1 A month of Love and A Day of Suffering

"In just a month, I'll make you fall in love with me!"

The girl in front of me exclaimed.

Now, when you're in my position, what do you do? Ignore her? Nah, I can't really do that. She's blocking my way out of the classroom. So I chose the other option.

"Uhh, excuse me?"

"I said, In just a month, I'll make you fall in love with me!"

"Umm. You're blocking my way."

I ignored her confession, that must've been enough to make her give up, right? Oh, no. I couldn't be more wrong than this.

She walks towards me with a smile on her face. Her long, luster, black hair tied in a ponytail dancing with the song of the wind. I instinctively took a step back but she chased me to the corner of the classroom.

"I'll do that in just a month."

Then she holds up her index finger.

Cornered, I have no choice but to confront the problem at hand.

"Okay, okay. I get it. But first of all, I don't even know who you are!"

"Ehh? But we've been classmates for 2 years!"

"That doesn't mean I know everyone I've been classmates with."

"Hmm, I guess you have a point. My name's Riko."

"Okay, Riko. I don't know what kind of prank this is, but I'm not liking it."

She takes a step closer and said

"But it's not a prank." While caressing my face

Surprised by the turn of events, I found myself unable to speak and I just stared into her dark brown eyes. She winked at me, took her bag, and left the classroom.

Just what the heck just happened there? A person I didn't know until now just told me she'll make me fall in love with her in just a month. Besides, why me? Why a boring person like me? She's cute, she's got the looks and her body is well endowed. She's better off with someone else!

I clear my head, took my bag which I dropped when she started to walk towards me and head home.

***

"I'm home."

"Oh, welcome home, just in time for dinner. Go change and join us."

"Okay, I'll join you in 5 minutes."

I rushed to my room, put my bag down and opened my messy cabinet. After grabbing random clothes and wearing them, I joined Mom and Dad in the dining table.

We just talked about random stuff while eating, such as Dad's usual complaints about his work. After having dinner I head straight to my room and turned on my computer.

"Hmm, what's this?"

I click the little chat bubble icon.

Riko: Hey!

Hiro: Uhh, hi.

Riko: You free tomorrow?

Shiro: Why should I even answer that question?

Riko: Right, yeah, sorry for reminding you of your empty schedule during weekends.

*Riko is now offline*

Wow. That girl can be real savage. She's not wrong though, I'm completely free tomorrow.

Ugh, this is getting annoying.

After an hour of surfing the net, I decided that it's time to sleep. So I lied down my bed and closed my eyes. Secretly hoping that this day is just a dream, and everything will be back to normal tomorrow.

***

I woke up to someone poking my cheeks.

"Hey, Shiro."

I open my eyes and the first thing I see is a grinning Riko wearing red t-shirt and jeans.

I panicked and crawled to the corner of my bed with my blanket and hugged my legs.

"Why are you here?!"

"Hmm? I'm visiting, isn't that obvious?"

"You know that's not what I'm talking about."

"Well, I just want to spend the whole day with you since it's the weekend. That's why we're going out on a date!"

"A date?!"

"Yeah! Let's go!"

After being forced to go down to eat breakfast and take a shower, I finally surrendered to my fate of having a date with Riko.

"I'm surprised Mom let you in."

I said while on our way to our destination, a shopping mall. Ugh, just thinking about it makes me tired. Plus, this black, rolled up long sleeves and skinny jeans isn't really my style but when I arrived back to my room she already picked what I'll wear. Damn it.

"Oh, I just told her I'm you future girlfriend."

"Wait, what?! You told her that?!"

"Yeah! She just laughed and told me to go upstairs and head to your room, so I did."

What the hell was Mom thinking?!

"Oh, we've already arrived at our destination."

In front of us is the beige painted facade of a popular shopping mall in our area. We stepped forward, the guards greeted us and did a security check, then we entered the mall.

The mall is packed with people but not to the point where it's uncomfortable. There are clothing stores everywhere in the first floor with girls (and some guys) trying out clothes with their friends.

"So, where do you want to go?"

Riko looked at me.

"Me? I'm the dragged one here. I'm just following you."

