#hanahaki au

[faetima]

guys pls send me requests 😢😢

[denialcity]

for adoration grow - tobiizu unconventional hanahaki au - 600/?

"I am glad for the opportunity to speak with you alone," he said. "And that you are amenable to it." 

And he said it so sincerely, it was always so sincere with this—his enemy. Fucking weirdo. Izuna could kill him so easily like this, just lean over, raiton him in the heart, break his neck, slit the arteries in his thigh. He wouldn't, but he could, in myriad ways. 

"I'm just covering for Madara because he didn't want to move his lazy ass to escort you to go take a piss. Don't make it weird." 

Tobirama's narrow eyes squinted even narrower in confusion. 

[for adoration grow tag] / [chrono tag for browser] / [full live WIP document for my patreons here]

[lovedumbandbroke]

A concept in my head that been rolling around a lot:

Hanahaki, but instead of it being triggered by unrequited love, it's triggered because all the love you have for a person turns inwards because you're too afraid to show it.

So it kills you, not because someone doesn't love you back, but because you don't let it out and all that love you have stored, that could grow into something beautiful, turns on you and turns your insides beautiful.

Love is growth, and without any place for it to grow outside, it grows in. If you confess, reciprocated or not, the disease goes away because it's no longer trapped. It gives self-destruction a new meaning.

[disjointed-art]

Happy Monday!!!

Catch my breath part 3: bloom pages 34-35

It’s finally here! The end!! The idiots did it!!

Now hold onto your butts! I know like me you all must be so struck emotionally by this ending! It’s been a year and two months of blood sweat tears and spite to get us here! All the keeping spoilers zipped tight for me however aren’t quite finished yet…

That’s right! This psycho has an 8 page epilogue in store for you all!!!!!

But that’s not all! This 92 page monstrosity will be getting printed in its own graphic novel!!!! (Not published but you know what I wanna make the damn fan zine dammit!)

So stay tuned! And I’ll be back with the extra 8 pages and news on when the preorder will go live!!

For now thank you all for reading! All your comments and tag notes have been what’s kept me going in order to make this through all the life bs, health shit, and self doubt. Thank you 🌸

Tumblr posts here as always and on kofi here

[goshdanghowdy]

Hanahaki au pt 1/???

Yes I'm still doing pirate au, this is just a fun and hopefully brief aside

(Images broken up to preserve quality)

[casualheizouenjoyers]

- secrets i have held in my heart

featuring: jing yuan, bailu, yanqing, reader

warnings: a bit angsty ig, hanahaki au, blood, sickness, throwing up, coughing and just general sick stuff

Orchids grow where others cannot.

This phrase reigns especially true when orchids begin to grow in your body. Scratching your throat and clogging up your lungs. 

You try to laugh it off as a small cough, a small sickness, as if the whole thing didn’t fill you with dread when you thought about the invasive plant infesting your every breath. 

It isn’t until finally you violently cough over your sink that a bloodied white orchid petal came fluttering out.

Were… you some form of mara struck? You wondered in confusion at the collection of petals that grew with each hack of your lungs. 

The high elder —Bailu— immediately takes up your case. Which is potentially concerning as you’ve gone to about possibly any doctor that will see you for some kind of explanation to your floral fever and none of them have had anything good to say. 

In fact, they have nothing to say about your illness. No one knew what was causing the orchids to bloom, making a home of your decaying body; a pretty parasite taking you ahold. 

The little Vidyadhara girl frowned upon seeing the collection of whole flowers and crumbled petals, all coated with a splattered layer of dried blood. 

Bailu’s eyes squinted as she observed the floral. 

Perhaps, it was some kind of achievement that you had every doctor and healer on the luofu stumped at your conditions? 

It isn’t until you’re coughing out another flower, this time red covering it was still vibrant and liquid, that the healer decided you were some form of mara struck and needed to be monitored closely. Even as she wrote out her prescription and made you promise to come back the next week, you could tell she wasn’t too sure about what she was saying.

That did absolutely nothing to calm your nerves. 

You go home after collecting your prescription and puke out leaves and stems along with the flowers. 

Despite your sickness, work is work, you decided, and working as a tutor was fulfilling for you. You hope —prayed— that the sight of your favorite student, Yanqing, would bring you some form of joy. The lesson went smoothly, though it was clear your student’s mind was up in the clouds, but you didn’t comment about it as yours was rooted deep elsewhere. 

With the closing of the textbook, Yanqing’s eyes light up. 

“Can we swordfight now?” The teenaged boy asked.

You almost said no.

You had realized early on that Yanqing would do his work and pay attention better if you found a way to relate it to swordsmanship, or if you promised that the two of you would spar a little after a lesson. 

There was a growing weakness in your body. It seemed that describing the flowers as a parasite wasn’t inaccurate, as every day went on you felt them drain the energy out of you. 

Yanqing waited for your response.

You nodded, standing up and picking up your sword from where it rested on a wall. Once, you had used it as a cloud knight, now it only ever saw use when teaching the blonde boy. 

Yanqing excitedly ran to the other side of the room, drawing his sword and getting into position. He paused, looking over at you.

When did your eyes become so sunken in? Your hand shook as you held your sword up and it became increasingly clear to Yanqing that you were in no position to swordfight. 

Your student called out your name, a hint of concern in his voice. 

“I— Give me a moment—” You called out, placing a hand on your head as a sudden headache came, making your vision blur and your legs lose balance as you head tumbling for the floor.

Yanqing tossed his sword far away as he slid to catch you. 

Bailu is halfway through her yearly appointment with the general when you come in with Yanqing by your side.

You mumbled apologies for the interruption and swore on your life you were fine. 

You had honestly not realized how bad things had gotten in the few days from the last time you had seen the healer.

Your heart fluttered at the sight of Jing Yuan.

The orchid also fluttered out of your mouth in a set of coughs that leave you out of breath on the ground, Yanqing down at your side again. 

There are multiple voices speaking but your mind can focus on none of them. 

Jing Yuan helped you up and you feel your heart clench up as a choke comes to your throat.

More orchids. 

He whispered to you in a soft voice, trying to help you through this coughing fit as Yanqing explained the situation that had happened just a few minutes before. 

Bailu watched this, shock painted on the girls face as she realized two truths.

You were indeed mara struck, just with a rare mutation that had gone out thousands of years ago. 

You were also in love with the general

and it was going to be the death of you.

[withacapitalp]

Daisies

Read it on ao3 instead

Eddie was never a deep sleeper. Years of living in cars and on couches taught him to always have an ear out. Always be able to wake up in an instant, always be alert, ready to fight whoever might be coming at you. Living with Wayne helped to ease that compulsion a bit, but in general, Eddie was never truly fully relaxed when he slept. Everything that had happened over Spring Break hadn’t helped matters in the slightest. 

So he was awake the second Steve started to choke. 

He was so quick that Steve was still asleep, curled up on his side in the absolutely adorable way that usually made Eddie smile. There was no smile tonight, just an anxious little whimper and a boy frozen in fear, because his partner was choking on nothing and not waking up. 

“Steve?” Eddie whispered, reaching out with a shaking hand and touching Steve’s shoulder. “Baby?” 

Steve continued to gasp, his chest heaving in a strange and awful way as he tried and failed to breathe. Eddie was about to do something more, anything to make him stop, when Steve’s eyes opened. He was the picture of panic for all of two seconds, before he was sitting up, roughly coughing. 

He hacked out a few more harsh sounding noises, before he spat into his open palm, taking a relieved breath as whatever was lodged in his throat came out. Eddie would’ve been relieved too, confused, but okay now that Steve was safe. 

And then he saw what was in Steve’s hand. 

A daisy. Steve had just coughed up a fucking daisy. And, judging by the completely blasé expression he had on his face as he looked down at it, this wasn’t the first time. 

What the fuck?

Eddie had seen Hanahaki before, just once. Some girl in middle school had fallen in love with a dumb jock, a classic move that had felt like a cliche to him at the time. When the jerk rejected her in front of everyone, she had collapsed to her knees in the middle of the cafeteria, spitting out thorny roses till she passed out. 

She lived, but just barely, and had gotten the surgery to remove the roses wrapped around her lungs. By the next week she was happy as a clam, living without a single memory of the incident that had left the rest of the school in total shock. 

Seeing it now gave Eddie the same exact feelings he had all those years ago. A deep sense of discomfort from encroaching on something that incredibly intimate, an odd mix of revulsion and jealousy, and a deep seated wish to be anywhere but where he was at this moment. 

It was even worse now that it was Steve. 

His boyfriend slid out of bed, quietly padding over to the ensuite without even so much as a glance Eddie’s way, leaving behind the flower. Steve didn’t shut the door all the way, so Eddie could hear him cough a few more times. As he did, Eddie picked up the daisy, examining it. 

It was just a regular daisy, white as snow except for a few spots of blood sitting innocently on its petals. Nothing special about it, nothing significant. Apart from the fact that it was Steve’s daisy.  

Steve’s daisy for someone that wasn’t him. 

“Who?” Eddie asked when Steve came back into view looking utterly exhausted. His voice was flat, lacking any of the emotion he usually had. It was like someone had torn his heart out, and now he was just hollow, hollow, hollow. 

Steve hummed in confusion, quirking his head to the side as he leaned his entire body against the doorway, blinking slowly. 

“Who is it?” Eddie clarified, holding up the daisy. Any trace of sleepiness vanished from Steve’s features. He stood up painfully straight, even took a step back, like Eddie had screamed instead of whispered. 

“I’m not mad,” Eddie rushed to say, trying to calm Steve’s quiet panic. He wasn’t mad, his heart was just shattering, falling to pieces on the floor between them. Was that better? “I…I just want to know.” 

He didn’t just want to, he had to. He had to know who had stolen Steve’s heart, or if it had ever been his to claim in the first place. Had Steve had the daisies the entire time? Was he just humoring Eddie anytime he said he loved him? Eddie didn’t want to think that Steve had entered into their relationship out of pity, or some sense of obligation, but any and all confidence Eddie had previously had flew out the window the second that daisy had appeared. 

Were they from Nancy?

“I don’t wanna talk about it,” Steve muttered, avoiding eye contact as he played with a loose thread on his pajama pants. 

He looked oddly vulnerable there, half dressed and making himself smaller than he was, hiding in the doorway instead of curling up in Eddie’s arms where he belonged. On any other night, Eddie would coax him to bed with promises and teasing little jabs that made him both laugh. 

But not tonight. Tonight there were daisies in the bathroom sink and one in Eddie’s hand ruining everything they had built. 

“I deserve to know when my own boyfriend is in love with someone else,” Eddie hissed, harsher than he meant to. There was a bitter taste in his mouth, and fuck, maybe he was mad. Not really at Steve, but at the world. The chaotic black universe that they lived in, whatever awful god lived out in the cosmos that had chosen to damn him specifically. 

Whatever deity existed that loved to give Eddie good things and snatch them away the second he got comfortable. 

“They aren’t- I’m not in love with someone else,” Steve protested weakly, still looking anywhere but at Eddie. 

Eddie scoffed, holding up the daisy between them, pinching it in between his thumb and forefinger like it was something exceptionally disgusting to hold. He had the rabid urge to tear the flower to shreds, destroy it before it could destroy everything they had. 

“It’s not like that,” Steve insisted stubbornly, finally looking up at Eddie with fiery eyes. He went to keep going but the determination disappeared and an odd expression overtook Steve’s features. He braced himself against the door frame, bringing one hand up to his mouth as another bout of coughing overtook him. 

Eddie watched Steve struggle, losing any of the merciless rage that had been rushing through his veins as he watched the love of his life attempt to take a breath. When Steve slid slowly to the floor, Eddie was there, kneeling beside him with a soft hand on his shoulder. 

