Raito lived in a small, picturesque Japanese town called Asahikawa, nestled between misty mountains and vibrant cherry blossom trees. He was a reserved young man, content with a solitary life in his cozy bookshop, where he spent his days lost in stories. One rainy afternoon, he spotted a girl who had wandered into his shop, taking shelter from the sudden downpour. She was sitting cross-legged on the tatami floor in the poetry section, her dark hair falling like a curtain over her face. Raito noticed her engrossed in a book.
"Do you like Bashō?" he asked tentatively, breaking the silence. The girl looked up, her eyes reflecting the gentle light filtering through the shop's paper lanterns. She smiled softly and nodded. That was the beginning of their connection. The girl's name was Aimi, and she had just moved from Tokyo, seeking solace from the chaotic city life.
They began to chat, their conversation flowing from Bashō's words to a shared love of classic Japanese literature. Raito found himself drawn to Aimi's calm demeanor, the way she appreciated the beauty of simplicity, much like the seasonal festivals that brought joy to the town each year. He invited her to join him for cherry blossom viewing at the town's famous Sakura Park, and to his surprise, she agreed. It was the first time Raito felt a spark of warmth in his otherwise lonely heart.