"Jushiro!" My head snapped up to see the man of my nightmares jogging up to me, a huge grin plastered to his face.
I looked down at my coffee, having long gone cold. I felt tears prick at my eyes as the man got into my view. When I looked up, I saw his brown eyes full of concern, wavy brown hair falling around his face and past his shoulders. To think, I had once dreamed of running my fingers through the silky locks, while I now wanted nothing more than for him and his hair to disappear.
"Jushiro," he murmured softly. "I haven't seen you in ages! I thought your sickness had finally killed you and you'd forgotten to say good-bye."
"No, Shunsui. It has yet to kill me," I whispered, clutching my coffee. I glanced up to see Shunsui staring intently at me. An attractive waitress walked by, into his line of view, and he ignored her. Very unlike him. The damn lady's man!
"Jushiro," he coaxed. I closed my eyes. Stop saying my name like that! It only makes this worse.
"I have to... go." I stood, pushing my chair back and rushing toward the entrance of the coffee shop. I had to get away from him. Had to get away from the devil who stole my heart!
When I made it outside, the cold air hit me like a wall. I shivered, feeling my heart slow. I was so stupid! Getting worked up and running into the cold, knowing full well that it might kill me. Knowing that the sickness was worse now than ever. Shunsui was next to me now, as my knees buckled and I started to fall. His warm arms wrapped around me and his soft, soothing voice whispered from far away. It hadn't always been like this. Not at all.