The sight of cherry trees blossoming is often relaxing to look at. Nature is truly wonderful in the spring as it serves as a reminder of peace and happiness. However, in his case, it fell short of his expectations. Nishikawa Shinsei's eyes were wide open in shock, and he could only look at the petal beneath his feet, stained with his own blood. All he could do, terrified for his life, was stare death in the eyes. He had hoped for a better start for spring, but this was not what he had expected.

* * * * *

School had just finished for the day, the weekend is finally here. While the students in the class were discussing their plans for the weekend, Shin excitedly walked out of class and decided to head to the literature club. An idea just came to mind that he wanted to write down.

He glided through the crowded hallways, passing people side by side as he made his way to the clubroom.

He quickly opened the door to the literature room and sat at the large centre table facing the windows. Passionate and determined, Shin began to plot his ideas for his novel as he waited for the other members to arrive.

Even though he is still in high school, Shin's dream has always been to travel all over the world and see what it has to offer. He dedicates a lot of time to writing or reading about grand adventures. He decided to join the school's literature club to get ideas for his novel and to get away from the boredom of everyday life.

Shin is nothing too out of the ordinary. Average height, dark hair, and dark blue eyes. Despite his frail appearance, his hairstyle surprisingly attracts a lot of admirers. While working on his story, he was approached by one of the club members and was hugged from behind.

"Ooo, look at you being a hard worker Shin-kun, Whatcha writing this time kiddo?"

The club member's name is Fujiwara Moriko. She is one of the founding members of the literature club as well as Shinsei's senpai. Her outgoing charisma, as well as her kind and exciting personality, are the reason Moriko is well-liked by the guys at school as well as her stunning appearance. Her diamond-like eyes glistened in the light along with her silky smooth hair as her smile melts any boy's heart.

If someone were to describe Shin's social life at school, he would be known as the class introvert. Shin is not well-liked by most people. Even though he looks to be approachable, his shyness and timid personality make long conversations difficult.

"I'm writing my novel as always, I finally have a good idea of what I should write for my next chapter."

"Could you get off of me as well, Momo-Senpai? It's hard for me to breathe with your arms around my neck."

"Ah sorry, sorry. I couldn't help myself, you just look extra adorable today kiddo."

Moriko was the one who recruited Shin when he was just starting his first year in high school. Although the club has not grown in size, their enthusiasm for literature has grown stronger than ever.

"Are the others coming today, senpai?"

"Just me and you for today, they went home for the weekend."

"I got an idea, let's walk home together today Kiddo after we finish our work we can go to this

amazing crepe place on the way, my treat for today."

"That'll be great, thank you."

* * * * *

As the sun shined through the window as it was setting, he took a deep breath as he looked out the window at the birds flying in the sunset.

"Look at those birds, soaring through the skies. Man, it must be nice to go wherever you want."

"There you go again spewing nonsense, finish plotting your ideas and let's walk home. I'll be waiting for you outside, ok Shin-kun?"

"Got it Momo-Senpai, it won't take long."

Moriko always tries to walk home with Shin whenever she is not too busy after school. Although some students view them as a couple, they are simply close friends. Apart from Moriko, he had never had anyone in his life he could depend on. Being friends with her relieves all of his stress and anxiety. As for Moriko, she is an only child and Shin is like the little brother she has always wanted.

"Finally, done for the day. Took a while to finish but It will do ."

After finishing his work for the day, he gathered his belongings and prepared to walk with Moriko for the day. He exited the club room and made his way out of the building and on the way, stopped to change into his outdoor shoes.

There outside, was Momo-senpai leaning on the cherry trees as her hair flew in the wind with the petals, waiting for shin. The sight had made Shin blush as he approached her.

"There you are, Shin" She paused, "Let's go."

On their way home from school, they stopped to admire the sunset in the mountains, which had left both of them speechless. It was a sight to behold, but the atmosphere began to thicken for Shin. He began to feel cautious. He felt as if he had just gotten goosebumps, which he ignored to avoid worrying Moriko and ruining the moment.

He stops to look at Moriko staring at the sunset, admiring the view. He was relieved to see she hadn't noticed him behaving oddly all of a sudden.

"Oh by the way, how's your sister doing lately? Is little Hina giving you trouble?"

Hina is currently completing her final year of middle school before entering high school in April. Unlike her brother, she consistently excels in her classes, finishing at the top of the class each term. People often wondered whether she was related to his good-for-nothing brother who does nothing but write stories because of her cunning personality and quick thinking. Aside from her academic achievements, her appearance also makes people wonder if she is related to Shin. She has short side-swept black hair and dark eyes. For a girl her age, her face makes her look sincere and adorable.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Hina is doing fine by herself. Now, I don't have to worry as much as I used to."

Moriko giggled, "Sounds like little Hina matured more than you Shin."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Anyways Shin, Let's go and get the crepes!

* * * * *

Moriko entered the izakaya after they arrived at their destination. The place was nothing fancy, and despite its small size, it was just a typical izakaya that can be found all over the city. Shin looked inside and was surprised to find it empty; he had assumed it was a popular spot, but seeing Momo-senpai as the only customer made him wonder if her words of "amazing crepe place." lived up to his expectations.

While waiting outside, he turned to his left and notices a street light that is constantly flickering. He Looks closer to the street lamp, but his vision began to blur. He focuses his attention on the light and notices a lovely white rose lying on the ground. The rose appeared to be glowing as the light of the streetlamp shined on it.

Intrigued by the rose, he approached it to get a better look. The beauty of the white rose took his breath away, its petals are as white as snow with a genuine and pure scent that feels refreshing to smell. He hunched over to touch the rose but was surprised to see it wither.

