6 Five*

Now that was... Something I hadn't predicted, that's for sure.

"How did you know?"

I was quite shocked. I thought I had hidden it well from her and other people, but I guess I must have left her a few signs.

"Well, it was kind of obvious. I knew it about two months ago - on your birthday, by the way - when I saw you flushing like that." Dawn said, chuckling slightly.

I flushed again and looked down, remembering that memory. I hadn't expected Dawn to join the party, and when she came in and handed me the gift, I had flushed like a tomato. It was a bracelet from Tiffany, the same one Dawn wears. It had been made a while ago, thus unable to be remade. When I'd asked her that, she had told me one of her older cousins works at the shop and had personally asked them to make two of them. I asked her if she minded about them being the same thing, and she said there would be nothing wrong with that, saying no one would care. At that, I had realised she didn't think that I would have a crush on her. That kind of made me feel a bit bitter, knowing it would be quite difficult for me to tell her my crush. However, I've learnt from my friends and relatives that your first crush just doesn't work well(My uncle is just one of the very few exceptions.). There would be a high chance of you being too intimidated to confess, or that person could happen to have a crush on someone else, or even worse, have a significant other.

I knew Dawn doesn't have a significant other. If she had one then why would she ask me instead of that person? I know she has a crush on someone else since she told me that before. I have to admit, I'm just so envious of that lucky individual.

"You know, when you asked before about me thinking about the possibility of people assuming us as a couple, I had told you before that I didn't mind. Do you know why?"

"'Cause you have a crush on someone and are not planning to date me?" I answered bitterly, knowing I've got the answer.

"Do you think so?"

When I heard her voice, I raised my head to meet her eyes. I could see a tint of melancholy in them, and I wondered why.

So, wanting to know the answer, I replied, "Yeah, I think that."

"You're wrong," Dawn answered clearly with a small smile.

I was about to question her on how she was sure, but I closed my mouth, knowing she wouldn't say anything firmly without an explanation. It took me some time to understand what she meant. It slowly registered in my brain that she was wanting to tell me that the one she has a crush on was me. When I realised that, my eyes widened and my cheeks were red. Dawn smiled at me, seemingly to realise that I've understood the meaning behind her statement.

"You... Like me too?" I asked in a shaky voice. She smiled slightly and nodded, confirming my guesses.

"That's why I told your uncle I didn't mind your overhearing the conversation, and also asked you to be my caregiver. I've heard from your friends that you know a lot about small-cell lung cancer, so I thought you'd be perfect to ask for care." She said as if this was a simple thing able to be thought of by anyone.

"I guess you don't know how sensitive I am. Haven't you realised how much I'd be hurt when you die?"

"Why did you say yes to my request, then, Lucas? If you knew you'd be that hurt after I left, why did you still say yes?"

I slightly debated if I should tell her the truth or not. It was a bit embarrassing to tell her the fact, I suppose, but I guess it wasn't worth it. "I thought you'd suffer less with me instead of the other people. I'll suffer a lot after you leave, but it would be nice if you could remember the final months of your life as the happiest, I suppose I wouldn't mind that I would suffer for a long time. One day, I'll get over it. Maybe."

Dawn looked at me, and her face was slightly clouded with worry. Her eyes sparkled a few minutes after as if she had gotten a good idea, and turned to face my uncle. "Could I go to a place before I get admitted here? I want to visit my friend's workplace."

My uncle deliberated, thinking whether it was safe to send her out. "How long would it take?"

"I suppose I could be back within an hour. The place is a bit away from here, but when I arrive it would be close to her break time. I could ask her to meet me in front of the door and I could just hand her the file. I told her I'd give it to her next week, but I know she'll understand my change of plans. She doesn't mind if I give it to her earlier."

"You can go, but only if Lucas goes with you, just in case something happens. Also, I would like you to catch a cab. I wish I could drive you there, but I have to get your information all organised to give Jasmine the file. She'll be your nurse for the week here, and you can leave as soon as we find the medication that works for you."

Due to my uncle's comment, I saved the Excel file and turned the laptop off, getting prepared to leave with her as soon as my uncle allowed her to.

My uncle waved his hand, still focused on the computer screen in front of her. My view tells me that he is currently working on a Word file that began with Dawn's name. The wave of his hand can be translated as he is dismissing us.

I stood up, carrying my bag, and walked to her. "He's letting us go now. I think we might be able to be back here soon."

"What about the cab? How will we catch one?" Dawn asked, reaching out to me. I supposed she wanted to hold my hand, so I took hers in mine and led her out.