There was nothing wrong between Hayden and me–just the awkward feeling from his secret. But I


    couldn’t dump that on Yuna. She was too delicate, and with her heart condition, she didn’t need the


    extra


    stress.


    “No, nothing’s wrong,” I reassured her with a smile. “You’ve seen how Hayden and I are. We’re


    fine.”


    Yuna studied me with those wide, innocent eyes, and for a second, I had to look away. Her gaze


    was too pure, like it would expose the mess in my head.


    I raised my hand in defense,ughing softly. “Seriously, nothing’s wrong. If you don’t believe me,


    you can grill Hayden when he’s back.”


    “Keira,” Yuna murmured, hugging my arm and resting her head on my shoulder. “If Hayden ever


    messes up, just hit him or yell at him–but don’t leave him, okay?”


    Her soft, pleading tone tugged at my heart. I rubbed my head against hers, affectionate. “Alright, I’ll


    leave it to you to handle him.”


    Yuna nodded, all serious. “I’ll always be on your side.”


    She was so afraid of me leaving Hayden. It hit me then how much she valued me–how much I


    meant to someone else.


    “If I’m gone and you leave him too, he will be all alone. That’d be so sad,” she whispered, catching


    mepletely off guard.


    “What are you talking about? You’re going to be just fine,” I said quickly, trying to reassure her.


    Yuna didn’t reply, but I could feel the fear behind her silence. She had so much uncertainty


    weighing on


    her.


    No one wanted to die–not Yuna, not Matthew. But life had thrown them both into battles they didn’t


    deserve, and they had to keep fighting.


    Wanting to shift the mood, I brought up the concert again. We dove into that topic,ughing and


    chatting until my phone buzzed with Lena’s call. “Still with Yuna?” she asked.


    “Yep. What’s up”


    “Someone sent me a box of strawberries. Come grab some for that little girl of yours to snack on,”


    Lena replied. Even though she was a strict department head who always refused gifts, people still


    showered her with fruit, and she’d pass it along to others.


    “Sure, I’ll swing by now,” I said, d for an excuse to stretch my legs. Yuna and I had worn


    ourselves out talking.


    When I got to Lena’s office, her assistant handed me not just the strawberries but also cherries and


    blueberries. Lena had been called into surgery, so I didn’t get to thank her in person.


    As I walked back, the bags started to feel way heavier than I’d expected. I was struggling a bit when


    a pleasant male voice broke through my thoughts.


    “Need some help?”


    I looked up and saw Wade. Before I could even answer he had already reached out and taken the


    fruit from my hands.


    “No, really, I’ve got it,” I insisted, even though it was obvious I didn’t.


    “Where are you headed?” Wade asked, his voice catching for a second, like he was hesitating. I


    saw his throat tighten as he swallowed. “Which floor?”


    “Surgical ward, twelfth floor.”


    “Got it, I’ll take it up for you,” he said, already moving ahead with those long strides of his.


    I stood there for a moment, watching him walk away, before hurrying to catch up. Remembering our


    conversation from before, I blurted out, “How’s your advisor doing?”


    Wade’s grip on the bags tightened a little. “Same as before.”


    “Still with her every day?” I asked, even though I knew the answer.


    “Yeah.”


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    It was just one word, but hearing it from Wade felt different. The way he said it–it felt heavier, like


    the weight of everything was packed into that one syble.


    I took a deep breath. “Is there anyone else staying with her?”


    He was quiet for a few seconds before answering, “Yes, but she’s been like that for almost two


    years now. The family’s patience is running thin.”


    His words hit me hard, a wave of sadness washing over me. Before I even knew what I was saying,


    I asked, “Can I visit her?”