“What can I do? Do you need me to call someone? You need a hospital, don’t you? This is serious, and you can’t breathe. Should I start doing CPR or the Heimlich or-” Eddie cut himself off with a jolt, biting his tongue to stop any more panicked rambles from escaping. 

He was spending way too much time around Robin. 

Steve shook his head, still coughing. Two more daisies tumbled out into his hand before he dragged a long breath in, letting his head tip back and hit against the jamb. 

“I took my meds,” Steve whispered, his voice ragged and painful sounding, “It’ll clear up. I just have to get out any ones that actually sprouted. It’s not dangerous, it just hurts.”

He said it so plainly, in such a Steve way. Like it didn’t matter at all that it hurt, or that it seemed pretty goddamn scary to choke on daisies on the regular. 

Despite everything that was happening, Eddie let out a soft little incredulous laugh, reaching over and kissing Steve’s forehead. It was probably a strange thing to do, all things considered, but Steve was smiling now, giving Eddie a starry eyed look that made it all inexplicably feel okay. 

“How long have you- why not just get the surgery?” Eddie asked, reaching out and grabbing the hand that wasn’t currently full of daisy blossoms, “It’s way safer-“

“No,” Steve said, soft, but firm. He carefully placed the blooms down next to them, toying with the petals before squeezing Eddie’s fingers and rubbing the column of his throat, his eyes far far away. “I won’t.”

Won’t. Not can’t. Steve would not do it, which meant whoever they were for mattered to him. Hanahaki surgery was one hundred percent- not only did it get rid of the flowers, but the emotions that had caused them in the first place. You never remembered the person who had made them grow. 

Eddie quickly ran through their friends, all of the people in Steve’s life. He could only think of one person who Steve could be in love with, one person who didn’t love him back. At least, not the way Steve probably wanted her to. 

“Nancy,” Eddie stated rather than asked, already knowing the answer. Steve still loving Nancy wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Nancy had made it clear that she didn’t love Steve like that, and they had both moved on. Maybe Steve could still love Eddie part of the way like this, maybe that could be enough. Having a bit of Steve’s heart was better than none at all. 

But Steve shook his head, still fiddling with the petals of his daisies. 

“I told you, it’s not like that,” Steve whispered, looking utterly miserable. He coughed half-heartedly, but no flowers emerged. When Steve was done he sighed, closing his eyes and worrying his lip the way he always did when he was trying to keep his emotions steady. 

Eddie was missing something. Something obvious. It should have been a big glaring neon sign right in front of him with the most basic answer in the world. But try as he might, he still couldn’t see who the daisies would be for if not Nancy. 

Who else could Steve love that didn’t love him back? 

He should stop asking. This wasn’t the time. His boyfriend was in pain in every way, and Steve didn’t need to be interrogated. They had all the time in the world, Eddie needed to just drop it. Steve would tell him, eventually. He always did. Getting secrets from Steve took a long time, but he always gave in at some point. Eddie just had to be patient, and kind, and everything Steve was so good at. 

“Then what’s it like?” Eddie asked anyway, his curiosity overtaking the selfless part of him that was cursing his own name. 

Steve contemplated his answer for a long time, spitting up another daisy before he finally began to speak. 

“When I was in third grade, our teacher had us raise caterpillars into butterflies to teach us about life cycles. Did you ever do that?”

“No,” Eddie immediately replied, confused and slightly irritated by the sudden change of path. What did butterflies have to do with Steve’s love life? 

“We should do it together. It was fun,” Steve said, a wistful little smile on his face as he stared out in the distance, “Everyone got their own glass jar with twigs and leaves and all that, and one little green caterpillar. We could name them whatever we wanted, and Miss Katie would put their name on the jar so we would know who’s was who’s. I named mine Beatrix after the woman who wrote my favorite story.” 

None of this mattered. Was Steve trying to distract him? It wasn’t usually the way he did things, but Eddie had also never expected he was hiding something like this. 

“Wh-“

“Eventually she became a butterfly,” Steve continued, steamrolling past Eddie’s attempt at asking what the hell was going on. He was speaking, and he wouldn’t let himself be interrupted. Eddie settled back, trying to hide how annoyed he was. 

“Beatrix was a monarch. She was so pretty, Eddie, I wanted to keep her forever. But Miss Katie said we had to let them go, or they would die. So we all brought our jars home, to let them free with our parents.” Steve was forced to stop here, another vicious round of choking producing three daisies, all bloodied. He placed them in a row with the other three, all six staring up accusingly at Eddie, like he was the reason they had appeared. 

But he wasn’t. That was the whole problem. 

“I knew exactly what I was going to do. There was this patch of daisies at the end of our garden. My mom had planted them when she and my dad first got married, and they were her favorite flowers. I thought she would like to let Beatrix live there, so we could see her till she flew away.” Steve explained. 

Eddie had seen the daisies before. The garden itself was mostly gone by now, just empty plots of dirt with chicken wire around them, but the daisies were still there. They had lasted almost till November, pretty drops of white that stubbornly bloomed for as long as they could. 

They looked just like the flowers Steve was coughing up. 

A dark pit started to form in Eddie’s stomach as he took in the implications, the dots beginning to form a macabre picture that made him wish he had listened to his better instincts before. He shouldn’t have asked, he shouldn’t have pressed, Steve should have told him this story when he was ready. 

But…maybe this was a blessing in disguise. Maybe Steve would have carried this alone forever. 

“When I got home my parents were already gone. They had something they had to do, I can’t even remember what it was. The sitter was supposed to get there in an hour, but I was by myself. Just me and my butterfly,” Steve cut himself off with a single laugh that sounded more like a gasped out sob, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is so stupid.”

“No,” Eddie said firmly, holding Steve’s hand in a death grip, reaching out and taking the other one too just for good measure, pulling it away from his face so he couldn’t hurt himself, “it isn’t.” 

Steve gave him a millisecond long smile, instantly going back to the somber mask he was wearing before. 

“I wasn’t supposed to play outside if my parents weren’t home, but why should I listen? They weren’t here. They left again. My mom left again. She never used to leave before that year, but it felt like all she did was leave then. I went outside and over to the daisies, and I sat in front of them, just… just wanting my mama. Wanting her to come back, wanting her here with me, wanting her to love the daisies again like she used to,” Steve said, ducking his head down and lowering his voice till it was almost nothing. 

They both knew he didn’t just mean the daisies, but neither mentioned it. 

“I can still remember it, the first one. I thought I just had to cry, but couldn’t for some reason. Then I realized I already was crying, and there was still that feeling. The one you get when your throat closes, and you can’t breathe because there’s something blocking it up,” Steve untangled from Eddie, reaching up to his throat again. 

Eddie had seen him do it a thousand times. He had thought it was related to the bats, some phantom feeling of a tail still wrapped around his neck trying to strangle him. Even given a million years, Eddie never would have gotten to the truth. 

“I coughed up a flower. A daisy. It looked just like the ones right in front of me. I thought I was dreaming, but then I couldn’t stop coughing. I woke up by myself in the hospital,” Steve said, finishing his story with a whisper and a bitter little smile. 

“Steve,” Eddie breathed, trailing off. He had no idea what to say, how to try and help. He needed to help, needed to do something, but what could Eddie do in the face of over a decade of knowing his love for his mother was unrequited? 

“I love you,” Steve said, still reassuring Eddie, because that was who he was. He cared about everyone so much more than he cared about himself, even when they didn’t deserve it. “These don’t- they’re-“

“I understand,” Eddie replied, cutting Steve off as he reached over and pulled his boyfriend into his arms. Steve went easily, tucking himself against Eddie’s chest as he shook with another round of coughs. “Well I don’t know if I could ever understand, but I love you, and I’m here.” 

The coughs subsided, but Steve’s shoulders continued to shake. Eddie hugged him impossibly closer, laying his cheek on the top of Steve’s head and closing his eyes to block out the image of the daisies. 

“I love you. I love you, and I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

[just-j-really]

While I'm on the subject of Dreamling-does-tropes-wrong:

Hanahaki au where Hob's the one with hanahaki. Because I think however you set it up Hob refuses to play by the rules of the genre and the potential there is like catnip to me.

"The cure is confessing your love" variant? Hob's just like "Well fuck this actually" and tells Dream he loves him the moment he starts coughing up flowers. And there's so much potential there!

-Poor Hob tries to confess to Dream every time they interact and something keeps getting in his way- he falls in love in 1689, in 1789 they get interrupted, in 1889 he gets halfway through a confession and Dream YOU DAREs him, in 1989 he gets stood up. In 2022 Dream shows up at his table in the New Inn and Hob just blurts out "I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU" before Dream has the chance to actually say anything.

-Modern day, post-reunion, Dream doesn't want to intrude on Hob's life but he does want to see him more so he decides to go for the totally rational move of using his Dream-powers to spy on Hob- which means he gets a front-row seat to Hob slowly succumbing to hanahaki the second their meeting ends. All of Hob's friends/coworkers/acquaintances are REAL worried for him, but he's just like "it's seriously nbd I'll just tell him next time I see him." Dream is also REAL worried while spying from afar, but eventually goes to Hob in person to beg him to confess to whoever he's in love with. (Could be very serious and emotional, could play like that one "just tell them you love them" "alright. hey, I love you." "yes, like that!" meme.)

-Hob blurts out a love confession at... literally any of their canonical meetings, and the rest of the fic is dealing with the fallout. I think the simplest way to do this is 1889, with the confession standing in for "I think you're lonely." I think the most interesting way to do this is 1489, because so much would change. I think the FUNNIEST way to do this is 1589, yes Hob is still married.

But then you can also do the "the cure is having your love requited" variant, where Hob suffers through several centuries with an incurable lung disease. One of his most treasured dreams is that someone will come up with a cure (but for Plot reasons it keeps just not happening, like someone does come up with a cure but the side effects just aren't worth it if you can technically survive having flowers in your lungs. And/or he's never found a doctor he trusted not to freak out if he died and came back on the operating table).

And then you've got options such as:

-Dream falls in love in 1689, and either they start up a relationship right then, or they spend several centuries where Hob thinks they're in a relationship (his feelings were returned, of course they are!) and Dream thinks he's pining hopelessly for Hob, who could never love him

-Dream Does Not realize that Hob is in love with him (and in fact thinks Hob just keeps getting hanahaki, over and over, for different people, and wonders why Death saddled him with the world's Messiest human). And then he falls in love with Hob.

-Dream DOES realize Hob is in love with him. Unfortunately, he falls in love with Hob (or more realizes that what he was feeling WAS love) while fishbowled. Fortunately, Hob notices the lack of flowers, gets worried about what that means (because if his Stranger returns his feelings then why isn't he here? the flowers can't be gone because he's dead, Hob refuses to believe it). Cue a fishbowl rescue!

-Dream falls in love with Hob post-fishbowl, but is in denial about his ow feelings and assumes Hob found a workable cure sometime while he was fishbowled, or got over him. He's VERY SAD about this and can't figure out why. Hob is busy googling 'how to ask out a guy who i empirically know likes me back but only looks at me mournfully when i try to flirt'

Like I want to write this fic so bad but there are so many directions i want to go with it...

