Under the Cherry Tree

Chapter 3: Sato is Who's BROTHER?

Your gaze remained fixed on the wooden ceiling, the moonlight seeping through the window casting eerie shadows upon the surface. Your mind was preoccupied, lost in your thoughts about Sato. Suddenly you heard a voice interrupting your contemplations with words of condolence.

"Sorry for your loss"

How did he know about your loss? Was he a kind stranger, or one of Sakura's students?

With a sigh, you resigned yourself to the fact that you wouldn't be able to sleep. You decided to leave the room, carefully lighting a lantern before stepping out into the chilly air of the night. The cool breeze caused you to shiver, but you continued on, hoping the crisp air would aid in inducing restful slumber.

In the garden, a single cherry tree stood in solitude. It was your favorite spot, a place where you could lose yourself in your thoughts while gazing at the stars. You sat underneath it, and as you looked up at the vast expanse of the sky, you could feel the weight of your emotions bearing down on you. "S/n... wherever you are, I hope you're happy," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

As you sat there, lost in thought, you slowly fell asleep...

--Past/3rd Person--

Y/n's deft fingers worked swiftly, gathering S/n's long hair into a neat bun at the nape of her neck. She meticulously adjusted and smoothed the locks until the bun looked immaculate. S/n eagerly turned to the handheld mirror that Y/n offered her, and her eyes widened in delight. "I look exactly like you!" S/n exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Y/n chuckled at S/n's comment, pinching her chubby cheeks playfully. "Looks like you're starting to take after your big sis, but you're a little chubby" Y/n said with a grin. S/n's eyes widened, their playful banter quickly turning into a faux argument. "Hey, I'm not chubby!" S/n exclaimed, puffing out her cheeks. But Y/n's teasing remark only made S/n cry out in mock indignation.

Y/n gave S/n's hair a final pat, and S/n sprang up from her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. "If I'm chubby, then you're chubby too!" S/n retorted, a sly grin playing at the corners of her lips. Y/n couldn't help but laugh at S/n's playful antics, and she gave in to S/n's poke on her cheeks.

But S/n's carefree demeanor quickly turned serious, and her expression turned glum. "Y/n," she began, her voice soft and plaintive. "When I get better, can we go to the fireworks festival?" Y/n immediately nodded her head in agreement, "Yes I promise to make you the most beautiful girl there. I'll make you a kimono and buy the most expensive hairpins when I get money."

But S/n's tone grew more serious, and a frown creased her forehead. "Y/n, I don't need all that fancy stuff. I just want to go to the festival with you. You don't have to spend so much money on me, you know?" Y/n's sighed, resigned to S/n's wishes. "Okay, I understand," she said, giving S/n a comforting pat on the back.

"Oi brat, what are you doing out here this late?!"

--Present/2nd P.O.V--

You were lost in thought, staring off into the distance, reminiscing about the past when you were abruptly pulled back to reality. Haruka stood before you with her hands planted on her hips, her eyes blazing with irritation. "What are you doing out here at this hour?" Haruka's voice pierced through the silence, demanding an answer.

You simply shrugged, unable to sleep and lost in your own thoughts. Haruka rolled her eyes, her annoyance growing. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to be out here alone without any weapons? Anything could happen, you know?" Her words hit home, and you couldn't help but feel a bit foolish.