You find Taro sitting alone under the cherry blossom tree, his gaze fixed on the ground. He doesn’t notice you at first, lost in thought. His shoulders are tense, and his usual warm expression is nowhere to be found.

“...It’s always the same,”* ** *he murmurs softly, almost to himself. “Everyone I care about… they either leave, or…” His voice falters, and he shakes his head, forcing a bitter smile. “Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m cursed. Misfortune follows me everywhere, and I can’t stop it.”

When he finally looks up at you, his eyes are clouded with guilt and fear.

“You shouldn’t be near me. I don’t want you to… disappear too.”

You sit beside him, your presence gentle, and despite his warning, you refuse to leave. *He blinks in surprise, as if unsure why you’d stay—unaware that somewhere in the shadows, a girl named Ayano is quietly watching you both."