[mochinomnoms]

A Floral Inconvenience

You came into Twisted Wonderland with nothing but the clothes on your back, a literally fiery cat, and an immune system not conditioned to handle the foreign antibodies in the air, earth, or water. It was honestly a miracle that you hadn’t caught some sort of incurable disease, probably because most diseases here required magical output to survive, like plants and water. You weren’t immune to your own feelings though, and magical disease and illnesses have a funny way of adapting themselves to their potential host. It was then that you found yourself prepared for springtime hay fever and allergies, after all pollen was pollen no matter where you were at. What was unexpected, and thus not prepared for, was the disease known as hanahaki, or the flower sickness. Long ago, there existed a family of mages that lived in a small mountain village deep within a jungle that was established by a family of mages. The family protected their village with fantastical and magical abilities, each unique and extraordinary as generation from generation grew. One of those mages, the Flower Bride, had the ability to grow a magnificent array of flora with just the wave of her hand! Flor de mayo, jacarandas, figs and vines all made their home with the Flower Bride. She had a heart so full of feelings, love for her home, family, and her beloved, of course, that her very emotions affected how dazzling those blooms were. The Flower Bride then decided that others should be able to demonstrate their love in the same beauteous display as she did: after all, who wouldn’t want their love developing into only the most lovely blooms? As such, hanahaki was born. Some see it was a blessing, a push, an opportunity for one to confront their feelings. It’s a realization that what they’re feeling is indeed true, the type of love that can only be achieved in fairytales. Others saw it as an inconvenience: after all, sometimes it just wasn’t the right time to confess your love, or they’d be coughing up petals mid-speech, kind of annoying honestly. Yet the sickness would continue until they acknowledge their feelings, the love died down, or it became a chronic illness. Officially dubbed hanahaki by researchers in the East, the disease was also referred to as the flower sickness, being twitterpated, and sometimes even the lovesick florae by the general population. The most commonly afflicted persons fit into two categories: the positively, without a doubt, enamored sort, the twitterpated or lovesick sort of folk. Or, they were the kind to bury their feelings deep deep down and just one day die. It wasn’t unique to any singular species either. It had adapted to afflict humans, beastmen, and even merfolk. Why, not even fae were immune despite their natural immunity to magical disease. Really, it shouldn’t have been any surprise that the emotionally stunted students of Night Raven College would be prime targets for their own bout of hanahaki.

An event to christen the creation of my blog! Please feel free to request or use for your own!

Requests Close 10/20/2023

Rules

Anyone can use this event and prompts on their own blog! Tag me in so I can read all your stories!

This event will be for TWST on my end, others are free to use for whatever they'd like!

All request will be up to 2000+ words, with a max of 3 characters per request.

Chose up one prompt for each character and indicate if you want romantic or platonic. You can also indicate if you want fluff, hurt/comfort, suggestive, etc.

No NSFW for this event (on my end at least, everyone else go nuts)

Reader will default to gender-neutral unless asked otherwise

Dialogue Prompts

“Why is your trash can full of flower petals? Are you secretly a botanist, or is there something you're not telling me?”

“So, I hear you've been coughing up daisies lately. Got any plans to enter the flower business?”

“You know you have it bad when you start sneezing petals every time your crush walks by. At least it's a colorful allergy!”

“I can't believe you're faking a cough just to get some attention. And you're using fake flowers for the petals? That's commitment!”

“I think the local florist is in love with me. Their shop is making a killing off my Hanahaki. Do you think they'll give me a discount?”

“You've got to stop sending secret admirer bouquets to yourself. The delivery guy is starting to think you have a dozen secret admirers.”

“I've heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve, but wearing petals in your hair is a whole new level of fashion statement.”

“I have a steady, loving partner. you on the other hand have a left hand and a sunflower cough.”

“Why'd I have to get a nose full of lilies? I'm allergic, this is so unfair.”

“You think with all the lavender on my head I could make my own syrup out of it?”

“No, I've been practicing my sleight of hand! Watch as I make a bouquet of tulips magically appear—ACK!”

“No, I haven't been growing marigolds out of my ass. Why would you even ask that?!”

“Here, your favorite flower! Hmm? Where'd I get them? Uh, I just found them, around…”

“I'd rather have the thorniest, pesticide ridden roses grow in my mouth before I'd ever admit having any sort of affection for them!”

“Sooo, are you gonna apologize for puking dahlias all over my breakfast?”

“I've never heard of a flower sickness, are you talking about seasonal allergies?”

“Look, even if confessing would let me get rid of the poppies, I'd rather not. Maybe I'll just learn how to make poppy seed muffins or something.”

“Is this normal here?” “Only for the emotionally unavailable folk.” “Ah, so it is.”

“Dude, are your freckles turning into baby's breath?” “AHH!”

“Aren't lotus flowers really good for your skin? Babeeey, I'm set for life—” “NOT WHEN THEY'RE GROWING OUT OF YOUR EARS!”

“Look, I care for you and want you to get laid, but imagine all the money we'd save on tea if you kept growing chamomile from your head.”

“Blehhhg…” “You know I always knew I'd be holding your hair back as you puked your stomach out at a party, I thought it be from the alcohol though, not flowers.”

“You know, some people pay a lot of money for Hanahaki bouquets, have you considered—OW! It was just a suggestion!”

“I'm so happy that you confessed first.” “Why?” “If I had to dig out another hydrangea petal from my teeth, I was gonna lose it.”

“Man, sunflowers have got to be the worst to be puking up.” “Nah man, it's roses and their thorns! They scrap up all up your gums, my dentist bill after was ridiculous!”

🌸 a floral inconvenience masterlist 🌸

gardenias & peonies: silver x f!reader – #13

stargazer lilies: sebek zigvolt x f!reader – #5

dahlias; zinnias & cosmos: ruggie bucchi, trey clover, [separate] x gn!reader - #15, #1

teonanácatl mushrooms: jade leech x gn!reader - #18

lavender roses: floyd leech x gn!reader - #14

lavender: azul ashengrotto x gn!reader - #18

marigold: vil schoenheit, platonic!ace trappola x gn!reader - #7 & #12

blue hydrangeas: idia shroud x f!reader - #24

baby's breath & red roses: riddle rosehearts x f!reader - #14 & #19 [QUEUED]

amaryllis: lilia vanrouge x gn!reader - #1 [PENDING]

carnations: leona kingscholar x gn!reader - #18 [PENDING]

asters; purple hydrangeas: ace trappola, jamil viper [spearate] x gn!reader - #22, #24 [PENDING]

gerbera daisies: trey clover x gn!reader - #3 [PENDING]

orange poppies & water lilies: azul ashengrotto x gn!reader - #17 [PENDING]

sunflowers: jack howl x gn!reader - #8 [PENDING]

chrysanthemums: jamil viper x gn! reader - #1 [PENDING]

green roses: malleus draconia x gn!reader - #13 & #14 [PENDING]

pink poppies & cala lilies: jamil viper x gn!reader - #17 & #22 [PENDING]

sunflowers: leona kingscholar x f!reader - #8 [PENDING]

BONUS:

azaleas, cornflowers, & white roses: ace trappola, deuce space [poly] x gn! reader - #6, #3, & #22 [PENDING]

[faetima]

𝐝𝐥𝐦𝐥𝐮 (𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝) . .

. . you have hanahaki, a severe case of shyness, and a crush on scaramouche, and scaramouche is an absolute jerk.

// tws ; blood ; gn reader ; hanahaki & modern au ; slight cursing 

a/n: first time posting here yippee (pls be nice)

you sobbed, heaving up stupid yellow carnations while sitting on the cold, hard floor of the school bathroom.

you wretched up the damned flowers. they fell ungracefully into the toilet which sat in front of you.

your knees hurt from sitting on them for so long.

if only you could tell him how you felt. it would finally all be over, one way or another. maybe with your feelings being requited.

or maybe with you choking to death, the only thing with you while you die being the stupid fucking flowers.

you coughed again, pale yellow petals fluttering to the ground elegantly.

it was a stark contrast to how, just moments after that, you were coughing your lungs out, flowers flopping down into the toilet in large clumps; stuck together by mucus and blood.

you wheezed and wheezed and wheezed until it felt like there was nothing left in your lungs and your throat was burning and your knees were bruised.

you sobbed and sobbed and sobbed until there were no more tears left.

you coughed and coughed and coughed to the point you thought maybe just dying would be better than this fucking hell.

you curled into a ball, crying. crystalline tears ran down your cheeks, falling onto your clothes, the ground, anything.

if only you could fucking talk. why were you like this? why were you fine with your friends, but so terrified to talk to anyone? to everyone?

to him?

maybe, just maybe, if you were different you wouldn’t be in this situation.

if only you weren’t so pathetic, so stupid, so scared.

you hated yourself. you hated yourself so, so much. who the fuck was this terrified to talk to people, but opened up so easily once others talked to them?

maybe you should just confess and get it all over with.

—

you opted to just give him a letter anonymously. 

who knew if he would even read it? he received dozens of confessions everyday.

even if he did read it, it couldn’t be that bad, right?

—

if you could, you would eat up your words.

it was much, much worse than you thought.

he had ripped open the envelope, immediately reading the letter with a scowl.

he wasn’t even halfway through when he burst out laughing.

”what the fuck is this?” he snickered, holding onto his locker so he wouldn’t fall from how hard he was laughing.

”what pathetic fucking weirdo confesses from an anonymous letter? are they too terrified to say it to my fuckin’ face?”

he continued reading the letter.

when he was done, he crumpled it up and threw it away behind him, still laughing.

”that’s so goddamn stupid.”

unfortunately, the crumpled up letter hit you on your head.

not embarrassing, right?

well, it wasn’t until scaramouche saw it had hit you.

”oh, sorry,” he exclaimed in a voice dripping with mock sweetness.

”didn’t see you there.”

it would’ve been fine until his next comment, which you unfortunately overheard.

”these dumb fucking bitches. they’re so stupid, can’t even move out of the way. what are they, blind?” he muttered under his breath, tone condescending.

you burst into tears right then and there, unable to stop the overflow of emotions.

you walked away as quick as you could, wanting to kill yourself right there.

”so emotional, and over what?”

his laugh rang down the hallway, following and taunting you.

—

you don’t know what had come over you that day. before that you had always tried to keep your emotions in check, always tried to stop the tears from coming out in front of people you didn't know.

maybe hearing your crush degrade and insult you had just struck a chord or something.

—

weak coughs wracked your frail body, using up the little energy you had left.

you were on your death bed (quite literally! you were laying on your bed while dying).

honey yellow flowers surrounded you, their sickly sweet scent making you feel nauseous.

you choked up another batch of the flaxen flowers, watching them flop forward onto your bed sheets, staining them a dull crimson because of the blood on them.

with half lidded eyes, you stared at the carnations. your mind was hazy, and your vision blurred.

if you recalled correctly, they symbolized disdain and rejection.

how fitting.

[xyeniavodka]

He died, guess no more bendy x cuphead anymore

[weirdlynne]

reposting this hanahaki au that i worked so hard for because we all love to see it again and we all need the soff

EDIT!!!

since you guys likes this so much, have an old doodle of blushy luci with flowers on his head

[disjointed-art]

Happy Monday!!!!

Catch my breath part 3: bloom pages 32 & 33

Montage time!

I’m gonna cry! There are only the final pages after this! It’s finally finishing! The year long project that was meant to be 20 pages is coming to an end at a total of 80 with a whole fake medical pamphlet and a planned epilogue to come of another few pages. Ahhhh ok no sap just yet I’ll hold it off one more week.

Tumblr posts here

Kofi with each part in a labeled gallery here for free but tips are always greatly appreciated 🥰💕

Ahhhhh guess I’ll see you all again next week for the fine conclusion of Catch my Breath!

🌸🌸🌸

[edenesth]

Speak Now

Pairing: childhood friend!Yeosang x fem!reader

AU: hanahaki au

Word Count: 11.6k

Summary: In love with Yeosang since young, you kept your feelings to yourself in fear of ruining your friendship. Like a fool, you suffered alone as the Hanahaki disease slowly consumed you while you watched him propose to his long-time girlfriend. What happens when Yeosang struggles to take his eyes off you on his wedding day and realises that this union might be a mistake?

