You bent over as sharply as if you'd been punched in the stomach, and drops of blood spattered your lap and knees. You spit out a glop of spit mixed with blood. Your eyes snapped open, tears brimming on the edges of your eyes.

You fell to your knees, a hand on the burning sensation on your throat. Though, you were glad no one was around. The tears rolled down your burning cheeks as you sputtered, coughing on the petals forcing their way up into your throat. The soft red petals fell into the snow around you coated in a thick red ooze.

It felt like someone was stabbing at your heart. What were you going to do? There was no explanation for coughing up flower petals. Sakura in shape but the color reminded you of something different.

The pure rosewood color reminded you of a certain gaze that sent your heart fluttering and a smile you couldn't help but return. Just at the feeling of your heart ache made your throat burn again. You began to cough up a few more petals before panting where you were.

With saliva dripping down your chin, you sat up. Your gaze stuck on the silvery sky above with small balls of fluffy snow falling. Closing your eyes, you began to calm yourself. You sighed, breathing the co2 and water vapor cloud back into the air.

Dragging a hand across your mouth, you stood. You needed to get back, it was already late enough for your training. No doubt Tanjirou would already be writing in his journal already. The snow crunched underneath your boots as you walked back to your Sensei's small house. The heartache resting on your chest was slowly eating away at you. A songbird that can't sing, or a dove that can't fly.

You longed to set your heart free, but that wasn't a option. You would be lover who doesn't love, letting the heartache slowly consume you until the flower in your lungs would bloom. The small cabin came into view. Your cheeks still pink and hands burning still ripe from the cold that clung to your limbs. You shook off the snow buildup on your clothes and walked inside. A plethora of warmth hit your face, making your nose burn.

Quietly as you could, as not to wake Sensei sleeping near the fire pit. It roared with little life as you passed it. Slowly, your numb fingers slid the door to Nezuko's room open only to find it empty all except for the sleeping girl.

You felt your heart drop slightly that Tanjirou wasn't here. With the two of you working in different climates, you never got to see him anymore.

That awful phrase of distance makes the heart grow fonder was true. you wished it wasn't, maybe then this heartache of your's would leave. You sat by the wall, leaning to rest your sore limbs.

Your eyes slowly fluttered shut, now falling into a more peaceful state. It was calm, nothing but the flickering of a flame filled your ears.

With so many things in your life, it never stayed that way. Your tired eyes opened at the sound of the door opening. "(y/n)...? You in here?" The voice of Tanjirou whispered softly. You didn't want anymore heart ache, but your soul wouldn't let you ignore him.

"Yeah." You muttered, now finally gathering the courage to look up at his shadowed form. He closed the door softly and rushed to your side.

Without warning, he pulled you into a tight embrace. You wanted to wrap your arms around him. Your heart was begging you too. "I... I was looking for you everywhere."

Your arms reached up, almost returning the hug, but your mind decided against it. "I was really worried! You normally show up before sundown and... and..."

He leaned back, now looking into your eyes. The soft flickering of the light made his eyes glow with a new found warmth you hadn't seen before.

It made your chest tighten and throat start to burn. you grabbed a hold of his shoulders, pushing him back with tears in your eyes. You wanted him to stay there, but you couldn't keep them inside any longer.

you got up and briskly walked out of the room. The rosewood petals now bursting past your fingers. You walked outside and rounded the corner. Your hand shifted as you fell to your knees.

The flowers gathered on the snow as you coughed. your body shook with more heartache then before. "(Y/n)?" With a mix of blood and Saliva dripping down your chin, you looked up to see Tanjirou cautiously approaching you.

More tears spilled over. Not just from the physical pain, but your heart longing for him. "This... is... Hanahaki." Your hand slapped over your mouth, attempting to hide it. It wasn't lovely; the way that you wanted him.

He was just a boy, but one that meant the world to you. Tanjirou knelt down, grabbing your shoulders. you fell over, a new wave of petals pushing up into your throat.

You could feel Tanjirou rub your back soothingly as you coughed. He was the one that made these flowers grow, although they were beautiful... You couldn't breathe.

Your hand grabbed his haori, attempting to steady yourself. "Who is it?" He asked, his voice sounding choked. You let out a cry, knowing that you couldn't say it. Your head wouldn't let you, but your heart was screaming for it. Tears filled your eyes as you sat up, looking into his glittering rosewood eyes. "T-that's okay... You do-"

Tanjirou bent over, his body racking with shivers as he coughed. "T-Tanji-Kun!" You cried, holding his arm. He coughed loudly almost expelling something from his throat.

When he sat up slightly, you saw them. Sakura shaped petals, although icy blue in color and coated in blood. "I'm sorry..." He muttered now panting.

You were slightly stunned. Why...? Why would he have this heartbreaking disease? "Don't be... I've had this for almost 5 months..." You said careful of the tightening in your chest.

"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you... " Tanjirou latched onto you again, still petals falling from his mouth. You held back the wave of tears that started to overwhelm you. He grabbed your arms, pulling you in.

It was surprise at first, but you eventually let your heart take control. In the end, you pulled away the held back tears now streaming down your cheeks. "I'm sorry (y/n)... If I would have had the courage to say something, you would't have suffered."