Green plums cannot become lovers.

The three of them, amidst a shower of falling cherry blossoms, asked a passing teacher for help to take a group photo.

The moment the shutter clicked, Bana saw Anna muster her courage and gently rest her head on Anwa Asuka's shoulder. It was just a fleeting, subtle touch, yet it made her heart pound like a drum, as if she had used up all her strength. Anwa Asuka seemed to pause for a moment, then her smile deepened, a smile of understanding and acceptance.

The photo freezes in time, against a backdrop of vibrant cherry blossoms, where three boys and girls smile brightly and carefree, as if parting is still far away, as if time will never pass.

Akane Akane quietly watched the commotion not far away, her gaze gently following An and Asuka.

She recalled the boy she first met in Tokyo a year and a half ago.

Back then, his eyes shone with the light of talent, yet also concealed a subtle wariness and aloofness, like a young animal that had survived in the wild for a long time, wary of anyone who approached. He carefully protected the girls around him, and also kept his own heart tightly wrapped up.

Now, standing amidst the spring sunshine and crowds, he is composed and gentle, radiating a serene light from within. It is not a ostentatious brilliance, but rather a strength and tenderness that shines from the depths of his soul after weathering storms, digesting hardships, and understanding responsibilities.

He still protects the important people in his life; he carries heavy responsibilities, yet walks with composure; he yearns for the future, and cherishes the present.

This growth filled Akane Akasaka with indescribable joy and pride. She witnessed how a rough gem was carefully polished by time and life, gradually revealing its inner brilliance.

As she watched, her vision began to blur. Akane Akane took out her phone and captured the scene before her.

"Sister Zhu Yin?"

A familiar voice sounded behind her. Akane Akasaka turned around and saw that An and Asuka had somehow escaped the crowd and were standing beside her. The spring sunlight filtered through the treetops, outlining a bright silhouette on him.

"Why did you come up here? Why don't you stay with your classmates a little longer?" she asked with a smile, her tone full of affection.

“We’ve finished taking photos. And,” An and Asuka walked over to her side and stood side by side with her, looking at the still noisy campus not far away, “I feel like I should come and thank Zhu Yin.”

"Thank me for what?"

“A lot.” An and Asuka’s gaze became distant. “Thank you for discovering us, thank you for giving us this opportunity, thank you for your guidance and care during this time… and thank you for coming here today.”

He paused, then lowered his voice, "Thank you for showing me and them a wider range of possibilities."

Akane Akane's heart was soothed by these words. She reached out and gently ruffled his hair as if he were her own younger brother. "Silly children, it was your own talent and hard work that brought you this opportunity. At most... I just opened a window for you."

She followed his gaze to another spot. Marina was surrounded by several girls chatting and laughing, Shizuka was exchanging yearbooks filled with messages with a classmate, and Hoshino Ai was somewhat shyly accepting the admiring greetings from her juniors. Hanami Anna and Himegami Karen were sitting by a flowerbed not far away, talking quietly about something.

“They’ve grown up too,” Akane Akasaka remarked.

“Yes,” An and Asuka replied. “Sometimes I feel like I’m the one who needs to be taken care of, but without realizing it, I’m the one being taken care of by them.”

“That’s the meaning of mutual support,” Akane Akasaka said. “You are a whole, supporting each other, which is why you can move so steadily and so fast.”

She turned to look at him earnestly. "Asuka, going to Tokyo will be a completely new battlefield. There will be more opportunities there, but the competition will be even fiercer. But I know that you and the others will definitely be able to make a name for yourselves."

An and Asuka met her gaze, their eyes clear and firm: "We will try our best. To live up to Sister Zhu Yin's expectations, and also... to live up to our own youth."

A spring breeze swept by, lifting the stray hairs on his forehead and carrying with it an increasingly rich fragrance of cherry blossoms.

In the distance, someone started it, and many graduates began to hum the familiar school song together. At first, their voices were uneven, but they gradually merged into a warm and powerful wave of sound, echoing in every corner of the campus.

