The bell rang.
Not that it mattered to Harvey. He already knew the rhythm of school like the ticking of a clock: arrive early, sit at the back, stay quiet, and leave unnoticed. It was easier that way. Safer. People couldn't hurt what they couldn't touch.
He slipped on his headphones as the classroom emptied. The world blurred, soft guitar chords shielding him from the noise outside.
But then—
A voice broke through. Bright, clear, persistent.
"Hey! You're Harvey Sakamoto, right?"
He blinked. A girl stood in front of him, framed by sunlight through the window. Short hair ruffled by the breeze. Eyes like warm amber tea. She held out a folded paper with shaky hands.
"I'm leyah. And I need a partner."
He stared. "For… what?"
"For summer," she grinned. "To help me complete this list."
Harvey hesitated, glancing at the paper. Ten handwritten items. "Dance in the rain." "Sing on a stage." "Kiss under fireworks." Childish. Ridiculous.
And then he saw the title:
My Bucket List – Summer of 17
His gaze flicked back to her. Her smile didn't waver, but something in her eyes gave her away—something fragile.
"You're dying," he said without thinking.
She blinked, then nodded. "Leukemia. Stage four. Three months, give or take."
The room felt too quiet.
"So," she added softly, "will you help me live a little before I die?"
He should've said no. Should've walked away like he always did.
But instead…
"…Alright. What's first?"
Her grin widened. "Sunrise. Tomorrow. Mount Kiyosumi. Bring snacks."
She turned and left, sunlight following her like it knew she didn't have much time.
Harvey sat there long after she was gone, staring at the bucket list she left behind.
And for the first time in years, he felt something stir.
Hope? Regret? Maybe both.
He looked out the window and whispered to himself,
"Why me?"