Work Text:
Do the leaves have voices?
Some may say nature can speak if you just listen closely.
But what do you think nature would have to say to us in those moments?
"Heeey Y/n?"
Your train of thoughts broke as you felt someone nudging your arm. You turned your head to see your elder sister, Yoimiya as she was handing you some tri-colored dango. You accepted the dessert from her then she proceeded to sit down on the vacant space next to you.
"Sooo what's on your mind this time? The 7 wonders of Inazuma? Maybe about fruits? Oooor maybe about how far the ocean can extend from here??" She kept adding questions after question, and knowing how chatty your elder sister can be in contrast to your introverted personality, you know there's no end to it until you give her a response.
"..I was just wondering about the various ways that nature can speak through... But very few can understand what they're trying to say.." You looked up to the sakura tree near your home as it has a nice view from the porch where you two are sitting on.
"Ooh getting poetic ey? Have you thought of getting into it? You seem to have a knack for that sort of thing. Like, picture this-" She stretched out both of her hands to create an imaginary headline as she leaned her body sidewards to you. "The current generation of Naganoharas will have the mastery of not just firework-making but poetry too! You will be the very first Naganohara to open up such opportunity, Y/n!"
You lightly smiled from your sister's enthusiasm as you took a bite from your dango. It really warms up your heart to have such a supportive family, but at the back of your mind, you felt a bit pressured at the thought of wanting to pursue something different from your family's tradition. It's not like you have a strict family either, your father's committed to the tradition but he's also easy-going and understanding. Yoimiya is also passionate about it and just like a minute ago, she was even the one encouraging you to pursue it. At any day, you could ask for a separate path for yourself and they won't even try to stop you, that's the kind of family you were born into, and yet, it also makes you feel guilty inside. You would think that pursuing other than firework-making is selfish, because you would leave not just your family's pride but also the marks that your ancestors left behind for future generations to continue.
It also left you questioning for years now, why is your passion different from theirs? The Naganoharas since previous generations are usually trained to uphold this tradition but for some reason, you've always thought that it's not really the path for you and you would sometimes feel out of place.
"Y/n? Are you alright?" Yoimiya seemed to have noticed you falling silent. Although it is quite common for you to not speak much, your elder sister could tell that you may have gone deep into your thoughts like something is bothering you.
"Oh.." You turned to look at her then your gaze went down on your half-eaten dango. "I'll... Try to think about it.."
"You know, you don't have to force yourself and find an answer now" She shook her head as a hint of concern were in her eyes upon looking at you. "I'm just saying, you have the talent for it, it would be a shame if that wonderful talent goes to waste.. I'm sure a lot of people would agree once they see what you're capable of!"
"Heh... Thanks sis.." You sheepishly chuckled.
Yoimiya then wrapped her arm around your shoulders then pulled you close for a side hug. "Anything for my baby sister!"
You then blushed in embarassment and tried to push her away. "I-I'm not a child..!"
"Aww you don't have to be so shy!" Instead of backing off, she strengthened her arm and pulled you closer while you kept struggling to break free.
"Well aren't you two very close?" A certain important figure with light blue hair and in a white suit suddenly came by and approached the both of you with a greeting. It slightly surprised you that he would come over personally all of a sudden.
"Ayato!— Ah, right- That is Mr. Kamisato, I mean" Yoimiya immediately stood up. "It's a surprise to see you here personally! Let me guess, are you here to order a firework? No wait- that can't be right, you would've had asked Thoma to order it for you. Hmm...." She pondered as she crossed her arms. You on the other hand stood up as well to greet the well-renowned lord.
Ayato chuckled at Yoimiya's usual demeanor and just waved his hand. "You don't have to be so formal, Yoimiya, we're friends here after all" He then turned his head to you with a nod. "Great to see you again as well, Y/n. I see that the Naganohara sisters are currently taking a break before getting busy for the upcoming Naganohara Fireworks Show?"
"We just finished the first batch of orders earlier so we're currently waiting for the materials to make the next one" Your older sister responded as she placed her hands on her hips.
"I see. Also to answer your question earlier, Yoimiya, I did come here to personally order a firework. Thoma is currently running an errand in Ritou so I can't ask him, although I'm quite in the mood for a stroll myself so why not hit two birds with one stone?"
