When Love

Starts to Blossom

"I'm so depressed... In fact I've never been so depressed. There's nothing for me to do and there's no one for me to talk to here except for Kamio. But Kamio is busy with his MD player and busy thinking of Ann-chan... It's raining so heavily and I can't sneak out of class to practice my tennis... This is so depressing..." mumbled Shinji as he stared around his classroom. He let out a sigh and look over to his left. Kamio was clearly very busy with his music and doodling something in his notebook.

Must be doodling about Ann again he thought to himself Just then a thought ran through his... The person that always spoke to him everyday in school doesn't seem to be in school at all the whole week. She was the one who kept him company during these gloomy days, but now it seems that he felt gloomier without her around. He let out a sigh, suddenly he felt like his days were dominated by a girl. Not just amy girl... A girl that he just met 2 weeks ago... "

Shinji-kun!" a familiar voice called out.

Shinji arose from his thoughts and looked up from his desk. The very person he was thinking of appeared in front of him.

"-kun... What's up?"

smiled and sat at the emptyir cha next to him, "The ceiling is up?" she laughed.

"Hn... You sure crack bad jokes... Also, you've disappeared for a week and now you've returned, looking as if a vampire has sucked it's blood out from you... And--"

smiled as she placed her hand on his soft lips, "Shinji-kun, you mumble to much" she giggled.

Rolling his eyes in annoyance, he pushed her hand aside. "Why must you always do that?"

"Because you mumble about things that aren't necessary!"

"............" tilted her head to her right and stared confusingly at Shinji. That boy sure is weird... He either mumbles too much or doesn't speak at all. "Shinji--"

"Oh... I understand now..." he said and hanged his head low

That boy sure is slow sometimes, she thought as she gave out a soft laugh.

"Hey, why weren't you in school for a week?"

"Ah, so you've noticed..." she smiled.

"Of course! Your seat is next to mine! So, why weren't you here..."

looked down at her desk, sadly...

"-kun? Doshitano?"

"I-- I was in the hospital..." she finally said.

"The hospital?" Shinji looked at her, full of concern, "What's wrong?" he asked softly.

Warm crystal tears trickled down her face as she looked up at him.

Should I tell him that after I tell this?

"..."

She took a deep breath, "I have cancer..."

"Cancer....?" he said in shock.

nodded sadly, she wanted to tell him not to worry but she couldn't, he was too busy mumbling to himself.

"She has cancer............ She has cancer.............."

The class died down as the teacher walked in and she dropped her head to look at the text book.

***

After school, Shinji offered to walk home...

"Shinji..." she called him softly.

"Hmmm..." he looked up and looked at her.

"About earlier, the cancer thing..." she started.

Shinji nodded casually, awaiting for her to continue. His eyes were no longer the eyes she knew. It was full of sorrow.

"In two days time, I'm going for an operation... I'm not sure if it'll be successful but it's the best option I have."

In a sudden swift move, Shinji turned and grabbed her by the wrists. He looked straight into her hazel orbs.

"Sh--Shinji!" stammered, shocked by his sudden movement.

"Shhh... Don't say a word..." he held her in his arms tightly.

"It'll be successful... I know it..."

Shinji whispered softly to her with his eyes closed, full of thoughts.

He then held her in front of him, holding her shoulders tightly, while bending down to kiss her on the forehead.

"Shinji..." she smiled and snuggled against his chest.

***

She has such a serene look when she sleeps.

opened her eyes slowly. Her bed was just next to the window and the sunlight was blinding her delicate eyes. She frowned and turned to her right only to find that she wasn't alone.

"Sh--Shinji?" she blinked a few times before registering that he was actually there.

"Hey..." he spoke to her softly as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

"I just spoke to your mum... I told you it'll be successful..." he smiled warmly at her and sat down beside her bed.

smiled and lifted her hand to touch his face, "I'm happy you came, Shinji..."

Raising his hand to touch her hand, he smiled and leaned in closer to her.

"... I love you" "

Shinji, I love you too..." she beamed as warm tears trickled down her face.

Wiping her tears away, he softly placed a kiss on her lips. was a little taken aback by his sudden action, but she closed her eyes and opened her mouth willingly to welcome him. They were connected to each other and tongues were brushing against tongues. In that moment, both were at their happiest. Shinji found what he was missing and had found what she wanted.

Love is absolutely beautiful, when it blooms..."

-Owari-

Marishka [19/11/2004]

Edited by Anon