Chapter 1: The Happy Ending?
The evening breeze blew softly, carrying the sweet scent of cherry blossoms just starting to bloom.
Pink petals drifted through the air, dancing like gentle snow, covering the ground in a pastel carpet.
There they were—three teenagers beneath a cherry blossom tree... two teenage girls and one teenage boy. Caught in a moment that felt heavy and endless.
A teenage girl with her blonde hair tied up in a high ponytail and a bright blue ribbon, stood a little tense. Her clear blue eyes, usually sharp and full of energy, now avoided the boy's gaze. A faint blush colored her cheeks, though she tried her best to hide it.
She pressed her lips together tightly, then suddenly let out a small huff, as if this whole thing was the silliest moment she'd ever been in. Her hands clenched at her sides, trembling just a bit.
"Listen, you idiot!" the blonde girl finally broke the silence. "I... it's not like I want to say this or anything, but... ugh, whatever! The point is, I... I like you!" She turned her face away quickly, ...but her blue eyes still stole quick glances at the boy, betraying her nervous anticipation, waiting for him to say something.
A few steps behind her stood another teenage girl, She stood with a calm, graceful posture. Her wavy black hair fell gently over her shoulders, some of it tucked behind her ear, showing off the silver frames of her glasses, perfectly perched on her nose.
"Theo," she spoke, her voice soft and steady, almost a whisper, but clear enough to be heard among the wind and the falling sakura petals. "I... I love you." That was it. Simple, honest words.
The boy stood there, frozen, his eyes blinking quickly, trying to process the words that had just hit him.
"I can't... I can't choose between you two," he said finally, his words careful and slow.
"So... yeah. I'll accept both of you." He forced a thin smile, but it looked stiff on his lips.