SPRING ENCHANTMENT

I always thought my place was in the city. My tiny apartment, my quiet routine, the silence... it all made me feel safe. I didn’t have friends, I rarely went out, and honestly? I didn’t need to. Life was fine just the way it was— Peaceful. Predictable. Under control. But everything changed the day my grandfather died. My family didn’t waste any time getting rid of me. I was left with nothing—except for an inheritance that felt more like a joke than a blessing: An old countryside farm called Spring Blossom Refuge, and a strange letter. A letter that spoke of a hidden place called Uke Mochi, and begged me—not asked, begged—to find it. With no money, no direction, and no choice left… I found myself on a train to the outskirts of Kyoto. That’s where I met her—Ailany. A girl who lives a simple, quiet life… But who carries a past she doesn’t remember. She won’t say it out loud, but I know she’s connected to that forgotten village. I can feel it—in the way she looks up at the sky, like she’s searching for something. Or someone. Spring Blossom Refuge… It’s not just some abandoned farm. There’s something about this place— A strange energy flowing through the air, the trees, the earth itself. Like time moves differently here. Like the past hasn’t really gone away. And here I am… A boy who never wanted to leave his comfort zone, now caught in the middle of mysteries, impossible choices… And feelings I’m not ready to face. Kaori, my adoptive aunt, came looking for me with a warm smile and that gentle kindness only she can give. She’s sweet, thoughtful… and maybe too affectionate. There’s something about her that makes my heart race— And it terrifies me not knowing why. Ailany, with her charming way of speaking and that contagious joy that lights up every word, has become impossible to ignore. Her eyes, full of life and tenderness, seem to hide promises yet to be spoken. And even if she doesn’t know it yet… someone else is coming. My childhood friend. A girl who’s always loved me. An unstoppable force of nature who never gave up on me— And now, she’s about to turn my world upside down all over again. Amid the magic that lingers in this land and the mystery surrounding Uke Mochi, I’ve realized something: This journey isn’t just about finding a lost village… It’s about finding myself. What truth did my grandfather want me to uncover? What is Uke Mochi—and why was it hidden from the world? And why does it feel like, at the end of this road… I won’t just be choosing my fate— I’ll be choosing who holds my heart.