ATEEZ Masterlist

〚 Hanahaki Disease 〛

— An illness born from unrequited love, where the patient’s throat will fill with flowers. They will then throw and cough up the petals, sometimes even a whole flower.

— One of the only ways for the disease to ‘disappear’ is if the object of the patient's affection returns the feelings. It cannot be resolved with friendship, it has to be genuine feelings of romantic love.

— The infection can also be removed through surgery, though the feelings will disappear along with the petals.

If the patient refuses surgery or the feelings are not returned in time, their lungs will fill up with flowers and eventually suffocate.

Time sure as hell flies even when you're suffering.

Because the next thing you know, it's been years since you were diagnosed with the Hanahaki disease.

Gazing down at the bloody petals staining your palm, you swallowed painfully, determined to wash away the evidence of your illness in the bathroom and not let anyone find out.

Especially not when Yeosang and his girlfriend, Arin, were waiting patiently outside at the cafe for you. With your eyes squeezed shut, you pressed your hands against your temples, once again reminded of the cruel reality that the love of your life did not feel the same way for you.

It all began about a decade ago.

Initially, you and Yeosang were just new neighbours, brought together when your family relocated to Seoul due to your father's job. Later, you discovered that you attended the same school, and Yeosang, ever the kind soul, became your first friend.

You have been inseparable since childhood, sharing secrets, dreams, and countless adventures together.

But as the years passed, your affection for him slowly blossomed into something deeper, something you kept hidden, fearing it would taint your beautiful friendship.

Upon the realisation of your feelings for him, you had been hopeful at first. All the while, you'd think to yourself that he would one day return your feelings and you would eventually end up together. But you couldn't deny the bitter truth any longer when you began coughing up those crimson-tinged petals.

The doctor's grim confirmation, coupled with Yeosang's excited announcement about mustering the courage to ask Arin out, served as clear answers to all the questions that had plagued your mind.

Witnessing his overwhelming happiness when Arin agreed to be his girlfriend, you couldn't bear to shatter that joy for him. Above all else, you'd rather face death than jeopardise your cherished friendship by revealing your feelings or the devastating truth of your disease.

For as long as you can remember, the pain of coughing up these petals has become your painful secret, something you've grown used to enduring in silence by now.

Come on, you can do this.

You made a determined effort to steady your trembling hands as you reapplied your makeup, doing your absolute best to conceal any trace of paleness or sickness on your face.

The last thing you wanted was for Yeosang, or perhaps even Arin, to detect any hint of your sickness. Over all these years, you had successfully fooled everyone, including your own parents, and you were set in your commitment to maintain that facade.

You were fully prepared to carry your secret to the grave, if it ever came to that.

"Is it just me, or do you seem to be taking longer in the bathroom these days?" Yeosang wondered aloud, deep in thought. You froze, carefully controlling your expression to avoid raising further suspicion.

Arin nodded in agreement before the two of them playfully exchanged grins in your direction, "You know, you can always tell us if you've been busy chatting with Jongho. There's no need to hide in the bathroom for that—we'd understand."

Your shoulders slumped in relief and you rolled your eyes when you realised they were simply teasing you about your colleague once again, "Honestly, how many times do I have to tell you idiots that there's absolutely nothing going on between me and the guy?"

Yeosang couldn't help but snort rather ungracefully as he took a sip of his drink, "Sure, you might think that, but Jongho's not exactly subtle. I'm telling you, the dude's totally whipped for you."

Good god, I sure as hell hope not.

If that truly were the case, you knew you'd have to put a swift end to it before it spiralled out of control. The last thing you wanted was for Jongho to suffer the same fate as you, he was too kind a soul to deserve such torture.

However, deep down, you were convinced that Jongho was simply an exceptionally friendly person. You didn't think he acted any differently towards you compared to other people at work. At this point, it just seemed more like Yeosang and Arin's attempt to get you out of your neverending cycle of singlehood.

The couple had been pestering you for years to find a boyfriend. This wasn't the first time they'd jumped to such hasty conclusions. It seemed that every time they noticed a guy being a tad more attentive or friendly, they instantly started shipping you with him.

In fact, if your memory served you correctly, Jongho was already taken and entirely off the market.

"Don't be ridiculous, Yeo. He's got a girlfriend."

Yeosang nearly choked on his drink upon hearing this revelation, "Wait- what?! Okay, that's a major red flag then. Why on earth is he being so attentive to you, huh?"

You rolled your eyes, slapping your palm against your forehead, "I've told you, he's just naturally nice to everyone. You two are the ones always reading too much into things."

Arin pouted at you, "Oh man, I was really hoping we had some sort of magical persuasion power to turn nothing into something!" You glared at the both of them, watching as they sheepishly rubbed their necks.

Their attempts at humour fell flat.

"I knew it. I always thought it was strange how you two were so insistent about there being something between me and Jongho."

The lighthearted banter continued for a while longer, with your friends enthusiastically brainstorming potential matches and suggesting other guys they could introduce you to.

Casting a swift glance at her phone, Arin perked up with excitement, "Oh, I've got to run, my friends just arrived! It's girls' night, so don't wait up for me, Yeo. I'll catch you two later!" You smiled warmly at your friend's girlfriend, giving a slight wave before discreetly looking away as the couple shared a quick kiss, "Sure thing, babe. Call me if you need anything, yeah?"

"Bye, Arin. Have fun, and I'll see you soon!" You concealed the ache in your heart behind a radiant smile.

The truth was, Yeosang's girlfriend was an absolute sweetheart, and you could completely understand why he had fallen for her.

As much as it pained you to admit, they were a perfect couple. This was precisely what made the situation so bittersweet—witnessing their happiness together was painful, yet you couldn't muster any ill feelings towards Arin.

It was an agonisingly cruel paradox.

She had, in some ways, become like a sister to you, and you genuinely wanted to be happy for the two of them. But the clash between your feelings for Yeosang and the incessant pain in your chest, caused by the growing flowers, made it exceptionally difficult.

You could only watch with a heavy heart as Yeosang escorted his girlfriend out of the cafe and witnessed their affectionate farewell, complete with another parting kiss.

Upon returning to his seat across from you, he did a rather poor job of concealing his bubbling excitement. An internal sigh escaped you as you yearned for him to exhibit such enthusiasm when thinking about you.

"So, what is it?" You asked, watching as Yeosang arched an eyebrow, a curious expression on his face, "What do you mean?"

You crossed your arms, your tone laced with a hint of impatience, "You obviously brought me out today to discuss something, and given that you didn't bring it up in front of Arin, I'm assuming it's related to her. Now that she's gone, spill the beans."

He nodded slowly, somewhat impressed.

"You really are my oldest friend; you know me so well," He said theatrically, wiping away a fake tear. You smacked his arm, annoyed, "Can you please just get to the point already?"

It wasn't your intention to become so exasperated with him, but the ache in your chest was intensifying, and you worried that it wouldn't be long before you'd have to excuse yourself to cough up more petals. You were just determined not to raise suspicion.

You also couldn't quite pinpoint the reason, but a sense of dread was slowly creeping over you as you waited for him to reveal whatever it was he wanted to say.

He chuckled, raising his hands in surrender, "Alright, alright." He conceded. With a mischievous smile, he bit down on his lip.

"I'm planning to propose to Arin, and I need your help."

Fighting back the urge to clutch your chest in agony, you forced a smile, determined not to let the pain show on your face. Your hands rested on your thigh, and your fingers dug into your jeans with such intensity that you worried about tearing the fabric.

"Oh my god, I... God, I'm so happy for you, Yeo!"

Tears welled up in your eyes, and your friend cooed at your emotional reaction, believing it was a sign of your genuine happiness. Little did he know, your tears were for entirely different reasons than he might think.

"Will you marry me?"

Those were words that had only existed in the realm of your dreams, words you knew you'd never hear spoken to you by this man.

It was with a heavy heart that you stood on the sidelines, an invisible spectator, as Yeosang took the plunge and proposed to Arin. A shuddering exhale escaped your lips, your breath trembling as you watched her joyful and resolute nod.

"Yes, yes! A thousand times, yes!"

Your chest ached, and you struggled to suppress the tears that threatened to spill from your eyes. The pain was excruciating, akin to a thousand needles piercing your heart, yet you forced yourself to smile, to be genuinely happy for the two people who meant the world to you.

As Yeosang slipped the ring onto Arin's finger, sealing their love with a promise of forever, you wrestled with your own emotions.

Your heartbreak was palpable, like a storm raging within you, but you couldn't let it mar the joyous occasion. You had to be the friend they deserved, the one who would celebrate their love with an open heart.

So, you smiled through the tears, tears that were not just a testament to your pain but also a tribute to their happiness. It was a complex dance of emotions—your own heartbreak twirling with the happiness you felt for them, a delicate balance that you had learned to navigate over the years.

And at that moment, as you watched them embrace, you couldn't help but wonder if love, even unrequited, had a purpose beyond our comprehension—a purpose that allowed you to witness the beauty of their union, even if it came at the cost of your own silent suffering.

Why am I so bothered? It's not like I ever stood a chance.

You stepped away from the scene, needing a moment to collect yourself. As you wiped away the tears that had welled up, you noticed Wooyoung approaching. He had been Yeosang's closest friend throughout your school years, and over time, he had become a good friend of yours as well.

"Hey, you good? Not gonna lie, you looked a little sick back there." He said, concern etched in his expression.

Panicking, you forced a wide smile, "Oh, I'm fine! I was just really touched. I mean, can you believe they're finally getting married? They've been together for so long. It's about damn time, am I right?"

But Wooyoung didn't seem convinced by the act.

He could see right through your facade, noticing your paleness and the handkerchief you clutched so tightly, not for tears, but for a certain type of bloodied flower petals.

"You know, I had my suspicions back in high school, but I didn't want to say anything for Arin's sake. But I'm worried about you," He said hesitantly, "You... you're in love with him, aren't you?"

You struggled to maintain your composure, choosing to act as if you didn't understand what he was getting at. The last thing you wanted was to have this conversation at such a momentous event. But you also understood that Wooyoung was genuinely concerned for your well-being.

"That's absurd, Woo! Are you even listening to yourself?" You let out a forced laugh, playfully slapping his shoulder repeatedly, "Me? In love with Kang Yeosang? How could you even think to suggest such a thing? Ew!" You pretended to gag.

"Seriously though, I'm fine. It's probably just that time of the month for me, okay? Ugh, I can't believe you made me admit that. If I looked sick, it's probably because I'm losing blood down there, ya know?"

Wooyoung cleared his throat, clearly flustered by the unexpected turn in your conversation, "Sheesh, too much information, woman! Fine, I'll choose to believe you... for now. You know you can always talk to me, right? You're one of my closest friends, aside from Yeo. If you ever need anything, I'm here."

You nodded and forced a smile, struggling to blink back your tears and swallow the lump in your throat.

No one had been aware of your condition all this while, and Wooyoung's concern meant more to you than he could ever know. However, you couldn't bring yourself to admit it to him. That would make everything too real, and you weren't ready to face that truth just yet.

Truth be told, Wooyoung didn't buy your reasoning.

He had accepted it more out of reluctance to press further and make you feel uncomfortable. He understood that there was no use in forcing the truth out of you; he could only wait for the moment when you'd choose to confide in him about your predicament.

For the time being, all he wanted was for you to know that he would always be there for you.

Having personally witnessed the devastating effects of the Hanahaki disease on someone he cared about in the past, Wooyoung was determined to do whatever it took to prevent another loved one from falling victim to this illness.

And so, for the rest of the day, you made an extra effort to conceal any urges to cough or throw up, especially now that Wooyoung was keeping a watchful eye on you, searching for any signs or hoping to catch you slipping up.

