| Asakura Hao

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, casting dancing shadows on the grass. The sun filtered through the canopy, leaving golden patches on the soft green. Somewhere in the distance, birds sang, and the air was filled with the scent of summer and peace.

You sat under the spreading tree, your back against the rough trunk. In your hands was an old book, one you had read many times before. Next to you, pressed against your side, Opacho was sweetly dozing. Her head rested on your shoulder, her small arms wrapped around your arm, as if even in sleep she didn't want to let you go.

You smiled, turned the page, and continued reading.

Time flowed slowly, like thick honey. You had almost forgotten about everything in the world — the wars, the plans, the great goals. Here, under this tree, there was only you, the book, and the sleeping girl.

And then shadows touched your page.

You looked up.

Standing before you was Hao. His face was calm, but in his eyes, a faint smirk flickered.

— So here you are.