I want to say I love you, but I'm afraid I won't be able to give you what you're looking for. If I don't say it, I'm unwilling to let this deep affection die with you, without you even knowing a fraction of it. So, after much thought and hesitation, I finally managed to utter, "I miss the flowers in the south of the city."
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"Miss, you must be tired from your journey, would you like some snacks?"
"No, thank you."
……
"Miss, could you please help me with my luggage...?"
"Oh, of course."
A young man walked by in a small cart.
As I was rummaging through my luggage, I suddenly looked up. There were gleaming pointed leather shoes, a well-tailored suit with a sophisticated texture, but the collar was loose and the tie was undone. The overcoat looked slightly bulky. And then there were two adorable little tiger teeth.
Hmm, probably some young master from a family who studied abroad.
"Hi~ Beautiful lady, we're about to embark on a wonderful journey together. Have a pleasant trip."
"Hello." He nodded in greeting.
The man sat down opposite me. I then looked down and began to examine the envelope in my hand.
"To be opened by Ashu"
I stroked the vigorous handwriting, recalling memories that had been absent for so long, both familiar and strange.
I spent half a year traveling all over the country searching for traces of the army where Sehun served, but unfortunately to no avail. I guessed he was probably using an alias. Finally, I obtained a letter from one of his colleagues.
"Sehun said that if he doesn't return, and someone comes looking for him, he will... give you this letter."
Having made up my mind, I opened the envelope. The paper was slightly yellowed and stained with a little blackish-gray.
Ashu:
Are you in peace for a long time?
Snow has fallen in the North. It's cold on the front lines. The soldiers huddle together, drinking to keep warm. But I think of you. Heavy snow is rare in the South. You always said you wanted to come with me to the North to see the snow. I wish you were here; you would be overjoyed. Yet, I'm also glad you're not. War rages, smoke billows everywhere, the land is shattered, and the world is in turmoil. I must restore a beautiful landscape for the world. At times like these, my resolve only grows stronger.
But I still miss you. I miss the cherry blossoms in full bloom south of the city. Back then, when the cherry blossoms were at their peak, you always used the excuse of admiring the cherry blossoms and composing poems to doze off in the pavilion. Another year has passed; have you grown taller than me? In this chaotic world, I always worry about you. I wonder if this letter will reach you.
Ashu, I'm always afraid that I'll never see you again tomorrow.
The snow is falling even heavier in Ashu.
I hope to meet you again when the flowers fall.
December 2, 1939
Sehun
I can't write anymore. I'm really bad at writing romance. Both characters are reserved and restrained, how am I supposed to subtly express my love? 😩 I spend ages agonizing over every single sentence. 🌚
Both of them wanted to drastically change their character settings.