"Ohh I see, that's a convenient idea! Well, I'd like to have the paper slip please!" She reached her hand out before the man reached out for his suit's pocket, taking out a small paper slip before handing it over to her.
"Thank you so much! We'll quickly deliver it to your place right away as soon as we're finished!"
"I'll be looking forward to it" And with that, the Lord of the Yashiro Commission left to continue his leisure stroll.
"Alright! Y/n it's time to make some more fireworks!"
"Uhm sis... We don't have the materials yet-"
"Gah! I forgot about that!"
***
The sound of the waves of the sea brought serenity into your mind. The clear blue sky, the damp sand on your feet, the soaring birds passing by, everything felt so peaceful that you might actually lose yourself in relaxation.
After finishing another batch of fireworks for the day, Yoimiya encouraged you to take the rest of the day off and have fun outdoors for once. Not that you never left the house anyway, you just rarely find the pleasure to spend your energy on strolls and such since you would much rather just read novels or write poetry in your room when there's no work to do. The only time you like to leave the house is when you want to buy a book from the Yae Publishing House and it's literally just a building or two from your home so the walking distance isn't taxing at all.
You thought that it would be a pain to take a short stroll in the city when everyone is busy for the upcoming fireworks show. The thought of it drains you so you just went out of the city and went looking for a nearby place that is quiet and undisturbed, which is the beach at the outskirts of the city. You usually come by here from time to time to immerse yourself in the peace of the environment as it is also one of the best place to gain inspiration for your poetry.
Although you still haven't decided to pursue poetry as your full-time career, you try to write some whenever inspiration strikes. You love to help your family with the firework business but you just don't feel like firework-making sparks any passion for you like how it does for your older sister. But when it comes to poetry and literature, it felt like you have your own little world where your fantasies come to life without being disrupted by the harsh nature of reality.
Right now, you're sitting on a rock as you try to wait for inspiration to flow but no matter how serene and undisturbed your surroundings are, your mind refuses to be at peace. The sight of a blank page in your notebook made you let out a troubled sigh before closing it and putting it aside on the dry sand.
You then had a thought for a moment and immediately picked up your notebook and your pen. You ripped out a page from the notebook and started scribbling down some words. While the idea is ridiculous enough, it's better than to write nothing at all.
'Do leaves ever speak,
For a troubled heart in bleak?
My answer to seek'
After you finished writing it down, you then folded up the ripped page and just left it on the rock before you took your leave and went back home.
On the way back, you were slightly distracted by your own thoughts that you suddenly bumped your arm into someone which quickly brought your senses back and quickly turned to the person before bowing down apologetically. "Ah, I'm really sorry!"
"Please, there's no need to apologize. It was an accident" A calm and soothing voice of a young man responded. His attractive voice had caught your attention as it made you lift your head to take a good look at him.
A young man with ash-white hair and a red streak at the right side of his bangs that matches the color of his irises. The way he was dressed made you think that he's a samurai or mayhaps a traveler? You don't often see samurais other than the ones working under the Tri-Commission so this was a bizarre encounter for you.
"Are you alright?" His concerned voice then made you realized that you may have stared at him in awe for too long, it took a while for you to realize that he was handing you your notebook that you had dropped when you accidentally bumped into him. You felt the embarassment creeping up as your face turned red and you accepted the notebook from him. You couldn't utter out a word and just bowed at him one more time before fleeing back to your home, leaving the ash-white ronin dumbfounded and confused at your sudden departure.
Upon arriving home, you quickly shut the door behind you then immediately headed for your bedroom. Closing the door behind you once more and sighed deeply as your back leaned against the doorframe for support. You covered your face with one hand while trying get rid of the stupid blush, but you just couldn't calm down no matter what. You couldn't tell if the embarassment was really that bad...
.. Or perhaps you just couldn't stop thinking about him?
His ash-white locks flowing through the gentle wind, unclouded scarlet orbs looking at you with a soft gaze while his hand reached out to you to return your notebook. You couldn't help but wonder how can a man be so beautiful?
His voice was replayed over and over in your head and you couldn't help but hold a squeal from how attractive it sounds. It was so calming, comforting, the way speaks feels like running your hand through a soft and silky fabric. Although somehow, you felt somewhere from the back of your mind that this feeling is quite familiar.
You soon then snapped out of it and slapped yourself with both hands to calm yourself immediately.
!!!