You jumped slightly in surprise when Yeosang wrapped his arms around your shoulders, pulling you into a warm hug, "Thank you so much for your help, bestie! This wouldn't have been possible without you."

The word 'bestie' pierced your heart like a dagger because that was all you would ever be to Kang Yeosang.

Sensing Wooyoung's scrutiny from behind as he conversed with some of your other friends, you swallowed hard and nodded, patting Yeosang on the back.

"Of course, Yeo. Anything for you and Arin. I genuinely wish you both all the happiness in the world!"

He laughed with uncontainable excitement, squeezing you in his embrace.

Your heart fluttered at the gesture, but you forced yourself to keep it in check. You had to come to terms with the fact that Yeosang and Arin were now officially endgame, their love story reaching its long-awaited conclusion. You reminded yourself that you had never really stood a chance in the first place.

Giving him one final reassuring pat on the back, you sniffled lightly and pulled away, replacing any trace of emotion with a wide smile as you spotted Arin approaching.

She enveloped you in a tight embrace, squeezing with genuine warmth, "You're the absolute best! I heard you played a huge part in all of this. You'll be right there with us every step of the way until the big day, won't you?"

You nodded without hesitation, "Of course! Every detail will be flawless, I promise you. Nothing will slip through the cracks on my watch!"

A frown and a warning glare were swiftly aimed in Wooyoung's direction when you caught him pretending to gag behind Arin's back at your feigned enthusiasm.

Turning your attention back to Arin, you allowed her to take your hands in hers. Her eyes held a sincerity that touched your heart.

"I've been wanting to ask you this ever since Yeo mentioned our wedding plans. Will you be my maid of honour? Woo's already agreed to be his best man, and it would mean the world to me if you said yes. You're like a sister to me, you know that, right?"

What kind of heartless monster would I have to be to even consider turning down such a heartfelt request?

You squeezed her hands with genuine sincerity, your voice filled with warmth, "Are you kidding? I'd be more than honoured to be your maid of honour! Thank you for asking me; it means the world," Arin cooed, pulling you into another tight embrace, "Aww, I love you, you're the best!"

You smiled, brushing aside the growing pain in your chest, "I love you too, Arin. I want you to know that you're like a sister to me, too."

That night, when you returned home, it marked one of the most agonising nights you would have to endure since your diagnosis.

Your hands trembled uncontrollably as you stared at the sight of an entire flower in your sink. Until then, it had always been just petals, but seeing a whole flower emerging was an ominous sign.

You knew that time was running out, and the thought sent a shiver down your spine.

As promised, you dedicated most of your time to assisting the couple with every aspect of their wedding preparations.

A tiny voice within you questioned why you had willingly subjected yourself to this emotional turmoil, but the sincerity of Arin choosing you, of all people, as her maid of honour touched your heart deeply.

The soft glow of the bridal boutique enveloped the room, casting a warm and inviting ambience. Mirrors lined the walls, reflecting the ethereal beauty of the gowns that hung delicately from their racks. The air was infused with a faint scent of fresh fabric and the promise of new beginnings.

As you stood amidst this sanctuary of matrimonial dreams, your heart ached with the weight of hidden thorns, a cruel reminder of your unrequited love. The Hanahaki disease had woven its cruel tendrils deep within, its blossoms a vivid contrast to the joyous occasion at hand.

Arin, radiant as ever, was surrounded by a small entourage of close friends and family.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, her smile infectious as she perused the array of wedding gowns. Her laughter filled the air, a musical backdrop to the scene, and her infectious excitement seemed to dance on the very air you breathed.

You watched her, your heart pounding with each beat, every throb echoing the ache of concealed emotions. The delicate petals seemed to flutter within you, a silent reminder of the love that could never be.

Arin's fingers delicately traced the lace of one gown, her eyes wide with wonder, "This is beautiful." She breathed, her voice a tender whisper of admiration.

The boutique assistant, an expert in the language of bridal dreams, nodded in agreement, "It complements your grace perfectly, Ms. Choi. Would you like to try it on?"

Her gaze met yours in silent invitation.

You couldn't refuse, not when this was her moment of unparalleled happiness, "Yes, go ahead, Arin." You encouraged, your voice steady despite the storm raging within.

As she disappeared behind the curtain, you took a moment to gather your composure. The mirrors seemed to multiply your reflection, each one a reminder of the fractured reality you faced.

When the curtain swayed open once more, Arin emerged in a vision of pure elegance. The gown cascaded around her like a waterfall of silk and lace, framing her like a masterpiece. Her eyes met yours in the mirror's reflection, and the brilliance in her gaze was enough to momentarily eclipse your own pain.

A chorus of gasps and exclamations filled the room as the entourage marvelled at the sight. Tears glistened in Arin's eyes, the reflection of her joy painting a poignant picture.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Perfect for Yeosang.

Unlike you.

"This is it," She declared, her voice filled with unwavering certainty, "This is the one."

The boutique assistant smiled warmly, sharing in Arin's moment of triumph, "A perfect choice, Ms. Choi. This gown is destined to be a part of your beautiful love story."

As they celebrated and made arrangements for the dress, you found solace in the shadows, your smile never wavering.

In this moment, your love was a silent symphony, an echo of happiness and pain intertwined. You would stand by Arin's side, supporting her dreams, even if it meant bearing your own thorny secret in silence.

With no time to take a break or tend to your aching heart, you immediately found yourself in the men's boutique the following day.

The upscale boutique was a realm of sophistication, with racks of tuxedos adorned in various shades of black and grey, each exuding an aura of timeless elegance. Soft jazz music played in the background, creating an atmosphere of refinement.

Yeosang stood beside his best man, Wooyoung, both of them inspecting the selection of tuxedos before them.

The bright lights cast a soft glow on their faces, accentuating the excitement in their eyes. You watched them from a respectful distance, a smile etched on your face despite the turmoil raging within.

Yeosang had asked for your help in choosing his attire for the wedding, and you couldn't refuse, even though it meant masking your own pain.

The illness had not relented, its grip on your heart growing tighter with every passing day.

"So, what do you think?" Yeosang turned to you, his eyes shining with anticipation, "Which one do you think will make me look the most dashing for Arin?"

You swallowed hard, your heart aching as you looked at your childhood friend, "I think the black one would be perfect." You replied, your voice unwavering, though the weight of the petals in your chest was almost suffocating.

He nodded, his smile warm and appreciative, "You've always had great taste. Thanks for helping me out with this."

Wooyoung chimed in, patting your back playfully, "Yeah, she's got a knack for this stuff. You're lucky to have her, man."

You returned their gratitude with a genuine smile, your own turmoil concealed behind the façade of happiness, "It's my pleasure, you two. I want everything to be perfect for your special day."

As you continued to browse the tuxedos, Yeosang's conversation inevitably turned to Arin and her wedding gown, "Speaking of perfection," He began, his eyes shining with love, "Arin is absolutely ecstatic about her dress. She can't stop talking about how gorgeous it is."

Your heart clenched at the mention of Arin and her joy, "I'm sure she's going to look breathtaking." You replied, your voice carrying a hint of genuine happiness.

Yeosang's gratitude was evident as he turned to you, his eyes filled with warmth, "Thank you. You've been such an amazing help to her. I don't know what we would do without you."

The words were like a dagger to your heart, but you managed to smile through the pain, "I'm just happy to be a part of your special day, Yeo. You and Arin deserve all the happiness in the world."

As the day wore on, you continued to play your role, assisting Yeosang with the selection of his tuxedo and maintaining the façade of happiness.

Your love for him remained buried deep within, hidden beneath layers of petals. For now, you would do whatever it took to ensure that Yeosang and Arin's wedding day was a day filled with joy and love, even if it meant enduring your own silent suffering.

Unfortunately for you, you could feel the weight of your sickness pressing down on you, its tendrils of pain and discomfort growing increasingly unbearable.

You had excused yourself to the bathroom multiple times to cough up petals, each time feeling weaker and more drained.

On one of your trips back from the bathroom, you couldn't conceal the paleness that had washed over your face, your steps faltering slightly as you clutched a handkerchief tightly against your chest. It was clear that your condition was deteriorating rapidly, and you were growing weaker with each passing moment.

Wooyoung, sharp-eyed and observant, noticed your distress immediately. Concern etched his features as he approached you, his voice gentle but filled with worry.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked, his hand reaching out to touch your arm gently. You forced a weak smile, though it was clear that you were far from okay, "I'm fine, Woo. Just a little tired, that's all."

His eyes bore into yours, not buying your facade for a moment.

"You don't have to hide it from me. I can see that you're not well. You've been in and out of the bathroom so many times today."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you struggled to maintain your composure. Wooyoung had always been perceptive, and you knew it was impossible to hide the truth from him any longer.

I can't do this by myself for much longer.

"You... you were right, Woo," You admitted, your voice shaking, "I am in love with Yeo, and I do have Hanahaki."

He looked at you with genuine concern, his eyes filled with empathy, "God, I knew it. You should have told me sooner. How... how long have you had it for?" You sighed, "Years, Woo. It's been years," He shook his head in disbelief, "I can't believe you suffered like this all alone for years."

You wiped away a tear that had escaped, your voice barely above a whisper, "I didn't want to burden you, Woo. I didn't want to take away from your happiness with Yeosang and Arin."

His expression softened even more, and he shook his head, "You're not a burden. You're our friend, and we care about you deeply. We want you to be happy too."

Wooyoung reached out and gently squeezed your hand, his words a soothing balm to your wounded heart, "Promise me that you'll come to me whenever you're feeling like this. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Tears streamed down your cheeks, but this time, they were tears of relief. You nodded, your voice filled with gratitude, "Thank you, Woo. I promise."

As he pulled you into a comforting embrace, you knew that you had a true friend in him, someone who would stand by your side through the darkest of times. With Wooyoung's support, perhaps you could find a way to navigate the painful journey ahead, one step at a time.

Yeosang watched from a distance, hidden in the shadows, as Wooyoung and you hugged.

He hadn't arrived early enough to understand the circumstances that had led to the embrace between you and his best friend. However, one thing was clear: the sight of it left an uncomfortable feeling gnawing at him.

Unbeknownst to you, his gaze had lingered on you two longer than he had intended, and a peculiar feeling had begun to churn within his chest—a strange mixture of discomfort and unease.

He couldn't quite put his finger on it, and that was what perplexed him the most. After all, he was on the brink of marrying Arin, the love of his life, the woman who had captured his heart completely. There was no reason for him to feel this way, and he was well aware of it.

As he stood there, he attempted to imagine a future where you and Wooyoung found happiness together.

It was an image he knew he should be able to conjure with ease, but an inexplicable ache twisted in his chest. It wasn't that he wanted to hold either of you back; he simply couldn't shake the discomfort that settled in his heart.

Yeosang took a deep breath, attempting to clear his mind of these bewildering thoughts. He knew he shouldn't be feeling this way, especially with his wedding to Arin just around the corner.

Guilt washed over him, and he silently chastised himself for entertaining such emotions.

He reminded himself that his love for Arin was unwavering, that she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. This inexplicable feeling was just a momentary blip, a passing cloud in the sky of his emotions.

But no matter how hard he tried to push those feelings aside, they lingered, stubborn and insistent. The image of you and Wooyoung together tugged at his heartstrings in a way he couldn't understand, leaving him with a profound sense of unease.

With a final, determined exhale, Yeosang stepped out of the shadows, ready to rejoin you.

He needed to focus on the joyous occasion at hand, on the celebration of love that was meant to bind him to Arin forever. As he approached, he pushed aside the nagging feeling and vowed to be the best friend and partner he could be, even if it meant grappling with the complexity of his own emotions.

