Chapter 1: “The Crimson Thread of Encounter” (Deai no Kōshoku Ito)
Chapter 2: “Budding – The Subtleties of the Heart” (Hōga – Kokoro no Kibi)
Chapter 3: “Ripples – The Path of Feelings and Small Commotions” (Hamon – Omoi no Yukue to Chiisana Sōdō)
Chapter 4: “Eternity – Love Sworn Under the Moonlight” (Eien – Tsukiyo ni Chikau Ai)
Chapter 1: “The Crimson Thread of Encounter” (Deai no Kōshoku Ito)
After gathering the scattered sweets, Saeki headed towards the main shrine. Anna watched his retreating figure, experiencing a complex yet somehow warm emotion.
“Who is he, really… And yet, I feel I cannot simply ignore him…” Anna whispered softly, gently wiping the sweet bean paste from her hakama.
In that moment, she discovered a small package Saeki had apparently dropped. Upon opening it, she found beautifully wrapped sweets inside. The cherry blossom-colored wrapping paper was delicately tied with a charming mizuhiki cord, presenting an elegant Japanese confection.
“These must have been an offering…” Anna thought, carefully examining the package. Her contemplation was interrupted by a voice from behind.
“Ah, that’s…” Turning around, she found Saeki standing there, looking slightly flustered.
“I apologize. It seems I dropped this…” Saeki said, an embarrassed hand touching his head.
“No, it’s alright. Here you are…” As Anna extended the package, their hands touched. Though brief, the moment sent a subtle electricity through her, causing her heart to flutter. Saeki looked surprised but quickly recovered with a gentle smile.
“Thank you. You’ve been most helpful. These are actually from my family’s confectionery shop—I intended them as an offering,” he explained, opening the package to reveal several intricately crafted, sakura-shaped manju.
“They’re beautiful…” Anna breathed, admiring the pale pink sweets that resembled delicate cherry blossom petals.
“Would you care for one? Consider it an apology,” Saeki offered, his eyes twinkling.
“Oh, but these are meant as offerings…” she hesitated.
“Let’s say we’re sharing them, Mochizuki-san. Perhaps it’s a twist of fate,” he said with a playful smile that seemed to dissolve her reservations.
Anna accepted the manju, bowing slightly. “I’ll gratefully partake.” As the elegant sweetness spread across her palate, she closed her eyes involuntarily.
“Delicious,” she murmured. “I’m glad you enjoy it,” Saeki replied, his happiness evident.
Their conversation flowed naturally, punctuated by gentle curiosity. Saeki revealed his monthly pilgrimages to the shrine, noting how it soothed his spirit—particularly in Anna’s presence. His words, partially spoken and partially withheld, stirred something within her.
A sudden gust scattered cherry blossom petals around them, almost like a celestial blessing. One petal landed in Anna’s hair, which Saeki gently removed, his fingertips grazing her cheek. The brief contact made her heart race.
As the sun set, painting the sky in warm hues, Saeki presented Anna with a paper bag—a token of gratitude for her previous kindness when he had nearly collapsed on the street.
“Please accept this, though it’s a modest thanks,” he said earnestly.
Anna accepted the package, feeling its substantial weight and the warmth of his gesture. Inside were sweets from his family’s shop, which he encouraged her to enjoy later.
Their farewell was tender and filled with unspoken promise. As Saeki walked down the shrine path, Anna watched, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and wonder.
“That person… he’s truly mysterious,” she whispered, clutching the package close.
A faint, sweet fragrance emanated from the cherry blossom-colored wrapping. With each breath, warm feelings blossomed within her. Memories of their encounter played repeatedly, causing her cheeks to flush.
“Why do I feel this way?” she pondered, gazing at the transitioning sky—bright orange melting into soft pink, mirroring the delicate hue of the manju she had tasted.
Walking back to the shrine, a lightness filled her heart. Cherry blossom petals continued their dance, carried by a gentle breeze that seemed to whisper of potential and promise.
“Perhaps this is what fate feels like,” she thought, a shy smile emerging. The sensation that her life was on the cusp of transformation both thrilled and intrigued her.
At the shrine, she carefully placed the package on the altar—a small offering of gratitude for this unexpected encounter.
“Thank you for today,” she murmured, bowing her head.
With the lingering sweet scent, Anna returned to her duties, her heart brimming with anticipation. The thought of seeing Saeki again kindled a soft, hopeful flutter in her chest—a promise of something beautiful just beginning to unfold.
(To be continued)
