The Girl Under the Sakura Tree:
The start of spring always brought a gentle charm to the world around Aika. The streets and the schoolyard would light up with the soft pink hues of sakura blossoms, petals swirling gently in the wind like a dream. On that particular day, she stood beneath one of the older sakura trees, adjusting her bag strap and glancing around, trying to spot her friend who had promised to meet her.
Unbeknownst to her, someone else was watching.
Aito had been walking toward the school gates when he first saw her. The sight of her under the tree was almost surreal, her bangs framing her sparkling eyes as the sunlight filtered through the blossoms. She seemed lost in thought, her movements gentle, as though she were part of the breeze that carried the scent of flowers.
Aito's heart skipped a beat. It was the first time he had felt something so sudden and overwhelming. He stood frozen, unable to look away. Who is she? he thought, a question that lingered even as she walked off moments later, her friend finally arriving.
From that day on, Aito couldn't help but notice Aika everywhere. In the classroom, she sat by the window, her chin resting lightly on her hand as she gazed outside. When she laughed with her friends, it was as if the room brightened. There was a warmth to her presence that made him feel at ease, even though she barely knew he existed.
At first, he told himself it was just a passing crush, but as days turned into weeks, his feelings deepened. He began to memorize her habits: how she always tied her hair up during P.E., how she doodled in the corners of her notebook during boring lectures, and how she always stayed back after school to help clean up without being asked.
One day, while helping stack chairs in the classroom after school, Aika had noticed Aito lingering and smiled. "You don't have to stay if you have other things to do," she said, her voice soft but clear.
"I don't mind," he replied, unable to meet her eyes.
Moments like these were treasures to Aito, even though they left him longing for more. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but every time he tried to summon the courage, the words caught in his throat.
Aika had always seen Aito as a kind and dependable classmate. He wasn't loud or overly confident, but his quiet nature and helpfulness had earned him the admiration of many. She noticed how he would offer to carry books for their teacher or help fix the equipment in the science lab when others wouldn't bother.
There was something comforting about his presence. She didn't realize at first how often he was around her—staying back to help clean, volunteering for group projects she was part of, or simply being nearby during breaks. But as time passed, she began to notice the little things: how he would glance at her when he thought she wasn't looking or how he always seemed to anticipate when she needed help.
Aika appreciated Aito's kindness but never considered that his actions might be driven by something deeper. To her, he was a good friend, someone she could rely on.
When Aika woke up in the hospital, she was told what had happened. Aito was gone. The news hit her like a tidal wave, and the guilt was unbearable. She couldn't understand why he had risked his life for hers.
Half a year later, Aika was walking along a quiet road when she saw three figures approaching. As they drew closer, her heart stopped. It was Riku, Hana, and… a boy she didn't recognize.