In the midst of your unending battle with the Hanahaki disease, Wooyoung became your unwavering support system, a beacon of hope in the sea of pain and uncertainty.

Your journey together was marked by moments of both agony and resilience, as you faced the relentless onslaught of petals and thorns.

Wooyoung had always been there, whether it was a late-night call to soothe your coughing fits or accompanying you to doctor's appointments.

His comforting presence was a constant reminder that you weren't alone in this struggle.

You juggled the demands of your job with the relentless symptoms of the disease, often finding solace in your work even as the petals clung to your throat.

Wooyoung would send you encouraging messages, reminding you to take breaks and prioritise your health.

Amidst the chaos of Yeosang's wedding preparations, Wooyoung took on the role of your guardian angel. He'd stay by your side during fittings and meetings, ensuring you didn't push yourself too hard.

It wasn't until one fateful day, as the illness reached its most excruciating stage, that you couldn't hold back the bloodied flowers any longer.

You rushed to the bathroom, your body wracked with painful coughs. Wooyoung, alarmed, followed you and witnessed the entire flower falling from your lips in a gruesome display.

As you gasped for breath, tears streaming down your face, Wooyoung gently touched your shoulder.

"This can't go on like this," He said with conviction, "You need to consider the surgery to remove those flowers for good."

His words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the difficult choice you had been avoiding. You knew he was right, but the fear of losing your feelings for Yeosang made you hesitate.

Despite the pain, Wooyoung's unwavering support and guidance gave you the strength to face the decision that had been looming over you for far too long.

Perhaps it really was time to take the step that could free you from the relentless grip of the sickness, even if it meant sacrificing the love you had harboured in silence. After all, Yeosang would never return your feelings.

What's the point of even suffering like this?

Meanwhile, Yeosang couldn't help but notice the deepening bond between Wooyoung and you. It wasn't that he had been intentionally spying on you, but the presence of Wooyoung in your life had become increasingly apparent.

Yeosang did his best to distract himself with thoughts of Arin, the love of his life, and the excitement of their upcoming marriage.

He immersed himself in wedding preparations, from selecting the perfect venue to deciding on the menu and guest list. He yearned for every detail to be flawless, a testament to the love he and Arin shared.

But no matter how hard he tried to focus on Arin and their future together, his thoughts had an irritating tendency to drift back to you and Wooyoung. It was as if an invisible force tugged at his mind, pulling him away from the happiness he should have been feeling.

Frustration gnawed at him, and he berated himself for allowing such thoughts to intrude upon his joyous moments with Arin.

He felt torn between the life he had envisioned with Arin and the confusing emotions that seemed to be bubbling up around you and Wooyoung.

Yeosang knew he shouldn't be feeling this way.

He was about to marry the woman he loved, and he had no right to entertain thoughts that might jeopardise their happiness. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to push those thoughts aside, they lingered, a constant source of discomfort and confusion.

As the wedding day drew closer, Yeosang grappled with a storm of emotions, struggling to understand why he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

His heart was divided, torn between his love for Arin and the unsettling thoughts that kept returning to you and his best friend.

And indeed, time sure as hell flies when you're suffering.

Next thing you all knew, the morning of the wedding arrived, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement. Yeosang and Wooyoung were in a shared room, getting ready together, a tradition that had been upheld since their childhood.

Yeosang couldn't shake the nagging thoughts that had plagued him in the days leading up to the wedding.

He had watched Wooyoung and you grow closer, and the curiosity had finally become too much for him to bear. As he adjusted his tie and pretended to be in high spirits, he decided to broach the subject, masking his true intentions behind playful banter.

"You know, Woo," He began, a playful glint in his eye, "I've been meaning to ask you something."

Wooyoung, who was busy straightening his own tie, looked up with a raised eyebrow, "Ask away, Yeo. I'm an open book."

Yeosang chuckled, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance, "So, what's the deal with you and my bestie lately? You guys seem pretty close. Anything you want to share with your best man?"

Wooyoung glanced at Yeosang, his expression carefully neutral, "We've just been hanging out more, you know, like friends do."

Yeosang continued to feign playfulness, though the urgency behind his question was growing stronger, "Come on, Woo. You can't hide anything from me. Spill the beans. Is there something I should know?"

Wooyoung sighed, realising that Yeosang wasn't going to drop the subject easily. He decided to be honest but kept the details vague, "She has been going through a tough time, Yeo. I've been there to support her as a friend, that's all."

Yeosang's heart sank at the mention of you going through a tough time. He had no idea about the disease or the depth of your suffering, and the guilt began to creep in, "Is she okay?" He asked, his tone shifting from playful to genuinely concerned.

Wooyoung nodded, "She's getting better, but it's been a challenging journey for her. She's a strong person, though."

Yeosang nodded, his mind racing with unanswered questions. He wanted to ask more, to understand the nature of your struggles, but he feared delving too deep into a conversation that might reveal his own complex emotions.

With a forced smile, Yeosang changed the subject, steering the conversation away from you and back to the wedding preparations.

But deep down, he knew that the questions would continue to linger, and the unsettling feelings that had plagued him wouldn't be easily dismissed.

As the hours passed, the wedding day unfolded like a beautifully scripted scene.

Arin, radiant and resplendent in her bridal gown, had been whisked away to the makeup room, where you had the privilege of helping her prepare for her momentous day.

As you carefully applied Arin's makeup, ensuring every brushstroke was just right, Wooyoung entered the room with a soft knock. His presence was a soothing balm amidst the whirlwind of emotions that had been swirling within you.

Wooyoung cast a gentle smile in your direction, silently checking on you. His eyes held a hint of concern, a reflection of the care he had shown you during the painful days of your illness.

Arin, who was perched in her makeup chair, noticed your exchange and couldn't resist teasing you, "You two seem awfully close lately," She said with a playful twinkle in her eye, "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Wooyoung and you exchanged knowing glances, your camaraderie evident. You chuckled and replied, "Just good friends, Arin. No need to start any rumours."

He nodded in agreement, "Exactly, Arin. Nothing more, nothing less."

Arin feigned disappointment, though her smile was infectious, "Well, I suppose I won't have any juicy gossip to share at the wedding then."

The three of you shared a lighthearted laugh, the tension in the room dissipating. Arin, completely at ease in her friends' presence, couldn't have been more delighted with the support she had from both of you.

Stepping out of Arin's makeup room, you couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Arin was glowing, her happiness contagious, and you were truly delighted for her.

But as you made your way down the hallway to prepare yourself for the wedding, you encountered Yeosang, dressed impeccably in his suit.

Your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, his striking appearance making it hard to suppress the surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm you. You reminded yourself, painfully, that he would never be your groom. You had to bury your feelings deep down and put on a brave face.

Yeosang, however, didn't let the moment pass without addressing the unspoken turmoil that had been brewing between you.

His voice was gentle as he began, "I heard from Wooyoung that you've been going through a tough time."

You froze, surprised by his directness.

You had never expected Yeosang to bring up such a personal topic, especially on his wedding day, "Yeosang, I didn't want to burden you," You replied softly, your gaze avoiding his, "You have so much on your plate with the wedding preparations, and I didn't want to add to your stress."

Yeosang's expression softened, and he reached out to gently tilt your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"You've always been my closest friend," He said earnestly, "I wish you had confided in me. I hate to think that you're going through something difficult alone."

His words tugged at your heart, and you fought to keep your emotions in check, "I didn't want to trouble you, Yeo," You whispered, your voice quivering, "I didn't want to distract you from your happiness with Arin."

Yeosang's eyes held a depth of sincerity that caught you off guard.

Without a word, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, a simple but heart-fluttering gesture that spoke volumes.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you realised the depth of his care and concern. The weight of unspoken emotions lingered in the air, and for a brief moment, you allowed yourself to savour the bittersweetness of the moment.

Yeosang wanted to be there for me, even on his wedding day.

As you pulled away from each other, he whispered, "You're never a burden. I want to be there for you, no matter what." His words hung in the air, a promise that warmed your heart and offered a glimmer of solace in the midst of your pain.

With a grateful smile, you nodded, unable to find the words to express the depth of your feelings.

The truth was, even though Yeosang would never be yours, his friendship and support meant the world to you, and in that moment, you felt less alone in your struggle against the sickness.

As the moment of truth approached, you, as the maid of honour, gracefully walked down the aisle, the soft music filling the air.

Your heart was filled with bittersweet emotions, knowing that you were witnessing the culmination of Yeosang and Arin's love story. The sight of the gathered guests, the exquisite decorations, and the serenity of the venue created an almost ethereal ambience.

Yeosang, waiting at the altar, was taken aback by how beautiful you looked in your dress.

He couldn't help but marvel at your beauty, a realisation that struck him like a bolt of lightning. He wondered how he had never truly noticed it before, how your presence had always been an unassuming constant in his life.

Even when Arin began her walk down the aisle towards him, gorgeous in her bridal gown, Yeosang struggled to tear his eyes away from you. The air grew tense, and his unease mounted as he noticed Wooyoung remaining attentively by your side, a silent pillar of support.

When the officiant reached the part where he asked if there were any objections, a hush fell over the guests, and the words hung heavily in the air.

"Speak now, or forever hold your peace."

You felt a lump form your throat, your heart racing as you struggled to hold back the words that threatened to escape.

Your gaze darted away from Yeosang, unable to meet his eyes, and you clenched Wooyoung's hand tightly, drawing strength from his reassuring touch.

The seconds felt like hours, and the weight of unspoken truths hung heavy in the room. But in that moment, you made a choice. You chose to hold your peace, to let Yeosang and Arin's love flourish without your own pain becoming a stumbling block in their journey.

The ceremony continued, and as you took a deep breath, you knew that you had made the right decision.

It was a moment of silent sacrifice, a testament to the depth of your love for Yeosang and your desire to see him happy, even if it meant holding back your own feelings.

As the officiant's voice filled the air, Yeosang was asked the pivotal question: "Do you, Kang Yeosang, take Choi Arin to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

But the words 'I do' stuck in his throat, and his eyes remained inexplicably glued to you, standing there as the maid of honour. The atmosphere grew increasingly charged, and the guests began to murmur with confusion.

Arin's expression shifted from anticipation to confusion, then to shock and finally to hurt as she observed Yeosang's unexpected hesitation.

The once-happy occasion was marred by the tension that had settled over the ceremony.

Yeosang's internal struggle and his prolonged silence sent ripples of concern through the gathering. The guests exchanged worried glances, and the atmosphere grew increasingly uncomfortable.

At that moment, all eyes were on Yeosang, who had unwittingly become the centre of attention.

The wedding, which was meant to be a celebration of love, had taken an unexpected turn, and the unfolding drama left everyone horrified, especially Arin, who stood there, her heart breaking in front of all her loved ones.

You were completely taken aback when you realised that his eyes had been on you all this while, his hesitation to say 'I do' leaving you bewildered and conflicted.

Confusion and surprise etched across your face, you couldn't comprehend what was happening.

The sudden rush of emotions left you disoriented, and your chest tightened painfully. It was at that very moment that the disease chose to strike with an unprecedented intensity.

As you coughed violently, a hand to your mouth, the pain was excruciating. Your eyes widened in fear, and you couldn't help but look at the bloodied flower petals that had spilt into your palm.

You were acutely aware that everyone, especially Yeosang, had witnessed the horrifying spectacle, and the secret of your condition was no longer hidden.

Amidst the chaos, Wooyoung, worry etched across his face, acted swiftly. He immediately ushered you out of the venue and guided you to the nearest bathroom, concern evident in every step he took.

You clung to him, your heart and mind racing with fear and embarrassment.

Unbeknownst to you, Yeosang had been overwhelmed with worry as well. He had momentarily forgotten about his own wedding, his concern for you taking precedence.

