“Aren’t you surprised I’m here?” Tae Jun took a sit on the couch next to Aira’s bed

“Well, I am…” she smiled “But I figured someone told you, and if that someone told you I’m here; meaning you’re the person to trust.” she replies casually

“Wha-what are you doing here?” Tae Jun’s face practically changed

Even though he asked the question, he wasn’t particularly sure whether he wants to hear the answer to it. He wasn’t ready to hear it from her; he was hoping it was entirely a lie. That she was just pranking him or making a joke and he would forgive her later.

“I was just admitted yesterday.” she said quietly

“For what? Are you sick? You’re not sick right? You’re fine…”

“I have cancer; brain tumour.”

Tae Jun stood there; processing her words which don’t make sense to his mind. She seemed healthy all these while “Since when?”

“I don’t know, I knew about it earlier this year. I don’t know how long it’s been there.” Aira shrugs

“Then why are you here now? Why weren’t you here before?”

“Because it wasn’t bad before; until a few weeks ago when things changed. They scheduled me to be admitted and here I am.” she managed a smile

“Do your parents know?”

“No, they don’t.” she shakes her head

“What?” his voice came out as a whisper “Why aren’t you telling them? I’ll call them.” he took out his phone but Aira held his hand firmly

“Don’t. They’re busy, they have a lot of things in mind and stuff to sort out.”

“Are you joking? You’re their precious gem stone, their air, without you they have nothing.” he pointed out in disbelief

“Not now. I’m planning to inform them later, I don’t know when but I will tell them by myself. Please Tae Jun…” she looks into his eyes

“How come you’re sick? You were fine all these while. Please tell me you’re okay. There’s no dripping or wires here and there. I’ll take you home, we’ll have ice cream together and play games and…”

“Tae Jun-ah…” she slowly shakes her head and pulled him into an embrace “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t apologize, please don’t… You’re gonna be fine, you’re gonna be okay.” he assures her “Wait…” he let go of the hug “So you were sick, whe