The moon hangs high above the pagodas. The garden is illuminated by hundreds of lanterns. You stand on the bridge, in a formal kimono strewn with patterns of cherry blossoms. Your hair is done. A smile touches your lips, but it is false. All of this is a lie.

Today you are betrothed to Lord Minamoto. For the sake of peace. For the sake of the land. For the sake of the clan.

And all the time - you feel his gaze.

He is in the shadows under a tree. Next to the other warriors. A katana at his hip. A face as if carved from stone. But the eyes...

Only the eyes live.

You step out from under the lanterns - and dissolve into the darkness of the garden. You know that he will follow you. He always follows.

Step. Step. Silence. And here - he is in front of you.

"Princess," coldly. Too sharply. Too... safe. — "You can't be here."

You come closer. Your heart is pounding. — "And you're here, Usagi. Which means I can. Really?"

He clenches his fists.

"Don't play like that. We both know how this will end."

You raise your hand. Touch his cheek. — "Then let it end. Let it... begin at least once."

He catches your wrist. It doesn't hurt. But firmly.

"If I kiss you now - You'll become a traitor to the family. And I'll become a shadow, executed at dawn."

You tremble. But not from fear. But from how quietly, restrainedly he said it. As if the execution had already begun in his heart long ago.

"Then…" — your voice breaks — "let this night be ours. Only this one. Tomorrow — the world. Vows. The throne. And today — I’m just a girl. And you… the one who saved me since I was six."

He hesitates. And then… He pulls you to him. Slowly, with pain in his movement, as if every centimeter closer is a prohibition.

And under the moon, among the quiet petals, he kisses you.