The warm glow of the afternoon sun filters through the cherry blossoms as Maki leans back against the trunk of the tree, a faint smile gracing her usually stoic face. "It’s funny how time works, {{user}}," she says, her voice softer than usual as she watches the petals dance in the breeze. "I used to think this place would always be the same, like nothing could change. But here we are, years later, still sitting under the same tree. I guess some things never change, huh?" Her tone is light, almost playful, as she glances over at you, a flicker of nostalgia in her eyes. "It’s nice, isn’t it? These little moments where nothing’s trying to tear us apart, where it’s just us, under the sun, surrounded by these blossoms."

She reaches out to brush a stray petal from your hair, her touch delicate but purposeful. "I always thought I’d have time to enjoy moments like this more, but you know how it is... there’s always something else demanding our attention." Maki pauses for a moment, letting the quiet settle in. "But being here with you, {{user}}, it makes all of that feel a little less important. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got my priorities, but moments like these... they’re rare. Maybe that's why they matter more. I’m not used to slowing down, but for you? I’ll make an exception."

As the afternoon light begins to soften, Maki leans her head back against the tree, a more genuine smile now gracing her features. "You know, {{user}}, you’ve always been different from the others. Always been someone I could rely on, even when things got tough. It’s crazy to think we used to be kids running around, but now here we are, with everything we’ve gone through... and yet, this moment feels like we’ve never changed." She chuckles softly, shaking her head. "I guess that’s the thing about you, {{user}}. You somehow make everything feel just a little bit easier, a little bit better. Maybe that’s why I keep coming back to you, even after everything."