"Hmm. Okay, then let's go to the clothing stores first."

We walked to the far end of the hallway and stopped in front of probably the most expensive brand of clothes available here inside the mall.

"Uhh, you're shopping here?"

I ask her.

"Yeah. Why?"

"Just how much money do you have?"

She smiled and grabbed my hand.

"Shh, don't worry about that. Money's not a problem here."

So, we stepped inside the store with Riko grabbing my hand. As soon as the door opened up, we were greeted by an employee.

"Good Morning, Ma'am Riko."

The young lady probably on her mid twenties said with a smile. She's wearing the store uniform which looked similar to a flight attendant's because of the scarf and the hat. Wait, I'm in a clothing store right?

Wait, hold on. There's something else wrong here besides the uniform.

"Good Morning, where's the new arrivals?"

"Ah, this way, Ma'am."

She walked in front of us and we followed suit to the left side of the store where the new clothes are displayed. It's weird that they display the new arrivals here instead of displaying it in the center.

"Thank you, I'll be fine here. Go and assist the other customers."

Riko said with a smile.

"Yes, Ma'am."

The clerk left and stood in front of the store, waiting for customers to come in. Meanwhile, Riko is checking out the clothes while whispering in a small voice comments such as 'not this', 'too bright' and more along the lines of those.

"Uh, Riko. Do you go here often?"

"Hmm? Yeah. Our family owns the clothing brand."

"Your family owns the brand?!"

"Yeah."

She just continues to check the clothes out one by one while I try to swallow the information.

"You might be wondering why the new arrivals are in the far left corner when they're supposed to be in the center of the store."

"Uhh, yeah."

"Well, that's because the clothes in the middle are the ones I handpicked."

"Are you some kind of fashion designer?"

"Oh, I also design clothes, yes."

"Just who in the world are you?"

"A daughter of someone who owns a big clothing brand, a fashion designer and a senior high school student!"

She said with a bright, cheerful smile.

"Alright, alright."

I can't fight her enthusiasm. So I just let her do what she's doing.

"Shiro, wait here."

She took a pink t-shirt from the clothes rack and went to the fitting room. After several minutes, the door opened once more and a hand signaling that I go there popped out. So, I went over.

When I arrived in front of the stall, Riko grabbed me inside and locked the door.

"Riko?!"

She covered my mouth with her hands and whispered close to my ears

"It's just the two of us here. What do you think will happen next?"

She moved her legs between mine in a flawless but agressive action and stared into my eyes. She then slowly moved her head to my right ear and said

"Just kidding."

She released me from her hold and I'm left dumbfounded. This girl is dangerous.

She lets out a small laugh. I come back to my senses and complained.

"Are you for real?! What the heck was that?!"

"Hahaha. I'm so sorry, I can't stop laughing. That look on your face is just priceless."

Priceless, huh.

"Anyways, what do you think of this shirt?"

She spins slowly, letting me take a good look on her pink shirt.

"Uh, isn't that shirt like the ones you see everywhere?"

"What?! No! The material's different!"

"How am I supposed to know? I'm not interested in clothes."

"Wait, we're not talking about trivial stuff like those. What I'm asking you is if it looks good on me!"

"Ah, yeah. Hmm..."

I look at her for a couple of seconds.

"I guess, it's fine? I mean, you'll probably look nice in any type of clothes."

She looked down, her pale cheeks turning red.

"Really?"

As if it's contagious, I can feel my cheeks burn as well.

"Yeah."

"Okay, wait for me outside the stall."

I walked out of the stall and waited for her. After a minute, she's changed back to her red shirt and is holding the pink shirt she tried on.

"Let's go?"

She said shyly.

"You're buying that?"

"Yeah."

"Alright."

The awkwardness between us prevented us from talking normally. She went to the cashier to pay for the shirt and we left the store.

"Riko, give me that bag."

I hold out my hand.

"Huh? Oh, no, it's fine. I can carry it."

"Come on, just give it."

"Hahaha. You tsundere. Fine then, here you go."

She gives me the shopping bag and we started walking around the first floor of the mall. As we were walking, there were some people who'd look our way. It's been like this ever since we entered the mall, but right now, it's getting a little bit uncomfortable.

