One morning.
Shion stepped out of the bathroom, steam still trailing behind him as he walked into the bedroom.
Kasumi sat at the edge of the bed, a folded towel resting quietly in her lap. Her eyes were fixed on it, her face calm—almost serene.
Shion slowly walked closer. His torso was bare, droplets of water sliding down from his collarbone.
"…Kasumi," he called softly.
She looked up at him.
"Sorry," she murmured, her voice faint. "I just… had a dream."
"What kind of dream?" he asked.
Kasumi's gaze dropped again. As she spoke, fragments of that dream replayed before her eyes—her own arms around him, the silence, the warmth fading away.
"I was standing by a lake," she whispered. "The water was red… and you were in my arms. Your eyes were closed."
A quiet ache settled over Shion's expression—pain and peace intertwined.
Kasumi looked at him for a moment, then without a word, stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.
Shion head rested on her shoulder. From the corner of his eye, a single tear slipped down and traced the line of his cheek.
For a while, neither of them moved.
Time itself seemed to stop.
Then, after a long silence, Kasumi gave a faint, trembling smile. She picked up the towel, placed it aside, and handed him a shirt.
"Here," she said softly. "Put this on… you'll catch a cold."
---
A latter afternoon Shion tied his shoes slowly, breath heavy, chest tight. He looked toward the kitchen.
"I'll just take a walk. Nearby."
Kasumi rushed to the doorway.
"You shouldn't. You'll get exhausted."
He gave her a faint smile.
"Just a short one. I'll be back soon."
Kasumi's chest tightened. He never listens…
"Wait. I'll come too. Just hold on downstairs."
"Okay."
He stepped out first, down to the building gate. He leaned against the rail, drawing a shaky breath.
Then—his balance slipped. His body collapsed onto the pavement.
Kasumi arrived just in time to see it. Her heart stopped.
"Shion!!"
She dropped to her knees, lifting his head into her trembling hands. Tears streamed instantly.
"…I told you not to, you fool…"
Her voice cracked as her hands shook against his pale face.
The wail of sirens grew louder. An ambulance raced closer, but all she could think was:
"I won't let you leave me. Not now. Not yet."
---
Hospital corridor.
Kasumi sat on a bench, face buried in her hands. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs.
Footsteps echoed. She lifted her head—her parents, Takeshi and Sayaka, and little Miyu were there.
"Dad…" she whispered, before collapsing into his arms.
Takeshi held her tight, steady as stone. "Be strong, Kasumi. He has blood cancer… you know what that means."
Her tears burst again, heavier than before.
Sayaka's eyes brimmed as well. "We understand, Kasumi. But you're not alone."
Miyu stepped forward, small hands clutching her sister's.
"…Shion will be okay, right?"
Kasumi hugged her tightly, crying harder. She couldn't answer.
They sat together in a fragile circle of family, trying to share her pain.
Soon after, Ren and Souta arrived, their faces tight with worry.
Now six people waited together. The ticking clock grew unbearably loud.
Two hours crawled by. Every minute felt like a lifetime.
Finally, the ward door opened. The doctor stepped out, files in hand.
The corridor fell silent.
"…Patient Shion Amano is in critical condition," the doctor said calmly.
"No visitors allowed. Any disturbance could worsen it."
Kasumi staggered forward, voice breaking.
"Please… just let me see him. I only want to sit by his side."
The doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry, rules—"
Before he could finish, Souta stepped forward. His tone carried the authority he once held as president.
"Doctor. You've haven't seen the bond between them. If anyone can ease his heart, it's Kasumi. This isn't just a patient. This is human."
Ren added firmly, "We know the rules. But this is different. Please—just let her in."
Takeshi's eyes met Kasumi's. For a moment, his face softened. He gave a single nod. Go, daughter. He needs you.
The doctor hesitated, then sighed. "…Alright. But only you. Only for a few minutes."
Kasumi's tears spilled again—this time with relief. She bowed quickly, whispering thanks, before rushing toward the ward.
---
The room was hushed.
Only machines hummed softly, and a thin beam of sunlight filtered through the curtain gap, falling across the bed.
Shion lay against the pillows, skin pale, breathing shallow. Yet his eyes… carried a strange peace.
Kasumi sat at the edge of Shion's bed, reaching for his hand. Her fingers trembled, yet she managed a fragile smile.
Shion looked at her, lips curving faintly.
"…Thanks, Kasumi. For everything."
He extended his weak hand. She caught it instantly, pressing her palm against his.
Her tears brimmed again, but she held them back.
His hand was frail, but still warm.
She whispered, breaking, "Don't say it like that. Please…"
With the last of his strength, Shion leaned toward her. Their lips met in a gentle, fragile kiss. A final goodbye.
Kasumi clutched him tighter, sobbing. She couldn't bear it.latter She stood abruptly, stumbling back.
"…I… I can't watch you like this."
At the door, she stopped, hand trembling on the handle. Tears blurred her vision.
She turned back, eyes locked on him one last time.
"Shion… we'll meet again. Definitely."
His lips curved into a weak, but real smile. Peace glimmered in his eyes.
Kasumi's tears spilled freely, but her lips curved too. In that fragile moment—her face tear-stained, his face pale—both wore a smile.
It wasn't an ending. It was a promise.
---
Kasumi stepped out. The door closed softly behind her.
Inside, Shion let his eyes drift shut.
The steady beep of the monitor slowed, softer and softer, until the world faded into silence.
And then—light.
---
He found himself standing on a quiet shore.
Night stretched above, stars scattered like jewels. Moonlight shimmered across the waves.
The air was cool, gentle. Sand pressed softly beneath his feet.
Behind him… he felt it. A presence.
Turning, he saw himself.
The other Shion—the shadow that haunted him for years.
But this time, those eyes held no darkness. No pain.
Only calm. Only peace.
The other Shion extended his hand.
For a moment, hesitation.
Then Shion reached out. Their hands met.
The shadow spun him lightly, like the beginning of walk together. Sand lifted in small whirls, sparkling under the moonlight.
No music played—only the rhythm of the waves.
For once, Shion smiled.
The two sat together on the sand, side by side. The shadow laid its head on his lap. Shion gently brushed his fingers through its hair.
Above them, the moon bathed everything in silver glow.
For the first time, his smile was free.
Peaceful. Eternal.
---
---Chapter 34 End---