Chapter 5: A Rose Blossoms

My eyes widened and my heart rate increased. I could practically heard it thudding against my rib cage and I'm sure Yukinoshita could as well. I'm pretty sure this was Yukinoshita's way of confessing to me, but was she in her right mind right now? Was she being true to herself or was she just acting on a whim? It was obvious that this was planned to an extent, but what was the reason for all of this? As my mind continued to race, I looked down and faced Yukinoshita, trying to think about what I should say next. At this point, I wasn't even sure how I felt although I knew I wanted Yukinoshita to be happy. I took a deep breath and sighed.

"Okay. I'll stay." I responded softly

"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun." said Yukinoshita, burying her head into my chest again.

We stayed like this for a few minutes, holding each other while seated on Yukinoshita's couch. Time seemed to stand still and for a moment, I swear all was right with the world. Was this what Buddhists refer to as Nirvana? As we sat there, I notice that I had begun stroking Yukinoshita's hair. I began to lose myself in thought once again.

Just who is Yukinoshita to me anyways? Does she really feel this way about me or is she just acting rash? I'm not completely sure about how I feel about this, but is it right to exclude Yuigahama like that? I'm sure she cares as well and I'm sure she knew what I was going through internally as well to an extent. Hell, I'm sure everyone around me did…

Yukinoshita let go of me and scooted back to where she was before, clearing her throat and straightening her hair. She looked at me again, this time with a more collected demeanor.

"Hikigaya-kun. I've made up my mind. I want you to hear me out and answer me honestly. I'll accept whatever you say, even if you say that you hate me." she said. She looked down and then up at me again, pursing her lips as she did so. I motioned for her to continue.

"Alright." I responded. Yukinoshita paused briefly and then continued.

"I want to help you shoulder your burdens, Hikigaya-kun. Everyone else around you wants to as well. We know we can't help with everything, but we want to be able to where we can. If that means being there for you when you're stressed out or making life a little easier by taking care of a bit of your workload, we want to help you. I'm sure you know that by now and I hope you'll let us. Me, your family, Yuigahama, Hiratsuka-sensei, and everyone else who cares about you. Truly and sincerely."

Yukinoshita cleared her throat. As I nodded gently, she went on.

"However… However, Hikigaya-kun… I want to be something more to you. I want us to be closer than just that. I know it might be too much to ask for and I know it's inconsiderate to everyone else, but I want to be yours and you to be mine. I've waited far too long to say this, but Hikigaya-kun…"

Yukinoshita took a deep breath and then continued.

"I love you."

And I was sold. Despite the fact that I was dying and everything seemed to be happening around me so quickly, I was convinced that Yukinoshita was telling the truth. With each word she spoke, I seemed to be falling for her as well. Strange… Usually it was the guy who wooed the girl and not the other way around, but this seemed to be a kind exception. I didn't have much time left to pursue a relationship and I knew that this would only end in sadness, but… I was willing. I looked Yukinoshita in the eyes and answered.

"I love you too."

With that, Yukinoshita smiled and leaned towards me again, her face much closer this time. She pecked me on the cheek and embraced me once again. Returning the embrace, I asked her a question.

"Yukinoshita, you know what this means, right?"

"Yes, I do." she replied immediately

"When I'm gone, you're going to be alone again and I won't be able to save you from your nightmares. You'll have a vacuum where I used to be. You're okay with that?"

"Yes I am."

"I might wake up one day and not remember who you are. I might go blind, have a seizure, or completely lose control of my body. You might be there when that happens. You're still okay with that?"

"Yes I am."

"Others might not take it well and think that you're with me out of pity. Yuigahama might hate us both for this. You're still okay with that?"

"Yes I am. Hikigaya-kun, I'm ready for whatever may happen."

Once again, Yukinoshita and I locked eyes and smiled at each other. The same calm feeling of timelessness that I was feeling before came back and before I knew it, another few minutes had flown by. Releasing me, Yukinoshita got up from the couch and began to take the tea set back to the kitchen.

"The tea's gotten cold. I'm going to make us some dinner, Hikigaya-kun. Is sautèd halibut okay with you?" she asked

"Yeah, that's fine."

The rest of the afternoon/early evening was comfortable and enjoyable. Yukinoshita made a delicious fish platter with steamed vegetables and rice. As we ate, we talked about upcoming school functions and speculated upon possible requests that we would be receiving in club over the next few weeks. Shortly after, we watched a couple Pan-san movies (well, more like Yukinoshita watched and I nearly fell asleep) and before we knew it, it was almost midnight. Yukinoshita showed me the bathroom and lent me a spare set of toiletries to use before I retired for the night. I brushed my teeth, took my migraine medication, took a shower, changed back into my uniform (since it was all I was wearing to begin with) and sat in the living room on the couch while Yukinoshita did her personal maintenance for the night. I took off my blazer and placed it over my schoolbag. As I was about to fall asleep for the night, I heard a pair of footsteps approaching me. I looked up and saw Yukinoshita, now dressed in her night gown.

"Hikigaya-kun, could you come to my room?" she asked.

Oh, right. She probably wanted me to sleep next to her for the night considering what she'd said earlier.

"Okay."

With that, we both walked through the hallway and into her room. There, I saw a bunch of Pan-san memorabilia, a desk, some drawers, a closet, a night stand, and a queen-sized mattress. Suddenly, Yukinoshita turned off the lights, leaving only the moonlight shining through the side window to illuminate the room. Yukinoshita climbed into bed and motioned for me to do the same. As I pulled the covers over us, she snuggled against my arm and murmured something inaudible. I laid my head back against one of her large, plush Pan-san pillows and wrapped my other arm around her. Tilting her head upwards, Yukinoshita whispered something to me quietly.

"Hey, Hikigaya-kun…"

"Yeah?"

"I want you to call me by my first name."

"Alright, uhh… Yukino-san."

"Thank you, Hachi-kun."

With that, we both went silent and I could hear Yukinoshi- make that Yukino now- purr in her sleep, almost like a cat. As I closed my eyes to go to sleep, I glanced towards the window. Maybe it was just me or maybe it was the way the moonlight shined upon the curtains, but I saw a beautiful, ghostly rose appear in the light. Drifting off, I swear I could see it blossom.

A/N: Hey, guys! Bronze V Lee Sin here! I'm not sure how you guys are going to feel about this chapter, but if you felt it was too lovey-dovey and gushy, I apologize. I was actually debating putting a lemon scene here, but I decided against it since I wasn't quite sure how to fit it in without ruining the atmosphere I've already created. Also, I felt that if I put one in this early, it would be distracting from the main plot, which obviously has to do with our beloved 8man coping with his terminal illness. I know I went a little overboard with the last line of the chapter and the chapter's title, so please forgive me there. I know the chapter was short and didn't really accomplish a whole lot, but the main purpose of me putting it in was to unmistakably establish the pairing before going on. Hopefully it didn't give off the impression of a soft love story going absolutely nowhere. That's absolutely not what this fic is about and moving forward, it will carry a much more serious tone (although it will have its highs and lows). Speaking of moving forward, the title of the next chapter will be "Moving Forward". As always, I appreciate the support and welcome your feedback. It helps me become a better writer. That being said, Bronze V Lee Sin out! Hikuu!