One cold, Saturday afternoon, Naruse is playing on a concert and Yukiono is on the front row seat, watching her love performing outstanding music live. After the said performance, Yukiono went to the back stage to congratulate Naruse and give him a warm hug. “Naruse! I am so proud of you. I can’t… I don’t…know what to say. You—“said Yukiono, then she suddenly faint and fell into the floor. “Yukiono! Wake up. Yukiono, wake up!”said Naruse. Without hestitation, he immediately called an ambulance to assist Yukiono and check her in the Amano General Hospital. On the way to the hospital, he thought, “What is happening? What is wrong with her? Is she sick or something? What if something bad happen? I don’t know what else to do. How can I propose to her?”
Yukiono is checked-in in room 5608-A at the hospital near them, Amano General Hospital. When Naruse went to the said room, he only took a peek at Yukiono from the door, wondering what her current condition is. He tried to come in but, he immediately closed the door and sat on the chair in front of the room, his hands on his face. He thought, “Oh, Lord! Please. I wish she’s okay, alive and well.” The doctor came and asked, “Are you Naruse Serizawa?” “Yes,” replied Naruse and he looked up to the doctor, “What do you want? Is Yukiono alright?” “Well, we all think she is. But after some tests, we doctors found out that she caught Malaria disease.” “Is there any cure for that?” “I don’t think so, mister. But I assure you, we would find all the possible ways to prolong her life.” “I…” “Don’t lose hope, Mr. Serizawa.” Naruse looked at the doctor hard, eye to eye and then, finally put his palms on his face and sob.
After hearing the said news, Naruse wiped his tears, braced himself and went into the room of Yukiono. She is awake, sitting upright and looking far at the window. She can see cherry blossoms and its beautiful pink leaves that move beautifully in the air. “Look at those beautiful cherry blossoms.” Yukiono said. “What about them?” replied Naruse. “They just look so alive. Even though in the end, spring will pass and they will fade away. Just like me.” “What…what are you talking about Yukiono?” “I know, Naruse. I know that I have Malaria. You don’t need to hide it from me.” “How did…you know?” replied Naruse, tears almost going to flow. “I heard your conversation with the doctor. And after hearing that news, I just want to breakdown. But, deep inside of me knows that I can still manage. I can still live the life I want and I can survive.” “Yuki…Yukiono.” said Naruse, holding back his tears. “Naruse, you don’t need to cry. I am strong and you knew that. Just stay by my side, okay?” “Okay.” Replied Naruse, he wiped his tears and looked at Yukiono. He managed to smile at her.
Days passed and spring is almost going to end. Despite their condition, they still manage to spend their days together and having fun. Trying different things and exploring different places around the hospital. They also spend time sharing stories about different people or stories about their wonderful and fun day together.
One Sunday morning, Naruse is breeze walking around town. He suddenly heard a nice song, a song that truly gives inspiration to live longer. He liked the song and so, he fined different record bars to find that song track. He thought, “This song will definitely help her live longer.” After buying the CD, he went straight back to the hospital. It was Sunday, when he reached the room of Yukiono, she is quietly looking at the cherry blossoms outside. “Hey! Yukiono. I’ve bought something for you.” greeted Naruse. “Oh, hello Naruse! What is it?” “It’s a CD, collection of different beautiful music. I really hope you liked it.” “Why, thank you. How thoughtful of you.” replied Yukiono, and smiled. “Can you play the CD for me?” “Of course!” And Naruse played the CD.
While the CD is playing, Yukiono suddenly called Naruse. “Naruse, what if I’m dying?” “What are you talking about? Nonsense.” replied Naruse. “I just want to be happy and be with you, forever.” “We’re going to be together, forever.” “But what if I die? What will you do?” “You’re not going to die, okay? Stop thinking like that.” “Sigh. I can just let my life be like a cherry blossom. So strong and beautiful. If spring will come to an end, I’ll end my life too.” “Yukiono! Stop it. It’s not funny.” “But, I am serious. Cherry blossoms have been part of my life since I was a child. It keeps me strong.” “Yukiono…” And then, Naruse couldn’t hold his tears and he sobbed. His palms are covering his face. And Yukiono just stayed on the bed, managing to smile while looking at the cherry blossoms outside the building.
