Bokuto tugged Akaashi's clothes, signaling for him to stay the night.
Akaashi blinked a few times before nodding and taking a seat beside him.
Akaashi looked Bokuto who was looking out the window, It was a full moon.
"T-the moon is b-beau-t-tiful..." Bokuto managed to say, his voice gentle and hoarse as there is a hint of affection in his voice before closing his eyes.
It genuinely hurts Akaashi as he could just ponder over his words and let sleep took him.
___________________________________________
Another month pass by, Akaashi just got home from visiting Bokuto. He went to his room and locked his door before slumping down to the floor.
His mind is racing with thoughts.
Everyday, he thinks about the same thing, again and again.
"Unrequited love"
He loves someone? Who?
No one came across his mind, not a single person.
Ah, his head hurts. He shouldn't be thinking about this too much. But, this is cruel.
Why wont they love Bokuto back?
Is all he could think before dozing off without realizing.
He sure is tired.
___________________________________________
Akaashi's breaths came in ragged gasps as he sprinted through the bustling streets, each step a desperate attempt to outrun the relentless tick of the clock. His heart thundered in his chest, a wild rhythm of fear and hope intertwined. The cityscape blurred around him, the buildings and faces mere flashes as he pushed himself to go faster. The hospital loomed in the distance, a beacon of sterile hope amidst the chaos of his mind.
He burst through the hospital doors, the sterile scent of antiseptic assaulting his senses. His legs carried him through the labyrinthine corridors, driven by a singular, unwavering need to reach Bokuto. Skidding to a halt in front of the room, the door loomed like a final barrier. With trembling hands, he pushed it open, the world slowing to a painful crawl.
Inside, the soft beeping of monitors was a cruel symphony. Bokuto lay amidst a sea of blood and flowers, his skin pale against the stark sheets. His eyes, once so vibrant, now barely held a glimmer of life. Akaashi's heart clenched as he saw the frail figure, the scatter of delicate petals around him a haunting reminder of the cruel disease that had taken root within him. Bokuto's lips parted, and in a voice so quiet it was almost a whisper, he breathed out his final words.
"I love you"
the words carrying the weight of a thousand unspoken moments.
Akaashi's world shattered. He lunged forward, collapsing beside the bed as he gathered Bokuto's limp form into his arms, cradling him with a tenderness born of years of silent devotion. Ah, he couldn't hold it anymore as tears escaped his eyes, dripping to Bokuto's dead face. But Bokuto's eyes remained closed, his breathing a mere whisper of what it once was. Akaashi held him tighter, as if sheer will alone could anchor Bokuto to the world a little longer, the hospital room echoing with the silent agony of a love left unfulfilled.
"Its 110 years faster than your promise Bokuto.."
Akaashi blurted out in between his quiet sobs as he rested his forehead to Bokuto's.
What a cruel world. Bokuto's hand, his head, his touch, its warm. Impossibly warm, too warm for a dead person.
Hes beautiful. Too beautiful for a dead person.
He looked so beautiful with flowers by his side, rotten yet beautiful flowers painted in blood.
Through his tears, Akaashi noticed a crumpled piece of paper clutched in Bokuto's hand. Hesitant but compelled, he gently pried it from Bokuto's fingers. Unfolding it with trembling hands, he read the words written in Bokuto's familiar, messy handwriting. As he read, fresh tears welled up in his eyes, the final, unspoken thoughts of Bokuto breaking his heart all over again.
______________________________________________________________________________
'Dear Akaashi.
If you're reading this when I'm gone, I'm sorry for leaving you. I'm sorry.
I just wanted to say that. It has always been you, Keiji.
It has always been you, no one else matters in this world. Its you Akaashi.
Its you that i want
You're my world, my life, my soul, the meaning of my life. Half of my heart is in yours.
You're beautiful, you're pretty, you're smart, you're perfect... You're everything i want, Keiji.
I love you Akaashi.
I love you so much it hurts.
I'm such a loser, i'm a fool. I never had the courage to say it to you. Everything is my fault.
I'm sorry if this made you uncomfortable, but please. Just this once.
Let me love you Akaashi.
Please accept the love that i have given to you. Accept the flowers from me, to you.
And love me back.'
___________________________________________
Ah, What a cruel world.
It has always been him, no one else. Its him
Its always Akaashi Keiji, Akaashi, Keiji, the setter of Fukurodani, himself.
What a cruel man he is.
What a fool, what a loser.
Bokuto lost his life because of him. An ungrateful friend.
Bokuto always look at him with such affectionate eyes, yet he never realizes it.
What a blind man he is.
He doesn't deserve this.
Bokuto dont deserve Akaashi.
Akaashi dont deserve Bokuto. He's too good for him.
Too good to be alive.
Akaashi's tears fell onto the paper, the ink smudging slightly under the droplets. His heart ached with a pain so profound it felt as though it would shatter, but amidst the sorrow, a bittersweet warmth spread through him.
He just, couldn't take it anymore.
This is too much.
World sure is cruel.
________________________________________________________________________________
Its been 3 years after Bokuto's death.
Ever since that day, he never looked back and stepped into the hospital. Never.
The memory that the hospital gave him is too painful for a man like him to bear. He'll ended up breaking his heart again anyways if he came to the hospital.
The rain drummed steadily against Akaashi's umbrella, each dropping a tiny reminder of the tears he had shed over the years. He stood at Bokuto's grave, the gravestone worn but well-maintained, as he always ensured it was. The paper in his hand, now soggy and crumpled, contained Bokuto's words to him.
His chest tightened as he read the inscription on the gravestone for what felt like the millionth time. "Koutarou Bokuto. A bright light is taken too soon."
Akaashi's heart ached with each word. He thought back to the day Bokuto had confessed his love for him, not with words, but with petals. The disease had manifested slowly, cruelly. Akaashi had been too late to save him, to return his feelings before the flowers choked the life out of him.
With one last, lingering look at the grave, he turned and walked away, the rain slowly washing away the tears and the pain, but never the memories.
I'll always remember you.
I'm sorry if I'm late, but.
I'll always love you. Bokuto.
___________________________________________
It was a very busy night.
Akashi Keichi, a 23 year old worker at the Literature Department moved briskly through the bustling city streets, the noise and chaos around him contrasting sharply with the quiet turmoil in his heart. His phone was pressed to his ear, a lifeline to the voice on the other end.
“Yes, I’ll be there soon,” he said, his tone clipped and distracted. “I just need to take care of something first.”
He ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket, his eyes scanning the street. The rain had stopped, leaving the pavement slick and reflective. As he walked, he noticed a small flower shop, its colorful display and a bright spot in the grey cityscape.
He stopped in front of the store, his gaze drawn to the vibrant array of blooms. Among the flowers, he saw a figure that made his heart stop. His breath caught as he recognized, standing there with a bouquet of flowers in his hands.
Keichi’s mind raced, disbelief and hope battling for dominance. He was here? Why is he here? He was supposed to be gone, but here he was, as real as the flowers he held.
He stepped forward, a gentle smile on his face. “Akaashi,” he said Keichi's real name softly, extending the bouquet of the same flowers that killed him ages ago towards him with the same smile he remembered so much.
“Please accept the flowers, from me to you.”