A Farewell Bouquet in The Arms of an Angel

May everyone be able to say "Goodbye", with a smile, to the person they love most.

This is a story from long, long ago.

In a place surrounded by countless roses, a girl awakened.

Though the most beautiful roses from around the world had been gathered there, the loveliest flower of all was the girl herself.

Anyone you asked would have said the same thing.

Her name was Ai.

She was an angel.

However, when she woke, the wings that should have been on her back were gone.

But more than losing her wings, her snow-white hair turning to deepest black, and her red eyes changing to sky blue, what surprised Ai most was being able to feel wind flowing invisibly across her entire body.

She filled her chest with the fragrance of roses, letting joy color her cheeks as she felt the wind, but it lasted only for a moment.

Soon, emotions began bursting forth from her beautiful eyes, drop by drop.

They were sweet and warm, yet somehow terribly painful.

The rain of tears beat fiercely against Ai's cheeks and hands.

The very center of her chest ached intensely, as if a hole had opened there.

Throb, throb.

The pain was somehow like a heartbeat.

Throb, throb.

It was painful and heartbreaking, and there was nothing she could do.

Throb, throb.

She couldn't even breathe properly.

Throb, throb.

The world's most beautiful, innocent soul, who didn't know why her chest hurt so terribly, continued crying alone.

She cried out loud.

She cried until her eyes were swollen.

She cried while clawing at her chest.

How much time had passed?

Her chest still ached, her tears still wouldn't stop, but Ai slowly stood up amid the blooming roses.

She decided to do more than just cry and leave this beautiful garden.

When she wiped her tear-filled eyes with her palm, the world looked a little clearer.

***

Many months and years passed since then.

Ai visited many places.

She met many people and in the end, bade them farewell.

Even so, the beautiful wings never returned to the angel's back.

***

On the rooftop of the tallest building in town stood the lone silhouette of a teenage girl.

Black hair and blue eyes.

A single backpack with artificial wings sewn on rested on her petite back.

A cute stuffed rabbit sat proudly in her arms.

Below the girl shrouded in darkness, brilliant lights spread out like fallen stars.

Car headlights flowed down the main street in streams of light. The strong wind roared like a beast and swayed the girl's bangs as it climbed higher, reaching towards the moon.

Ai's red lips curved in a joyful arc.

What are you looking at, Ai?

Hmm? The human world, Dear.

Is it fun?

It's more like . . . pretty, you know? It twinkles, like stars.

Ridiculous.

The word was curtly spat out in a manly voice, without any charm.

No matter where you looked, there was no one else on the roof besides Ai. The one she was calling Dear and talking to was the stuffed rabbit in her arms.

Despite his adorable appearance, he had quite an attitude. Yet he was still Ai's precious partner.

So, what's up?

I sensed another presence. I'll guide you, first let's get to the ground—

Roger!

Ai stood on the edge of the building, looking down.

Dear immediately asked, his voice filled with dread.

Wait. What exactly are you planning to do?

You already know.

Her red lips curved into a much deeper smile.

Even her white teeth were visible through the slight gap.

I don't want to know. Listen, human technology has advanced. Now you can get down to the ground safely, comfortably, and quickly without using such primitive methods. So—

But this way is more comfortable. It's easier and faster too.

You're missing the most important part, safety. Since you seem to have forgotten, let me remind you. Humans can't fly.

This body is like a human's, but I'm still an angel. Like how you are a demon, Dear.

That's rich, coming from the dropout angel who lost her wings.

. . . I could always just leave you behind, you know.

Stop it. Fine. I won't try to stop you anymore. You can do whatever you want. But I'm gonna do what I want too. Let me use the elevator like we did coming up—

Dear struggled to escape from her arms, but Ai gripped him tightly and wouldn't let go.

She squeezed him even tighter.

One, two, three. Here we go!

The girl launched herself into the night along with the stuffed toy.

Damn it. We're gonna die, you stupid angeeeel!

Ahaha! It'll be fine. Now, let's go!

The angel who had lost her wings laughed as she felt the wind rush against her entire body.

