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Flashback in italic
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Index
(f/f): favourite ice cream flavour
⚠️WARNING⚠️
This one-shot's theme is death, the loss of a loved one. Reader discretion is advised. Also, apologies if anyone finds this ill-written. I haven't experienced loss, but I still wanted to try and write something surrounding that idea. I know and understand that people mourn differently, I just don't want anyone to get the wrong idea and think well that's not how it is.
✦TITLE✦
ᴼ⚘✦⚘ okay ⚘✦⚘ᴷ
AUTHOR'S POV
"Where are you going?" Shirabu asked, not looking from his notes. Umeda flinched.
"I have to meet up with someone."
"Again? That's the third time this week," Yunohama noted. "Who are you meeting up with?"
"Just a friend," Umeda answered, brushing his hand through his hair. "Look, I can't keep them waiting. Have fun."
He left without letting anyone say a word. Shirabu didn't care and neither did Taichi. Yunohama on the other hand was worried that his friend would be unsettled every time he came back.
TIME SKIP
"Umeda, this is unacceptable! Why can't you focus!"
"I'm sorry, coach. I'll do better."
Washijō already had enough of Umeda's inability to concentrate.
"You no longer need to attend practice."
"But coach—"
"My words are final. You may leave."
Umeda clenched his fist but didn't talk back.
"Hai."
He took off his jersey and left under the bewildered look of his teammates. They certainly noticed his lack of attention during recent practices, but they never thought it would lead to this. Yunohama started going after him but froze at the coach's words.
"Your attendance will not be required after you leave."
Yunohama smiled and removed his jersey as well. He gave a deep bow to the coach and his teammates.
"Thank you for letting me experience volleyball to such a high level. I'll be taking my leave."
The click of the closing door snapped everyone back to reality. The practice resumed with a tense atmosphere. The boys tried shaking off the uncomfortable feeling that settled in the gym. But it was clear that they felt bad for the two players who were unjustly dismissed.
Yunohama managed to catch up to Umeda. He comforted the boy who was still shocked by the events that unfolded. They changed and turned in their uniforms. With a solemn look, the other boys sent them off. Semi told them if they wished to return, he would help. Yunohama looked at Umeda, who was slightly smiling.
"Thank you Semi-san but...I don't think we're coming back."
Semi understood and told them they could still come by to visit. The two ex-players left feeling a lot better than the first walk out of the gym. Yunohama didn't want to ruin the mood but he needed to know.
"Umeda, this friend of yours, who are they?"
Umeda sighed knowing this day would come. "It's better I show you."
He brought Yunohama to the hospital where you were signed in. Yunohama stiffened and quietly followed Umeda to your room. He watched Umeda take a moment to breathe and open the door to your room with a smile.
"Y/n, I'm back."
You weakly turned your head, with a little smile. "Welcome back, Ume."
Yunohama didn't understand how Umeda managed to smile. You had a mask over your face that supplied oxygen, an IV needle in your arm, not to mention the other devices connected to you to measure your vitals. You were ghostly pale. Even when you talked, it sounded like you were out of breath.
"I brought a friend of mine," Umeda said, taking a seat at the chair by your bed. "I hope you don't mind."
"It's okay."
You tried sitting up, but you had no strength to do it. Umeda was quick to tilt the bed up. He motioned Yunohama to get closer. You smiled at him.
"Hello, I'm Y/n."
"Yunohama, it's nice to meet you."
"He's nice, Ume... I'm happy you...have friends."
"Yeah, he's a great friend." Umeda felt truly thankful that he didn't have to walk out alone. Although he still felt guilty that Yunohama was also booted.
"How was school?" you asked Umeda.
"It was great. Class was entertaining for once. Someone played a prank on the teacher. Remember Yunohama?"
"How would I forget?" The boy sweatdropped. "They had to walk around with a white stain on their pants for the rest of the day."
You laughed a little, coughing in between. "I can't imagine...the look on..their face."
Umeda placed a soothing hand on your chest.
"Right? And that's not even the best of it."
Yunohama listened from the side, something adding his input as Umeda recounted to you his entire day. He noted you were happy hearing him ramble on.
"How was volleyball?"
Yunohama tried not to react negatively, meanwhile, Umeda kept smiling.
"It was amazing," he replied. "Coach Washijō made us work hard again but it was nothing we couldn't handle."
"I'm glad."
Yunohama felt a little sick. He knew Umeda lied but it was a necessary lie to make you happy. Just what had he silently endured all this time?
A doctor walked in and waved at the group. "Hello, Umeda. Oh, I see you brought a guest."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Yunohama," he said with a bow.
"Pleasure to meet one of Umeda's friends," he said, taking a seat at the other side of your bed. "I'm Ryugazaki Rei, Y/n's doctor. You can call me Rei. We're all family here."
You nodded slightly. "Rei is the best..."
Yunohama felt that pit in his stomach lift. "I'm glad to be part of it."
Rei nodded with a small smile. "I'll need you two to step out for a couple of minutes while I do a health assessment."
