wanderer's moon | kaedehara kazuha

03 | i hold the remains of a dream

Twilight is nearing and lantern lights are flickering. Nara sat by the pine tree outside her home, hands occupied with an assortment of lavenders, daisies, sweet flowers and a single maple leaf. Crafting flower crowns is a habit she tends to have to pass the time when a day's worth is fulfilled or to let the wind carry her thoughts onward to the sea.

Meanwhile, she could hear kids running in the distance, excitedly telling everyone about the Naganohara fireworks show that is happening soon. Distant chatters among those who gathered by the shore could be heard as they wait for the boats that will bring them to Amakane Island to view the fireworks.

Tejima had invited her to view the fireworks together with the village kids, but she politely declined and told him that she would rest early for the night. It is not the truth in her heart, yet part of her wishes it was when she no longer wants to do anything with crowds. She simply likes the quiet and peace in Konda Village, just like how she led her life that way.

Nara focuses on braiding the stems of the last flower in her fingers, making sure the small lavender is tucked nicely in between a daisy and thin leaves. The gifted maple leaf would be the final touch to her crown, yet she is reluctant about what a two-day-old leaf would look like in a midst of vibrant flowers. It is not the first time she has made crowns with wilted herbs and flowers. There are ways to beautify them by wrapping them with a bunch of baby blossoms and little clovers, but the twilight sky is getting dark, making it too hard to see.

A sigh leaves her lips. Guess she would have to leave this unfinished.

"Ah! I was wondering why there was a strong floral scent. It seems you arranged them together into a...crown."

Her head snaps to the sound of a familiar voice—the one that sounds like the moon in her dreams, the one that recites elegant poetry.

"Kazuha-san?" Her tone was surprised as she looks up, seeing that he came from behind the tree. "I...didn't think you'd come back so soon."

He lowly chuckles, taking the opportunity to sit beside her, leaning against the bark and setting his right knee up to rest the joint of his arm.

"This morning, I already knew I would cross paths with you once more, seeing that I helped carry crates full of fireworks onto the Alcor, destined for Inazuma," he then looks at Nara. "Konda Village was the first place I thought of to visit—to see you. But you weren't inside so I followed your scent."

Nara can imagine the steam coming out of her warm ears, secretly wondering what she smelled like.

Kazuha's gaze flickers to the flower crown in her hands, humming at something in particular. "Is that the maple leaf I left in your wake?"

Nara almost forgot she was still holding it, shying away from his scrutinizing eyes. "A-Ah! Yes...but I didn't realize I left it in the dark for so long that it wilted so it's... a little too late to tuck one in a crown now."

"Worry not," a soft smile appears on his lips, taking a fresh maple leaf out of his pocket and handing it to Nara. "I keep these as a memento when I travel. It helps to ease the homesickness. Please, finish the crown. I'd like to see how it looks."

She slowly lifts her hand while staring at him, the irises of his gaze glinting with wonder as she gingerly takes the leaf out of his hand. All of a sudden, she feels nervous, slightly wary of a pair of scarlet eyes trailing her movement.

Could it be that she has taken an interest in him after all? Now if Saimon Eri were to hear that she'd be thrilled, but it is not the time to ponder on these thoughts.

With the fresh, well-preserved maple leaf in her fingers, she carefully brings the thin stalk in between the lavender's stem braids. It didn't take more than a minute to place the last piece of her puzzle. Hence, the crown is completed.