"I-I'm getting ahead of myself with those fantasies...." You mumbled out before sighing then your body soon gave up and you just slid down and sat on the floor.
"...Then again, it could be the first and only time we'll ever meet... Such coincidental re-encounter is beyond wishful thinking.." You slowly shook your head. It's disappointing, but that's the reality. People come and go and it's not often you get to meet a stranger twice in your life, let alone an unfamiliar figure who travels around and doesn't often stay in town. And the fact that you don't often leave the house doesn't help either.
"I wonder if Yoimiya knows anything about him..? She knows a lot of people after all.." You mumbled to yourself while staring up at the ceiling.
"—About who~?" Your older sister suddenly popped out of nowhere, somehow the bedroom door behind you was opened without you noticing and Yoimiya was just there, tilting as the upper half of her body was intruding your room while looking at you with a close-eyed, wide grin plastered on your face.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—"
"AAAHHHHH! Archons! Don't just scream like that!" She was taken aback by your reaction.
"YOU DON'T BARGE INTO OTHER PEOPLE'S ROOMS AND EAVESDROP LIKE THAT!" You immediately stood up, completely flustered that your sibling may have heard everything you were mumbling about.
"Okay, okay, no need to shout, we're not talking to pops here" She waved both of her hands as she surrendered to your protest and let you calm down for a moment. "A-Anyways, I heard you suddenly rushing as soon as you got home and I was kinda worried that something may have happened so I had to check up on you. Is everything alright?"
You finally calmed down and upon hearing her question, it left you pondering if you should tell her what happened or take some time to think about it. It's not that you don't trust her, but you just don't want to end up asking that would lead you to your disappointment. You don't even know if she'll have any idea on who you're gonna discuss about.
"...I'm fine, don't worry" You muttered as you looked down on the floor. Yoimiya doesn't seem convinced of your answer and went next to you while placing a hand on your shoulder.
"Hey, what's wrong? Did something really happen? You know you can tell your big sis" She had a fully-concerned expression showing on her face. You could only respond by slowly shaking your head in denial, which led to your sibling sighing in defeat.
"Hmm... Oh! let's head over to Mr. Shimura's restaurant! That'll cheer you up~"
Yoimiya would always take you on food trips whenever you feel down, although you wouldn't say that it hasn't worked so far. Every time she treats you to meals, it always brings a smile to your face. You felt lucky to have a kind and caring sibling like her, and despite having polar opposite personalities, you both somehow still get along well.
As your older sister had treated you to a meal at Shimura's restaurant, you had completely forgotten about your troubled worries and ended up spending the rest of the day with her.
***
A few days had passed, you and your family had been so busy with the firework-making that you hadn't got the time to write some poetry. It's that time of the year when your family would be busy running around for errands and such. Your father used to do the outdoor work alongside your sister but you thought that your old man needs a break this time and it might help you gain inspiration if you get out of the house more.
You finished with the first few deliveries and decided to take a short break. You then remembered the poem you had written on the beach so you immediately made your way back to the place to check up on it. You decided not to expect anything since chances of anyone reading that poem is completely low and with it being a few days already, it might've been blown away by the wind by now. Upon your arrival at the beach, you went over to the very spot where you had left the paper and just as you thought, it was already gone, but there was a single maple leaf stuck under a small rock in its place instead.
You took a closer look at the leaf and realized that there was something written on it.
'As the heart allows,
The leaves' calling is to hear.
Sincerely revered.'
You never thought that someone would actually find and respond to the poem you wrote. The words were written so neatly and you could tell that one who wrote it is well-versed in poetry. Then a wonder flowed through your mind on who could this mystery poet be. You don't know anyone who would come here for a leisure stroll since the beach is often empty whenever you come by.
It still makes you a bit happy though. You would hope to meet this mysterious poet in person one day.
"I think I should start heading back, I still have to deliver the fireworks to the Kamisato estate" You quickly left the beach as you went back home to pick up the fireworks.
You decided to take the route in Chinju Forest for an easier path. Not a lot of people would pass by here due to its spooky atmosphere and all the rumors flying around about the place. Though hearing all those stories, you just thought that it's not that creepy at all. Those terrifying encounters that the people heard about may just be the Tanuki or other playful yokais pulling harmless pranks on them, it's not much to be afraid about.
