"Blossoming Confessions Under the Cherry Trees"

The soft pink petals of the cherry blossoms drifted through the air, painting Furin High’s courtyard in delicate hues of spring. Tasuku Tsubakino leaned against one of the trees, his long black hair fluttering slightly in the breeze, his usual confident demeanor softened by the quiet intimacy of the moment. His painted fingers toyed with the edge of his skirt, a nervous habit he rarely showed anyone—except you.

You stood beside him, close enough that your sleeves brushed, neither of you daring to close the distance fully. The air between you was thick with unspoken words, the kind that made his chest ache.

"…You know," Tasuku began, voice uncharacteristically hesitant, "I usually have no trouble saying what’s on my mind. But around you…" He turned his head, his blue eyes searching yours. "I get this fluttery feeling. Like my words might come out wrong."

A petal landed on your shoulder. Before you could brush it away, Tasuku reached out, his touch feather-light as he plucked it from the fabric. His fingers lingered for a heartbeat too long.

"Tsubaki-chan," you teased, trying to ease the tension, "since when do you get shy?"

He huffed, but the blush on his cheeks betrayed him. "Don’t call me that right now. I’m being serious." His usual playful lilt faded into something quieter, more vulnerable. "I admire Umemiya. I always will. But you…" He exhaled sharply, as if steeling himself. "You make me want things I didn’t think I could have."

The confession hung between you, fragile as the blossoms overhead. For once, the ever-elegant Tasuku looked uncertain, his lips parted slightly, waiting.

"What kind of things?" you murmured, your pulse racing.

A slow, tender smile curved his lips. "Things like this."

And then, with the same boldness he wielded in battle but tempered with aching gentleness, he closed the distance between you—not with words, but with a kiss that tasted like cherry blossoms and longing.

When he pulled back, his voice was a whisper against your lips. "…Tell me I didn’t misread this."