My Heart Turns Toward Flowers and Water

Content warnings

1. Volume One is written in second person, Volume Two in first person, and Volume Three in third person. Volumes One and Two are connected but mostly stand alone. Volume Three is an extension.

2. History is heavily altered. Details that don't match can be treated as my own additions, butterfly effects caused by the protagonist, or the author's brainless bugs. But there is absolutely no intention to disrespect history! Don't nitpick!

3. This is my version of Okita Soji. He's based on references, but has no real-life model. He's fairly gentle and cheerful, but still has a bit of an S streak.

4. If you spot a mistake, please point it out. But if fixing it requires major changes to the plot, I may not do so. The outline and plot are set in stone, and the story can't be changed.

5. If you're fine with all of the above, then let's enjoy the story!

Blurb

It was a dream the color of pale green, a fleeting and tragic dream, destined to end in ruin.

And yet, in the mouths of millions in generations to come, this dream would become a magnificent, heartbreaking song of praise, enduring forever.

In this story, perhaps nothing has changed. Or perhaps another possibility has come to pass.

Short scene

When you try to hide your secret relationship with Soji within the group...

Saito Hajime: I don't believe you. If the two of you aren't real, then I must be fake.

Hijikata Toshizo: I'll send you a little money to see if you can prove yourself. You once said Ichimura Tetsunosuke was cute.

Nagakura Shinpachi: If another girl kills herself, you'll be held responsible.

Yamanami Keisuke: (smiles)

Kondo Isami: I believe you. I'll help clear your names.

Shinsengumi squad members: Do you think we believe you, Commander?

A haiku

(1)

Is it falling cherry blossoms,

or the river, silent and still?

It is you and me.

(2)

Is the sky ablaze,

or the morning sun shining bright?

It is here and there.

Theme: Respect history, mourn history, remember history, become history