You enjoyed the scenery of the forest as you slowly climbed over the stairs and went through the torii gates, humming a tune akin to a mother's lullaby as you made your way up. It didn't take long before you finally got out of the forest and the Kamisato estate is just right up ahead.
You soon made your way to the entrance of the estate and talked to the guard stationed outside to notify him about your delivery. He then nodded his head and lets you pass through, instructing you to wait for a servant to come and pickup the delivery. You nodded and thanked the guard before you entered the gate and waited by the garden just as instructed.
You slowly put down the crate that contains the ordered firework and wiped your brow with your arm as you let out a sigh of relief and a servant then soon finally came over to receive the crate. The delivery isn't all that heavy but walking from the city all the way to the estate is just as physically taxing.
You then wasted no time idling by so you exited the estate while massaging your own shoulder.
"Oh? What a coincidence"
You suddenly flinched in surprise upon hearing a familiar voice right in front of you as you quickly looked up. Your eyes widened upon laying your gaze on an unexpected figure, someone you never thought you would see again after that day.
He had a pleasant and gentle smile on his face as his scarlet orbs gazed onto yours. To hear his soothing voice once again felt like a melody you've been yearning to listen. You were a bit scared that this may be just a dream that you wouldn't want to wake up from.
"Uhm.. Have I perhaps have done something to upset you on that day? I do humbly apologize for that accident" He was starting to feel the awkward atmosphere, considering that you just ran off the last time you met him.
"Ah! N-No it wasn't an acci— I-I mean you— me— I—" You could feel your face getting warmer and turning red from the embarassment as you kept fumbling over your words. You don't know how to express what you were intending to say and now your mind starts going blank.
You then suddenly felt both of your shoulders being gently held.
"Easy now, let the words naturally flow in your mind, there's no need to rush" His gentle voice guided you while his gaze was solely on yours. You felt like the whole world just froze for a moment as you realized how close he is.
After a moment of staring into each other's eyes he then slowly let go of your shoulders as a light smile curved on his lips. "Alright, take a deep breath first"
You slowly took a deep breath just as he instructed then you could feel yourself getting calmer.
"There, do you feel better?"
You then slowly nodded your head but you somehow could still feel your cheeks burning. The ronin then lightly chuckled and reached his open hand out to you.
"I believe we have not been introduced yet. My name is Kaedehara Kazuha, although I would much prefer if you could just call me by my first name. I presume you must be the youngest daughter of the Naganohara clan?"
"Y/n— Eh?" Your eyes widened a bit in surprise as he seemed to know about you. "H-How do you know?"
"I assumed because you seemed a bit familiar when we first met, then that crate of fireworks you just delivered immediately confirms it that you're from the Naganohara family. You must be Yoimiya's little sister, you both do look quite alike, I'd say. Although in terms of personality, you seem more reserved and less open to chat"
You were in awe from how perceptive this man is. Though it suddenly crossed your mind that he happens to know Yoimiya, are they friends perhaps? That said, his name does ring a bell, but you can't seem to figure out where you've heard it. Maybe from one of your sister's stories back then.
"Ah.. I-Is that so?" You sheepishly chuckled.
"While the sun shines through the day to bring light and warmth, the moon guides all that is lost even in the darkest and coldest of nights" Kazuha looked up at the clear blue sky as a soft breeze passed through, causing the nearby trees to dance and sway while the leaves rustle through the wind. A couple of leaves and sakura petals would detach from its branches and glide with the flow of the wind.
The ronin then slightly reached out to open his hand, a sakura petal that had fallen from its tree landed on his palm, he then would hand the petal to you as he shows a kind and gentle smile on his face.
"I wonder if it is the wind that guided our paths in this momentous occasion? I believe that even nature can show signs of what may unfold our fate. Just listen closely with an open heart and you shall hear their voice" He slowly closed his eyes before using his free hand to gently hold yours and placed the petal in your palm before letting your hand go.
You were awestruck in admiration for this ronin. His voice, his words, everything about him makes your heart skip a beat and it makes you wonder if he ever feels the same way?
"Kazuha.. A-Are you a poet by any chance?"
"I am but a wandering swordsman, I travel through the land and sea with a blade in my hand, but in times of calmness and tranquility, one cannot help but show appreciation of nature's serenity through poetry"
"I see.."
"Mhm" He then placed his hand over your head for a light pat. "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Y/n. I'll be looking forward to the next time we meet" After that, he just passed by you as he entered the estate. All you could do was turn around and watch his figure going further away.
