Monsoon Romance

The first snowfall of the year blanketed the town in a quiet stillness. The streets shimmered with frost, and rooftops carried a pristine layer of white. Haruto stood at his window, watching the delicate flakes swirl through the air. There was something magical about winter mornings—the way the world seemed to pause, hushed and serene.

As he sipped his warm tea, a familiar ache settled in his chest. Winter had always been Aiko's favorite season. She used to race outside at the first sign of snow, dragging him along to build snowmen or lie on the frosty ground making snow angels. Without her, the season felt colder, emptier.

Determined not to be swallowed by his thoughts, Haruto bundled up in his thickest coat, scarf, and gloves. He decided to take a walk through the grove, hoping the sight of the snow-covered cherry blossom tree would bring some comfort.

The grove was even quieter than usual, the snow absorbing every sound. The crunch of Haruto's boots against the frozen ground was the only noise as he approached the tree. Its branches, heavy with snow, sagged slightly, but the sight was breathtaking. Haruto brushed some snow off a low-hanging branch and smiled faintly.

"This was your favorite," he murmured aloud, imagining Aiko's voice filling the silence with her laughter.

As Haruto sat beneath the tree, his thoughts wandered to the last winter they had spent together. Aiko had been so full of life, her cheeks flushed pink from the cold as she threw snowballs at him with surprising precision. He remembered her saying, "Winter isn't just cold, Haruto. It's a reminder to slow down, to appreciate the quiet."

He closed his eyes, letting the stillness envelop him. But instead of comfort, a wave of loneliness crashed over him. He missed her—her voice, her laughter, the way she brought color to the dullest days.

Lost in thought, Haruto didn't notice the footsteps approaching until a soft voice broke the silence. "Hey, you okay?"

Startled, he looked up to see Riku standing a few feet away, his cheeks red from the cold. "What are you doing here?" Haruto asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

Riku shrugged, his breath visible in the icy air. "I figured you might be here. You've been quieter than usual lately."

Haruto offered a weak smile. "Just... thinking."

Riku sat down beside him, brushing snow off the ground with his gloves. "Thinking's good, but too much thinking can be dangerous. Especially in winter—it's too easy to get stuck in your head."

Haruto chuckled softly. "Sounds like you're speaking from experience."

Riku grinned. "Maybe. But hey, if you're gonna brood, at least let me brood with you. Misery loves company, right?"

They sat in silence for a while, watching the snow fall around them. Despite Riku's usual energy, he seemed content to share the quiet with Haruto, which was something Haruto appreciated more than he could say.

After a while, Riku nudged him. "You know, my mom used to say that winter's not just about endings. It's about beginnings too. The snow covers everything, but underneath, life's still there, waiting to grow again."

Haruto glanced at him, surprised by the insight. "That's... actually really profound."

Riku smirked. "Don't get used to it. I have my moments."

As the afternoon wore on, Riku pulled a thermos from his bag and offered it to Haruto. "Hot chocolate. Best cure for winter blues."

Haruto took a sip, the warmth spreading through him like a small spark of hope. "Thanks," he said, his voice softer now.

Riku shrugged, a playful grin on his face. "What are friends for?"

For the first time that day, Haruto felt a genuine smile tug at his lips.

When they finally left the grove, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting the snow in shades of pink and orange. Haruto paused to take in the sight, feeling a small sense of peace.

"Hey," Riku said, breaking the silence. "Let's make a pact. Every winter, no matter what, we'll meet here. This place feels important—like it's got its own magic."

Haruto nodded, the idea warming him in a way he hadn't expected. "Yeah. Let's do that."

That night, as Haruto wrote his letter to Aiko, he shared the events of the day:

Today, I remembered what you said about winter—that it's a time to appreciate the quiet. I think I understand it a little better now. Riku and I spent the afternoon in the grove, and it felt... peaceful. Like you were there with us somehow. I miss you, but I think I'm learning to carry you with me. I hope it's snowing where you are too.

Sealing the letter, Haruto felt a small but significant shift in his heart. Winter's silence was no longer just a void; it was a space for reflection, for growth, and for remembering the warmth that always followed the cold.