Even though gravity would soon pull them down to the ground, she still looked joyful.

It was not a flight, but a fall.

The girl fell.

The angel fell.

She fell into the world where humans live.

To weave a new story of farewell.

***

Ai was an angel without wings.

She had lost something very precious.

So she decided to search for it on her own.

Flower - The End.

Every time I see cherry blossoms, I remember.

My first love. The first person I truly felt affection for.

I remember all the time we spent together.

***

That's really beautiful, Hikari.

Looking at the wing pattern drawn on Hikari Yuizaki's arm, Ai's eyes sparkled with delight. Her open, honest smile was like someone who had found treasure, making her look even younger than she already appeared.

Even her voice was pure, without hidden meaning.

Suddenly, Hikari's heart fluttered.

Oh, I may be blushing.

It had been quite a while since she'd felt that way.

Specifically, it had been four years.

Though she had felt it almost every day during those distant days with Mr. Narumi.

That said, Hikari was a woman in her twenties, so being flustered by a girl who looked about fifteen or sixteen was a little embarrassing.

So she tilted her head, trying to pretend it was nothing.

You mean this?

She knew exactly what Ai meant, but she pretended not to know, just to keep the conversation going.

She was just hiding her embarrassment, really.

Ai was saying the same thing Mr. Narumi used to say.

Is it called a tattoo?

This is body paint. Unlike real tattoos, you can easily wash it off. I drew it myself. I'm really into this kind of art.

Wow, that's so cool! I'd love to try it too.

Hikari and Ai were in a boutique tucked away down a small side street off the main road.

What was happening in the spacious fitting room, surprisingly large for such a small shop, was an impromptu fashion show filled with the excited chatter of two girls.

The show's model was as beautiful as an angel from a fairy tale, which was absolutely perfect.

Okay, Ai. Stay like that and give me a little spin.

Like this?

Following Hikari's instructions, Ai spun around and around, her white mid-length skirt billowing softly like a flower blooming in spring.

She was wearing it with a frilly black top.

The overall look was girly with a sweet, innocent touch.

Yes, yes, yes, perfect! Ai, you're absolutely flawless, super cute!

She considered clapping, but in the end, Hikari just gave Ai an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Hee hee.

Ai giggled bashfully, still looking adorable.

You're naturally pretty, so everything looks good on you. Oh, try this one next! This pink one.

Okay! Leave it to me!

The next item Hikari chose for the now-confident Ai was a skirt scattered with small flower prints. The pink floral pattern had a spring theme to it, and it had caught her eye as soon as she entered the store.

Hikari was Japanese, so she naturally loved cherry blossoms. She didn't really understand all the cultural symbolism behind them, but she'd been admiring cherry blossoms since she was little. At least, that's what she told herself.

But that wasn't really it.

When she saw cherry blossoms, what she remembered wasn't pink particles of light, but unshaven stubble, the smell of cigarettes, surprisingly beautiful fingertips, and wrinkled lab coats.

Spring had come again.

It was the fourth spring since she said goodbye to Mr. Narumi.

And it was the promised spring for their reunion.

Using Ai as a dress-up doll like this was part of her preparation to fulfill that promise.

Hey, which one of these is cuter, Dear?

Ai asked while unfastening her skirt's hook.

I wasn't looking, so I don't know.

The stuffed rabbit was facing away from the girls during their fashion show, staring at the wall. He had answered the question dismissively.

Loneliness and melancholy seemed to drift from his hunched back.

Look at me. Come on!

You're still a girl, you know? How about having some modesty?

Are you embarrassed? Why? You're always next to me when I change clothes. Is it because of the location?

It's not about embarrassment. Besides, you are the one who should be ashamed right now!

Say I'm super cute and you might get to see me blush, you know.

There you go, acting cocky again . . . ugly.

Whaaaaat?! I'm not ugly! Take it back. Right now.

Squawk, squawk, squawk, squawk.

While watching Ai get genuinely angry at what Dear said, Hikari politely raised her hand to speak.

Excuse me.

Perhaps it was something she should have asked about earlier.

