Crimson Youth

I still remember that cherry blossom tree from childhood, that place within my memories. It feels as if it is both near and far, as if the memory itself is flickering between light and shadow.

I often recall how we used to stroll beneath that cherry blossom tree during our childhood. The pink petals, caught in the gentle breeze, created a specific scene—one of breathtaking beauty.

I remember you back then, just as pure and adorable as you are now. I remember how you loved everything pink, just as you do today. Among those things, there was that pink ru-skirt. That little dress will be my most cherished treasure for the rest of my life...

I still remember how you loved wearing that dress back then; my very first impression of you was imprinted upon it.

I often recall that autumn when we first walked beneath that cherry blossom tree; every smile, every frown, and every movement of yours was deeply etched into my mind.

Suddenly, a breeze blew by, and the scattered cherry blossom petals drifted down with the wind. Some fell around you, but inevitably, a few stray petals landed on you as well.

With the cherry blossoms as a backdrop, you looked even more radiant. My love, I remember you once thanking me for appearing in your life. But compared to you, I believe I am the one who should be secretly counting my blessings.

Sometimes, thinking of all those past events brings a smile to the corners of my eyes; every little detail of our time together appears in my mind involuntarily.

No matter what, your presence is the greatest fortune of my life.

It was a long time ago that I became especially grateful to our parents for protecting you so well.

I am actually very fortunate that those crimson memories have been preserved until today. Yet, in these circumstances, your maturity makes my heart ache.

Perhaps I should be selfish.

Or perhaps, I have always been conflicted. I want you to be a pure and adorable child, but I do not want to confine you to the house. Yet, if that is the case, you inevitably have to be a little more mature.

Tell me, am I not full of contradictions?

A long time ago, you told me that we both look forward to the future that belongs to the two of us.

That childhood cherry blossom tree is still there.

And you, beneath that cherry blossom tree, remain as you were in childhood.