Chapter 18 — First Signs of Blossoms
Winter's grip had not yet released its hold on the city, but within the hearts of certain high schoolers, something softer had begun to stir.
The white trees, heavy with frost, seemed unaware that beneath their branches, feelings long buried were beginning to bloom.
For Elira, the realization came quietly, as so many important things in her life did. It came during moments between moments—when Kaito handed her a mug of warm cocoa without asking, or when his laughter, rich and warm, made the art room feel like home.
She remembered clearly the flutter in her chest back when she came to this school—when she had blurted out her feelings in the quiet of the school gate, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Is it okay if... I liked you?"
He hadn't answered her directly then. Just smiled, kind and patient, as if holding her confession gently in his hands.
She had thought maybe he hadn't taken it seriously.
But now… now she wasn't so sure.
...
The week after the exhibition results, preparations began for the school's Winter Harmony Festival—an event meant to celebrate art, literature, and student creativity.
Elira and Elena had been nominated as the school's representatives to present Winterglass in a live storytelling panel.
"Us?" Elena asked, stunned.
"You're the most qualified," Kaito said, handing her the official letter. "You wrote it. You lived it."
Elira, who stood beside her sister, felt her heart flutter again—not because of the recognition, but because of how Kaito said 'you lived it' like he understood their story deeper than anyone.
The preparations were intense. The twins found themselves rehearsing lines, adjusting sketches for display, and coordinating with the school's AV club for projection effects.
Kaito, being the class rep and a member of the event committee, was everywhere—checking light placements, solving logistical issues, making sure nobody felt overwhelmed.
"Take a break," he told Elira one afternoon when he found her hunched over a tablet, redrawing the same panel for the fourth time.
"I want it to be perfect."
He sat down beside her. "It already is."
She blinked. "You didn't even look at it."
"I don't have to."
Their eyes met. Elira's face turned pink.
"I meant what I said, you know," she whispered. "Back then, maybe months ago at the school gate. I said that… I really like you."
This time, Kaito didn't look away. "I know."
The silence between them wasn't awkward. It was tender.
"I wanted to make sure you weren't just overwhelmed," he added. "You've both been through a lot. But Elira—"
She looked up at him.
"—I like you too."
She froze. "You do?"
"I do."
And just like that, the world tilted. Not dramatically. Not like in stories where time slowed and fireworks exploded. No—this was better. This was real. Soft. Honest.
She didn't cry. But her hand found his on the table.
"I'm glad," she said simply.
They didn't rush. They didn't need to.
...
Elena noticed the change immediately.
Not because Elira announced it—she didn't. But because the softness in her eyes whenever Kaito entered the room had deepened.
And Kaito, who had always treated both twins with gentle care, now looked at Elira like she was a sunrise he got to watch every day.
Elena didn't mind. Not at all.
In fact, she felt strangely happy. Like her sister had finally found something that belonged just to her.
That night, as they worked on the narration script, Elena nudged Elira lightly.
"You two are cute."
Elira turned red. "What are you talking about?"
"You know what."
"…He said he liked me."
"I figured."
There was a long pause.
"Does it bother you?" Elira asked hesitantly.
Elena shook her head. "No. I think… he's good for you. And you're good for him."
Elira bit her lip. "Would it be weird if I wanted to kiss him?"
Elena laughed. "Only if you do it in front of our teacher."
...
The night of the Winter Harmony Festival arrived, and the school gymnasium was transformed.
Soft white lights twinkled along the walls. A low platform stage had been built at the center, surrounded by floating panels of student art, suspended like stars.
When the twins took to the stage, the room fell into silence.
Elena stood with poise, mic in hand. Elira stood beside her, the first panel of Winterglass projected on the screen behind them.
They told their story. Of growing up unheard. Of finding each other again through creation. Of what it meant to be seen.
Kaito stood at the back, arms crossed, smiling softly.
They had come so far.
When the performance ended, the applause was thunderous. Some students were wiping tears from their eyes. Teachers stood, clapping with quiet admiration.
Afterward, Kaito found them near the punch table.
"You were incredible," he told them both.
Elena smiled. "It's easier to speak when someone's listening."
Kaito turned to Elira. "Theres a place I wanted to show you, Elira. Do you want to go?"
" E-Ehh...?"
Elira blinked. "Go where?"
"There's a light show outside the temple tonight," he said. "Thought you might like it."
Elena gave her sister a gentle push. "Go."
Elira looked to her, unsure. "You'll be okay?"
"I'll be better than okay."
...
The walk to the temple was quiet. Snow crunched beneath their feet. Lanterns lit the path in warm golds and reds, casting flickers of color on the ground.
"I used to come here alone," Kaito said.
Elira looked up at him, "But now it feels better. With you here."
She smiled. "You make it easy to be myself."
"I think that's what love should feel like."
Her breath caught. But she didn't hesitate, "Then I think I really fell in love to you for months."
He stopped walking.
She turned, nervous.
But he only reached out, brushing snow from her bangs, then cupped her cheek.
"I love you too."
And under the soft glow of a hundred lanterns, they kissed. A quiet, gentle kiss that felt like spring waiting patiently beneath the snow.
Back in her room that night, Elira lay in bed, eyes wide open, heart full.
Elena, on the other side of the room, smiled to herself in the dark.
"Good night, Elira."
"…Good night."
The world was still cold outside.
But within them, something had begun to blossom.
To be continued...