Your heart could not stop pounding, you never thought you'd get another chance to see him again, let alone have a conversation together that doesn't end with you running away like last time. You could feel butterflies in your stomach at the thought of his smile replaying over and over in your mind.
It then suddenly sparked an inspiration for your inner poet and you immediately rushed back home before you would lose the spark that you had been missing for days.
Upon arriving home, you quickly went for your room to grab your notebook and pen. You sat down in front of your table and started scribbling down on your notes while the idea is still fresh.
As soon as you got to finish writing down the poem, another thought crossed your mind and you wondered if you still have enough materials to make it work. You slowly stood up and went out of your room to look for you sister or your father if they're around.
"Sis? Dad?" You looked around all over the house then decided to head out to look for them. The moment then you opened the door, Yoimiya suddenly appeared out of nowhere which immediately startled you as you let out a scream.
"GAH!"
"AH! You scared me! Geez, I literally just got home and this is how you greet me?"
You let out a sigh for a moment as you recovered your composure. "Sorry, sorry, I was looking for you and dad all over the house and I figured you two might be out so I had to check-"
"Oh what do you need me and pops for? Did you ran into trouble whild delivering earlier? You're not hurt, are you?"
"N-No, no... I'm alright" You scratched the back of your head. "I was going to ask if there's still some spare materials left?"
"Hmm, I think there are still some at the back. Did someone make an unexpected order? I could do it instead!"
"Oh- No! I-It's fine! It's just that..." You start to fiddle your fingers together sheepishly as you were slightly hesitant on telling her your idea. "I.... I Wanna... Make a firework... For Kazuha...." You mumbled in embarassment as you lowered your voice.
"For— OH? FOR KAZUH—"
"SHHH!!" You instantly hushed her and gagged your mouth with both your hands as your face starts to turn red. "D-Don't shout it out!"
"Mmm mmn mmf mmnh mmf?" Yoimiya opened her arms and hands with a shrug as she tilted her head. You clearly have no idea what she's trying to say so you slowly uncovered her lips.
"What??" You raised an eyebrow as you sweatdropped.
"I said why didn't you say so earlier? Also, I never expected that you would suddenly make something for him after years of not talking, let alone, seeing each other. You both used to be so close"
"Huh..? What do you mean?"
"Huh? Don't tell me you don't remember? You and Kazuha would often play together years ago. But for some reason, you both stopped hanging out anymore and Kazuha rarely comes by while you ended up cooping yourself up in the house all the time. I thought you both had stopped being friends or something" She looked up as she was trying to recall your childhood memories.
You know somewhere at the back of your mind felt like some pieces of your childhood memory went missing. How your love for poetry started, your very first inspiration. It was all because of him. But why did you forget? What happened back then? Does Kazuha know?
You raced out of home and went all the way out from the city. You wanted to find and ask him. You wanted answers from the childhood that you had long forgotten, but you also felt uncertain that the ronin will have the answers you seek.
You went and took the shortest route to the Kamisato estate, tripping and stumbling along the way but you didn't care and continued to push through. You soon got to the gates of the Kamisato estate and happened to see Ayaka talking to one of the guards.
"A-Ayaka!" You called out to her as you could feel your legs slowly giving out in exhaustion.
"Huh? Oh my- Y/n, are you okay???" She was a bit started startled, followed by a huge concern that can be visibly seen on her face upon seeing you looking like a mess.
You stopped running in front of her, crouching down as took a whole moment to catch your breath. As soon as you slowly start to feel a lot calmer and regained your composure, you fixed yourself up in front of Ayaka.
"Ayaka... Sorry to bother you at this... Moment.." You panted lightly. "But is... Kazuha still here??"
"Kazuha? I'm afraid you just missed him.. He probably went over to Ritou by now to travel with his friend" She had a slightly regretful look on her face.
"Thanks Ayaka!" You immediately rushed away while you could hear Ayaka calling out for your name but didn't stop. You needed to see him before it's too late.
You could feel your legs aching, your breaths were becoming sharp as your chest could barely breathe. Through the dim path of Chinju forest, you kept sprinting on as your feet would skip a step or two from the stairway. Due to your carelessness, you would accidentally land your foot on the edge of one of the steps then slip down to the bottom of the stairway as you let out a loud yelp.