But by now, she had gotten completely used to the stuffed animal talking.

I've been wondering, what exactly is the relationship between you two? You're an angel and a devil, right? Normally, don't those two avoid each other?

Hmm, let me see . . . I guess "partners" is the closest word for it.

Ai struck a pose with a peace sign, flashing a cheerful smile.

With a soft sparkle, starlight seemed to twinkle in both of Ai's blue eyes.

Don't believe her. She actually captured me and is working me to death.

I don't work you that hard!

Hmph. I'm impressed by your lack of self-awareness.

So, you're good friends?

Oh, that might be it. Hikari, you're good at judging people.

How so? I'd recommend getting an eye exam.

Despite their bickering, watching Ai and Dear's harmony made Hikari feel an even stronger flutter in her chest.

Their easy, natural closeness was endearing.

No, you two really do look like great friends. I'm a little envious. It's rare to meet someone like that.

You are already my friend, Hikari.

. . . Is that so?

Yeah!

I'm glad to hear it.

After that, Hikari's group spent nearly an hour in the fitting room.

They tried plenty of styles—not just the girly silhouettes that Hikari favored, but also classy-casual looks, menswear-inspired styles, sporty mixed outfits, and much more.

Oh, this is cute.

While browsing the shelves, Ai picked up a shoe clip shaped like a white flower.

But what's it for?

Oh, it's an accessory you clip onto pumps and things to make your feet look stylish. The kind they use at weddings and stuff. Do you want it?

No. I just like roses.

Hmm. How about I buy it for you anyway?

Huh? You don't have to. I didn't mean to pester you for it . . .

Don't worry about it. Think of it as a thank-you for keeping me company. It'd look good on you, so let's get it. If there's anything else you want, don't hesitate to ask. Big sister's got you covered!

As Hikari said this, her heart swelled with joy while simultaneously filling with a strange feeling.

Shopping so casually with a girl she'd just met, laughing right now, having someone know about her love for Mr. Narumi.

Going to meet Mr. Narumi with someone rather than alone.

For the lonely girl Hikari was before meeting Mr. Narumi, such things would have been unthinkable.

***

So when exactly had she become unable to fit in with groups and ended up all alone?

It seemed like Hikari had people she could call friends until around middle school, but before she knew it, there were no kids at school who would talk to her anymore.

There were . . . various reasons.

Her tendency to speak her mind clearly and her habit of doing things her own pace were part of it. And then there was the body paint she'd tried after seeing it on TV and thinking it looked cool. That was probably the main reason.

The high school Hikari entered lacked the strict formality of traditional schools—in fact, it marketed its liberal atmosphere as a selling point. The campus was full of kids with all kinds of appearances: students who dyed their hair, grew out their nails, wore their uniforms loosely, sported piercings, and so on.

Among all of them, only Hikari became an outcast.

This was probably because body paint was unfamiliar to most people.

The adults all looked disgusted when they saw her—the same looks they gave students who smoked, drank, got into fights, or shoplifted and caused trouble for others.

The student guidance counselor, Mr. Asazuki, was particularly vocal about it.

Yuizaki, are you still wearing that stuff? I already told you to remove it.

It's not against school rules, is it? Our school is liberal about things like this.

Just because it's not in the rules doesn't mean you shouldn't know better.

I'm not bothering anyone. How is this different from dyeing your hair?

Why can't you just apologize and be done with it?

Emboldened by the teacher's disapproval, her classmates all joined in mocking her.

You're in high school now. Grow up!

Shut up.

Trying to look cool only makes you more lame, you know.

Shut up, shut up.

Yuizaki just can't read the room, huh.

Shut up, shut up, shut up.

She covered her ears and kept muttering, as if to drive people away.

When you're that stubborn, naturally people start staying away from you, one by one.

When all the noise of criticism disappears, it becomes very quiet.

This quiet world was strangely peaceful and gentle, with nothing that could hurt Hikari.

But this place, where only her own voice existed, only made Hikari's loneliness more apparent.