Unexpectedly, a dark mist shrouded his surroundings. When he returned his sights to the rose, he noticed that its white petals had slowly turned to ash, and the smell had become foul. He stood up and looked around the dark mist, noticing a dark silhouette standing motionless. As he stared at the silhouette, a shiver ran down his spine. He froze in terror, frightened. He was startled when he felt a sudden touch on his shoulders. Shin slowly turned his head, relieved to see Momo-senpai.

Concerned, Moriko asked Shin if everything was all right, to which he replied, "Did you see a shadowy figure and a white rose over there?" as he reverts his sights to the direction of the flower, he was surprised to see only cars passing by on the street.

"What are you talking about Shin? There's nothing over there."

Shin tried to reply but was interrupted by Momo-senpai's phone ringing.

"I'm sorry but can you take your crepe? I have to answer this."

"Yeah sure, thanks."

The sun had gone down, and it was now dark. Shin could not stop thinking about the white rose and the mysterious silhouette in the mist out of his mind. While Moriko was on the phone, he kept questioning himself: "Is it possible that it was all a hallucination? or did it actually happen?" Even thinking about it sends shivers up his spine.

He took a bite on the strawberry crepe Momo-senpai had gotten him. Amazed, he could not believe the empty crepe store serves delicious crepes. His eyes lit up, full of enjoyment as he took another bite.

"The sweetness of this crepe is amazing!"

"What's taking Momo-senpai a while to be back, I wonder what's the call about?"

Shin sighed. Curious, he moved away from the streetlight to go eavesdrop on Moriko in the alley beside the shop.

He was shocked by what he heard upon sneakily eavesdropping without being noticed. "I thought Momo-senpai only knew Japanese and English," he muttered. The more he listened to what she was saying, the more he was confused as to what language she was speaking.

Moriko had finished her call which caught Shin off guard, he tried to rush back to the street lamp before he gets caught eavesdropping on her.

"Hey Shin."

Shin, realizing he was too late, tried to act as if nothing had happened. He turned to face Moriko but was surprised as to why her eyes were wide as if something had just happened. It almost looks like tears are about to flow from it.

Moriko informed Shin that she was in an emergency situation that needed her help. She apologized for leaving him so abruptly and handed Shin a taiyaki she had bought for his sister. She unexpectedly took his crepe and swapped it for hers. Moriko had already left him before he could say anything.

He sighed and began walking back home. He bit into the crepe Moriko had switched, only this time it was sour with a horrible aftertaste. With absolutely no idea why she had switched the crepes, he threw away the terrible crepe and continued on his way home.

* * * * *

Just a few minutes before he arrives at his apartment, the haunting feeling he felt earlier returns and eventually overwhelms him. The sinister feeling grew stronger over time, and he felt as if his heart was about to stop, causing him to drop to his knees and puke a dark-looking liquid. Frightened of what was happening, he started gasping for air as the situation worsen, but just before he began panicking completely, the haunting sensation vanished as if nothing had happened. Shin stood up, surprised by the sudden disappearance, and calmed himself down as he grabbed the taiyaki.

The dark liquid he had puked was the one thing that did not sit well with Shin's mind during the entire experience. The liquid resembled blood, but it had a strong distinct odour that made his body tremble with fear. Not only that, the unsettling sensation seemed to be reaching out to him, desperate for assistance.

Frustrated, he yelled "Damn it all! Still baffled by what had just occurred he did not let his frustration ruin his day. He simply ignored the situation and proceeded to walk home rather than freaking out.

When he arrived at his complex, he went to his floor through the stairs to the left of the main entrance. A faint aroma piqued his interest as he got closer to his floor; it smelled like spring was just getting started. The aroma he smelled in the stairwell led him to his hallway, and the smell appeared to be coming from his apartment room.

He heard a loud footstep approaching him as he opened the door.

"Welcome home Onii-chan!"

Surprised by Hina's sudden welcome, Shin opened his arms and hugged his sister as he said his greetings.

"Did something happen Hina?"

"You never welcomed me like this before."

"Mom is coming back home!

Happy from the news, his eyes began tearing up from happiness. He could not believe it. It has been a long time since they both saw their mother due to the accident a while back that changed their family.

Their father sadly died in an accident while on a business trip, and their mother was transferred to another district of the company abroad. She sends money every month for their basic needs but has never had the opportunity to speak with them due to her hectic schedule. As a result, Shin goes out of his way to look after himself and Hina, with Moriko occasionally paying them a visit.

"When did she say she's coming back?"

"In a few days." She paused "Hurry and put your stuff away, dinner is about to be ready."

Delighted, Shin closed the door behind him took off his shoes and put them away in the shoe rack beside him.

When he looks up, he sees the dark and mysterious figure again, and Hina is approaching it on her way to the kitchen.

"Watch out Hina!" he yelled, dropping the taiyaki as he tries to reach for his sister's hand.

Hina turned her head, confused. "Huh? Is there something wrong?"

A strange sensation struck his heart before he could say anything. He froze, terrified of whatever is happening. He shifted his gaze to his palms as he vomited the same black liquid that covered the wooden floor.

Hina's eyes widened in fear as she rushed to help Shin, her eyes welling up with tears as she yelled his name.

Shin had passed out on the floor without even realizing it. His consciousness started to fade. As the mysterious figure laughed, amused by Shin's situation. With his last remaining strength, he averts his gaze to his sister, who is rushing towards him, crying and desperate to reach him.

Shin slowly closes his eyes, muttering, "I'll be fine, Hina." The sounds around him have become distorted, but a clear and strange deep voice can be heard calling to him.

"Ascend to your rightful place as the Prince of Darkness and allow your power to restore justice and order back to the world."

With nothing else that can be done, Shinsei Nishikawa closed his eyes and accepted his fate.