Umeda nodded and kissed you on the forehead before leaving with Yunohama in tow. As soon as the door closed, Umeda broke down crying. He had his hand tightly clamped over his mouth to muffle his sobs. Yunohama stayed by him, not saying a word, but letting him cry out his sadness. He brought Umeda to a bench and sat him down.
"I'm sorry you have to see me like this," he said, between sobs. "I just couldn't keep it in any longer."
"It's okay... I hope you don't mind me asking. What happened?"
Umeda sighed, wiping his face dry. "We don't know."
Yunohama couldn't be more confused. "How?"
"I'm just as lost as you are. It all started with the flu and from there, she would just constantly get sick. One day, she fell really ill so we brought her to the ER but her condition worsened. Her organs started failing so they transferred her to the ICU... They diagnosed her with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome. They say that if her respiratory system fails there's a high chance she'll..."
Umeda choked in a breath. He couldn't say it. He wouldn't say it. He refused to utter the word fearing it would become a reality. Yunohama decided to change the subject, hopefully bringing back happy memories.
"So, is she your girlfriend?"
The thought made Umeda's lips perk into a small smile. He pulled a necklace out of his pocket. It had a ring attached at the end.
"Something like that."
"Oh, you're one and only, I see," Yunohama smirked. "I better be the best man at the wedding."
Umeda playfully pushed him. "You can't choose for me."
"I will fight for the spot."
Umeda laughed. "You idiot."
Yunohama snickered but was glad his friend wasn't crying anymore.
"How did you two lovebirds meet?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me."
Umeda chuckled, telling Yunohama of the awkward yet convenient meeting you shared.
»»——♡——««
"Umeda, I think I forgot my bottle in the locker rooms," Yunohama sighed.
"Want me to check for you?"
"Please?"
"I'll be back in a bit."
Umeda jogged out of the gym to the locker rooms. He found the water bottle under a bench and grabbed it, jogging back toward the gym. He didn't want to be late so he picked up the pace. He didn't see you coming full speed past the corner. You were both sent to the ground where Umeda held his aching head.
"Crap, sorry about that. Are you okay?"
You rubbed your sore head. "It's fine. Sorry for bumping into you."
Umeda helped you off the floor and noticed a bruise on your elbow. "Do you want help with that?"
"Huh?"
"The bruise."
"Oh, this?" you asked, laughing. "Don't worry. I got this while playing not too long ago. It wasn't you."
"Oh okay... Sorry about the crash."
"It's fine. You're here for a match I'm assuming."
Umeda nodded. You patted his shoulder. "Good luck. Oh, here you dropped this."
She handed him the bottle. At the brush of their fingers, they shivered and shared a look.
"Want to meet up after the tournament?" you asked.
"Sure," Umeda replied. "Make sure you don't get eliminated."
"You too."
You jogged off, waving. Umeda realized he never got your name. "What's your name!"
"L/n F/n, call me F/n. See you later, Umeda!"
He tossed the bottle in his hands a couple of times with a smile on his face.
"She's cute."
»»——♡——««
"Wait, that's why you were smiling so much during the game?" Yunohama asked.
"Now you know."
Yunohama laughed. "Wow, love at first touch. Who would've thought."
"It does feel unreal..." He twirled the ring in his fingers a few times and looked at his friend.
"Yunohama, thanks for being here."
"No problem. I'd be glad to come back with you."
From that day on, you would receive visits from Umeda and Yunohama. You watched them argue and tease each other whenever they would pass by. You were relieved Umeda would have people to support him once you were gone. You couldn't lie. As much as you were grateful to still be there, you could feel yourself getting more and more tired with each day. Rei had already told you that any more loss in respiratory function would put you on a ventilator. At that point, with your other organ systems on the brink of failure, your chances of survival were low.
"Death..." you thought. "Am I afraid?"
You peered at Umeda who was trying to stop Yunohama from teasing him. He looked happier than he had in the months you were here.
"No, I'm not afraid. You will be okay."
"F/n, are you okay? You spaced out again. Do you want to sleep?" Umeda asked.
You gave him a little thumbs up. "I'm okay. A little...sleepy...but okay..."
Umeda smiled. "You can take a nap. I'll stay until you fall asleep."
"Then I...will take my...time."
He chuckled, gently holding your hand. You were trying to stay awake, but the fatigue pulled you to sleep. You knew that you only had a couple more naps left. It was getting harder to wake up.
TIME SKIP
It was Monday after the busy weekend. Yunohama took a seat beside Umeda for lunch.
"Wow, are you okay?" Umeda shook his head. His hair was dishevelled, his eyes were surrounded by heavy bags. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.
"Umeda is she..."
"She's on a ventilator... Yunohama... I'm not...I don't want to let go..."
Yunohama had no idea what he was supposed to say. He figured it was better to stay quiet. A couple of minutes later, Umeda's phone rang. The boy saw the number and nervously swallowed. It was Rei. He shakily answered the phone, hoping, praying it would be good news.