He followed you out of the venue, his heart heavy with anxiety and confusion.

Meanwhile, Arin stood there at the altar, her heart shattered by the turn of events. She felt a profound sense of embarrassment and devastation, her once-happy wedding day transformed into a bewildering and painful spectacle.

She had no choice but to watch as the love of her life rushed after you, leaving her alone and heartbroken at the altar.

Yeosang's heart pounded in his chest as he rushed to the bathroom, fear and dread coursing through him. He was met with a harrowing sight when he arrived— you, heaving painfully in Wooyoung's arms, the sink scattered with bloodied flowers.

The sight sent a wave of horror and helplessness through him.

He gasped and called out your name, his voice filled with anguish and concern. He knelt beside you, desperate to offer any form of comfort.

You turned your head weakly, your eyes locking onto his with a mixture of surprise and worry, "Yeosang, what are you doing here?" You rasped, your voice strained and weak, "You can't be here. Arin is waiting for you."

Yeosang's expression was a mix of determination and distress. He shook his head, his eyes never leaving yours, "Don't be foolish," He implored, his voice unwavering, "You're more important right now. Please, tell me the truth about your condition."

You tried to protest, to divert his attention back to Arin, but the concern in Yeosang's eyes held you captive. It was clear that he wasn't going to back down, that he needed to know the full extent of what you were going through.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you met his gaze, a mixture of relief and vulnerability washing over you.

You knew that keeping this secret from him had only led to further pain for both of you. With a trembling breath, you began to share the painful truth about the Hanahaki disease that had been plaguing you for so long.

As you spoke, Yeosang listened intently, his heart heavy with the weight of your suffering. He couldn't bear the thought of you enduring this pain alone.

At that moment, the world outside the bathroom seemed to fade away, leaving just the three of you—Yeosang, Wooyoung, and you—bound together by a revelation that would forever alter the course of your lives.

As the painful truth about the Hanahaki disease spilt from your lips, Yeosang's distress deepened.

He listened intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of empathy and anguish. When you had finished explaining the devastating condition, a heavy silence hung in the air.

Yeosang finally gathered the courage to ask the question that had been haunting him, his voice trembling with uncertainty, "Is it me? Am I the reason you're suffering like this?"

You hesitated, your heart aching at the thought of admitting the truth, the truth that had remained hidden for so long. Before you could respond, Wooyoung, who had been standing by your side, stepped in with compassion in his eyes.

"Yes, Yeo. It's you." Wooyoung said softly.

"Now you know why she couldn't confide in you about this. She's been carrying this burden for a long time."

As Wooyoung gently confirmed the truth about your unrequited love for Yeosang, the weight of the revelation settled heavily in the small bathroom. You remained in Wooyoung's arms, tears glistening in your eyes, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Wooyoung continued, his voice gentle but firm, "But she's going to get the surgery soon to remove the flowers. It's the best way to ensure her health and happiness. So please, don't forget about Arin. She loves you deeply, she deserves your love and commitment too."

Wooyoung emphasised the importance of not hurting Arin further, reminding Yeosang that you had made the difficult decision to undergo surgery to remove the flowers soon.

He urged Yeosang to respect Arin's love and commitment, as she deserved nothing less.

Yeosang listened intently, his face etched with a complex mix of emotions. It was a lot to process, and the realisation that you had been harbouring these feelings for him for years was undoubtedly overwhelming.

He understood Wooyoung's plea not to cause further pain to Arin, a woman who loved him deeply.

However, something unexpected happened in that moment.

As the idea of you undergoing surgery to remove the flowers, and consequently, your feelings for Yeosang, settled in his mind, he felt a surge of discomfort. A strange sense of unease washed over him.

The thought of you no longer loving him, of your feelings for him vanishing forever, was strangely unsettling. It was a sensation he couldn't quite explain. Yeosang found himself torn, grappling with his own unexpected emotions. He didn't want you to stop loving him, even though he couldn't be with you.

As he stood there, caught in the tumultuous storm of emotions, the bathroom felt like a confessional, each revelation and response pushing you further into the uncharted territory of your relationships and desires.

The path ahead remained uncertain, and the choices you make would carry profound consequences for all involved.

The aftermath of the cancelled wedding was a sombre and bewildering affair.

Guests were left stunned by the dramatic turn of events, and sympathy flowed overwhelmingly toward Arin, who had been publicly humiliated on what was supposed to be her special day.

Yeosang, grappling with the consequences of his actions, sought to apologise to Arin later on, knowing that he had caused her immense pain. But when he approached her with remorse in his eyes, she remained cold and distant.

Arin's voice was filled with hurt and anger as she confronted him, her words cut deep, "You disrespected me, Yeosang, in front of everyone we love. If you had second thoughts, you should have spoken to me before we went through with this wedding."

Her disappointment and sense of betrayal were palpable, and as they exchanged harsh words, it became clear that their relationship had been irreparably damaged.

She made a painful decision, one that she believed was necessary for her own well-being.

She broke up with Yeosang, unable to be with a person who could bring such heartache and humiliation on what should have been a day of joy and celebration.

Yeosang watched helplessly as Arin walked away, the weight of his actions crashing down on him.

He had lost not only the love of his life but also a cherished friendship, all because of his own conflicting emotions and the tangled web of unrequited love that had ensnared everyone involved.

The aftermath of that fateful day would leave lasting scars on their hearts, a stark reminder of the consequences of decisions made and secrets kept. It was a painful lesson in love, sacrifice, and the unpredictable ways in which the heart can lead us down unexpected paths.

Meanwhile, your days in the hospital leading up to the scheduled surgery were filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

The Hanahaki disease had taken a toll on your health, and you could feel your condition worsening with each passing day. The support of friends like Wooyoung had been a lifeline, but as the surgery date neared, you couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the weight of your own guilt and sorrow.

One day, as you lay in your hospital bed, Wooyoung excused himself to give you some privacy when Arin arrived to visit you.

You were surprised by her presence and felt a pang of guilt knowing that her relationship with Yeosang had ended due to the events at the cancelled wedding.

Tears welled up in your eyes as Arin spoke, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and understanding.

She told you that she and Yeosang had parted ways, and you couldn't help but apologise profusely, your voice trembling as you accepted responsibility for the pain you had inadvertently caused.

"It's all my fault." You cried, feeling the weight of your unrequited love and the havoc it had wreaked on the lives of those around you.

Arin, ever empathetic and kind, reached out to comfort you, her touch gentle and reassuring. She surprised you by apologising as well, her voice filled with regret, "No, I'm sorry. I should have realised what you were going through all these years. I should have been there for you instead of being the cause of your pain."

Her words were a testament to her character, her ability to see beyond her own suffering and extend empathy to others.

It was a bittersweet moment of understanding and forgiveness between two people who had both borne the burden of unrequited love and the pain it brought.

As you shared your regrets and sorrows, you couldn't help but be grateful for the compassion and understanding Arin had shown you.

It was a glimmer of hope in the midst of your own struggles, a reminder that even in the darkest times, human connection and empathy could offer solace and healing.

It's been a week since the disaster of a wedding.

Yeosang found himself grappling with a growing sense of fear and unease, knowing you would be going through the surgery soon. It was a period of deep reflection for him, and he couldn't help but look back on the moments you had shared throughout your school years.

He recalled the countless memories you had created together, the adventures, secrets, and dreams you had once shared as friends.

It finally struck him now, how blind he had been to the hidden depths of his own feelings for you. He thought back to the times when you had been there for him, the unwavering support and companionship you had offered, and he couldn't believe he had missed the signs of your affection for him.

Yeosang's thoughts delved into the pain you must have endured, watching him and Arin together, celebrating their love while suppressing your own.

The image of you coughing up bloody petals haunted him, a cruel reminder of the silent suffering you had endured for so long.

In those quiet moments of introspection, Yeosang experienced a profound realisation—one that left him both startled and shaken. He began to question whether his feelings for you had been more complicated than he had ever allowed himself to admit.

The possibility that he might return your feelings, that his heart might have been yearning for you all along, crept into his mind like a whisper.

It was a revelation that left him feeling conflicted, as he grappled with the consequences of his newfound understanding.

As the surgery date approached, Yeosang found himself facing a crossroads in his own heart, torn between the past he had shared with Arin and the uncharted territory of his emotions for you.

The future remained uncertain, and he couldn't deny the weight of the choices he would have to make in the days to come.

Just a day before your surgery, Yeosang stood outside the door of your hospital ward, his heart heavy with the newfound realisation of his feelings for you. He felt a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and guilt, unable to face you after everything that had transpired.

It was in this vulnerable moment that Wooyoung caught up with him, recognising the turmoil in his friend's eyes.

He guided Yeosang to a nearby bench, understanding that they needed to have a candid conversation about the complex emotions that had surfaced.

Sitting down with a sigh, Yeosang finally admitted his feelings to Wooyoung, his voice laced with sincerity and vulnerability, "Woo, I think... I might have feelings for her. I've been blind to it for so long, but now it's clear to me."

Wooyoung listened attentively, his expression serious as he absorbed Yeosang's confession.

He couldn't deny the depth of their friendship, nor the gravity of the situation. Wooyoung knew that he needed to address this with utmost care to ensure that Yeosang's feelings were genuine and not a result of guilt or confusion.

With a stern gaze, Wooyoung cautioned his friend, "Yeo, you need to be absolutely certain about this. She has been through so much pain, and the last thing I want is for you to play with her fragile feelings."

Yeosang nodded, his eyes filled with determination.

"I am certain, Woo. My feelings for her are real, and I don't want to hurt her anymore."

Wooyoung relented, his concern slowly giving way to a sense of understanding and support. He placed a hand on Yeosang's shoulder, his voice softened with genuine care.

"If you're sure about this, then please, Yeosang, make her happy. After everything she's suffered, she deserves nothing less."

With that silent understanding between them, the weight of Yeosang's newfound feelings hung heavily in the air.

It was a pivotal moment, one that would shape the course of their relationships and the choices they would make as they navigated the intricate threads of love and friendship.

As Wooyoung returned to your side, a small smile played on his lips.

He observed you carefully, noting a subtle change in your demeanour. You looked better, your complexion less strained, and there was a lightness in your eyes that hadn't been there before.

He couldn't help but tease you gently, "Hey, have you noticed any difference in how you feel?"

You paused, taking a moment to assess yourself.

To your surprise, you realised that you did feel remarkably better. The persistent ache in your chest had begun to fade, replaced by a newfound sense of ease and comfort.

Your eyes widened in realisation, a mixture of disbelief and joy washing over you.

Could it be? Could it really be that Yeo had returned my feelings?

Unable to contain your excitement, you nodded fervently, "Yes, Woo! I feel... I feel like I can breathe again."

At that moment, hope blossomed in your heart, and you couldn't help but believe that something extraordinary had occurred. Wooyoung wasted no time in calling the doctor to confirm your condition.

After a thorough examination, the doctor confirmed what you had dared to hope for – the Hanahaki disease had disappeared. The petals, the pain, the suffocating weight in your chest – all of it was gone.

Tears welled up in your eyes as the weight of the revelation settled in. It could only mean one thing: Yeosang loved you too. The realisation was overwhelming, a flood of emotions surging through you.

In that hospital room, surrounded by the echoes of a journey marked by pain and heartache, a new chapter began to unfold. The tangled threads of unrequited love were finally unravelling, giving way to the possibility of a love that had been years in the making.

As you stepped out of the hospital, Wooyoung by your side, your heart raced with anticipation.

There, by the entrance, stood Yeosang next to his car. His presence alone sent a flurry of emotions coursing through you, and you couldn't help but wonder if he had come to finally confess his feelings.

