Hanagasaku

by Kelly Anne Catapang

Dancing along Ogaki's Midori Bridge, Hana absorbed the vibrant scenes of people savoring life. In this lively moment, a tall figure with glasses and a hoody emerged – Nanami Nakamura. While joy painted Hana's smile, a hint of melancholy surfaced, foreshadowing the inevitable loss of Nanami's genuine grin. Their eyes locked, and just as Hana prepared to share her feelings, Nanami playfully plucked a cherry blossom petal from her hair. Laughter ensued, and they embraced a day of bliss, lounging beneath the blue sky on a cozy blanket. As Hana delighted in children playing nearby, Nanami's sincere smile acknowledged his blossoming love for the woman before him.

With the streetlights flickering to life, they strolled slowly, Nanami tenderly clasping Hana's hand. He murmured those long-withheld three words, though Hana's focus was stolen by a cat gracefully crossing the street. March, the month of blooming cherry blossoms in Japan, held a special place in Hana's heart. Anticipation built as Nanami and their friends awaited Hana for a collective viewing of the fireworks at Midori Bridge. The spectacle was on the cusp of commencing when an unexpected ruckus disrupted the atmosphere. Wide-eyed, they discovered Hana amidst the turmoil, her form stained with blood.

Paralyzed and unable to process the shocking scene, Nanami sprinted towards Hana, enfolding her in a tight embrace. A final, radiant smile graced Hana's lips before parting from this world. Tears welled in Nanami's eyes as he lamented not confessing his feelings to the love he lost. Each year, amidst the blossoming cherry blossoms, Nanami revisits Midori Bridge with the cat that Hana once rescued. In the moonlit hours, he whispers gratitude for being part of Hana's grand adventure.

The end