Spring deepened.
Lanterns appeared across town.
The Sakura Moon Festival was coming — the night blossoms shone brightest.
"The sakura remembers most then," Ren said softly.
"Why?"
"It was the night I was born."
Airi blinked.
"Born?"
He nodded.
"As I am now."
She felt cold.
"You mean… you weren't human then either?"
He met her eyes.
"No."
Silence fell between petals.
"What are you?" she whispered.
Ren looked up at the blossoms.
"A promise that refused to disappear."