You Were Stolen from Me, so I Will Live for Myself - Chapter 15

Unforgivable Childhood Friend (2)

In the days that follows, Yuki just stays by my side in silence. I don’t like the fact that I find it strangely comforting for some reason.

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One day, the doctor comes in to explain my condition.

“Your organ function has drastically declined.’

The doctor said so.

“The only possibility left is an organ transplant. We need to find a compatible donor as soon as possible. Your organs are already at their limit.”

The doctor’s words echo throughout the quiet hospital room. I just listen to him quietly.

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Damn it…is this really the end?

I thought I can aim higher. There are still so many things I can do. I haven’t even found something that can truly fulfils me.

However—

I can’t deny that a part of me feels exhausted. The thought of returning to those hectic yet unfulfilling days…I can’t quite bring myself to face it. Maybe I’m feeling weak because of the struggles fighting this illness.

I’ve done everything I can. That’s enough. I did my best in my own way.

I truly feel that way.

All I have left now is money.

The transition at work is complete. The company will be able to run smoothly even without me. My subordinates will get busier without me. I feel sorry for them, but I hope they do their best.

I wonder the girls I used to mess around with have found other guys yet? I hope they end up in serious and happy relationships, not just those fleeting, shallow relationships with wealthy men like we used to have. I truly hope they find happiness.

I’ve always made my parents worry. I’m so sorry that things have turned out this way. I have been a terrible son. Perhaps the last thing I can do to repay them is to struggle and stay alive for as long as I can.

As for my money…I’ll buy my parents a house and a car, and then donate the rest to charity. The last thing I want is some ugly inheritance dispute among my family.

What else can I do…?

Something still bothers me.

I stare blankly up at the sky. It’s clear and blue.

I feel like something is missing from my life. But…what is it?

I know it. I already know what’s missing from my life.

I just don’t want to admit it, because if I do, it will mean denying everything I’ve been until now.

Whatever…thinking about it is a hassle.

Ending things here wouldn’t be so bad.

Just as I’m thinking about that, the doctor comes in and say something I can’t believe.

“You’re in luck. We’ve found a compatible donor.”

“Really…? Who is it?”

The doctor looks at me quietly before answering my question.

“—it’s Yuki-san.”

“…what?”

Hearing that unexpected name leaves me speechless.

“She willingly agreed to donate her organ. That’s not something that happens often. You must be very important to her. It shows how much she cares about you.”

At that moment, my heart skips a beat.

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“Why…?”

I can’t help but ask Yuki in the hospital room.

“Because…I want you to live.”

She says so and chuckles softly.

I’m at a loss for words.

“You…betrayed me, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.”

Yuki admits it without hesitation.

“But I don’t want to lose you.”

“…now, after all this time?”

“It’s not ‘after all this time’. You’ve always been important to me.”

Yuki continues.

“I’m really glad that there’s something I can do for you, Yuto.”

I look into her eyes, I can see that there is an honest and unwavering sincerity in them.

But still, I can’t bring myself to believe her words.

Why would she donate her organ for me…is it for money? Is she trying to make me feel indebted to her? But why would anyone risk their life for something like that?

Unable to handle the unwavering determination in her eyes, I look away.

“Seriously…you’re such an idiot.”

I say so and laugh weakly.

“I know.”

Yuki smiles gently.

Risking your life for someone who trusts no one…that’s really stupid.

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The day of the surgery.

I place my hands on Yuki’s shoulders.

“…are you sure you won’t regret this?”

I look straight into her eyes and ask so.

“Yeah.”

Yuki nods without hesitation.

“But there are risks in this transplant surgery—there’s a chance that your life can be at risk too. I heard the chances are low, but not zero. Just because I’m rich doesn’t mean I can take my money to heaven with me.”

“I know.”

She answers as if it’s the most obvious thing.

“Even if there are risks, as long as Yuto survives, that’s fine. That’s what matters most to me.”

I’m at a loss for words.

“…but what if you die?”

“As long as Yuto is alive, that’s enough for me.”

Yuki gives me a gentle smile as she says so.

I’m at a loss for words.

“But if I can’t afford the hospital bills, would you pay for me, Yuto? I don’t have much savings.”

She laughs jokingly.

How am I supposed to take Yuki’s words? I can’t even bring myself to trust her, but she is willing to risk her life for me?

“…I might not be able to give you anything in return.”

Hearing that, Yuki smiles.

“Yeah. That’s fine. As long as you’re alive, Yuto.”

“Thank you…”

That’s right, there is one more thing I absolutely have to say to Yuki.

“No matter what happens—I will never forgive you if you die, Yuki.”

Tears quietly stream down Yuki’s face as she laughs softly.