It happened so suddenly.
One afternoon during practice for the school festival, Noa Kanzaki collapsed, clutching her chest. Yuto's world shattered into pieces in that moment.
She was rushed to the hospital. Diagnosis: a congenital heart condition that had remained hidden for years. The doctors managed to stabilize her, but she needed months of careful observation and treatment.
The worst part for Yuto wasn't the hospital smell or the sterile walls. It was the rule: visitors limited to family only. Yuto wasn't family—not yet.
He sat outside her room every day after school, clutching his bag tightly, staring at the white door, praying. Aya, Riku, Miyu, Souta, Hikari, and Kenta tried to comfort him, but nothing could fill the void.
Days blurred into nights. Weeks turned into months.
Finally, after three agonizing months, Noa's health improved enough for limited visits.
The final day came. Yuto entered the room slowly, heart pounding.
Noa lay there, thin but smiling, her pink hair cascading over the pillows.
When she saw him, tears welled up. Yuto ran to her side, grabbing her hand.
"Noa…" His voice cracked. "I thought I'd lose you."
She squeezed his hand weakly. "You didn't."
And Yuto cried harder than he ever had—years of fear, worry, and helplessness pouring out.
"I missed you," she whispered, brushing his tears away.
"I missed you more," he sobbed.
The moment felt endless, and for Yuto, it was enough to fill every gap that the months had torn open.
After that day, her friends visited too. Souta Minami, the class prankster; Hikari Shimizu, the soft-spoken girl with dreams of being a doctor; Kenta Arisaka, the future engineer with a kind heart; and Miyu Tanabe, the energy of their group, all gathered around Noa's bed, showering her with gifts and jokes.
Laughter echoed through the hospital room, and little by little, life returned.
By the beginning of summer, Noa was allowed to return to school, albeit carefully.
At first, Yuto was overly protective, shadowing her every step, carrying her bag, even hovering awkwardly during lunch.
"Yuto, I'm not a glass doll," Noa giggled, nudging him.
He scratched his head. "I just… can't help it."
Aya gave a rare smile watching them. Even Riku teased Yuto, slinging an arm around his shoulder.
"She's stronger than you think, buddy."
Slowly, Noa regained her strength. She returned to art class, even participating in the school festival planning. Though the teachers advised caution, her spirit burned brighter than ever.
To celebrate Noa's recovery and the start of summer vacation, their group planned a trip to the beach.
The morning sun gleamed off the ocean as they arrived. The salty breeze tousled everyone's hair, and the crashing waves called them forward.
Yuto wore a simple blue swim shirt and shorts, while Noa wore a light pink swimsuit with a matching sunhat, her emerald eyes sparkling.
Souta immediately began digging a giant sandcastle, roping Hikari into helping. Miyu and Kenta raced to the water, splashing and laughing like little kids.
Noa shyly stepped toward the waves, feeling the cool foam kiss her toes. Yuto followed, careful but close.
"Noa, if you're tired, say it, okay?"
She turned, hands on her hips in mock frustration. "Yuto, if you keep worrying like that, you'll get wrinkles!"
He laughed, lifting her easily in his arms and spinning her gently.
"Yuto! Put me down!" she shrieked between giggles.
"I will… after I make a wish."
He set her down, looking into her eyes. "I wish this moment lasts forever."
She blushed, looking away, her heart hammering—not with fear, but with a happiness so full it hurt.
Later, they played beach volleyball. Aya, surprisingly athletic, scored point after point against Riku. Miyu insisted on teaching Noa how to swim better, while Yuto floated nearby, watching like a vigilant lifeguard.
As the sun dipped lower, they gathered around a bonfire. The smell of roasting marshmallows filled the air. They sang songs, told ghost stories, and laughed till their sides hurt.
When it grew late, and stars dusted the sky, Yuto and Noa wandered a little away from the group, walking along the water's edge.
Noa's hand found Yuto's.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?"
"For being here. For waiting. For crying for me."
Yuto squeezed her hand. "I'd do it a thousand times over."
She leaned her head on his shoulder, and they stood there in silence, the waves whispering promises at their feet.
Summer passed in a blur of memories.
Noa's health continued to improve. Yuto and his friends studied, played, and dreamed together. Aya slowly opened up, often sketching the group when she thought no one noticed. Riku trained harder, aiming to beat Yuto one day. Souta decided he wanted to be a comedian. Miyu talked about becoming an artist. Kenta and Hikari dreamed of college and adventures beyond the city.
And Yuto and Noa… they dreamed of a future together.
One where promises weren't just made under sakura trees, but fulfilled every single day.
Because some loves, like the first bloom of spring, were too strong to ever fade away.
Even against the odds, even through the storms, even when the heartbeat faltered—their love remained.
Unbreakable.