A faint breeze whispered through the wilted cherry blossom tree, scattering a few lonely petals into the air.
Seon stood beneath its boughs, her short black hair swaying like it was trying to mimic the final remnants of a dying season.
Ahead, a lone figure walked slowly away—a pink-haired traveler.
It was Elaine.
Usually, it was Seon who turned her back and walked away first, but this time was different.
"Are you really leaving, Elaine?"
Elaine didn't stop as if the question was nothing more than the wind brushing past her ears.
Well, until—
"You will die there," Seon called after her.
For just a moment, Elaine's stride faltered.
Seon could see her hands trembling at her sides, though it was subtle—so subtle that only someone who knew her as well as Seon would notice.
Still, Elaine didn't reply. She continued onward without even glancing back.
