Reasons Not To Die With Me

Day 8

The only connection I had left with my parents is an old photograph of the two of them on their wedding day.

Mom looked so beautiful in her long, traditional white wedding dress with long, laced sleeves. Her dark mahogany hair, which I inherited from her, was in loose ringlets and she was carrying a bouquet of light
pink roses. Dad, who had his arm
snaked around her waist, was pulling her in for a peck on the cheek. He was wearing a classic black tuxedo with a simple black bow tie. Dad was staring at mom with dazed eyes, while she was laughing.

I don't think I've ever seen my parents happier than they were in this photo.

My eyes cast over the photo, as I bit my lower lip.

God, I miss them so much.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door, as it pushed open. Feeling flustered and startled, I fumbled to hide my picture by shoving it under my pillow.

Sana stepped inside my room, as she raised an eyebrow. She had a teasing grin on her face, as she tried to reach over me. "What were you hiding?" she asked, trying to snatch the picture out from under the pillow.

"It was nothing." I lied, swatting her arm away.

Sana smirked, as she hovered over me. I fell on my back against my bed, as she straddled me. My face turned cherry red, as I held in my breath.

Sana smirked at my reaction, as she reached out to brush a strand of hair behind my ears. “Okay, Tzuyu." She whispered, voice sending shivers down my spine. What was this girl doing to me? "I guess I'm going to have to do this the hard way."

Before I could react any faster, her hand pulled out the picture from under my pillow. My eyes widened as she stared at it. Her face went pale and blank, and just for the slightest second, I forgot that she was still on me.

"Okay, you can get off now." I grumbled, pushing her off of me. I had to admit that I was slightly pissed off that he took the picture without my permission.

I couldn't help but notice that she was still looking at the picture. Her face was blank, so I couldn't see what she was thinking about when she looked at it.

"Give it back." I muttered, snatching it away from her. I didn't want to be rude, but I didn't want her to judge me. Not that I thought she was going to, I mean, I trust her, right?

Right.

I trust Minatozaki Sana.

"They look really happy." She whispered, looking me in the eye.

"They are." I immediately said, as my face well. "Or, they were."

Sana smiled faintly, eyes following my hand as I slipped the photo back under my pillow, where it should belong.

"There's a reason why you're here today." Sana suddenly said, making me turn to her with a raised eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" I frowned.
Sana smiled, staring at the cracked white wall on the right.

"There's a reason why your in that car when your parents died.

There's a reason why you were chosen to stay here."

I almost wanted to cry. My heart was falling to the pit of my stomach, as a lump rose in my throat.

"Don't say things like that, Sana." My voice cracked.

Sana turned to me, eyes lingering on the salty tear that slid down my cheek. Slowly, Sana's hand reached out to brush the tear away from my cheek. What must've surprised me the most was when Sana didn't take her hand away. In fact, her hand cupped my right cheek, rubbing circles on my
temple with her thumb.

"Say things like what?" she repeated. "The truth?"

My hands trembled by my side, as my cheek felt warm against Sana's palm.

"Your parent's don't want to see you sad, Tzuyu." She soothed, voice sounding so gentle and soft. "They left you here for a reason. Don't disappoint them."

"Sana, you don't know what you're-“

Sana's lips suddenly landed against my cheek, as my eyes went wide.

My heart began to race, as Sana's soft, cool lips came in contact with my red, flushing hot cheeks.

I know it was only a kiss on the cheek, but it was the most intimate thing that's ever happened to me.

I hated to admit it, but it felt so right.

When Sana pulled her lips away, I couldn't help but notice how her ears had a hint of pink to them. I bit back a small smile, as Sana stared down at my bed shyly.

"S-so, yeah." She stuttered, sounding shaky and nervous.

"Reason eight, your parents. I bet they wanted to meet you in heaven waiting for you to tell them stories of your success."