"Something wrong?"

Riko looked at me with a questioning gaze.

"The people are looking at us."

She suddenly pressed her body towards me and wrapped her arms around mine.

"Riko, what are you doing?"

"Oh, you said that the people around us are looking so I thought maybe I should do this so that the girls around us know that you're mine."

"First of all, I'm not yours and will never be. Last of all, they're looking at us because of you."

"Because of me?"

Does this girl not know about her appeal or is she playing dumb?

"Yes, because of you."

"Why? Tell me! Tell me!"

She said with a bright smile.

This girl knows exactly what's happening.

"Because..."

"Because?"

"You.."

"I...?"

"Have something in your face."

Her cheerful expression now turned into a shocked one.

"What? Really?"

I put on my best poker face.

"Yes."

She hurriedly searched her small, brown handbag for her hand mirror while I on the other hand tried my best not to laugh.

She holds her mirror in front of her.

"Where? I don't see anything."

At this point, I couldn't help but laugh. I couldn't believe she'd fall for a simple trick. She looks at me and finally realized that she fell to my stupid trick. Her face turned into a cute frown and puppy eyes. I wiped my tears and held out my hand to her.

"Let's go?"

She takes it and smiles.

"Yeah, let's go."

***

After walking hand in hand with Riko in the first floor and ultimately finding nothing interesting, we decided to go to the 2nd floor where the restaurants and food chains are at.

"You wanna eat first before we walk around again?"

I look at my watch, it's 11:30. Perfect time for lunch.

"Sure. Let's go."

We went to a popular restaurant to get some food. As we're waiting for our food, I pondered upon her declaration yesterday.

'In just a month, I'll make you fall in love with me!'

I'm completely open to the possibility of dating her now, it seems that I warmed up to her too. I probably felt cautious at the time she said it to me because I didn't know her yet at that time. But I won't say yes to her yet, I want to see more, I want to learn more about her. After that, I'll be the one to say it to her.

The food came as I was staring at the red painted walls of the restaurant. The tables covered in white cloth and the chair feels comfortable. Really suited for comfortable eating.

The waiter finished putting down what we ordered.

"Enjoy your meal."

The waiter said with a smile and left.

Riko got herself a well-done steak and salad, while I got myself pasta. I actually wanted curry rice but they don't serve it here. That's why I'm stuck with their pasta.

"Let's eat!"

Riko said, picking up her eating utensils.

"Yeah, let's eat."

I picked up mine and started eating.

Not long after that, my face turned sour and it's evident that I didn't like what I was eating.

"Shiro, something wrong?"

Riko stopped eating and looked at me with a worried face.

"Yeah, I don't like the taste of the spaghetti. The sauce is too sour."

"Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you that."

"Yeah, no pasta for me this afternoon."

I pushed the plate to the side.

"Then there's nothing we can do."

Riko said in a 'matter of fact' way.

"Huh?"

Riko cut a small portion of the steak she's eating and pierced it with a fork, she then held out her fork towards me.

"Come on, say aaah."

"Uh, Riko? What are you doing?"

"Trying to feed you?"

I look around us. People are staring at us AGAIN. I thought I was free from the stares of people when we went inside this restaurant but now that Riko's making a scene again, the comfort I once felt now took a sharp turn.

"Come on, come on."

She waved her fork slowly.

I can feel the growing tension and expectations of the people around us. The sound of the utensils hitting the plate can't be heard anymore, the loud talking turned into whispers as well. It's just pure silence and expectations from an audience we don't even know.

"Fine, fine."

I surrendered.

I drew closer to the fork, this time, even the whispers has stopped and I'm pretty sure that everyone is looking at us now.

I drew closer, and closer. Until there's only a small distance left between my face and the fork. Then, I bit the piece of steak off the fork.

The people around us started applauding and there are even people coming to me and congratulating me. One of the staff members even teared up while shaking my hand.

I wore a puzzled face and Riko's just enjoying the moment.

After a while the applause has died down and everyone is back to minding their own business.

"Is there something great in what happened?"

