Afternoon sunlight filtered through tree leaves, shadow patterns across the park path.
On a bench near the fountain, Kasumi sat with a bento box resting on her lap.
Shion slid down beside her, quiet as always.
"Look," Kasumi opened the lid with a shy smile.
"I made snacks. For you too."
Shion stared at the box for a moment, blank expression unchanging.
"…You wasted your time."
Kasumi puffed her cheeks.
"This isn't a waste! Just try it."
Reluctantly, he picked up a piece and took a bite.
The silence lingered a moment longer.
"…It's good," Shion said quietly.
Kasumi's smile blossomed.
"'Good'? That's it? Can't you praise me a little more?"
Before he could reply, a small puppy scampered up to them, tail wagging.
Kasumi's eyes lit up instantly.
"Aww! So cute!" She knelt down, scooping it into her arms.
"Shion, try petting it."
"…I don't handle dogs."
Kasumi giggled, gently guiding the puppy's nose toward his hand.
The puppy sniffed him curiously, tail wagging harder.
"See? He wants to be friends."
Shion froze, hesitant, then slowly reached out. His fingers brushed against soft fur.
The puppy yipped happily, licking his hand.
Kasumi chuckled softly, leaning closer. Her shoulder brushed against his.
"…You look so serious all the time, but actually… you're really gentle."
Shion glanced at her. Their faces drew close—just for a heartbeat.
Then Kasumi quickly fished something out of her bag.
"Anyway! Next stop—the aquarium."
---
The entrance hall glowed in dim blue light.
Tanks lined the walls, reflections of fish and rays dancing across their faces.
Kasumi's eyes sparkled like a child's.
"Wow… I always wanted to come here. The jellyfish tanks are famous."
"…You planned this all ahead?" Shion asked.
"Of course. If I left it to you, we'd just wander around with no plan."
They walked through the glass tunnel. Manta rays glided above them, wings casting shadows across their path.
Kasumi pressed against the railing, voice soft with awe.
"…Feels like we're walking under the sea."
Shion stopped a few steps behind, watching her quietly.
Her profile glowed under the shifting waterlight.
Shion suddenly whisper."How can someone shine this much… just by being herself? "
Kasumi turned suddenly, catching his gaze.
"Why so quiet? Are you on a date, or not on guard duty at a museum?"
"…I'm just watching. You."
Her cheeks burned red. She quickly spun toward a nearby tank.
"Uh—look! Jellyfish! They're… dancing."
The two of them stood in front of the glowing tank. Blue light wrapped around them like a dream.
Kasumi whispered, voice trembling with honesty,
"…Shion, this is our first official date. I want you to remember it."
Shion paused. Then, for once, his lips curved into a genuine smile.
"…I will."
Relief and warmth shimmered in her eyes. She stepped closer. Shion didn't move—his faint blush hidden by the dim glow.
---
Night settled in.
Streetlamps lit the road. Their footsteps echoed softly in the quiet.
Kasumi adjusted her hair, hesitated, then whispered,
"…So… that was our official first date. Did you like it?"
Shion glanced at her. His lips tugged into the faintest of smiles. He nodded once.
A sudden ache pulsed through Shion's chest.
Without thinking, he slowly moved his hand closer—until his fingers brushed against hers.
Then, gently… he held her hand.
Sometimes… a small touch is the loudest answer.
Kasumi's thoughts spun in a single, shining line:
"Tonight… something else."
After date. 3 days latter shion his illness getting worse his body weak day by day
Morning sunlight slipped weakly into Shion's room.
He sat on the edge of his bed, pale and tired.
Dragging himself into the bathroom, he squeezed toothpaste onto his brush and pushed it into his mouth. His movements were slow, heavy.
After changing into his school uniform, he sat at the table for breakfast.
But every bite was interrupted by rough coughing. His chest ached, each breath sharp and heavy.
Bending down to tie his shoelaces, a sudden stab of pain shot through his chest. He froze, clutching it for a second.
"…After school… I have to see a doctor," he thought, his tone unusually serious.
---
Classroom.
Yeamori stood by the blackboard, checking notes. When Shion walked in, her sharp eyes instantly caught his condition.
She frowned, stepping toward him.
"Shion, you look sick... You should rest."
He steadied himself, hiding the weakness in his voice.
"I'm fine. I'll… see a doctor later."
Her expression softened, but her tone stayed firm.
"Okay… but please, take care of yourself."
Shion moved past her quietly and settled into his usual spot at the last bench.
---
A while later, Ren and Kasumi entered together, handing worksheets to Yeamori.
Kasumi sighed in a casual tone.
"This is exhausting… Yeamori, you always make me and Ren post the notices everywhere."
Ren smirked, tossing in his usual playful job.
"What can I say? Our prez is still hatching from her egg."
Kasumi burst out laughing. Yeamori, on the other hand, looked like she was about to snap.
"Are you my assistant… or a roast machine?" she shot back.
Ren bowed dramatically.
"Of course, my lady. Your assistant forever."
Yeamori rolled her eyes, giving up. Then, more seriously, she leaned toward Kasumi.
"By the way… Shion looked sick earlier. Have you seen him?"
Kasumi stiffened.
"No… I haven't."
Her eyes flicked toward the back of the class.
There—Shion sat with a book open, face pale.
Kasumi hurried over. Ren followed behind, curious.
Kasumi pressed her palm gently against Shion's forehead.
"You idiot… who comes to school with such a high fever?"
Around them, students turned to stare. Shion glanced nervously.
"Kasumi… everyone's looking at us."
"I don't care anymore," she said firmly, fearless.
"I'm fine," Shion muttered. "It's just a little fever. It'll pass."
Kasumi bit her lip.
"…But—"
Ren stepped in, worry flickering beneath his joking tone.
"You good, Shion?"
"…Yeah. I'm fine."
Kasumi hesitated, then sighed. She and Ren returned to their seats reluctantly.
---
The lecture began.
But Shion's head swam. The teacher's words blurred, like muffled echoes. His vision clouded—lines on the board doubling.
He pressed a hand against the desk, trying to steady himself.
Still… everything felt like it was slipping away.
---
Lunch break.
Kasumi walked toward him again.
"Shion?"
He had his head down on the desk, completely still.
"Hey—Shion, wake up!" She shook him hard.
No response.
Her chest tightened. Panic surged.
"Somebody help!" she cried, voice trembling.
The world tilted for Shion.
And then—everything went dark.
---Chapter 30 end---