In Dreams, Blossoms Flourished, but Spring Has Faded

When they first met, they were already within reach of each other,

but fate sent them in opposite directions, farther and farther apart.

“This realm is destined to be mine.” He looked at her, the emotions in his eyes impossible to fathom.

…

That night, she danced for him. Her long sleeves fluttered, her body swayed, and her eyes shone with joy and excitement beneath the lights. “This is the dance I’m giving you. She said it should only be danced for the person you love most. There can only be one, and that person is you.” He drew her into his arms. “From now on, you may dance only for me.”

That night, she ran to him, almost ready to die. “I told you, wherever you go, I’ll go too. In life, I’ll be with you. In death, I’ll stay by your side.”

That night, she was covered in wounds. He carried her step by slow step, his arms holding her gently for fear of hurting her, yet feeling unbearably heavy because she was everything to him. Without looking back, he bit his lip and spat out two words: “Slaughter the city.” She knew he wanted to wash away the memories of this place with blood. Too many memories weighed on their hearts, too much pain left them helpless. She rested against him and fell into a deep sleep.

That night, he stood before her. The porcelain bowl slipped from his hands and blossomed across the floor like a flower. Its loud, piercing crash cut through the night. He looked at her coldly, his voice icy. “So this is what you wanted to give me?”

…

Many years later, when someone else danced that same dance, he saw her bright eyes through the movements. He reached out, but could touch nothing.

As pear blossoms fell like rain, he seemed to see her. She was still standing there,