Wooyoung, always the protective friend, gave Yeosang one last warning, his voice filled with a firm seriousness, "Yeo, you better not hurt her. If you do, you'll have to deal with me."

Yeosang nodded, his own determination shining in his eyes, "I won't, Woo. I promise I'll be good to her."

Once Wooyoung had left, it was just the two of you, standing there in a moment heavy with unspoken emotions.

Yeosang took a deep breath, his gaze locked with yours, and he began to speak with a sincerity that left you breathless. His voice quivered with a mixture of emotions, a blend of regret and newfound clarity that gave weight to every word he uttered.

He began by saying your name, his voice soft but resolute, "I need you to know something. I've been blind for far too long, and I can't hide from the truth any longer."

He paused, his eyes searching yours for understanding and forgiveness. His admission hung in the air, a palpable tension that begged for resolution.

"I realised," He continued, his voice unwavering, "That I might have been more oblivious than I ever thought possible. For years, I couldn't see what was right in front of me—the depth of your feelings, the pain you were silently enduring."

His words carried the weight of years of unspoken emotions, and he reached out to gently cup your face with his hand. His touch was tender, a silent apology for the blindness that had kept you apart.

"God, I'm so sorry," He whispered, his voice filled with remorse, "I'm sorry for not noticing your suffering, for not realising the depth of your love. But now, I see it, and I can't deny how I feel any longer."

His confession hung in the air, a pivotal moment in your shared history. It was a moment of vulnerability, of acknowledging the love that had silently existed between you for years.

Yeosang's gaze never wavered, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and determination, "From this moment forward, I promise to love you the way you deserve to be loved. I won't let my blindness or mistakes hold us back anymore."

You felt tears pricking at the corners of your eyes as his words washed over you, a wave of warmth and hope. It was a promise that held the weight of your shared history and the possibility of a future filled with love and happiness.

Unable to contain your emotions any longer, you closed the gap between you and pressed your lips against his, sealing your newfound understanding with a sweet and tender kiss.

It was a kiss that spoke of forgiveness, redemption, and the beginning of a love story that had been a long time in the making.

Time flies when you're suffering, but it sure as hell goes by even faster when you're happy.

In the years that followed Yeosang's heartfelt confession, your lives took on a new and beautiful rhythm, one filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

With the pain of the past behind you, Yeosang surprised you with a proposal on a picturesque beach at sunset one evening.

As the waves lapped gently at your feet, he got down on one knee, a radiant smile on his face. The words "Will you marry me?" were finally spoken to the right person. Tears of joy streamed down your face as you said yes, sealing your love in the most perfect way.

Your wedding day was a celebration of love and friendship.

Wooyoung stood proudly by your side as the best man, his unwavering support a testament to the strength of your bond.

As you and Yeosang exchanged vows, the happiness in your hearts reflected the years of longing and the promise of a future filled with shared love and adventures.

The joy of your union was extended to your growing family.

The two of you became parents to a beautiful baby boy, your love was now reflected in the eyes of your son. Wooyoung, always the protective friend, stood by you both during the journey to parenthood, offering guidance and support.

Your family gatherings were filled with laughter and warmth. Wooyoung, of course, remained a cherished presence in your lives, sharing in your joy and becoming an honorary uncle to your child.

Every year, you celebrate your love and commitment to each other with anniversaries marked by heartfelt surprises and romantic getaways. And you bet Wooyoung was there to raise a toast every time, reminding you of friendship's enduring power.

As the years passed and your love grew stronger, mundane yet cherished moments filled your days.

One sunny afternoon, Yeosang and you decided to embark on a cute little supermarket date, a routine outing to restock your home and ensure your little one had everything he needed.

Walking hand in hand through the aisles, you exchanged smiles and shared whispers, the simple act of being together filling your hearts with contentment. Your cart was filled with baby supplies, fresh groceries, and a few indulgences that always seemed to find their way into your basket.

As you turned a corner in one of the aisles, your carefree laughter echoed through the store. That's when it happened—your encounter with the past you had left behind.

In the midst of your laughter, you suddenly pulled away from your husband, a dramatic gasp escaping your lips as if caught doing something scandalous.

Yeosang blinked in confusion, his brows furrowing as he tried to comprehend your sudden change in behaviour.

But then, your eyes widened as you realised the reason for your flustered reaction. There, just a few feet away from the two of you, stood Arin. It was a chance encounter neither of you had expected.

In a panic, you whispered to Yeosang, "Arin's here." as if the mere mention of her name would explain your sudden reaction.

He turned to look in her direction, his expression one of surprise mixed with curiosity. Arin noticed your presence and made her way over to you both, her laughter filling the air.

"Hey, you two," She greeted you warmly, her smile genuine, "What a surprise to see you both here," Your cheeks flushed with embarrassment as you stammered out a greeting, "Arin, hi. It's been a while."

Arin laughed, clearly amused by your earlier dramatic reaction, "You don't have to be so flustered, silly. I promise I won't bite," Yeosang, ever the composed one, extended a hand with a friendly smile, "It's good to see you, Arin. How have you been?"

Her eyes sparkled with happiness as she shared her news, "I've been great. I'm getting married soon."

Your heart swelled with genuine happiness for her as you offered your congratulations, "That's wonderful, Arin. We're really happy for you," Your husband nodded in agreement, his smile warm and sincere, "Congratulations. We wish you all the happiness in the world."

Arin's laughter echoed through the supermarket once again as she thanked you both for your well wishes.

It was a chance encounter that reminded you of the twists and turns life had taken you through, and the enduring bonds of friendship that remained, even in the face of new beginnings.

As you returned home, your hearts still light from the unexpected encounter with Arin, you were greeted by the familiar warmth of your shared space.

Opening the door, you found Wooyoung, who had been helping you babysit your energetic son, engaged in playful antics with the child, their laughter filling the room.

"Hey lovebirds, how was the supermarket adventure?" Wooyoung greeted you two with a smile, gently setting down your son.

Yeosang and you shared a knowing look, still revelling in the shared moment you had just experienced, "It was... eventful," You replied with a chuckle. Your husband chimed in, "We bumped into someone unexpected."

Wooyoung raised an intrigued eyebrow, "Oh? Do tell."

And so, you recounted the encounter with Arin, reliving the moments with laughter and shared glances. Wooyoung listened with genuine happiness, his eyes sparkling with the memories of your journey together.

"I can't believe how far we've come," Wooyoung mused, a nostalgic smile on his face, "From those crazy days with the Hanahaki, to this. I'm so glad it's all over."

His words echoed your sentiments exactly.

The pain and secrecy of those days felt like a distant memory, replaced by the warmth and love that now filled your lives.

As the evening settled in, you found yourselves in the living room, watching your son playfully interact with Wooyoung. The room was filled with the sounds of their laughter, a symphony of joy that warmed your hearts.

Unable to contain your happiness, Yeosang and you shared a glance, your smiles reflecting the contentment that filled your hearts.

Slowly, he reached for your hand, your fingers intertwining in a silent promise of the love you shared. As your son's giggles filled the air, Yeosang leaned in, meeting your lips in a tender kiss.

In that quiet moment, as your son played happily with your best friend, you knew that your journey had come full circle.

The pain of the past had given way to a future filled with love, laughter, and the unwavering support of the people who had walked this path with you.

And so, you sat together, cherishing the simple yet profound beauty of your shared life, grateful for every step that had led you to this moment of pure happiness.

It was my birthday (9/9), and I'm in a really good mood, so I decided to drop this earlier than initially planned. Hope y'all liked this one! Thank you for reading and as always, I'd love to hear all your thoughts so feel free to leave a reply, an ask or even a message if you want! <3

Tag list: @aurasblue @marievllr-abg

All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

[splookiee]

destined to be alone

[forgedraptor]

Law has seen how Luffy looks at everyone, with a sunny grin and a boisterous laugh, with happiness and fondness, but never love. never affection of a heart in irregular beat, of sweaty palms, flying insects buzzing your stomach, blood rushing in different areas of your body, of dilation of pupils and more

its never the type of love that leaves the other person breathless, of an electric charge when one or the other gazes at each other for too long, of soft caresses, and soft kisses, of loud beating hearts and loud moans, of sweat or passion or wet smacks of lips leaving and meeting. nothing of that, nothing of what Law craves, nothing of how Law loves.

And the thing is, Law has seen Luffy in a lot of different ways but in his silent observation, he has not seen Luffy fall in love. Yes Luffy can feel love but its a very different type from Laws, something all encompassing, something light, something shared.

Its tender hugs and laughter, of eating together and sharing of stories, its a stable, reliable, comfortable companionship with others that brings contentment and security in ones soul, like a home you come back to after a long day, or a cozy room with blankets around you as the rainy day outside passes by, its something familiar, maybe even familial and something beautiful and special and lovely; but it is not romantic love. its not Laws love for Luffy.

But Law doesnt mind that at all, in all honesty hes always believed that Luffy is fine the way he is, even before he had fallen 60ft under and inlove with the strawhat wearing boy.

Luffy should never be afraid, should never doubt himself and his love for other people. It is as strong as amazing as any type of love that exist, it is something Luffy should never be ashamed of. For it is simply love, just a different type of love. and Love has so many aspects and variations. and every single one of them is beautiful.

the only difference is that Luffy has always loved platonically, and Law, like most of others that fall into the gravitational pull that is Monkey D. Luffy, is in the opposite side of that spectrum. He loves Luffy.

He wants to hold Luffy, he wants to keep him close, he wants to hold his hand, to keep them intertwined, he wants to keep seeing Luffys smile directed at him, he wants to be the cause of that smile. And Law knows that all of these he can have if he simply asks, but the thing is that it doesnt end there.

Because Law wants to be greedy. Sometimes, when hes lost in his own thoughts, he wants Luffy only for himself. wanting to keep him away from everyone else, to keep this little bottle of sunshine only for himself. he wants Luffy to only look at him, to only smile a certain way, just for him, he wants to feel special. he wants to be Luffys everything just as Luffy is his.

and how terrifying is that thought? wanting to keep the sun for yourself, wanting to lock them away so only you could see them.

its frightening, its disgusting, its something Luffy doesnt deserve.

because Luffy is the sun, and Law is simply the moon, hes just a part of the gigantic solar system that surrounds and gravitates around that life giving star. Law is that of a distant rocky satellite, so far away also stealing and basking in the suns rays, not even close to the fiery powerhouse that is Monkey D. Luffy. and Law, like the moon, just wants to exist next to the sun.

he doesn't need to be seen or known, he doesnt need to be given special attention, hes just a lowly planetoid and just getting close to that glorious ball of sunshine would destroy him, so hes content where he is, admiring his bright little firelight from afar, sometimes trying to reflect its rays but most times, just enjoying the feeling of being the suns companion and friend, even as he vehemently denies it. For there is beauty on how Luffy shows his affection to others, and Law loves to soak it all up when he can.

thinking more about it, Law wonders if the flowers only started to grow because he started to want more than what he knows he deserves

is it because of how he yearned for Luffy? how he has wired his brain to keep his emotions underwraps but his body keeps doing the opposite? how his hands brush over Luffy whenever he could, how his touch would linger, how his eyes would linger and how he would sometimes loose himself in the thought, the feeling, the delusions, of what it could be like to be romantically involved with Luffy

maybe the clash between his mind and his heart is what caused these sprouts to grow in the first place.

in a way, the flower that the world decided to slowly kill him is a mockery of his thoughts and his feelings for Luffy. a sun flower. a fucking sunflower is growing out of his lungs and slowly suffocating him.

how fitting that its the one type of plant that cant seem to look away from the sun.

just like him.

the world truly does have a morbid sense of humour for Law doesnt it?