Months slid by, winter break fading into memory. Yasushi and the others returned to school, thrown back into the rhythm of classes, assignments, and the mundane flow of daily life. At first, nothing seemed out of place, but Jingliu had changed somehow. It wasn't loud or obvious — just a small distance, like she was watching everything from a step back. It lasted a few days. Then, like nothing had happened, she slipped back into her usual ways.
But anyone who truly knew her could sense it. Something within her had changed, something hard to put into words. It was like she'd grown, not just a little wiser, but different, more put together, like time had pushed her forward in fast-forward. The change hadn't come overnight — more like over a week — but it was there. That little hint of innocence or inexperience, the one that used to show in her actions, was gone.
The Jingliu standing before them now seemed more grounded. She looked out for her close group, still protective in her quiet way, but there was more to it now. She wasn't just watching over her friends; she kept an eye on others, too. There was a shift in how she treated people outside her circle — less distant, less cold, like the gap between them had closed, if only just a bit.
+-+
"We never made it to Koshien. It sucks, but that's how it is, I guess... No way I'm chasing that dream anymore," Furuya muttered, letting out a long breath like it was the last bit of air he could squeeze from his chest.
"You've got other stuff lined up, don't sweat it, Furuya," Bhaqui tossed back, his voice a half-hearted attempt to lift the mood.
"I get it, but we're all getting shoved into retirement soon — the seniors, I mean. Then it's just study, study, and more study. Even Catherine's wrapping up. She's been scribbling notes for the next manager. Heard it might be two people stepping up, but who knows?" Furuya replied, his words hanging heavy with that weird feeling of looking back while things were still happening.
Shaking it off, he forced a grin, shifting away from the wall as lunchtime stretched on. "Anyway, Valentine's Day is around the corner. Any plans?" He looked between them, trying to switch the mood like flipping a light.
Bhaqui didn't miss a beat, face flat as he replied, "I'm single, man. Not a chance. But I'll be talking to someone back in China when it's time for that."
They both stared at Yasushi, waiting for him to spill it. He gave a quick smirk and shrugged, "We're definitely going somewhere, that's for sure. Valentine's Day lands on a Saturday this year, so we'll roll it into Sunday too. She's got something planned already, so I'm just following her lead on this one."
The two nodded. Furuya leaned back, rubbing his chin. "Catherine's got something in mind too, but she's keeping it tight-lipped. Maybe a trip out of the city? The thing is, I don't have much cash to throw around. Even with the part-time job I've got, it's tough. And, nah, I can't keep letting her cover the bills. It feels wrong, considering she earned that money working for Xinyi's family."
Yasushi let out a laugh. "Man, pride's a bitch sometimes, right? But hey, being a househusband wouldn't be the worst gig in the world. You could get used to it."
Furuya shot it down immediately. "Not a chance. I might not bring home the most, but I'll damn sure pull my weight."
They kept talking, jumping from one random topic to another, filling the lunch break with whatever came to mind.
+-+
Xinyi sat there, watching Jingliu and Catherine chatter about their Valentine's Day plans. She clicked her tongue in irritation and bit into her sandwich. "Couples," she muttered under her breath, her words sour as the food she was chewing.
Laura gave her a nudge, poking her in the cheek. "Come on, you're way too bitter. Lighten up a little."
Reina raised a brow and added, "Being all grumpy during this time isn't going to do you any favors, Xinyi. If you stay this way, love might never come your way. You'll be stuck with nothing but your attitude."
Xinyi rolled her eyes, brushing off the comment with a shrug. "Valentine's Day is so overhyped. It's not like the day's going to end the world or something."
Yunxue glanced over, clearly confused by the whole conversation. "What's even the point of getting worked up over Valentine's Day? Why's everyone losing their minds about it?"
Alicia, sitting nearby, leaned in, trying to dig a little deeper. "Yunxue, have you ever fallen for someone?"
Before Yunxue could say anything, Layena jumped in. "Nope, she hasn't. She's not exactly innocent either, but love isn't what she's after. Her job's her main thing."
Yunxue grinned and crossed her arms, standing tall in her conviction. "I don't have the time for any of that. My job's my priority, and keeping an eye on Yasushi keeps me busy enough. Romance? Love? There's no space for that mess in my schedule."
Xinyi stayed quiet, chewing her food, barely paying attention to the conversations around her. She stole quick glances at her friends and the couples scattered across the cafeteria, stuck in their little worlds, hands held, sharing food, wrapped up in their own displays. It felt like they were all showing off, like they were rubbing it in. It grated on her nerves.
She shut her eyes, leaning forward until her head rested on the table, hoping to block it all out. But images of her and Yasushi crept into her mind, uninvited and stubborn. Her face started to burn. She bit her lip to stop herself from reacting.
She knew she shouldn't be thinking like this, it felt wrong, yet those thoughts refused to leave, making her feel like she was losing it.
"Shit…" she mumbled under her breath, guilt creeping in despite her efforts to ignore it. She sat there, silently cursing the clock as lunch dragged on, trapped in her own personal hell for the rest of the break.
+-+
"White Day follows Valentine's, then the Easter Event, and after that, the Kyoto trip for the seniors. Which one's catching your eye?" Furuya asked, walking alongside Yasushi and Bhaqui after school let out.
"Sleep," Yasushi answered without missing a beat. His two friends cracked up.