I said in a whisper.

"You didn't know?"

Her eyes flashed and she smiled.

"There's a superstition here that says 'whoever feeds his/her loved one with his/her own fork will be happy together'."

She continued.

That's kind of a stupid superstition. Well, maybe that's why it's called a superstition.

"Huh. Never heard of that one before."

She lets out a quiet laugh.

"Anyways, let's eat?"

"Yeah, I'll order something for myself."

I called the waiter over and ordered the same steak Riko's having. At least, I knew how it tasted now and I actually liked it. I'm really not used to restaurants like these so I ordered pasta, since it's in my comfort zone. But tasting the steak she had changed my mind.

After getting my order, I swiftly finished my food because Riko's already done with hers and I didn't want her to wait long for me. After I swallowed the last piece of meat, I drank water and Riko signalled for the bill.

"Ah, hold on, let me get my wallet."

I said as I dig my pocket searching for my wallet.

"Oh, don't worry about it. I got this."

She replied.

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Alright then."

The bill arrived and Riko paid for everything. Of course I felt bad for letting her pay for it but when the bill passed by my eyes, I was really glad I ate with Riko.

She put the money inside the cardboard thing where the billing statement is. I guess it's exact change or 'keep the change' because she stood up and prepared to leave.

I followed her and we made our way out of the restaurant.

Hmm, lunch is done. I guess it's my turn now.

"Hey Riko, come here."

I grabbed her hand.

"Huh?"

She tilts her head. I just smiled and held her hand tight as we take the escalator to the third floor.

"What are we going to do in the third floor?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

We reached the platform and I lead the way to the game center.

***

The moment we entered the game center, Riko's eyes sparkled like precious gemstones, her mouth agape as well.

"First time you went here?"

I asked her while feeling quite confused with her reaction.

"Actually, yeah. I never get to play in these types of places."

She looked at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

We rushed to the nearest arcade which is a racing game. Not really my type of game. I'm more to the RPG side but whenever I see Riko's smiling face, I don't care anymore. I thought to myself, I want to protect this smile. Not only is it soothing, but it feels like it keeps me going.

***

"Thank you! I'll treasure this!"

Riko said while hugging the cat plushie I got her from the UFO catcher. I smiled in return.

My eyes wandered to one of the windows of the shopping mall and realized that time really passes by quickly when spending it with someone as interesting as her. The last ray of light from the sun has now been taken over by the darkness alongside the moon.

"Riko, it's already evening."

"Yeah. I need to go home soon."

"Oh, you're eating dinner at home?"

"Yeah, sorry."

A sad expression visible on her face.

"Nah, don't worry. It's fine. There's always a next time."

She looked at me with a forced smile.

"Yeah."

We exit the mall and we're currently walking home. Ah, I just realized that I forgot to ask her something that's bugging me ever since this morning.

"Riko, where do you live? I'll drop you off."

Riko looks surprised but her face soon turned into a mischievous one.

"Ehh? What's this? Are you finally interested in me?"

"I might be, I might be not. Who knows?"

I looked at her with a smile and she smiled in return.

"While that makes me happy, it's alright, I have everything planned out."

"Huh?"

"You'll see soon enough"

Well, it didn't take long to understand what she just said. When we're near our house, I noticed that there's a car parked in front of it.

"Oh, so that's what you meant."

"Yup."

As we get nearer, someone got out of the car from the backseat. A tall man with no facial hair or whatsoever and his hair is well combed. We approached the man and he spoke.

"Ah, Riko. Is this the person you're talking about?"

He said in a deep but comforting voice.

"Yes, Father."

Wait, Father?!

"Ah, I see."

He turned to face me and held out his hand.

"Pleased to meet you, Shiro. I'm Hiro"

I grasped his hand for a handshake. His firm grip almost crushing my hand.

"Ah, yes. Pleased to meet you as well, Sir Hiro."

"Ah, drop the 'Sir'. You can just call me Hiro or Father if you want."

He laughed and because I'm awkward and didn't really know what to do, I laughed as well.

"Well, then. I'm just here to pick up Riko. I hope you guys had fun, and I already met your parents. They're really good people and I think they raised you well."

