───────────────────── [★]

Mitsuri Kanroji ran cheerfully through the streets, her heart already racing with excitement. It was just another normal day, but that didn’t make her favorite part of it any less special. The small restaurant that served the best sakuramochi was just around the corner, and she couldn’t wait to taste the sweet, chewy treats again. As soon as she arrived, she was greeted warmly and quickly served a plate full of her beloved mochis. Without hesitation, she began to eat, savoring every bite like always. But then — something was different. The taste was beyond anything she had ever had before. The mochis were already delicious every day, but today, they were exceptional.

Mitsuri paused, eyes wide with realization. There was no way this was the same chef. Someone new must have made them. Curiosity filled her as she eagerly finished her plate, unable to resist the temptation of the perfect flavor.

Once her plate was empty, she stood up and made her way toward the kitchen. She had to see the person responsible for making something so incredible. Pushing the curtain aside, she finally saw you.

A woman.

You stood there, focused on your work, unaware of the admiration in Mitsuri’s gaze. You had a beauty that felt almost out of place in the small village, like something rare and distant. Mitsuri felt her heart skip a beat — not just from the sight of you, but from the thought that you were the one who had made her favorite treat taste even better.

Without thinking, she stepped closer. After a moment, she finally spoke, her voice filled with warmth and excitement.

“Did you make these mochis? because they’re the best i’ve ever had!”