Chapter 54 A Piece of Home
Tsukasa's POV

It was Valentines Day, which meant it was time for me and Sakurako's performance.

We were currently backstage, dressed up in traditional Japanese clothing I had made.

"This is it", I said. "Are you ready, Sakurako?"

"Of course I am", Sakurako replied. "Are you ready, Tsukasa?"

"I am the world's future number one star", I pointed out. "I am always ready for any and every performance!"

"Good", Sakurako said, before holding out her hand. "Then let's do this together."

With this, I smiled at Sakurako before taking her hand. Then, we walked onto the stage together.

"Greetings, my fellow classmates", I greeted. "Today, Sakurako and I will be performing a romantic song for you!"

"We hope that you enjoy our performance", Sakurako added. "Now then, let the music begin!"

With that, traditional Japanese music began playing. Then, Sakurako and I began singing.

The song we were performing was a Virtual Singer song called 'Feather of the Four Seasons.'

Ichika loved this song, which is why I decided to perform it.

When our performance was done, everybody broke out into a loud applause!

"Thank you very much", Sakurako said.

"Yes", I said. "Thank you, and farewell!"

With that, Sakurako and I went backstage.

"Excellent job, Sakurako", I praised. "Your singing was very beautiful."

"You did an excellent job as well, Tsukasa", Sakurako said. "Plus, we now know that we sound quite good together when we sing."

"Indeed we do", I said. "I hope that we will have more opportunities to sing together in the future."

"I'm sure we will", Sakurako said, before seeming to suddenly remember something. "Oh! I completely forgot!"

With this, Sakurako quickly went to her bag before pulling something out of it.

"Here you go, Tsukasa", she said as she held it out to me.

"A box of chocolates", I asked.

"Yes", Sakurako replied. "Happy Valentines Day, Tsukasa."

After Sakurako said this, I smiled, before taking the box of chocolates from her.

"Thank you, Sakurako", I said. "Happy Valentines Day."

…

"I have returned home", I exclaimed as I walked into my apartment.

"Welcome home, Tsukasa", Natsu greeted. "You and Seiryuuin-San did a great job during your performance."

"Of course we did", I stated.

"By the way", Natsu started. "A package came for you."

"A package", I asked.

"Yes", Natsu replied. "It's on the counter."

With that, I walked to the counter, where I found a box.

I opened it, and then pulled out what was inside.

I was a block of what I assumed was resin, and in encased inside it…was Cherry Blossom petals.

When I saw this, I smiled, because I immediately knew who would give me a gift like this.

Then, I looked back into the box…and found a handwritten note.

I took it out, and smiled when I recognized the hand writing.

Dear Tsukasa

Do you remember that cherry blossom viewing picnic we had? You told me you were going to miss the cherry blossoms. So, I went back to the park one day and collected a bunch of cherry blossom petals. Then, I had to look up a ton of tutorials to find out how to encase them in resin. I actually had to go back and get some more petals because I messed up the first few tries.

Thankfully, I managed to get it right. Now, no matter where you are, you'll always have a piece of home with you.

Happy Valentines Day, Tsukasa. I love you.

Ichika

After I was done reading this…tears started forming in my eyes.

"Tsukasa", Natsu started. "Are you oka…"

Before Natsu could finish, I rushed into my bedroom.

Then, I grabbed my phone before calling a certain someone.

"Tsukasa", she said groggily when she answered.

"Ichika", I breathed out. "Sorry to call you when it's so early there."

"Are you okay", Ichika asked in concern.

"I'm fine", I replied. "It's just…I just got your gift, and…I wanted to hear your voice."

"Tsukasa", Ichika said, before deciding to change the subject. "Did you like your gift?"

"I did", I replied. "And you must've worked so hard on it. Thank you."

"You're welcome", Ichika said. "I just wanted to make sure that you'll always have a piece of home with you, no matter where you are."

"I will treasure this gift for eternity", I stated, before deciding to change the subject. "You know, Sakurako and I performed a song together for Valentines Day today."

"You did", Ichika asked.

"Yes", I replied. "And the song we performed, was Feather of the Four Seasons."

"You performed that song", Ichika asked in shock. "I love that song."

"I know", I said. "That's why I suggested it."

"Tsukasa", Ichika said, as she began to sound as if she was getting emotional. "I love you so much!"

"I love you too, Ichika."