Eventually, when Hikari began thinking things like "school's too much trouble, maybe I should just skip classes," she began to notice Mr. Narumi. He stood out among the other teachers, in a rain of cherry blossoms.

It was spring.

The season when all kinds of things bloom.

She was pretending to sleep during break time, but at some point she apparently really dozed off. Spring's warmth encourages drowsiness. Just let your guard down a little and you'll be sleeping like a baby in no time.

This wing on your arm, is that body paint? It's beautiful. Who drew it for you?

How long had she been sleeping? Hearing a voice, Hikari slowly lifted her heavy eyelids.

The smell of cigarettes faintly mixed with the scent of spring made her wrinkle her nose.

. . . I drew it myself.

Wow. Never knew you were so talented.

Surprised by the voice which held no malice whatsoever, her drowsiness vanished completely.

She saw a man's face, with a loose strand of bedhead sticking up and unshaven stubble.

He was probably still considered young by society's standards, but to a high school girl, unshaven stubble was proof of adulthood.

So Hikari's first impressions of him were: cigarettes, adult man, bedhead, stubble.

Oh, and his unusually beautiful fingers as well. Thin and long, but with a masculine roughness underneath. Not bad. Actually kind of nice.

So who was this person?

She thought he might be a doctor because he was wearing a lab coat, but immediately reconsidered—he was probably a teacher. This was school, after all, and he only smelled of cigarettes, not the bitter chemical smell that doctors carry.

Why are you praising me?

Because I thought it was beautiful. Is that wrong?

Everyone gets mad at it. They tell me to stop doing that kind of thing.

I think it's fine though. I mean, you're not bothering anyone, right? And it's not against school rules either.

That's true. I've told them the same thing many times, but they wouldn't listen to me at all.

Is it Mr. Asazuki, the student counselor?

Yeah.

Hikari nodded firmly.

That guy's ridiculously strict about stuff like that. But compared to what I was doing when I was your age, this is nothing. My best friend and I used to sneak into the pool at midnight and stuff like that. When I was a small kid, I went ghost hunting and got brought home by the police.

Should teachers really be bragging about that kind of thing to students?

Ah, probably not. Don't tell Mr. Asazuki, okay? He'd be furious.

This teacher was putting his index finger to his lips and grinning mischievously—what a strange man.

Shh.

Not adult-like at all. The way he proudly shared stories of his childhood mischief, mistakes, and failures like they were heroic adventures made him seem more like a boy than a man.

Why do boys brag about their scars?

Women are different.

They hide all the inconvenient things under their skirts.

. . . You're a weird teacher.

She said it without thinking.

He was, once again, amused.

Hahaha.

He laughed.

Why did you laugh?

I thought you were absolutely right.

Just that brief conversation became something special for Hikari.

From the next day on, Hikari found herself watching only that teacher, her eyes following him wherever he went.

She learned his name quickly.

Her classmates called him Mr. Narumi.

He was apparently a biology teacher who had just been assigned to Hikari's school.

If you looked closely, he had well-balanced features. With just a little attention to his appearance, he could have looked much better, but he apparently had no interest in that and looked rather unkempt.

When she eavesdropped on gossip, she learned that he was twenty-six.

He was ten years older than Hikari.

So far away.

She muttered unintentionally, overwhelmed by something close to despair.

On her usual way home, Hikari looked up at the brightest star twinkling in the pale purple sky.

Even standing on her tiptoes and desperately reaching out her hand, Hikari's fingers couldn't touch that brilliance at all.

Forget about adults in general—for Hikari, who was still a high school student, the existence of a man ten years older was as distant as Ross 154, the star that shines about ten light-years away from Earth in the direction of Sagittarius.

Going by that analogy, teachers were probably like aliens to students.

But . . . even so. No, precisely because of it.

Hikari decided to give it a try, despite everything.

Students are banned from having relationships with teachers. But perhaps some intergalactic probing wouldn't be so bad.

Of course, unlike the Arecibo message that was sent into space, I can't use English, Chinese, or German, so I'd have to stick to Japanese.

Even with some kind of device to help me communicate, the best I could manage would be "We come in peace" or something like that. Well, whatever. Anything will do.

