Love Song (Kotori Minami x Original Character)

Prologue

Birds were singing and chirping merrily above the treetops, flying across a sea of pink. Cherry blossoms painted the season with their captivating hue, scattering beautiful petals over the bustling city. A soft yet chilly breeze swept through the park, happily playing with the fallen petals, but the clear sky and warm gaze of the sun gave a comforting hug to everyone. Now is a time of bittersweet farewells and hopeful beginnings. An annual era of renewal, redemption, revival, and restoration to our fleeting life - a "renaissance," some might say. The season's miracle of life brings a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction; perhaps that is why it is dearly loved by many. Winter was over, and Spring had come.

"Right here! Right here!"

Cheering and happy sobs echoed throughout the campus. Fresh graduates take selfies with their families, friends, and now, former classmates to commemorate a joyful parting from their university life. Their student lives are now over as they open a new chapter in their stories. A new generation has entered the workforce, powering Japan's strong economy. These educated individuals will become productive members of society and be responsible citizens. Well, in concept, that's supposed to be the case. But life, as we know it, is filled with twists and turns. You never know what can and will happen.

The path of a falling Sakura petal is unpredictable. Sometimes it gets swept by the wind, and other times it slowly falls near its tree. However its journey goes, it is guaranteed to have an end. A day after the graduation, one such petal meets the ground.

"It's quite peaceful today."

Hand in hand, a couple strolled through the paved walkway of a park, dots of pink falling around them bit by bit. The calm water reflected the vast sky, and the grass gently danced with the wind as their guide. Shrubs and bushes sat randomly across the well-maintained lawn, quietly rustling, composing a natural tune. Benches were lined at the sides, waiting to serve those who need its service. The cherry blossom trees stood tall and still, like a gentle giant painting a lovely scene, a serene escape from the busy city life.

"Hey... C-Can we sit right there? I need to tell you something..."

Her usual chirpy tone was absent; it changed into one of slight melancholy. A very unusual sight for the boy, so much so that he got lost in thought. Only to snap back when the creak of a bench reached his ears. Slowly sitting down beside her, he looked at her with a worried and confused gaze.

"What is it..?" He anxiously asked, his heart beating faster than before.

Her soft-gleeful smile wandered off someplace no one knows; a bitter frown took its place. Silence met them.

'Did I do something to upset her?' One of the many questions going through his dazzled mind. At that very moment, a Sakura petal landed on her palm, sitting there, ever so calm until the breeze took it away. And as the silence grew, so too did her resolve. She asked herself again why and how did it lead to this. There wasn't an answer. But there was already a decision.

"I'm sorry."

A painful word. A broken smile. Teary eyes.

He was shocked. Immediately taking the girl into his arms, he embraced her tightly. He didn't know what was going on. Not knowing why she was crying... Perhaps that's why...

It's because he didn't know why.

At that very moment, he didn't share the same feeling. Utter confusion clouded his mind. And as this scene is prolonged, a heartbreaking thing will come from his partner's mouth. When she broke off from his embrace and wiped her face, merry sounds of children playing nearby filled another round of short silence from them. Standing up, she tried to keep a firm look, but the sorrowful decision made it impossibly hard. So, she slightly turned away to hide it.

"Let's break up."