The day we met again

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the cherry blossom trees outside Hoshikawa High. Petals floated gently on the breeze, swirling like quiet reminders that spring wouldn’t last forever.

Touska stood among the crowd of nervous students, holding his exam papers tightly, but his mind wasn’t on the test. It was on her.

Aika Fujisawa.

His first friend. His first love. The girl he hadn’t seen since they were kids.

He still remembered that afternoon under the cherry blossom tree.

Back then, Touska sat alone, lost in a book too difficult for most kids. The laughter and noise of the playground faded until someone stepped into his shade.

“Hey, you’re Touska, right?” a cheerful voice asked.

He looked up.

It was Aika.

Her eyes were bright, her hair messy, and her smile felt warm, like the cherry blossoms falling softly around them.

“We’re in the same class now,” she said, holding out her hand. “Let’s be friends.”

They were friends — until life pulled them apart.

Now, Touska’s heart skipped a beat as he scanned the crowd again. Then he saw her.

Aika, bathed in sunlight, with petals drifting gently around her like a quiet promise.

Her eyes were calm and watching.

She hadn’t changed.

Their eyes met for a moment. She smiled.

That same smile.

This time, before the cherry blossoms fall, Touska promised himself he wouldn’t let her slip away. 

The bell rang, releasing the students into the open courtyard. Touska spotted Aika standing near the school gate, her figure calm and still.

He walked toward her, heart pounding, but when their eyes met, the warmth he expected wasn’t there.

“Hey,” he said quietly.

She nodded, not quite meeting his gaze.

“Hey,” she replied, her voice soft.

They stood there for a moment, words tangled somewhere behind their hesitation.

Without another word, Touska turned away, stepping slowly down the path lined with cherry trees.

Aika hesitated, then followed, her footsteps quiet beside his.

As they walked, Touska glanced up at the pink petals drifting down.

“That’s odd,” he muttered, more to himself than her. “Cherry blossoms… but spring’s not supposed to be here for another year.”

Aika looked at him, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

The path soon split into two—branches curling left and right beneath the blooming trees.

They stopped at the fork, facing each other.

Touska gave a small, tentative wave.

Aika returned it with a faint smile.

The breeze picked up suddenly, and around them, the cherry blossoms seemed to glow softly — petals swirling in a gentle dance unlike anything they’d ever seen.

The spirit blossoms bloomed.

For a moment, time seemed to hold its breath.

Then, each took their separate path, the falling petals trailing behind them like whispers of a promise yet to be fulfilled.