I'll just slowly approach him, at my own pace.

Once upon a time, humans yearned for space, and though it took them centuries, they finally landed on the moon.

Because it is difficult to say what is impossible.

And that was how Hikari met her first love, in the full bloom of spring.

At that time, that alone was still enough.

***

After finishing Ai's time-consuming fashion show, Hikari purchased the items Ai had shown interest in: a so-called angel-core jersey hoodie, a pink flower-patterned skirt, and shoe clips shaped like white flowers.

As for Hikari's selections: a sheer blouse and a large belted check skirt.

Following Hikari's instructions, Ai put on the clothes she'd chosen and finished the checkout.

Are you sure you should buy so much? It must be tough, earning all that money.

Don't worry about it. It's money from my part-time job, and it's not like I can use it anymore. You can take whatever's left, Ai. Use it for your travels.

Hikari said this with satisfaction.

Seeing the contents of her wallet disappear completely was more fun than anything else.

She'd relieved stress this way many times before.

When Ai, carrying shopping bags with boutique logos in both arms, slowly pushed open the glass door with her shoulder, a gentle breeze slightly swayed the hem of her skirt.

The sky was blue, the air clear, and the light sparkling brilliantly.

Today, too, the world was filled with spring in full bloom.

Wouldn't it be easier to put them in a backpack instead of carrying them by hand?

Only Dear, who seemed to feel somewhat cramped in Ai's arms, was grumbling.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. You don't get it, Dear. The weight of shopping bags is proportional to a girl's happiness. You want to feel that joy with your own hands, don't you?

Exactly, Dear. Just be patient.

Well, since I only have to endure a little more, I suppose I could behave myself—

All right. Next is underwear, I guess.

Huh? Underwear?!

Naturally, it was Dear who raised his voice in shock.

Ah, ah. Jeez, Dear, why do you have to thrash around like that? You'll make me drop everything.

Is buying underwear here really necessary?

Ignoring Ai's voice, Dear asked Hikari.

Huh? Since we're going into battle, don't I need victory underwear? Mr. Narumi might see it, and really cute underwear would be best, right?

He won't. I absolutely won't allow it. No such opportunity will arise. Over my dead body.

Dear, are you being possesive? Could it be you are the jealous type?

Half questioning, half teasing, Hikari tilted her head.

You're hopeless.

Dear said irritably.

Ai, don't just stay quiet, tell her no! You're the one who'll be wearing it.

If Hikari wants to do that, then I have to let her. That's my job.

I knew you'd understand, Ai.

At the praise, Ai scratched the back of her head in embarrassment.

Ehehe.

Meanwhile, Dear was having a very different reaction.

Grr!

Dear became even more agitated.

He was getting more and more worked up.

Don't get embarrassed over that! You're focusing on the wrong thing!

Now, now, Dear. Let's calm down.

If you want me to calm down, give up on the underwear.

Not happening.

Why not?

Look, Dear. Just behave yourself. It won't be my fault if you fall, you know? You're such a scaredy-cat.

That shop looks nice, doesn't it? Ai, come on, come on, let's go in.

Hikari gracefully ignored Dear's tantrum as Ai obediently steered toward the shop she was pointing at.

One step.

Two steps.

On the third step, she took a graceful turn.

Her figure, with her skirt billowing softly, looked just like a fairy from a fairy tale.

I hope they have some cute underwear that Mr. Narumi will like.

My, Ai, how bold of you.

You have no idea what you are saying! And yet you run your mouth.

Geez.

Dear's sigh was heavier and gloomier than the clouds overhead.

What kind of underwear do you prefer, Ai?

Don't egg her on. Stop it, you lovesick fiend.

I'm not a fiend. Just a pure maiden in love with Mr. Narumi.

Hikari, Hikari! Isn't this underwear super cute?

Wait, wait, wait. I said don't go in. Listen to me! Listen to what I'm saying!

In the end, Dear's protests fell on deaf ears as Ai and Hikari went into the shop.

