Plants. Trees, shrubs, and flowers as far as the eye can see. Covering every mountain, hill, or any mound of land in sight. The shades of nature are ever more beautiful in the miraculous season of spring, where the cold of winter gives way to the spectacular blessings of flora and fauna. Sitting beside it, a vast stretch of blue where all sorts of aquatic lifeforms call home, holding unimaginable mysteries within its depths. It swallowed mighty ships, birthed the strongest of storms, and witnessed many untold odysseys.

But none could compare to the wondrous sky that keeps everything in place. A more incredible expanse of blue that gives us the feeling of being connected despite the great distances in between. It also has its unique characteristic, of course. Puffy cotton-like clouds float aimlessly, going anywhere the wind takes them. The ultimate symbol of freedom thrives here, spreading its wings and flexing its unique ability on every terrestrial being. The common bird flies through the atmosphere like a merry sailor exploring the seven seas. Free, majestic, and beautiful. Such is the magnum opus of mother nature, an art form that no human can ever replace.

"We're nearly there."

A voice, steps, and a sigh echoed through the vegetation as two people hiked up the cape. The salty smell of the sea delivered by the gentle and somewhat chilly breeze reached their noses. Waves crashing against the rocks below created this mesmerizing symphony, and the clear blue sky reassured a gorgeous sunny day.

"Waaah~ it's so beautiful up here!" Kotori chirped.

"It sure is," Aki replied as he looked at the ocean, admiring it. 'Twas the perfect day to be outdoors and explore the world. "Hey, Kotori, let's take a picture."

She nodded, walking to him and giving a bright yet gentle smile. "3... 2... 1... Say cheese!"

"—cake!"

*click*

"Cake?" He giggled. "What's that about?"

"Hehe, I just brought a cheesecake, is all," Kotori lifted the picnic basket in hand yet, that wasn't what stole Aki's glance. Her minty dress waved in the breeze, enchanting him; yellow flowers scattered as its sole pattern, and a brown belt hugging her waist. He knew nobody else who could look as beautiful as her in that dress. Smooth skin, silky hair, soft-droopy eyes, and her tender-loving personality; to him, Kotori is perfect in every sense of the word. "Aki-kun, is something on my face?"

The young man blushed, "A-Ah, no. There's nothing..."

She gave him a slightly confused stare, but her curiosity wasn't enough to bring a question out of her mouth. Aki's tone and expression were enough to tell her what she wanted to know. Wasting no more time, she brought out a blanket to lay on the grass below while her companion helped her. Various treats, snacks, and beverages, brought out from the basket to the picnic cloth. The look and smell alone could make anyone crave for it in seconds. Virtually nothing can stop them from having their perfect day together.

Aki looked at the horizon, admiring the view before turning his attention to something else. Seagulls squawking near the shore searched the beach for any prey they could feast. Fortunately, for the two lovebirds up the cape, those birds didn't notice them. Otherwise, it would be troublesome to deal with those flying sea-based imps. But to Aki, he found these traits charming; it is what makes them unique in his eyes - the fact that they were annoying. Each species owned a unique attribute that made them different from the others. Their biological differences to most people are just some boring-nerdy stuff, but it wasn't just that for him. He saw the beauty and individuality of these flying creatures; how they eat, their colors, their behavior - it was all fascinating to him.

Yet no bird can compare to the sight before him. Sure, he is a bird enthusiast; a nature lover in general, but what he appreciated the most in life was the people around him. 'To love is a great feeling; to be loved is a great blessing,' a phrase that he came up with the moment he confessed.

"Aki-kun, say 'ahh'~," Kotori said, lifting a spoon to feed her partner.

Moments such as this make it hard for him to express how he feels. The amount of tender love and care Kotori gives is overwhelming. Saying a simple "Thank you" to her felt like it wasn't enough even though it was more than enough for her.

"Delicious! Kotori, did you make this cake?" The shimmer in his eyes melted her already warm heart as she nodded. "I'll return the favor. Here, say 'ahh'"

"Ahh~"

Their cute little picnic passed without a single hiccup. Perhaps, the only thing that slowed the two was the act of feeding the other, repaying every deed of kindness received from each other. After finished eating, the pair decided that a relaxing time was due. Aki's head lay on her lap as she caresses it. Her kind eyes shut, and from her lips, you can hear her humming a soothing song to make this peaceful moment more serene. Up to this day, he still couldn't believe how he managed to make this angel fall in love with him. Everything about her was beautiful. From head to toe, spirit and soul, and her pure love. 'How could someone be this perfect?' A question asked more times than there are stars in the night sky.

So, when the sun began to set - the sky turned from a cool blue to a warmer hue - he sat up. Much to Kotori's surprise, he landed a quick peck on her lips. A light blush appeared on her face as she nuzzled her head on his shoulder. Her warmth filled his heart with joy, making it pound in every beat.

"Hey, Aki-kun..." She whispered. "If you were allowed to see only one bird for the rest of your life, which bird would it be?"

"Only one bird, huh..?" Time and time again, he got asked that very question by different people. Time and time again, his answer is always the same. 'A bird so beautiful, you'd never want to look away from it.'

He looked at her with a soft expression and a different answer, "I'm looking at it right now."