Year 20XX, Country Japan, Season Spring.
Light, Romance Story.
Spring was here, painting the world in shades of cherry blossom pink, and the air was alive with the promise of love.
Sakura's POV-
Hi, My name is Sakura Tanaka,17,High school student. Most people see me as a quiet, even shy, person. I love my friends, and I'd do anything for them. The problem is, I have a temper. Not a simmering, slow-burn kind of anger, but a switch that flips when I see someone I care about get hurt. In those moments, I don't think—I just act, a whirlwind of protective fury.
It was the last class of the day, and the bell had just rung. My friends were already waiting for me outside the school gates. We had plans to grab some crepes, and I was excited, so I packed my bag in a rush and hurried down the stairs. But as I turned the corner, the sound of soft crying stopped me dead in my tracks.
There was Aoi, her shoulders shaking, and Sora standing beside her, looking small and uneasy. And facing them were a group of boys I didn't recognize. One of them had his hand outstretched, a nervous expression on his face, but all I saw was Aoi's tears. That switch in my head flipped.
"Hey!" I shouted, rushing forward like a bulldozer and shoving the nearest boy out of the way. "What do you think you're doing?! Leave them alone, or I'm calling security!"
Aoi looked up, her eyes wide. "Sakura, no! It's not what you think!"
"What do you mean, 'not what I think'?" My voice was still laced with fire. "They're making you cry and making Sora uncomfortable. They deserve to be punished!"
"But—" Sora started, but I cut her off.
"No buts!"
One of the boys, with kind eyes and a familiar-looking smile, stepped forward. "We're sorry," he said, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. "We didn't mean to upset them. We just... got lost. We've been living overseas for the last four years, and we're not familiar with the area."
My anger instantly evaporated, replaced by a wave of cold embarrassment. My mind, now clear, finally recognized him. Akira Sato. The boy I admired from elementary school, now a famous idol. I had just behaved like a wild dog in front of a person I had spent years quietly looking up to. My cheeks burned. I instinctively hid behind Sora, feeling like a tiny, scared kitten. "I'm so sorry," I mumbled, barely audible. "I didn't..."
"Wow," he said, and his voice was gentle, not mocking. "That was incredible."
I peeked out from behind Sora. "Huh?"
He gave me a soft smile. "The way you stood up for your friends. It was truly amazing."
Another boy, Kaito, tapped Akira's shoulder. "Akira, we don't have time. We have a show, remember? Let's just ask someone else."
Akira turned back to us. "We have a performance tonight, at the place with the big golden sign. We're running a bit late and we can't find it. Could one of you help us?"
Sora immediately perked up. "Oh, I know where that is! I'll call my cousin, he can take you there."
Akira's friends, Ren and Kaito, looked relieved. Ren handed us some tickets. "A small thank you," he said. "Please, come watch the show."
I took the tickets, my hand shaking slightly. "Th-thanks."
Later that evening, safely back in my room, I couldn't stop replaying the scene. I called Sora, my voice a whisper. "Sora, I can't go. How can I possibly show my face there? I literally yelled at them, and they were so nice about it. He probably thinks I'm crazy."
Sora listened patiently, but in the end, I convinced myself I couldn't go. I tossed and turned in bed, my mind racing. He must be having a great time... I can't believe I missed it. And I acted like such an idiot... He probably doesn't even remember me.
He and I went to the same elementary school for a short time, before my father's transfer moved us here. Akira was the one who helped me learn how to talk to people and make friends. I’d always admired his hard work, and I remember a rainy day when we were both waiting for our parents, and he told me about his dream of performing. He was a bright light in the cold rain. I had never forgotten him—his beautiful blue hair, his gentle eyes. He, on the other hand, had surely forgotten me.
Just as I was about to drift into a troubled sleep, my phone buzzed. It was Aoi. "Hey, how was the show?" I asked, forcing a cheerful tone.
"It was great. The performance is over, and everyone's heading home now. You should open your door."
"Huh? Why?" I asked, confused.
"Just open it," she insisted.
I rushed to my window and opened it. And there he was, standing on the street below, bathed in the soft moonlight. Are those the same mesmerizing eyes? Is this what it feels like to have a first love? A sudden tear slipped down my cheek, and I quickly dashed downstairs to open the door.
He was standing there, looking a little tired but smiling. "Oh my god, have you been waiting long?" I asked, flustered.
"It's no big deal," he said. "I heard from your friends you didn't come, so I came here."
"I had a... a valid reason," I mumbled, hiding my face with my hand. I could feel the heat of my teary eyes and puffy cheeks.
He chuckled softly. "Miss Tanaka. Sakura," he said, his voice warm. "Are you crying? It's been a while, but you're still such a crybaby."
My head snapped up. "What?!" I exclaimed, feeling like a stunned kitten.
"You didn't think I'd forget you, did you?" he said, his smile growing. "You left so suddenly back then. I was worried." He looked at me, his gaze gentle and knowing. "Pink hair, beautiful yellow eyes... Who could forget you? And you're still just as protective of your friends as you were of me when I got into trouble." He explained that he’d learned from a teacher that my father had moved us to this city. He then told me about his own journey, how he’d worked hard and chased his dream, making his debut and traveling the world. "Time really flies, huh?" he said. "You've grown into such a wonderful lady."
