𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 || Alternate ending

Mr. Gardener | 2

—Once he left the cave, everyone found out. But rather than telling the truth, the puppet took the blame, declaring to hundreds that he was the one who murdered the young girl. He was a liar— she had succumb to an illness. But to protect her family's name, he lied.

People wanted justice for the poor girl, thus they send soldiers his way. Everyone wanted him dead, and there was a bounty up for his head. Yet rather than choosing to hide, he went and sat beside the young girls tombstone. The puppet then had a final conversation with her under the blossom tree.

"Maybe next life we'll have more time..."

-

Behind the blossom tree and its beautiful peach color, rested a dozing young boy who leaned quietly against the tree. Your head tilts with curiosity as you gaze at his sleeping expression. "...hello there?" you whispered before carefully approaching the young boy. He seemed to be in a deep slumber and you quietly sat down in front of him whilst you warily observed him.

He had a white button up t-shirt, with a brown sweater vest over top, and patterned red and black shorts— almost like the uniform you had, expect without the skirt.

For a moment, you were lost in thought as you sat across the young boy. And you stared aimlessly at his peaceful expression. Close up, you begin to realize how delicate his features were. You couldn't lie that he was quite beautiful, and his silk lilac hair was hard to look away from. But though you were dying to run your fingers through his hair, you could only bring yourself to brush the Sakura petals off his head.

The young boy seemed rather tired, which was noticeable by his eye bags despite them being covered with what seemed to be makeup. Thus, you were careful to not wake him up. Yet at the same time, you couldn't bring yourself to leave either. A sigh escapes your lips as you pick the final flower off his head, but instead of casting it aside, you stared at it for a brief moment. The flower seemed familiar... and compared to the other Sakura flowers, this one was purple. Oddly enough, the same colour as the boys hair.

Glancing back at the dozing young boy and back at the flower, you reach to the side of your hair to grab something.

In your hair was a beautiful Sakura hairpin made out of many gems; a family heirloom passed down to you.

It had many blossom flowers atop the hairpin— alike the blossom tree you sat under. But in the center of it rested a indigo coloured gem... and it reminded you of the dozing young boy before you.

Looking up, there was a soft smile across your lips as carefully leaned closer to the young boy. Though hesitate, you secretly slid the Sakura hair piece into the side of his soft lilac hair. And surprisingly, it suit him well. You take a moment to admire the dreaming boy in your hairpin, but before you could pull your hand back, you noticed a bruise on his cheek— causing you to pause.

However, as you froze, the young boy suddenly grabbed hold of your wrist, startling you.

"You..." he rasped, glaring at you. "What do you think you're doing?"

—His lilac hair and stern periwinkle eyes— a feeling of confusion washed over you. "Oh my," you uttered to yourself as your eyes widened. The young boy stopped once he saw you, and he too became confused, like you.

There was a moment of silence as his eyes lock with yours, and as your curious bright e/c eyes and his confused lilac eyes meet to gaze at one another, it felt like time itself had stopped— but realization soon hits you, and you snap back into reality. "Sorry, I just was passing by, and caught you sleeping here." You laugh awkwardly whilst you internally panicked, praying he wouldn't notice the hairpin you had placed in his hair.

"Why are you in this garden?" The young boy asked, irritably.

You blink a few times, "What kind of question is that? Who wouldn't want to be here? It's beautiful, uhm— unless there something I'm unaware of here or...?"

Beautiful.

The boy's expression wavered, and he was flustered by your comment. "What?" He questioned, staring at you as if you were an idiot. Your eyebrows raise in confusion, "huh?"

"No one ever comes to this place." He states, which surprises you.

The garden had the theme of a soft purple hue, yet was filled with multiple vibrant colours. Additionally, It was well maintained and there was a large blooming blossom tree in the center. A healthy growing tree... you wondered what part about this garden could dissatisfy the people at this school?

"What?— Why not?"

"Are you oblivious?" The young boy scoffed. " 'Why not?' " he repeating your words but in a mocking tone as he leaned back against the tree with his arms crossed. For a moment, were caught off guard by his attitude. Who knew a purple head boy with a pretty face could be so ignorant. Hence, feeling offended by his mockery, you silently sulk. But you still wanted answers. "You're not helping. Can you at least tell me what I'm oblivious of? And besides, If no one ever comes here then why are you here?"

The young boy simply stared at you with a blank expression. But as he sat up, there was a cheeky grin across his lips.

"That's because I AM the gardener."