The bell rang sharply across Sakura High School, cutting through the soft murmurs of students gathering in the courtyard. Hijuku opened his eyes slowly, realizing he had been standing beneath the sakura tree longer than he thought. Pink petals drifted down, brushing his shoulders as if the tree itself were welcoming him.
He exhaled.
"First day… don't mess this up," he muttered under his breath.
With one last glance at the massive cherry blossom tree behind the school, Hijuku turned and followed the flow of students into the main building. The halls were bright, clean, and far more elegant than he expected. Sunlight streamed through wide windows, reflecting off polished floors. Everywhere he looked, students were laughing, talking, comparing schedules.
He felt… out of place.
Hijuku adjusted the strap of his bag and walked carefully, afraid of bumping into anyone. He wasn't bad at talking, but crowds made him uneasy. Ever since he was a child, he had learned to observe more than speak.
A teacher's voice echoed down the hallway.
"Class 2-A students, head inside. Seating will be assigned today."
Hijuku checked the paper in his hand.
Class 2-A.
"That's me," he whispered.
He stepped into the classroom and froze.
Rows of desks filled the room, already occupied by students chatting loudly. Some glanced at him briefly before losing interest, while others stared openly, whispering to each other. Hijuku swallowed and walked toward an empty seat near the window.
As he sat down, he felt it again.
That strange sensation.
Like someone's eyes were fixed on him.
He turned slightly, scanning the room—but nothing stood out. Everyone seemed busy with their own conversations.
Guess I'm just nervous, he thought.
The homeroom teacher entered moments later, a tall man with glasses and a calm expression.
"Good morning. I am Fujimoto, your homeroom teacher," he said, writing his name on the board. "We have a new student joining us this year. Please introduce yourself."
Hijuku stiffened.
Slowly, he stood up.
"My name is Hijuku Fujita," he said, bowing slightly. "I… look forward to studying with all of you."
There was a brief silence.
Then—
"Ohhh, Fujita? Any relation to the Cherry Blossom Cafe owner?"
"Wait, isn't that place famous?"
"So he's that guy's son?"
Hijuku felt heat rush to his face.
"Yes… he's my dad," he said quietly.
The teacher cleared his throat. "That's enough. Fujita, take your seat."
Hijuku sat down quickly, heart pounding.
Dad…
Just thinking about Hideo made him feel calmer. The way his dad had smiled that morning, pretending not to worry but clearly watching him like a hawk. Hijuku smiled faintly.
I'll be fine, Dad.
Classes went by slowly.
Math. Literature. History.
Hijuku paid attention, but his mind kept drifting. Every time the wind blew outside, petals floated past the window, catching his eye. Sakura trees surrounded the school like silent guardians.
During lunch break, students gathered in groups, moving desks together or heading outside. Hijuku hesitated before pulling out the bento Hideo had packed for him.
"Hey."
Hijuku looked up.
A boy with messy brown hair and nervous eyes stood beside his desk.
"You're Fujita, right?" the boy asked.
"Yeah."
"I'm Ren. Mind if I sit here?"
Hijuku shook his head. "Go ahead."
Ren sat down, sighing in relief. "Man, I hate the first day. Everyone already has friends."
Hijuku chuckled softly. "Same."
They ate in comfortable silence for a moment before Ren spoke again.
"By the way… this school has some weird rumors."
Hijuku paused. "Rumors?"
Ren leaned closer. "About the sakura tree behind the school."
Hijuku's hand tightened slightly around his chopsticks.
"What kind of rumors?"
"They say if you stand under it for too long, you start seeing things. Or remembering things you shouldn't," Ren whispered dramatically. "Some even say it chooses people."
Hijuku laughed nervously. "That's just a rumor, right?"
Ren shrugged. "Who knows? Sakura High is old. Really old."
Hijuku looked out the window again.
Chooses people…
After lunch, Hijuku decided to take a walk before the next class. His feet carried him almost unconsciously toward the back of the school.
Toward the tree.
The massive sakura stood quietly, petals falling like gentle snow. Hijuku stepped closer, feeling the familiar warmth in his chest. He placed a hand against the trunk, closing his eyes.
For a brief moment—
A flash.
Darkness.
A girl standing in front of him.
Her face hidden.
His chest tightened.
"Huff—"
Hijuku stumbled back, breathing hard.
"What was that…?"
"Still drawn to this place?"
Hijuku spun around.
She was standing a few meters away.
The girl from this morning.
The one who had taken down the bullies without hesitation.
Her long dark hair swayed gently in the breeze, her sharp eyes studying him. She wore the same school uniform, though hers looked slightly modified, sleeves rolled up.
"You're staring again," she said calmly.
Hijuku straightened, embarrassed. "S-sorry."
She crossed her arms. "You're new."
"Yeah."
"Figured."
They stood in silence, petals falling between them.
"…Thanks," Hijuku said suddenly.
"For what?"
"For helping that boy this morning."
She looked away. "I don't like bullies."
Hijuku hesitated. "What's your name?"
She looked back at him.
"…Sakura."
Hijuku blinked. "Sakura?"
"Yes."
"Like the tree?"
A faint smile appeared on her lips. "Exactly."
Before Hijuku could say anything else, the bell rang.
"Tch. Class," Sakura muttered. She turned to leave, then paused. "Try not to fall asleep under that tree again."
Hijuku frowned. "Again?"
But she was already gone.
That night, Hijuku lay in bed staring at the ceiling.
The image of the girl from his dream lingered in his mind.
The sakura tree.
Sakura's eyes.
And that strange warmth in his chest.
Outside, petals brushed against the window.
Somewhere deep within, something long forgotten had begun stir.