Haizaki faced Utaha's repeated pleas. Considering that he had already promised to take her to Wuhua University to view the cherry blossoms, he ultimately decided to take her out, even though her current condition was not suitable for going outside.
After all, there were only two days left.
He could only have Utaha wear more clothes.
Perhaps this flower viewing would lift her spirits. If her mood improved, her energy might improve as well, and her body might follow.
Holding onto that hope, Haizaki fastened the seat belt for Utaha in the passenger seat.
Half an hour later, the car slowly drove into Wuhua University.
On this clear day, with a gentle breeze blowing, the cherry blossoms lining both sides of the campus roads were already in full bloom.
One cherry tree after another swayed with the breeze, and a few petals drifted through the air, tracing graceful arcs.
It was a season of revival, filled with the vitality of spring.
"So beautiful…"
They were her favorite cherry blossoms.
The pink petals seemed to be welcoming her arrival.
She finally saw them again.
Far away in Wuhua City, separated by thousands of miles, she once more witnessed the sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
"Yes, they're very beautiful."
They truly were beautiful, but Haizaki had no heart to admire them. All his attention was on Utaha's physical condition and state of mind.
"But cherry blossoms… only have a ten-day blooming period."
The most splendid moment of cherry blossoms lasted only ten short days.
Just like life—the most beautiful moments were always fleeting.
"A single variety of cherry blossom only blooms for ten days. But if you combine the blooming periods of different varieties, the cherry blossom viewing season can last up to a month and a half. Utaha, you should know that better than I do…"
Because the temperature in Wuhua City was lower today, early-blooming cherry blossoms had not bloomed in March.
"Mm."
"I'll carry you…"
After parking the car, Haizaki opened the passenger door. After helping the girl out, he squatted down.
Utaha quickly climbed onto his back.
Haizaki carried Utaha on his back, backpack in hand, and walked toward the flower-viewing spot the girl had chosen half a month ago.
"It's really nice, being able to walk beneath the cherry trees with you."
"We'll have many, many more chances in the future. As long as the cherry blossoms bloom, we'll walk together."
He only wanted Utaha to be happy and cheerful, even if the promise might never be fulfilled.
In this April, he finally made a promise that might turn out to be a lie.
"It's a promise then, Haizaki-kun."
"Yes, a promise. If Utaha breaks it, I won't let you off."
Faced with Haizaki's faintly threatening tone beneath her, Utaha smiled softly and buried her head even deeper.
That familiar, nostalgic scent.
The lover she never wanted to let go of.
But…
Bitterness welled up inside her, yet Utaha quickly adjusted her mindset.
Enjoying the happiness of the present was what mattered most.
This might be one of the few remaining happy moments she had left.
"If Haizaki-kun… breaks the promise, I also… won't let you off."
Utaha whispered from Haizaki's back. Her slender arms tightened around him, afraid that he might leave her.
Only by feeling Haizaki's solid back and warm presence did she feel that he was still by her side.
Haizaki walked with the girl on his back.
One step,
then another.
With Haizaki's steady, rhythmic pace, they passed through the cherry blossom grove, stepped onto the lawn, and arrived at the viewing spot.
Pink cherry blossoms, green trees, and a blue sky—
the gentle spring breeze drifted over, and everything blended together perfectly.
"Could you… take a photo of me?"
Sitting on the cloth spread on the ground, Utaha gazed at the distant scenery and spoke to Haizaki beside her.
"Mm."
Haizaki had brought a professional DSLR.
He had already considered that the girl might want to take photos.
"W-wait…"
As if she had suddenly thought of something, Utaha abruptly stopped Haizaki.
"I… am I… very ugly?"
In her sickly state, how could she possibly look good? The thought immediately made Utaha stop him from taking the photo.
"How could that be! Utaha is still so beautiful that my heart races."
She was still beautiful, but the weak, sickly pallor on her face was heartbreaking.
It made anyone who saw her unconsciously wonder why such a beautiful girl had to suffer through illness.
"I want… a mirror."
She felt uneasy.
"Will a phone work?"
"Mm…"
It wasn't as clear as a mirror, but a phone was enough.
Through the phone, Utaha finally saw her current appearance clearly.
A sickly pallor, wine-red eyes that had lost their color, none of her former vitality or brilliance—lifeless, as if dying the next moment would not be surprising.
Just as she thought…
"I told you, didn't I? Utaha is still very beautiful—still a lovely girl who makes my heart flutter."
Noticing the girl's low spirits, Haizaki took back the phone and spoke with a smile.
"When… did you become… so smooth-tongued and sweet-talking?"
"Want to taste it?"
"Eh…"
Her mind didn't quite catch up.
"Smooth talk, of course."
Haizaki only wanted Utaha to feel a little better and hold on until the day after tomorrow.
There were less than two days left.
It would all end soon.
She would return to her original life, and everything would be as it was.
"P-pervert…"
Realizing what Haizaki was implying, a flash of embarrassment crossed Utaha's face as she looked away.
"I'm a pervert, then Utaha is the girl a pervert likes."
"Being… liked by a pervert… I can't really help it," she said shyly, her voice breaking slightly.
"Then Utaha… do you like this pervert?" Haizaki leaned closer, smiling as he asked.
"I like you… very… very much."
She wanted to cry, her eyes filling with tears.
Why did it have to be like this? Why did she have to suffer something like this at the happiest, most beautiful moment?
"Don't cry, Utaha. Don't cry…"
Seeing the tears gathering in her eyes, Haizaki panicked and quickly reached out to wipe away the tears that were about to fall.
"I'm… not crying. Just some sand got in my eyes…"
"Mm, sand got in them."
Haizaki gently blew, as if trying to blow the sand out of her eyes. Utaha smiled faintly and let him do as he wished.
A gentle warmth spread through her heart.
You're really too much, Haizaki-kun.
Why is it only when I'm sick that you give me all of your tenderness?
This face, these eyes—she would not forget them, and she could not forget them.
"Utaha, smile."
With the blue sky and splendid cherry blossoms as the backdrop,
Haizaki captured Utaha's breathtaking beauty in a photograph.
She was still beautiful enough to make hearts flutter,
beautiful enough to make hearts ache.
"Click…"
After that came a photo of the two of them together.
Today, Utaha was unexpectedly clingy. She liked taking photos, liked taking pictures of the two of them together.
As if only by doing so could she bind the two of them completely together.
…