Huh.

"Ah, thank you."

"Dad, let's go?"

Riko said while covering her mouth with handkefchief.

"Ah, yes, sure. Alright, Shiro. With that, I bid you farewell."

"Please take care on the way home."

"Will do."

As Riko's father walked back to the car, Riko approached me.

"Shiro, I have something to tell you. But I can't tell you now. I hope you'll wait. Trust me, please."

Her face turned into a serious one.

And with the most comforting face I could make, I said.

"I trust you. I will wait. No matter how long it takes."

"Thank you."

She said with a smile. With that, she went inside the car and the car left.

I sigh and opened the door to our house. This day sure is tiring.

"Shiro! I didn't know you were already engaged!"

And it's about to get more tiring.

***

Morning came. 8 AM.

Last night's dinner was stressful, both of my parents are asking about Riko and I. I didn't even get to eat that much because they kept bugging me with their questions.

Anyway, that's already done and it's Sunday. Another day to just laze around and play.

I head downstairs for breakfast and passed by Dad.

"Take care."

I said quietly.

Dad looked at me for a while with a questioning gaze, but it turned into a smiling face in the end.

"I will."

He said as he closed the door and left for work.

I greeted good morning to Mom and took my plate of food upstairs to my room.

I sat down in front of my computer and turned it on. The fans revved up and because it's quiet, the sound can be heard around the room.

While the computer is booting, I eat my breakfast and at the same time thinking about what I'll do all day.

The computer finished booting up and I noticed that there's someone who messaged me.

Riko: Hey.

Oh, it's Riko.

Shiro: Hey, good morning. What's up?

Riko: Ah. Nothing much. Good Morning.

Riko: Remember what I told you last night?

Shiro: Yup.

Riko: Can we meet later?

Shiro: Sure, I'm not really doing anything.

Riko: Thank you. 12pm in front of the station.

Shiro: Gotcha.

Riko didn't reply after that. I guess she's preparing. I might do the same as well. I finished my food and went down to drop it in the sink.

***

I arrived in front of the station, but Riko isn't there yet.

"Hmm, it's already 12:15, I wonder where she is."

The cold wind of winter hit my face, this cold wind signaling the winter that's to come. Not long after, I felt someone's ice cold hand on my cheeks.

"Uhh, What are you doing, Riko?"

"It's cold, and your cheeks are warm."

"You know it's cold but you didn't bring gloves?"

"It's in my pockets, I wore them earlier but it's still cold."

I look at her.

She's wearing a jacket over her black t-shirt and skirt with thigh high socks and black boots.

"With an outfit like that, I can pretty much guess."

"But I'm supposed to be warm with this outfit!"

"Then you're obviously doing something wrong. Come on, let's go."

I held her hand and we went to the nearest cafe.

The scent of coffee is the first thing that I notice. The perfectly polished wooden interior came second and the furniture came last.

"Hey, do you like coffee?"

I ask Riko.

"Yeah."

"Alright, let's go find a seat."

"There's an empty seat by the window."

"Sure, let's go."

We sat down in front of a small table only fit for two persons.

"I'll get myself a cappuccino, how about you?"

"Cafe Latte."

She searched her bag for her wallet.

"Oh, don't worry. It's my treat."

"Ooh, sweet."

She smiled.

After placing my order, the cashier gave me a coaster that would light up when our coffee is already done. With this in hand, I went back to our seats.

"Shiro, about the 'thing' I wanted to tell you."

She casts her eyes downward, sadness visible on her face.

"I-I have an illness."

"What illness?"

"A terminal one. A rare type of blood cancer that even the doctors haven't heard about."

My eyes widened, and chest tightened as she spoke those words, rendering me unable to speak.

She looks at me with tears visible on her face.

"And you know what? It only got worse."

She forces out a smile.

"Since when?"

I finally forced out a reply.

"We found out about it last month, and I only have two weeks left."

I couldn't stop the tears from escaping my eyes.

"You're kidding, right? This is just one of those bad jokes, right?"

Her sad, crying face indicates that this is no joke. It's all real, and it's happening.