"Argh!" You slowly try to get up before you winced from the sudden sharp pain from your foot. You looked over to find your foot slightly twisted, you couldn't comprehend the amount of pain you felt as you try to tilt it back up, although touching it alone is already unbearable for you and all you could do was groan and pant as you try to relieve the pain.
You took a moment calm down before slowly tried to stand up, but it was all in vain as the pain from your twisted foot was too much to endure, unable to balance out yourself and without anything to use as support, it led you falling back down onto the hard ground. You kept panting heavily and groaning from the pain, tears slowly escaping from your eyes while fear starts looming over you. What if no one will find you? How long will it be until someone rescues you?
You tiredly lay your head onto the ground in defeat, you thought screaming for help would be pointless since Chinju forest is quite huge and with people rarely passing by this area, you could only pray to the archon for a miracle to arrive.
'I somehow feel... So tired....' Your breathing started slowing down a bit as your eyes were about to lose its strength to keep yourself awake. Before your eyes gave in to the fatigue, you somehow caught a glance of a figure approaching you. Their muffled voice were very hard to make out so you couldn't understand but you definitely heard them, probably trying to call you but you were uncertain if it's all real or just your mind being completely desperate for help.
'.. Kazu...ha...' His name was the last thing on your mind before everything turned blank and your consciousness slowly drifted away.
.
.
.
.
.
You opened your eyes and you found yourself looking up at a familiar ceiling, although it is not the ceiling from your home.
"Y/n..?" A familiar female voice gently called out your name next to the futon you were laying on. You slowly turned your head to see Ayaka with Thoma next to her and some other servants who were tending to you. Worry would seem to be an understatement in this case as Ayaka seemed like she was going to burst into tears upon seeing you regaining consciousness.
"Thank the heavens you're awake... We were so worried about you!" She added while restraining herself from hugging you since you're clearly injured. She then just gently held your hand instead as she sighed in relief.
".. How long has it been...?" You muttered out weakly while trying to get up. Thoma then quickly held you, avoiding on touching your injuries as he slowly sets you back down on the futon.
"Easy now, you only just woke up. We happened to find you unconscious at the bottom of the stairway in Chinju Forest just a couple of hours ago. Don't push yourself, I also had informed Yoimiya a while ago to come and take you home tomorrow so it's best to continue resting for now" He advised as he tried to adjust the pillow a bit.
You decided not to protest and instead turned your attention to the window nearby, you noticed that the sky is already dark so going home at this hour would be too difficult, especially at your current state. You just let out a sigh, disappointment and frustration started creeping up on you as you placed your arm over your eyes. You could feel your eyes getting all watery so you gritted your teeth to choke back your sobs.
Ayaka looked at Thoma then the latter just nodded his head and quietly left the room along with the other servants, leaving you and the Lady of the house alone in the room.
"It's okay now, Y/n. You can let it all out now.." She gently assured you as soon as the last servant exited the scene. You could no longer hold back your tears and started sobbing your heart out.
"...I couldn't... Make it..." You mumbled in between your sobs. "I didn't even remember him... Until it was too late..."
Ayaka felt pity for you as she kept on holding your hand for comfort. She know she couldn't do much, but she's hoping it'll help you feel a bit better at least. "I'm sorry to hear that, Y/n.."
For the rest of the night, you could only cry with Ayaka watching you by your side until exhaustion from crying had completely washed over you and put you to sleep.
***
"Heeey pops! I'm all done with the deliveries! Are you all-set?"
"Huh?? Oh yeah, everything's all set! What about your sister though?"
Yoimiya turned to look at the closed door of your bedroom for a moment then back to Ryuunosuke. "I'll go check up on her, don't worry!" She then jogged to your bedroom door and knocked.
"Y/n? Are you up?"
There was no response.
She then knocked on the door again as she slightly chuckled nervously. "Y/n? Come on nowwww, I know you can hear me!"
... Then again, no response.
Your older sister couldn't help but feel a hint of worry for the prolonged silence and as another moment had passed without your response, Yoimiya quickly opened the door.
"Y/n, I know things have been tough for you but—" She abruptly paused upon to find that you weren't there.
"Y/n?? Oh no... Where could she have gone??" She looked all over your room until she found a piece of paper on your futon. She picked up the paper and was slightly puzzled as she scratched the back of her head, although she assumed from the note that you're alright and went somewhere to enjoy the upcoming fireworks show yourself, and that's all that matters to her.
