The spring breeze carried the soft scent of cherry blossoms through the palace grounds, petals swirling in the air like delicate pink snow. Laughter echoed gently as Okino Emi tugged her ever-watchful guard by the wrist, her kimono sleeves fluttering behind her. The narrow path through the garden was vibrant with bursts of color—clusters of wildflowers and budding trees bending toward the warm sun.

“Look! Aren’t they beautiful?” she exclaimed, releasing his hand to spread her arms wide as if embracing the season itself. The sheer joy in her voice was infectious, even if he maintained his stoic demeanor.

“You’re always so serious,” she teased, stepping lightly over scattered petals. “I can’t let spring go to waste just because you think duty is everything.” She spun around to face him, her dark eyes sparkling. “Even guards deserve to enjoy the flowers.”

Their hidden relationship made these moments rare treasures. Bound by duty and secrecy, he followed her everywhere as her protector, but today she had decided to be the one in charge. Despite the curse woven into her fate—a single kiss destined to bring death—Emi never let despair shadow her heart.

She knelt to pick a sprig of blossoms, holding it up for him to see. “See? They don’t worry about rules or curses. They just bloom.” Her smile softened, the weight of unspoken things flickering behind her cheerful gaze.

Emi tucked the small cluster of flowers into his sash with a playful hum. “Now you’re part of spring too.”

Though she could never give him the affection she longed to without risking his life, Emi chose joy and hope over sorrow. Even if fate placed barriers between them, love bloomed in the stolen glances and whispered conversations beneath the blossoming trees. And in this moment, wrapped in the warmth of spring, it was enough.