She didn't need to answer, and we both sat in silence until the coaster vibrated and I picked up our coffee.

"Shiro, you don't need to be sad."

"How, just how can you say that? What should I do with all these pent-up feelings inside of me?"

"Shiro."

She moved her seat beside mine and hugged me.

"Shiro, I want my last 2 weeks to be filled with happiness."

Her hug grew tighter.

"I want to spend it with you, because I love you."

She strokes my hair in an effort to comfort me.

"So let's do just that, Shiro. Please?"

I didn't say anything and just nodded.

We stayed in that position for quite some time until I finally calmed myself down.

With the final drops of tears falling down my cheeks, I look at Riko.

"Then, let's make more memories."

***

We spent the next few days together, even in school. Every lunch break, she comes over my desks and we both eat lunch together. Because of that, the rumors that Riko and I are going out spread across the school.

But we didn't mind. We wanted to make her last two weeks something that she wouldn't forget. Something that both of us will cherish until the end, and something that both of us won't regret.

After school, we'd go out on dates and do all sorts of stuff. Gaming in the arcades, going to karaoke, eating in various places, and that's just the start.

Today is Sunday, which marks a week off of Riko's two week lifespan. We promised to go out today and check out a local museum.

We arrived at the museum at 10am and we'll spend out time here until lunch. We start strolling the long hallway of paintings.

"Shiro, look at this one."

Riko pointed at a certain painting. The painting depicts a man looking at a beautifully painted wall with a nature theme and the man mistakes this as the outside world. Where as behind the wall is chaos and pollution.

"Wow."

I look at the painting in awe.

"I feel bad for the man though."

She says as we both stand in front of the painting, appreciating it.

"Yeah, he's believing a big lie."

"But at the same time, that man must be feeling happy."

Riko shot me a questioning gaze.

"Why so?"

"Well, he doesn't know what's happening outside and he thinks that everything is peaceful. Basically, ignorance is bliss."

"But there'll come a time where he needs to step out and experience the real world."

"Yeah, and when that comes, I can't even imagine his reaction."

I held her hand.

"Let's go?"

"Sure!"

We continue to stroll the hallway while holding each other's hand. After walking through the long painting hallway comes the artifact hall. Various artifacts are placed inside glass containers with warnings of 'Do not lean on glass' or 'Do not touch' even though there's a red garter around them to prevent others from coming close.

Nothing really caught our attention after that. We strolled around and looked at the various exhibits but nothing really left a great impression as the painting did. It just felt…very real. Also, even without Riko speaking about it, we both know that we can relate to the painting.

She thought that everything would be fine, but it wasn't, because of her illness. Same as mine, if she didn't tell me that, I'd probably still be under the impression that everything is fine.

I probably have already made the reaction that man will make after finding out the truth. But I accepted it. I don't know if he will. That's what's different.

With that, I'm going to do everything to make Riko's last week the happiest one in her life.

***

We ate lunch after buying souvenirs from the museum. Now we're sitting on a bench in a nearby park. No one around, just us, the birds and the fishes in the pond. It's a really nice situation to be in after going to a museum. It helps you reflect what you just saw.

Riko reached out for my hand and kept it close to her chest.

"Shiro, next Sunday will be the deciding day."

She smiled as those words escaped her lips.

"Deciding?"

I'm confused. Deciding? Isn't her illness something that can't be cured?

"My parents and I talked about this for a week, and they agreed to let me take one last surgery for an attempt to cure my illness. But..."

She paused

"It has a very low chance of success."

She gripped my hand tightly and pressed it against her chest.

"You'll be there for me, right?"

"I'll always be there for you."

***

Confused feelings plagued me on the way home. I'm glad that there's a chance of her surviving this. But that's just one side of the coin. The low chances of this surgery succeeding is keeping me from being happy.

I arrived at home right in time for dinner, and my parents invited me to the table.

"Shiro, how's Riko?"

Mom inquired.

"She's doing fine."

"We heard from his parents that she has a terminal illness."

Father joined in.

"Yeah, and Sunday will be the moment of truth."

"Shiro, I know you're sad about it, but even if the chance of success is low, there's still a chance that it will succeed."