This is an end, and also a beginning. Like the reinterpreted song "Hotaru no Hikari," farewell is not the finale, but the prelude. Those tiny yet precious memories, like fireflies, will forever flicker in our hearts, illuminating our long journeys forward.

Akane Akane looked at the boy's profile illuminated by the sunlight, her heart filled with boundless anticipation.

No matter how reluctant we are, there will eventually be a time for parting.

The hustle and bustle receded like the tide, leaving behind only emptiness and silence. In the teaching building, half of the shoe cabinets were empty, and most of the club posters and activity notices that used to cover the doors had been torn off, revealing the slightly newer wood grain underneath.

In the long corridor, the afternoon sun slanted in through the windows, casting beams of light that swirled with tiny dust particles. No one ran through anymore, stirring up a breeze. On the wide playground, the goal stood alone, the hoops swaying gently in the breeze, as if waiting for the next shot to curve.

Those stairwell corners, atrium benches, and vending machine areas that were once crowded with people have gradually cooled down, leaving only echoes lingering in memory.

An and Asuka made one last trip to the teachers' office. The door was ajar, and he knocked gently. From inside came the familiar voice of Ms. Takanashi Tomoyo: "Come in."

Pushing open the door, I saw Ms. Takanashi sitting at her desk, organizing a thick stack of graduate application materials. Upon seeing him, a warm smile immediately appeared on her face, a smile that contained undisguised pride, but also a hint of lingering sadness.

“Teacher.” Anhe Asuka walked to the desk and bowed solemnly. “Thank you for your guidance over the past three years.”

Tomoyo Takanashi quickly stood up, walked around the table, and placed her hands on his shoulders to help him straighten up. Her eyes were slightly moist, but her voice was filled with laughter: "No, Asuka, I should be thanking you."

She carefully examined the boy in front of her. Three years had passed, and he had shed the naivety and silence he had when he first entered school. He was now tall and straight, with clear and firm eyes, like a tree that had finally spread its branches and leaves.

"It was you, and everyone in the Light Music Club, who showed me the most beautiful aspect of education. Watching you grow, watching you support each other, and striving for your dreams, these three years have been the most fulfilling and proudest time of my teaching career."

She paused, her tone softening further, "And, thanks to you, I might be promoted from homeroom teacher to grade head next semester. The school leaders said that being able to bring out a student like you proves that I'm a good manager."

These slightly teasing words made An and Asuka smile. "That's because you, teacher, are capable."

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore." Takanashi-sensei patted his arm, her eyes full of reluctance. "When you go to Tokyo, take good care of yourself, and continue to take care of those girls. I know you can do it."

She looked out the window, her voice softening, "Remember... if you have time, come back and visit. See the school, see the cherry blossoms, and see us all."

"Yes, definitely." An and Asuka nodded earnestly, and said again, "Teacher, please take good care of yourself too."

Leaving the teachers' office, the corridor grew even quieter. His footsteps sounded particularly clear in the empty space. When he reached the shoe locker area on the first floor, the girls were already waiting for him there. They had also said goodbye to their teachers and friends, their faces bearing similar expressions, a mixture of sorrow and relief.

"Is everything ready?" he asked.

"Yes." The girls nodded.

The four of them walked out of the teaching building side by side for the last time. The setting sun cast long shadows of them onto the familiar building behind them. At the school gate, they stopped in unison, turned around, and gazed intently at the stone tablet engraved with the school's name, at the familiar outline of the teaching building, and at the row of cherry blossom trees along the playground that were beginning to sprout new buds.

Three years ago, they entered this place with their own anxieties and expectations; three years later, they left with a wealth of experiences and memories. This small campus witnessed their tears and laughter, and sheltered their dreams and growth.

"Let's go," An and Asuka said softly.

They turned and stepped out of the school gate. The iron gate slowly closed behind them with a soft "click," like the end of an era.

The world outside the campus continues to operate at its own pace. Cars come and go in an endless stream, the sounds of engines and horns blending into the familiar urban background. The shops along the street are lit with warm lights—convenience stores, bakeries, bookstores... The displays in the shop windows seem no different from three years ago, but the people looking at the scenery have completely different feelings.