The sun was setting. You could hear the sea washing its waves towards the sand near your slow-paced feet while carrying a firework on your hands.
It has been a 3 days since the incident, your injuries haven't fully recovered yet but you still managed to do something productive while you were cooped up in your room. After Yoimiya had taken you home, you were advised to stay in bed to have your wounds, most especially your foot completely healed. But you felt restless during those times so you just just scraped up the remaining materials you could get from the house and made a firework dedicated to the certain ronin who has never left your mind since.
Although it was a shame that you missed the opportunity to catch up to him before he left, something tells you that he'll come back someday.
A gentle breeze brushed passed your skin as you finally arrived, the very same spot where you always wrote your poetry. You slowly placed down the firework in a safe distance and made sure it was balanced on the ground so it wouldn't fall off the moment you light it up.
"It's almost time.." You uttered out to yourself as you sat down on the rock and took out a folded piece of paper that was ripped out from your notebook, which contains the poem you last wrote before the incident.
You unfolded the paper then suddenly, the breeze had suddenly gotten stronger and blew the paper away.
!!!
You quickly try to reach out for the page, but it quickly escaped before you could grab onto it—
—all of a sudden, a certain figure from a distance had caught the page from mid-air.
You were surprised to see that someone would come over to this isolated area. Due to the sun had already set under the horizon, you couldn't make out the features of the person who had caught your paper. You were a bit afraid for a moment because you couldn't tell if the person slowly approaching you is a treasure hoarder or some nobushi and you're still not in a great condition to make a run for it.
But before you could stand up and take a few steps away, the loud sound of the first firework suddenly lit up and exploded into the sky, illuminating the darkness of your surroundings but only for a moment.
And in that moment, you swore that you saw familiar features coming from the approaching figure. Soon, multiple fireworks started lighting up the sky and everything was finally clear for you to see.
Ash-white hair.
A scarlet-red streak that matches the color of his alluring eyes.
That soft and gentle expression he makes on his face was so clear under the firework lights that you could feel your heart racing just by looking at him. You hope that you're not just seeing things right now.
"Kazuha..."
As he got closer, he stood in front of your sitting figure and knelt down on one knee.
"I was worried that you would forget who I am once again" He had a sheepish smile on his face and chuckled at his own statement before he then took out a maple leaf under his robe then used his free hand to gently hold out your hand and place the leaf on your palm.
"We once promised to watch the fireworks together before we suddenly stopped seeing each other. When we were reunited that day, it seemed that you have completely forgotten about me.." His tone starts to feel a bit sad as he kept on putting a smile on his face. It slightly broke your heart to see him like this.
"... Kazuha, I... I-I didn't mean to forget but...." You glanced away in shame, unable to look him in the eye due to the fact that the ronin himself have always remembered you in his heart all these years while you on the other hand completely erased him from your mind. "I'm really sorry.... For being a terrible friend.."
You soon felt a hand cupping your cheek and wiped off a tear from the corner of your eye.
"Please don't shed any more tears my lady... It would always place a heavy weight in my heart to see you blame yourself.." He uttered in a low tone as the expression on his face starts to fade into concern and a hint of sadness then he leaned his forehead onto yours with a light sigh as he closed his eyes.
A blush dusted over your cheeks as you realized how close he is, just like the other day. You could hear your heart pounding loudly and you hoped that the ronin wouldn't be able to hear it.
"Why... Didn't you say so sooner..?"
"Because I fear you might become wary of me... I didn't want to risk extending the rift between us after years of being far apart.." He slowly opened his eyes as his gaze landed on yours. "I cannot imagine having to lose you and what we had, Y/n.. I don't mind having to start over for as long as it means to forge a stronger bond with you—"
You couldn't wait for another moment as you suddenly grabbed onto his robe, pulling him closer while you leaned in with your eyes closed. Your lips pressed against his and you slightly noticed how soft his lips felt.
You felt a wave of embarrassment all over you but decided to ignore it and let this blissful moment go on without any interruptions. Then you soon felt the ronin's arm around your waist as he adjusted himself comfortably before deepening the kiss.
The sound of fireworks in the background made this scene even more romantic and completely memorable for the both of you, a memory you'll never ever forget no matter how many years have passed.
-TBC-