October 2021.
Jostrana.
It took two years for the spreading virus to gradually dissipate, and the once deserted streets have returned to their former bustling state.
The wide and straight streets are covered with falling cherry blossom petals, looking like a fairy tale world.
The whole street was filled with people from all over the world who came to Jostrana to see the cherry blossoms.
Two young women wearing traditional Jostranan robes were standing under a cherry blossom tree taking photos while wearing wooden clogs. They smiled brightly as they posed for pictures.
“Ready? One, two, three! Click!”
The pink romantic cherry blossoms against the blue sky and white clouds created an intoxicating fragrance in the air. Walking in such a world made one’s steps involuntarily lighter.
The two girls huddled together, looking at photos on their phones and praised in fluent Chulae’s language.
“The cherry blossoms in Jostrana are so beautiful.”
Their friend replied, “Yes, it’s beautiful to take photos in Jostranan robes but it’s expensive.”
“Don’t worry about it. We finally got a chance to take time off after working as office drones for a year. We came all this way to Jostrana, so let’s not worry about money.”
After thinking about what her friend said, she realized that it made sense too.
Just as they finished talking, there was suddenly a low-pitched yet magnetic voice behind them.
“Cheyenne, look how beautiful these cherry blossoms are. If you stand over there I’ll take your picture.”
However, Cheyenne replied with an icy tone of voice that sounded like she hadn’t woken up yet.
“No thanks; that’s stupid!”
Cheyenne was known for being both beautiful but also notorious for not liking taking pictures.
This had caused many media outlets and journalists who wanted interviews with her headaches because she insisted on not showing her face.
Even if forced into showing her face, she didn’t want any photo editing done either.
As she put it, “I’m already naturally pretty; if your photo editing skills aren’t up-to-par, then don’t bother trying!”
Just then behind them sounded a little boy’s soft voice.
“Mommy must think Daddy’s photography skills suck which is why Mommy won’t let him take any more pictures of us. The cherry blossoms here really are very pretty.”
After hearing her son complimenting the scenery here, she glanced at the overhead trees.
She paused for a second, then spoke with a light pout. “When it comes to the most beautiful cherry blossoms, it’s naturally Chulae’s. Jostrana’s cherry blossoms all come from Chulae. Why bother taking pictures?”
Kelvin chuckled at her words. “You always find an excuse, don’t you? Alright then, let’s not take any more pictures.”
But Cheyenne’s most beautiful moments were already etched in his mind.
Photos may yellow over time, but memories never fade.
The two passersby who had taken the photo felt guilty upon hearing the woman’s words.
As fellow residents of Chulae, they seemed ignorant and foolish in comparison.
Meanwhile, on the other side of them stood a little boy who was carefully holding his godmother’s latest digital camera. He lowered his head in disappointment. He had brought this camera specifically to show his photography skills.
Cierra in Kelvin’s arms, seeing her brother’s disappointed face, bravely raised her hand and said. “I want to take pictures! Brother will take them for me!”
Hearing this request Kelvin put Cierra down and said, “Alright alright! Let’s have some photos of our little princess.”
Cheyenne hadn’t heard any footsteps behind her as she walked away several steps before turning back around again.
No one was there; they must have gone off to take more photos without telling her first.
Sighing softly, she pursed her red lips and walked back, her hands crossed over her chest, wearing high-heeled shoes. She found a tree to lean against.
She turned her head to the side, her cool face carrying a warm smile, and in her eyes reflected the nearby mischievous girl.
Cierra was only two years old this year, with a face as smooth and round as a peeled egg, adorned with a slight baby fat.
Her features were like a miniature version of Cheyenne, with sparkling, watery eyes that shone.
Dressed up in pink clothing with two small buns atop her head tied up with ribbons adorned by fluffy pink flowers made it seem as if she were a fairy.
“That little girl is so adorable I can hardly stand it! Even someone like me wants something pink now.”
“The boy taking pictures is also very cute – are they siblings? They look so good together – I wonder how amazing their parents must be!”
“That man standing next to them should be their father right? Just looking at him from behind he has got be at least 6 feet tall!”
“Why is a father taking two children out to play? Did he get divorced?”
…
When Kelvin vaguely heard the words “divorce,” his face darkened and he turned to look at the person speaking.
The man appeared to be in his early thirties, exuding the charm of a mature man as well as the elegance of an aristocrat.
Undoubtedly, his face was handsome enough to make people envious. Upon closer inspection, one could see that he shared similar facial features with the little boy beside him. However, his temperament was… too cold.
His gaze was as icy as winter snow.
Just then, Cheyenne noticed that something was wrong with Kelvin’s expression and walked over. “What’s wrong?”
Her concern immediately softened Kelvin’s expression slightly. He didn’t say anything but simply reached out and took her soft hand in his warm one.
Their clasped fingers looked sweet together, silently declaring their relationship to those around them.
This action also silently rebuked the two women who had just said that he had gotten divorced.
Without saying anything else, Cheyenne didn’t bother asking either; this was how they had interacted for years now.
Meanwhile, Oliver continued taking pictures of his sister up ahead. Who knew when they would finally finish? Cheyenne grew bored and a little sleepy while waiting there idly by Kelvin’s side.
Yawning without any care for others around her, she leaned her head against Kelvin’s shoulder. Her eyes closed lightly while her long lashes cast shadows on her fair face.
Kelvin felt her weight on his shoulder and looked over at her lazy appearance before wrapping an arm around her waist in an attempt to make it more comfortable for her.
“Baby, did you not sleep well last night? You’ve been yawning since we got off the plane.”
As soon as he finished speaking these words though, it earned him some complaining glares from Cheyenne.
“You have no right to say that! You tortured me all night knowing I had an early flight this morning.”
“I only did you once.”
This statement made Cheyenne want to hit someone even more; but seriously once is already too much!