On their way home, they deliberately took a longer route, strolling slowly along the riverside path. The river shimmered, reflecting the lights on the opposite bank and the first stars appearing in the sky. Passing a takoyaki stall they frequented, Marina's eyes lit up: "Ah, it smells so good! Shall we buy some? As a graduation celebration?"

No one objected. Holding a steaming hot takoyaki in their hands, one skewered on a bamboo stick, the bonito flakes on top swaying gently in the steam. The group stood by the river railing, sharing this simple yet delicious treat. The salty-sweet sauce, the chewy takoyaki pieces, and the soft batter blended together into a comforting sense of happiness.

It was as if all those grand narratives about the future and the faint sadness of parting were temporarily soothed by this warm food.

"Asuka, have you decided which high school in Tokyo you want to attend?" Hana asked suddenly as she saw Anja take a bite of her takoyaki.

An and Asuka shook their heads and swallowed the food in their mouths: "The specific school hasn't been completely decided yet."

Although Tokyo was the obvious destination, the sheer size of the city and the abundance of schools made the choice difficult. He had researched extensively online and found many high schools in Tokyo with strong artistic atmospheres or favorable policies for gifted students. However, ultimately, he needed to consider the specific circumstances of the four of them—the quality of education, the convenience of commuting to and from the agency, and even accommodation.

Ultimately, we need to conduct an on-site investigation to determine the true situation.

"I see..." Banai nodded thoughtfully at Anzu, her gaze falling on the shimmering river surface.

"And what about you two? Have you already made up your minds?" An and Asuka looked at her and Himegami Karen.

"Yes, it's decided." Karen Himegami took over the conversation, her voice clear, "Anna and I plan to apply to Ishibuchi High School in Toyohashi City."

“Shilu High School?” An and Asuka searched their minds for relevant information. “Isn’t that the prestigious school with a high deviation score for college entrance exams? I heard it’s very difficult to get in.”

“Yes, the deviation value is 70.” When Anna turned her head, a look of determination mixed with trepidation appeared on her face. “We checked, and with our current mock exam scores, we are in the ‘sprint zone’. So, Karen and I can’t relax at all in the next few days; we have to study like crazy.”

She clenched her fist, as if to encourage herself, "I can't... I can't fall too far behind."

These words were spoken lightly, but everyone understood their meaning. The young man was going to chase after the distant stars; they couldn't go with him, but at least they should run hard on their own paths, so as not to appear too dim.

“There’s definitely no problem.” An and Asuka’s tone was very confident, with his usual reassuring strength. “You two have always been very smart, but sometimes you lack confidence. In this last period of time, if you study steadily according to the plan, you will definitely pass the entrance exam.”

"Thank you for your kind words!" Himegami Karen smiled, her pink hair fluttering in the evening breeze. "I'll tell you the good news when we pass the exam!"

As dusk deepened, streetlights lit up one by one, casting warm halos against the deepening blue-purple sky. Unconsciously, they arrived at that familiar crossroads.

From here, Anna Hanami and Karen Himemiya will take another route home.

Their steps slowed in unison, eventually stopping at the edge of the sidewalk. Cars whizzed past, their taillights leaving trails of flowing light. The moment of parting had finally arrived.

There were no hugs, nor many sentimental words. It seemed that everything that needed to be said had already been said, or was no longer necessary, under the fireworks of the festival, in the songs of the graduation ceremony, and in countless days spent together.

“Then…we’ll leave from here.” Seeing that Anja was the first to speak, Banana raised her face and gave a bright smile to Anja, Asuka, and Marina and the others.

The light from the streetlamp fell into her eyes, making them sparkle. Gone was the deep sorrow of parting; replaced by a clear sense of relief and a peaceful longing for the road ahead.

“Okay, be careful on the road.” An and Asuka nodded.

"Keep in touch when you get to Tokyo!" Himegami Karen waved.

"Good luck on your exams too!" Marina shouted.

"I wish you all the best," Shizuka said gently.

"Goodbye, Asuka. Goodbye, everyone." Hanami took one last look at the boy, then turned around and took Himegami Karen's arm.