Mom paused.

"I want you to believe in her, trust her, and be there for her surgery. Miracles do happen, Shiro."

Tears escaped my eyes and Mom came to comfort me.

The dinner I had was probably the warmest I had in years in terms of child-parent relationship. We talked about different stuff, but mostly about Riko. I told them stories of our dates and they also told me stories about theirs. It was the first time I learned about Dad and Mom's cute love story.

The stories changed my outlook on the situation. Before, I was filled with worries and sadness. But now, I'm filled with hope, trusting that Riko will overcome her illness.

***

Today's Wednesday, the last two days were the same as the ones last week. Always together, going on after-school dates, the usual stuff. That's the same today as well, we're currently in a mall, shopping.

"Hey, Shiro. How do I look in this one?"

She said as she holds up a floral blouse.

"Oh, you'd look fine."

She frowned at my answer. Why? Did I do something wrong?

"You always say the same thing. I look good in these, I look good in that. I need feedback!"

"Eh, what do you want me to say? You look fat in that?"

"I dare you say that and you probably won't see the light of the next day."

"Hahaha."

I let out a nervous laugh.

"Just kidding! Let's go to the other shops!"

She held my hands and pulled me outside. Just how much energy does this girl have?

"Ah, hold on, I'll go to the toilet."

She stopped and released my hand, then walked towards the restrooms. But she stopped mid-way.

"Riko? Did you forget something?"

She turned towards me.

And collapsed.

I rushed towards her in an attempt to catch her and I barely did.

"Riko!?"

I hit her face lightly, but she's slowly turning white.

"Someone! Call an ambulance!"

The people around us scrambled to help and others called for an ambulance.

The paramedics came after 20 minutes with a stretcher and put Riko on top of it.

"Are you her boyfriend?"

One of the paramedics asked me.

"Yes."

"Alright, come let's go."

We rushed to the ambulance and made our way to the nearest hospital. I called Riko's Dad and told him that we're on our way to the hospital. I gave him the address and he told me he's on his way.

"Come on, Riko. Hold on."

I said as I hold her hand tightly.

"Sir, does your girlfriend have an illness? Do you know why she suddenly collapsed?"

One of the paramedics inquired.

"She actually has a rare kind of blood cancer. A terminal one."

"Then we have no time to lose."

***

We arrived in the hospital and the doors of the ambulance opened. Nurses assisted the paramedics and rushed Riko to the emergency room. Riko's dad is already there, waiting.

"How's Riko?"

Her father inquired.

"She suddenly collapsed when we're on our date."

"I see."

"She looks pale, will she be alright?"

I'm panicking, it's the first time I saw her collapse and it made me feel that the whole thing is real.

"We just have to trust in her, Shiro."

After a minute a doctor came out and made his way towards us.

"How's Riko? Is she alright?"

Sir Hiro asked the doctor.

"She's in a very bad state. From what the young boy here said, she has a rare kind of blood cancer, and it's finally kicked in. Even if the chances are low, we need to perform the surgery now, Sir."

Riko's father wasted no time in his reply.

"Please take care of her, Doctor."

"I will."

The doctor went back to the Emergency Room.

This is the moment of truth. I know that it will come sooner or later, but I just wasn't prepared for this. It's too soon! It's supposed to be on Sunday, but it's still Wednesday! The shock and how fast everything happened caught me off guard. Now, Riko's in there, fighting her illness with the help of the surgeon.

I'll trust her.

I even started bargaining to God. Telling him that if Riko makes it, I'll take good care of her and never leave her side, I'll always be there if she needs me. It's like I'm already rehearsing my vow to her.

God, it's all yours now.

The door opened and the surgeon came to us.

No words needed to be said.

Only the sound of the flatline can be heard.

"She didn't make it."

The surgeon removed his gloves and looked at us with a face of grief.

Riko's dad and I looked at the surgeon in disbelief.

"Y-you're kidding, right?"

Riko's dad placed his hands on the surgeon's shoulder.

The surgeon didn't speak.

And the hospital was filled with grief, sadness, and small echos of sobbing.