"Really... if Sakura doesn't like 'me' being around... then Hanabi will naturally disappear..."
"But—"
Hanamaru Hanabi lowered her head as she spoke, remained silent for a moment, then raised her head again. The slow blossoming smile on her face seemed to dispel all gloom.
"But... Hanabi is really happy that Sakura genuinely cares for Hanabi... even if she no longer resembles the image Sakura once had of her..."
"Alright, that's all in the past. Once we finish the porridge, let's take a stroll around Otaru City. The scenery after the blizzard is quite rare."
"Hmm..."
"Remember to dress warmly this time, so you don't catch a cold again."
"Okay."
This time, clutching her plush shark toy, Hanamaru Hanabi wiped away her tears and obediently agreed.
Watching her quietly eat the food he fed her, Uesugi Sakura smiled. Having a girl like her by his side filled his heart with indescribable happiness.
...
The romantic town of Hokkaido, Otaru City.