My heart swelled with happiness. "That means so much to me," I said, a bright smile breaking through my tears. "I've seen all your albums. I admire you so much. And thank you... for helping me back then."
He just smiled. "No need to thank me. I couldn't have done it without you." The silence that followed wasn't awkward, but a sweet, comfortable moment between two people with so much history. After a bit, he asked, "Want to watch the sunrise with me at the beach?"
"Okay," I said, my heart fluttering. I was so glad I had at least combed my hair and put on a little makeup, even if my tears had ruined it.
Akira's POV-
Akira Sato,19,A young famous idol.I'd had a long day of travel, and the last thing I expected was to get lost trying to find our performance venue. My mind was on the show, the sound check, and the choreography, but all of that vanished when a girl with hair the color of cherry blossoms came running toward me like a small, furious storm.
I could see her friends were upset, but I also knew my friends and I hadn't meant any harm. We were just asking for directions. Yet, this girl, this tiny, fierce warrior, was ready to fight for her friends. My first thought was, Wow. What courage. My second thought, as her anger subsided and she peeked out from behind her friend, was a jolt of recognition. Her eyes, the color of a summer sunset... I hadn't seen them in years, but I would never forget them. Sakura Tanaka. The shy, kind girl from elementary school.
It was almost surreal. She had a temper, a protective streak I'd never seen, but it was still her. And just like back then, her bravery inspired me. I had been feeling a bit drained lately, working nonstop, but seeing her stand up for her friends without a second thought reminded me of the kind of resolve I needed. The same resolve I had when I decided to talk to my parents about my dream.
Later that night, the show was a blur. The energy of the crowd was amazing, but my mind kept drifting back to the girl with the pink hair and the fiery spirit. I couldn't believe I'd found her again. When I heard from her friends that she didn't come to the show because she was embarrassed, I knew I had to see her. I couldn't let her think I was upset. I had to let her know how much I admired her.
So I found her house, and when she opened the door, her eyes were red and her cheeks were puffy. She was trying to hide her face, but she couldn't hide the tears. I couldn't help but chuckle. She was still the same crybaby I remembered. When I told her I hadn't forgotten her, the way her eyes lit up was a sight I would cherish forever. We talked for a while, sharing stories and memories, and I realized then that my feelings for her had always been more than admiration.
Watching the sunrise on the beach with her was the peaceful moment I'd been craving for years. The wind was cold, but the blanket I wrapped around her and the warmth of her presence made me feel like I was finally home. I told her the truth—that she had always inspired me. Her courage, her loyalty. It was the push I needed to finally stand up for myself with my agents and say no to being overworked.
We said our goodbyes, both of us feeling that sad, bittersweet ache of parting. I had a tour to finish, and I had to leave for another country. But as I watched the sunrise, I made a silent promise: Maybe next time.
A Few Years Later-
I was on stage, the final bow of my last performance. The crowd was a sea of lights and cheers, but I was looking for one face in particular. I knew she might be there with her friends.
I had decided to retire. My family needed me, and I needed to be with them. My years of touring had been amazing, but I wanted a quiet life, to settle down and take care of my parents and the family business. There was also a bigger reason. I wanted to build a family of my own. I had a feeling where I might find her after the show, so I went to the beach.
The night was cool and the moon was bright. And there she was, standing on the shore, the moonlight illuminating her face. She was even more beautiful than I remembered. "Admiring me from behind?" I teased, a smile spreading across my face. "Come here. You've turned into such a beautiful lady. Someone might kidnap you."
She laughed, the sound as lovely as ever. "So, you announced this was your last performance?" she asked, her voice soft.
I explained everything—my family, the company, wanting to settle down. I saw a hint of sadness in her eyes when I mentioned wanting to find a wife."You've found a lady you wish to marry?" she asked, her voice quiet.
"Yeah," I said, my heart pounding in my chest. "Are you sad?"
"No! Why would I be?" she said, but her laugh didn't quite reach her eyes. "My parents want me to settle down, too."
"So, have you decided whom to choose?"
"My parents will decide," she said.
That was the answer I was hoping for. "That's a relief," I said, a genuine smile finally breaking through.
"Why?"
"Because you might end up with a bad guy if you choose one yourself," I said, teasing her again.
"Hey! No, the boy I choose will be the best," she protested, blushing.
This was it. The moment I had dreamed of, hoped for, all those years ago. "So," I said, my voice full of warmth and sincerity, "will you choose me? Or should I go ask your parents to choose me?"
Her eyes went wide, and her cheeks turned a shade of pink that matched her hair. "I... I?"
"I've loved you for a long time, Sakura Tanaka," I said, my heart full. "You were my inspiration back then, and you're my inspiration now. I want to build a life with you. I wanted to propose to your parents first, but I had to ask you. Will you marry me?"
Tears filled her eyes, but this time they were happy. "Can I really be your wife?" she whispered. "You were my first love."
"No," I said, taking her hand in mine, "can I be your husband?"
She nodded, a bright, beautiful smile on her face. "Of course."
The story ends with Sakura and Akira living a quiet, peaceful life in the countryside, just as they'd always dreamed. They have twins—a boy with pink hair and blue eyes, and a girl with blue hair and yellow eyes, a perfect blend of their parents. Their friends and family are happy, and even if a few people don't approve, it doesn't matter. They're happy, and that's all that counts. Their beautiful encounter, sparked by a moment of fury and sealed with a promise, was just the beginning of their forever.
