After school ended, Haruto began walking home. It was one of his rare days off from his part-time job, and the quiet streets felt unusually calm. The sky was painted orange by the setting sun, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of early spring flowers.
Miyu had already hurried home earlier — she mentioned she'd be going out with her mother that evening. So, for once, Haruto was alone. His bag hung loosely over his shoulder as he walked at an easy pace, lost in his thoughts about the day.
As he passed near the old shrine by the road, he noticed a familiar figure standing there — Kana. She was looking up at the large cherry tree near the shrine gate, its petals fluttering softly in the wind.
"Haruto," she said when she noticed him, a small, calm smile forming on her face.
He walked up to her. "Kana? What are you doing here?"
