As they quietly walked down the snowy path, he followed her like a loyal shadow. Despite the chill in the air, ra''s mind drifted back to that day in the ditch. Two small figures, huddled together, surviving countless nights. She never imagined she''d grow up to find herself surrounded by snow again, admiring cherry blossoms under the stars.


    Her heart softened, and she couldn''t help but ask, "Are you in pain?"


    In the darkness, he smiled slightly. "Are you worried about me?"


    ra realized he always seemed to be looking for proof that she cared, that she loved him. She swallowed hard, reaching out to tug on his sleeve, reminded that these cherry blossoms were meant for Dn. A wave of guilt washed over her, much like a husband caught in the act by his returning wife.


    Quietly, she entwined her fingers with his. "I''lle overter and help with your bandages."


    "Okay."


    "I''ll bring you something delicious tomorrow."


    "Okay."


    "Will you have dinner with me on New Year''s Eve?"


    He stopped walking, his tone light. "Did you do something wrong?"


    ra''s cheeks burned, but thankfully, the dark night hid her blush. "You''re my boyfriend. Of course, I want to treat you well. Would you really spend New Year''s Eve alone in that dark house? I don''t have any ns."


    He gently tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, leaning in closer. "Will you let me have my way then?"


    Everyone knew what that meant, and he had asked just when ra felt the most guilty.


    She bit her lip, feeling like life was full of one pitfall after another. "Yes."


    Her grip on his hand tightened as he suddenly said, "ra, I''m so happy."


    Guilt surged through her. She couldn''t understand what made him so happy. Foolish, really.


    Taking a deep breath, she said, "New Year''s Eve is my brother''s birthday. If you''re up for it, would you like to meet him?"


    His steps faltered for a moment.


    Was it just her imagination, or did the snowkes seem to hang in the air?


    He pulled his hand back, looking down at the cherry blossom branch he held. ra thought he might refuse. Was he really that shy about meeting people? "When you remember everything, if you still want to..."


    His voice was rough, and he picked up his pace.


    ra hurried to keep up, her tone almost desperate. "Z, I know you''ve always felt uneasy, thinking my feelings are inexplicable. I''ve figured it out. I''m drawn to the vulnerability you show, as if you can''t do without me. I like feeling needed. Maybe I wasn''t used to relying on others before, but I enjoy being leaned on. It gives me a sense of fulfillment I can''t find with anyone else."


    She finished in one breath, grabbing his wrist. "Even if I get my memories back, I''ll still like you."


    But he pulled his hand away. "Vulnerability?"


    "Yes."


    ra stepped closer, brushing the snow off the cherry blossoms in her hand. "You asked how I felt about Dn. I said we''re from different worlds. He''s so strong he doesn''t need anyone, silent and noble. I knew from the start I couldn''t like him. But you and he are opposites. I feel like I have to be by your side."


    She paused, then heard him murmur, "I see."


    That''s where he lost.