When Hikari looked beside her, wondering if she'd teased him a bit too much, she saw Ai with a mischievous expression just like her own and understood immediately.

It seemed she was enjoying this too.

They were partners in crime.

When Hikari flashed a bright grin, Ai responded with a sly smile of her own.

Joy doubles when you're not alone.

Emotions can sometimes be shared like the sweetest ice cream.

If she had remained all alone forever, she would never have known this.

That too was something she learned from being with Mr. Narumi.

***

There was a bus stop in front of the high school Hikari attended, but back then she never boarded the bus there, always choosing to walk to the next stop instead.

She had her reasons.

She was worried about weight gain from lack of exercise.

She hated seeing kids her own age chatting happily with their friends.

She loved the beautiful cherry blossom trees lining the path to the next stop.

And then, there was one more reason.

Just spotting that familiar hunched back would make Hikari feel happy despite herself.

Oh, he's here today too—her cheeks would relax into a smile without her realizing it.

Even though it was evening, his bedhead still stuck up in strands, and he wore his lab coat under a worn-out jacket. Those socks that looked like they came from a dollar store. His stubble has grown longer since morning. His surprisingly beautiful fingers. His unexpectedly long eyelashes.

When his profile, gazing up at the cherry blossoms, suddenly grew gentle, her chest tightened a little.

Ah, geez!

It was no use. She couldn't hold back.

She quickened her pace just a little.

As she drew closer, the scent of cigarettes grew stronger, overwhelming the freshness of spring.

As gently as touching smoke, Hikari grasped the edge of his lab coat.

Her fingertips tingled, and her heart pounded so hard it felt like it was blazing with love.

You've been smoking again, haven't you? I told you to quit. It's bad for your health.

Oh, it's you, Yuizaki. Walking again today?

Yeah. Are you alone too, Mr. Narumi?

Pretty much.

Well, suppose I have no choice. I pity you, so I can walk with you partway.

These brief moments when they could be alone together without anyone interfering were the most blissful part of Hikari's entire day. She really wanted to try holding his hand, but he kept his guard up and it had never happened. He was probably being cautious because Hikari was a student.

He was only a proper adult when it came to that. How unfair.

Mr. Narumi, you were yawning during the school assembly, weren't you? Are you not getting enough sleep?

They usually talked about trivial things—like teaching each other the names of flowers blooming by the roadside. Conversations where she would always remember the fact that they had talked, but the content would quickly slip from her memory.

Spring is warm and makes you sleepy, you know. They even say, "In spring, one sleeps a sleep that knows no dawn."

Sounds like an excuse. I bet you were up playing games on your phone.

The app event ends tomorrow. If I miss it, I don't know when the rerun will be.

See, I knew it. I had a hunch because you were talking strategy with the boys during lunch break.

The moment she realized what her words implied, anxiety crept up Hikari's spine like cold sweat. Her throat went dry. Her face grew hot.

Her ears felt like they were on fire.

N-no, that's not it.

Huh? What's not what?

I mean . . . you're so messy I can't help but notice. It's not like I was watching you or anything.

You sure are bad at sugarcoating your words, Yuizaki.

Ah, I'm sorry.

Mr. Narumi laughed as he roughly patted Hikari's head.

She could tell that his awkward touch was his clumsy way of showing kindness.

It messed up her hair, and normally she hated having her hair touched by men so much it gave her goosebumps, but strangely, she didn't mind when it was Mr. Narumi.

In fact, she found herself wanting him to touch her more.

His large hands, his fingers that were thinner and longer than hers despite their roughness, the warmth of his palms where she could feel how different his body temperature was, his awkward touch because he didn't know how to be gentle—she found it all pleasant.

After savoring the feeling, Hikari deliberately pursed her lips.

Mr. Narumi, people may get the wrong idea.

Huh? Ah, sorry about that.

With that, Mr. Narumi's fingers moved away.

I don't mind, but you can't do that to other girls.

More than half of it was her trying to hide her embarrassment.

The rest was possessiveness and jealousy.

Why are you fine with it, Yuizaki?

Because I understand you.

I see. Thanks.

. . . Yeah.