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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Petals of Memory and Birthday Dreams

[Aozora Town – Asakura Residence]

Spring – Age 5

The sun spilled golden warmth over the small suburban neighborhood of Aozora, where cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Their gentle pink petals drifted through the breeze, almost as if celebrating with the townsfolk.

But for one small house nestled between blooming plum trees and quiet fences, today was extra special.

It was the fifth birthday of Riku Asakura.

---

[Inside the Party]

Balloons swayed in the living room. Paper dragons, knights, and castles dangled from strings across the ceiling. Plates of cupcakes, fruit skewers, and candy were set out carefully by his doting mother.

> "Okay, Riku! Time to blow out the candles!"

Riku, wearing a tiny golden paper crown, grinned from ear to ear as the two most important guests sat beside him—his best friends and neighbors, Hinako Aoyama and Chihiro Tachibana.

Both girls had arrived early that morning with neatly wrapped gifts and big expectations.

Chihiro wore a soft sky-blue dress with floral lace, her dark hair tied with a ribbon.

Hinako, in a casual hoodie and denim skirt, stood with crossed arms—but anyone paying attention could see the faint pink hue on her cheeks every time Riku looked her way.

> "Make a wish!" Chihiro urged softly.

> "Something cool," Hinako added quickly, "Like a ninja robot with wings."

Riku laughed. "Okay, okay!"

He took a deep breath—

And blew out the candles.

Everyone clapped.

---

[Later – Gift Time]

The gifts came next. Riku opened Hinako's first.

> "A wooden sword?!"

> "You're always pretending to be a hero. This one's balanced. I checked."

Hinako looked away as he waved it excitedly.

> "Thanks! I love it!"

Next, Chihiro's gift—an art set with colored pencils and a notebook with a cover that looked like a fantasy map.

> "This is amazing, Chihiro!"

She blushed and nodded.

> "You always tell stories. Now you can draw them too."

Riku's eyes sparkled. "You two are the best!"

And then it happened.

Without warning, Chihiro leaned over and gave Riku a soft kiss on the cheek.

Riku blinked. "Huh?"

And before he could process it, Hinako scowled and grabbed his other cheek.

> "Tch. Don't get weird about it," she muttered and gave her own quick kiss—right on the opposite cheek.

Riku blinked again, eyes wide like saucers, face turning red for a moment—

Then he just laughed.

> "That tickled!"

Hinako and Chihiro exchanged a glance. Silent rivalry flared behind their innocent eyes.

> "Why did she go first?"

"Why did she kiss him too?"

But neither said anything aloud. Not yet.

---

[That Night – A Sleepover]

With permission from their parents, the two girls stayed over for the first time.

Sleeping bags were laid out in the living room, stars glowing on the ceiling. Riku, curled in the center between the two girls, was already snoring lightly.

Hinako lay stiffly, blanket tucked tight.

Chihiro lay quietly, watching the dim light and thinking.

And then—

The dreams came.

---

[Within the Dream – Fragments of the Void]

Flickers. Images.

A crystal chamber. A golden spear. A spinning sword of light.

A girl in silver armor.

A world aflame.

A slime's smile.

The feel of power far beyond comprehension. A warmth. A presence. A voice.

> "You can rest now."

> "Come back when you're ready."

Riku's sleeping mind wandered through the fragments—memories not understood, not yet embraced.

Not frightening.

Just... familiar.

And finally, a choice.

> "I remember now," a soft whisper echoed in his mind. "But I want to enjoy this life. I chose to be human. So I'll live like one."

The dream faded.

---

[Morning – Age 5 Awakening]

The first sunbeams filtered in through the living room window.

Riku stretched awake with a big yawn. The girls were already sitting up, sleepy-eyed and pink-faced.

> "Good morning~!" he said with a grin.

They nodded back—but both noticed something.

He was still Riku.

Still cheerful. Still warm. Still dense as a black hole.

But just a little...

More playful. More teasing.

Almost like a spark had awakened.

> "Did you two sleep well?" he asked with a grin. "I hope you didn't argue over who got to sleep closer to me."

Both girls stiffened.

> "W-we didn't," Chihiro said, too quickly.

"Dream on, idiot," Hinako muttered, brushing her hair.

> "Hehe, just kidding~" Riku winked, then pulled out the new wooden sword. "Come on, knightly duel before breakfast!"

> "I'm gonna beat you this time!"

"Not if I cast my imaginary magic shield first!"

As the three raced toward the backyard, laughter trailing behind them, the sun rose gently on the fifth year of their new life.

None of them knew what lay ahead.

But for now, it didn't matter.

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