"I mean, all of them are fine, I guess," he shrugged, "but the Kyoto trip is the obvious winner."
"Yeah, once Valentine's is over, I'll probably pick up more shifts, cram for exams, and go on some dates with Catherine," Furuya replied, thinking ahead. "We don't have much time left before graduation, and I'll need some cash for the trip."
"I'm all set," Bhaqui said. "I lived pretty cheap back in China, so I saved up a lot of money. I doubt I'll need to spend much on the trip anyway. You guys know anything interesting about Kyoto?" he asked, glancing over at Yasushi.
"Just a few spots I found online, plus what some relatives told me," Yasushi said, shrugging it off.
"I went there with my family once, stayed about a week when I was a kid. I remember the best places to hit up — if they're still around — so I could be the guide for the trip," Furuya added, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.
"Didn't know that. When was this?" Yasushi turned, raising a brow at his friend.
"Before we met. I was young, but it stuck with me. I can still picture most of it," Furuya explained.
Yasushi gave a small nod, processing the new detail about his friend. They didn't linger on it, though, and continued talking as they walked. Soon, they arrived at one of the local shops. The trio stepped inside, grabbed some food and drinks, and headed out again. They found a bench nearby and sat down, eating as the conversation rolled on.
After spending a few hours together, they called it a day, heading off in different directions. The sun dipped lower, the sky shifting, and Yasushi started his walk home. He watched the snow drift down, losing himself in the quiet until his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and answered.
"Hello?"
"Yasushi, where are you?" Jingliu's voice came through the line.
"On my way home. What's up? Do you need me there now?" he asked, feeling a little uneasy.
"No, but I'd like to talk about Valentine's Day when you get back," she said.
"Alright, I'll get there quick," he said, shifting his steps into a faster rhythm while they kept talking.
About half an hour later, he arrived at the gated community. After getting in, he sped up again, making his way to their large house. He pushed through the front door and headed straight to their room. Jingliu sat there in casual clothes, absorbed in a book, waiting.
Yasushi tossed his bag aside, changed quickly, and threw himself onto the bed next to her. Jingliu didn't even glance up from her book, her voice steady as she said, "I've been keeping things pretty unclear about our plans, haven't I?"
"Yeah," he answered, watching her closely before grabbing the remote. He switched on the TV in the room, killing the lights right after. "So, are you finally going to fill me in?" He tilted his head, waiting.
She nodded, not looking up. "I was thinking we could go to Hakkuin. It's a small town not far from Ginsukimura. They get some snow too, which makes it nice this time of year. I read that older couples like to spend Valentine's there. How does that sound?"
Hakkuin? Yasushi thought about it. The name felt somewhat familiar, but he couldn't place it. Pulling out his phone, he started to look it up, scrolling through what he could find.
+-+
Hakkuin.
Hakkuin began as a quiet spot for couples wanting to escape the noise of everyday life. Over time, the town grew, known for its peaceful streets and small-town feel. Couples, especially older ones, found a special charm here during Valentine's Day, drawn by the falling snow and calm setting that felt made for lovers. The town earned its place as a romantic hideaway.
Main Street ran through the center of town. Small shops stood on both sides, selling handmade crafts, snacks, and simple souvenirs. A bakery on the corner pulled in people with the smell of fresh bread filling the air. Locals and tourists often gathered outside, eating and chatting together.
Lovers' Bridge crossed a shallow stream, popular with couples who came to take photos or attach love locks to the railing. The bridge turned into a spot where people could express their commitment and offered a view of the town, surrounded by rolling hills.
In the town square, an old wooden pavilion stood, weathered but sturdy. Couples often sat on benches nearby, taking in the snow, talking quietly, or just enjoying the scene. It became a space where everyone — locals or visitors — could pause, breathe, and enjoy the town's simple beauty.
The clock tower stood at the heart of Hakkuin. Its chimes rang out every hour, reaching through the streets. It helped guide those wandering the town and marked moments shared with loved ones.
A few small restaurants served traditional meals. Warm dishes like rice, noodles, and stews made the cold days easier to bear. Couples sat together, sharing simple meals.
The town's small library held old books and local stories. Couples often visited to escape the cold and read in peace.
Local artisans crafted pottery and textiles. Visitors could watch them at work and buy their pieces directly.
Hakkuin saw light snowfall throughout the year. Snowflakes floated down, making the town feel peaceful. It became a cozy retreat, drawing couples looking for a quiet getaway. Every visit left a lasting memory for those who strolled its calm streets.
+-+
After Yasushi finished scrolling through the internet on his phone, he set it down, his eyes shifting toward Jingliu. "It's an interesting pick. Why there, though? I'm cool with it, but I'm curious," he said, waiting for her answer.
"It just… caught my attention. Weird, I know. But that's why I chose it," she said. Her eyes softened as she asked, "Would it be alright if we spent Valentine's Day there?"
He chuckled, his hand reaching up to give her head a gentle rub. "Alright, alright. We'll go. You wanna take my bike or the train?" he asked, a grin forming on his face.
She paused, taking his right hand in both of hers, her fingers rubbing along the back of his hand slowly. "Your bike sounds better. It'll feel more… special, especially at the time I have in mind."
Yasushi nodded, the decision made. "Okay, whatever makes you happy," he replied, leaning in for a quick kiss on her lips before they settled in, the screen lighting up as they prepared to watch a movie together.