Cherry Blossoms After Winter: Volume 1 Novels & Stories

Robert's heart was burning with anxiety, and he felt like he was riding a tiger and was caught between a rock and a hard place. He withdrew his fingers, frowned, picked up his mobile phone, and strode out. In April, cherry blossoms were flying in the air, and the afternoon sun was even warmer. It was so warm that it made people feel lazy like cats and a little sleepy in spring. Yu Cangcang sat outside the coffee shop, enjoying the sunlight with her eyes closed. There was also the faint fragrance of cherry blossoms in the air. A faint smile could be seen on her face. Upon closer inspection, that smile contained faint sorrow and bitterness.

Was I seeing things? I jolted back to reality when the assistant tapped my shoulder and motioned for me to move closer. That was when I realized—I was already standing two steps away from him. He, on the other hand, was standing too close for comfort. I sneered inwardly, pretending not to notice the way my pulse quickened. My chest fluttered, and my words nearly slurred as I looked up to meet his gaze. Oh boy… he was even more breathtaking up close. I got lost in the way his long lashes furrowed whenever he looked at me, the subtle flutter of his eyelids when he blinked. Gosh, he was dangerously attractive.

I passed Polly in the hallway. She was pushing a handcart piled with ten or so boxes, arms trembling. Seeing me, she stopped and lowered her head to let me pass. "Distribution going okay?" I asked. "…So-so," her voice hoarse. I nodded and walked on. After a few steps, I glanced back. She was still there, hands on the cart, shoulders slumped. The snowlight outside cast pale shadows on her face—white, almost bloodless. The next day, my assistant mentioned casually while dropping off documents, "Mr. Bassett… the employees secretly created a group chat. They call it the 'Cherry Victims Alliance.'"

For a brief moment, it felt like the cherry blossoms were in full bloom again. And through the petals that swirled in his mind— He saw a little girl running toward him, smiling. --- An hour later, Caitlin and Sebastian finally arrived at Sakura Ridge. The cherry blossom season had passed—the forest was now lush and green. They walked deeper into the woods. Searching for the tree where Caitlin and her brother had played as children. Where they had picnicked with their mother. Then— "Caitlin, look over there!" Sebastian’s voice was sharp with urgency. Caitlin turned her head— And froze.

​Six months later, spring had returned in full, vibrant splendor across the capital. Rolling blankets of emerald green grass carpeted the vast estates surrounding the city, and long rows of pink and white cherry blossom trees bloomed in full flower along the stone perimeter walls of the Blackwood Estate. A soft, warm breeze drifted through the manicured gardens, carrying the sweet scent of fresh blossoms and damp earth into the manor.

Just like what happened to me in my previous life. When I heard of their death, the weight on me was instantly relieved. Those who brought about my tragic end were gone at last. The winter of my life ended, and I was heading toward spring.

And after this rest, this deep breath of cool fresh air, we are ready for the sweet mischief of spring. Under a dove grey sky the colours of world don Jake's winter coats, each hue darker and richer than before as he looked on the path which sparkles and crunches, like sugar underfoot, and the coolness brings him right into the now, into the moment of life. Though the flowers sleep and the trees show their lofty arms once more, a smile plays upon these cold pink lips of his. For as much as he loved the summertime, he love the winter more. For every perfume of the meadow, there is the earthy loam of the newly-lit forest floor.

Evelyn frowned confused, "How? It's almost winter... How are there so many flowers?" The boy smiled, "These are plants and trees that blossom in winter," He said, his voice brimming with excitement. "Look! This one is a cherry tree, it's my favorite." He said pointing to the tree with pink flowers. "And this is a magnolia, it's beautiful, isn't it? "

Its wide and spacious park mostly displayed cyclamen flowers and winter cherry trees, adding beauty and fragrance to the cold environment. Arth rested on the wooden bench under the winter cherry tree to wait for his friend. The gentle gust of wind gave a light shower of cherry blossoms from the tree. He rubbed his palms, then crossed his arms over his chest to give warmth on his body. With every exhale, white mist blew out of his mouth. "Hey, bro!" A loud, familiar voice came out from a distance. As Arth turned around, his face brightened up seeing a young man on a black winter coat. He waved his hand to Arth as he approached.

A large breeze went by causing me to shiver and unconsciously take a step closer to Dallas. Snow flurries swirled around, magical as ever - it was as if we were in a snow globe. I, very softly and slowly placed my palms on Dallas's chest and although in heels I still had to slightly get up on my tippy toes. Our eyes didn't disconnect for a single second. We were locked in each other's gazes as I looked at him and watched a snowflake fall onto his noes and forthwith thawed into a small drip of water.