"Y-Yes?"
He went quiet. Everything seemed to stop as the news processed in his mind. He was breathing heavily, crying. Without a second thought, he ran out of the cafeteria. Yunohama grabbed the phone and looked for one of the third years.
"Semi-san, we need help!"
Sensing his panic, Semi rushed over. Yunohama asked him for a ride to the hospital. He ran after Umeda before he acted irrationally.
"Umeda, wait! Semi can give us a ride!"
Yunohama had to grab Umeda to stop him from running any further. Semi pulled up at the gate with his car and drove them to the hospital. Umeda took no time to run inside, with Yunohama close behind. When Umeda reached your room, Rei walked out. He saw the boy and shook his head.
Umeda dropped to his knees. There wasn't a sound that came from his mouth. Only tears poured from his eyes as he cried his loss. Yunohama could only stand back and watch his friend weep. Rei kneeled in front of Umeda and placed a necklace on his lap. It matched the one he had.
"She wanted you to have it," Ren said softly.
"...Rei...was there a chance... Was she ever going to get better..."
Rei could only remain silent as an answer. Umeda stared at the ring. He shakily stood up and walked inside the room. Semi and Yunohama decided to let him enter alone. He needed this time.
The room held a heavy silence. On your bed, your body was covered in a white sheet. He sat at your bedside, staring at your covered body. He put on a smile and recounted to you his day, just like he did every time he visited.
"Practice was okay yesterday. I could've gone a little harder, but I was a little tired. Studying for tests is hard."
He struggled to keep himself together, but he promised himself he would always smile for you.
"Well, I still have school so I can't stay this time. I hope you don't mind. I'll do my best to visit again. So wait until then." He gingerly placed a kiss on your clothed forehead. He paused at the door, looking back at you.
"I love you, Y/n. Sleep well."
He closed the door behind him, letting go of the breath he was holding. Rei, Semi and Yunohama were waiting for him. He placed her necklace around his neck and smiled.
"I'm okay guys. I'll be okay."
Semi nodded, giving him a reassuring pat on the head. "How about I get you some ice cream?"
»»——♡——««
"Agh! Brainfreeze! Why does it hurt so much!"
"I told you to eat slower."
You stuck your tongue at him eating another large spoonful of your sundae. "Not again!"
Umeda laughed. "Take smaller bites. Here." He held out a spoonful of his sundae. You happily ate it and enjoyed the brain freeze-free experience. You fed him some of your (f/f) sundae. It was the only one you ate. Every time you got ice cream, you always ordered (f/f).
"You have some ice cream on your nose."
You used a napkin to wipe and there was nothing. "There's nothing—Hey!"
Umeda took the chance to place a dollop of ice cream on your nose. "Yes, there is. Right there," he said, licking the ice cream he dropped on your face. You blushed.
"You did that on purpose."
"You're sweet Y/n."
"There's ice cream on my face?"
"Not everywhere."
"Huh?"
kiss
"Ume?!"
"Sweet."
"It's the ice cream!"
Kiss
"U-Ume..."
"I love you, Y/n."
You felt shy under his gaze. "I love you too, Ume."
"Can I have the rest of your sundae?"
"No! Mine!"
»»——♡——««
"Umeda? Are you still here?"
"(F/f)," he replied, looking at Semi. "I'll uh have (f/f)."
The older male smiled. "Yunohama, are you joining us?"
"Sure," he replied. "Do you want some, Dr. Ryugazaki?"
The doctor sighed. "You kids think I have all the time in the world. Bring me something mint chocolate chip flavoured."
Semi and Yunohama shared a look and laughed, heading out of the hospital with Umeda close behind. Yunohama placed a hand on Umeda's shoulder. Umeda smiled at him. It was small but it was there.
"I will keep smiling, for her," he told his friend.
"You better, the snot doesn't look good on you," he teased. Umeda playfully shoved him away.
"Not like you look any better."
Umeda chuckled softening his smile. "I thought we were friends?"
"Obviously I'm your best friend, right Umeda?" Semi interjected.
With a small nod from him, Yunohama felt shafted.
"Thanks, guys."
After the ice cream, Semi brought them back to school and told them to go have some fun in the dorms.
"Don't worry about school today," he told Umeda. He nodded and told him he'd take some time to himself. Semi sent him off with a few words of encouragement.
"Hard times don't end in a single night, day or week, but they're not going to be with you forever."
In Umeda's room, the boys talked about their shared memories of you. They talked about all their visits and the times they went to see you alone. Umeda even recounted your dates and the special event behind your shared promise rings.
When it was time for Yunohama to leave, Umeda placed the picture of their day beside a picture of you. In one of the frames you were standing outside with an oxygen tube in your nose but you still held your goofy smile. He flipped the frame around and read what you had engraved on the back.
D o n ' t l o s e y o u r s m i l e :)
He placed the frame back in its place and went to bed. Taking one last glance, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
"I'll be okay, Y/n."