Where The Cherry Blossoms Bloom //Sanegiyuu

Otozure: Tsubomi

After an awkward silence, Tomioka stood up and began clearing the table.

"You should get going now, Shinazugawa. I'm feeling fine already," he said, the clack of bowls echoing softly as he gathered them.

As he continued, Shinazugawa reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him mid-motion.

Tomioka paused and glanced at him. "What's wrong?"

Shinazugawa quickly withdrew his hand, avoiding his gaze. "Nothing..."

Tomioka tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes, but he decided to let it go. "Are you going to leave or not?"

Shinazugawa didn't answer, instead lowering his head to rest on his arms.

"Hey..." Tomioka called, but when Shinazugawa didn't respond, he sighed and walked to the kitchen to wash the dishes.

Moments later, Shinazugawa stood, packed his things, and walked toward Tomioka.

"Tomioka," he called gently.

Tomioka turned his head toward him. "Hm?"

"I'm going to pay my respects to Master and the others later. I was just thinking... maybe you'd like to visit them too."

"Ah, I..." Tomioka hesitated, brushing the back of his neck.

Shinazugawa quickly added, "You don't have to if you don't want to."

Tomioka gave a small nod, his hand still resting at his neck. "I'll think about it."

Shinazugawa nodded in return. "I'll get going then," he said, pausing briefly before adding, "I'll meet you under the cherry tree."

"What cherry tree?" Tomioka asked, confused.

Shinazugawa pointed to the cherry tree near Tomioka's estate. "That one right there. The one where you always manage to annoy me," he said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Tomioka smiled faintly. "Okay then."

Later, Tomioka stood at his door, staring at the cherry tree Shinazugawa had mentioned. The thick leaves swayed as the breeze rustled through his hair.

You've changed, Shinazugawa.

Tomioka smiled gently before walking toward the tree. By the time he reached it, Shinazugawa was already there, leaning casually against the trunk, arms crossed, eyes closed, head tilted back slightly.

"Shina–"

"Took you long enough," Shinazugawa said, opening his eyes and looking at Tomioka.

"Didn't know we had a specific time."

"Did I need to send an invitation?" Shinazugawa grunted, not looking at him.

"Then you should've left without me."

Shinazugawa sighed. "If I did, it'd feel like I ditched you."

"Didn't know you cared about me."

They stood there in silence, Shinazugawa trying to process what Tomioka had said, the sound of cicadas filling the quiet.

Shinazugawa scoffed, pushing himself off the tree and starting down the path.

Tomioka stood frozen.

"Let's go! Damn it!" Shinazugawa yelled unintentionally.

Tomioka flinched slightly. "Coming."

They walked side by side. The grass seemed greener than it had last summer, the air cooler than before. Autumn's arrival was evident in his eyes—something I couldn't quite grasp, something that might not falter.

Shinazugawa, if only you'd let me in.

HI! this chapter is a bit small cause Im totally running out of ideas and life has been busy lately, hope ya'll still enjoy though😔. I might stop writing cause this story's a flop😢
still appreciate everyone who stayed!