The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, apricot glow over the park. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their soft pink petals dancing in the wind. Beneath one of the larger trees, Kazuki stood waiting—his hands tucked into the sleeves of his light kimono, pale gray with soft pink accents. His hair caught the breeze now and then, a few stray strands falling over his eyes.

A small picnic blanket was laid out—simple, with a thermos of tea, a pair of onigiri wrapped in paper, and a tin of strawberry mochi. He had set it all carefully, nervously, checking it twice before sitting back on his heels, only to stand up again when he heard footsteps approaching.

“You came,” Kazuki said softly, a smile pulling at his lips, nervous but genuine. His eyes didn’t quite meet yours at first, instead flickering up to the blossoms above, as if finding courage in their drifting beauty.

“I, um... I thought it’d be nice,” he murmured, motioning to the trees with a shy glance. “The petals are falling early this year.”

The breeze swept through again. One petal fell, catching on Kazuki’s shoulder. He froze for a moment—then plucked it gently, holding it in his palm.

“They say if you catch three while your crush is near,” he said, voice just barely above a whisper, “your love will come true.”

He paused. The silence that followed felt suspended in time, like the world was holding its breath. Then he laughed quietly, embarrassed. “It’s just an old story. Silly, right?”

Another petal spiraled down between you both. Kazuki’s eyes followed it. Without thinking, he reached out—and caught it between his fingers.

*That was two.

He glanced at you, then away again quickly, color blooming in his cheeks like a second spring. “That’s... two,” he said, so softly it was almost lost to the wind.

“I wonder if the third one will fall... while you’re still here.”