"goodbye!"

The sounds of farewell drifted away on the evening breeze. Two young girls walked side-by-side across the intersection, heading towards another street lit up by streetlights. They didn't look back; their backs were straight, their steps light, as they gradually blended into the flow of people and the play of light and shadow on the street.

An and Asuka watched them until their figures were completely out of sight before turning their gaze away. A moment of emptiness passed through them, but it was quickly filled by the presence of their companions beside them.

“Let’s go home,” he said.

The remaining four continued along the road home. After a moment of silence, Marina suddenly muttered softly, "The way Anzu looked at you just now was so serious."

An and Asuka didn't reply, but simply ruffled her hair, eliciting a dissatisfied grumble from the girl. Shizuka smiled softly beside them, while Ai quietly tightened her grip on the cuff of An and Asuka's other hand.

The streetlights cast the four people's shadows together, making them appear long. The world behind them, including the crossroads, the intersection where they had just said goodbye, slowly sank into the deepening twilight.

Ahead, the lights of home can be faintly seen.

As night deepened, the warm light from the living room enveloped the group gathered around the low table. The aroma of post-dinner tea still lingered in the air. Akane Akasaka held a warm teacup, leaning comfortably against the cushion—it seemed that only in this small home in Aichi could her tense nerves from Tokyo truly relax.

An and Asuka placed the last washed teacup back on the shelf, dried their hands, and came over. They sat down opposite Akane Akasaka, the timing perfect. Marina, Shizuka, and Ai were upstairs unpacking, so the two of them were alone downstairs, ensuring their conversation wouldn't be interrupted.

"Sister Zhu Yin, about high schools in Tokyo... which one do you think would be more suitable for us?" he began, his voice exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

Akane Akasaka put down her teacup, sat up straight, and the relaxed expression on her face faded, replaced by the focused and capable demeanor she usually displayed at work. She paused for a moment, then lightly tapped her fingertips on the table, as if retrieving information from her mental database.

“That depends on what you value most,” she said slowly, her voice steady and rational. “If you value top-notch teaching facilities, a strong faculty, and… a certain degree of ‘networking,’ then Shuchiin Academy is undoubtedly one of the best choices among private high schools in Tokyo.”

She paused, observing An and Asuka's reactions. Seeing that he was listening attentively, she continued, "Although it is a well-known aristocratic school with a long history and high entry requirements, it has an 'outer academy' that admits ordinary students who have passed rigorous examinations."

"With your grades and resume, getting in won't be a problem at all." She looked at the boy, her tone serious. "Don't worry about tuition and living expenses, I can..."

“Sister Zhu Yin,” An and Asuka interrupted her gently but firmly, “we will figure out the tuition problem ourselves. We have already saved some money, and since we went to Tokyo, we should be able to continue to earn income through our creative work. We can’t always rely on you.”

Akane Akane looked into his clear yet stubborn eyes and sighed inwardly, feeling both relieved and helpless. This boy always had such a strong sense of pride. "Alright," she compromised, "then let's get back to the school itself. Shuchiin has obvious advantages, but the atmosphere might be more... traditional and serious. The campus is large, and there are many rules."

She then changed the subject: "If you value a relatively free and open campus atmosphere, as well as the convenience of living and commuting, then the private Toyonosaki Gakuen would be a good choice. Its deviation score is also around 70, and its college entrance rate is very high, but the overall atmosphere is said to be more lively."

"Its location in Shinjuku Ward is extremely convenient, and most importantly—" She gave An and Asuka a meaningful look, "it's only two subway stops away from our Rouge en Rouge headquarters building."

An and Asuka's eyes flickered slightly; this information was clearly very significant.

“If you want to focus more on developing your artistic talents and professional training during your high school years,” Akane Akane continued, “then Suimei University of the Arts Affiliated High School is worth considering. It is one of the top art high schools in Tokyo, with strong faculty in music, fine arts, and performance, a more targeted curriculum, and many collaborative projects with universities. However, the requirements for academic subjects are a bit more flexible, but your grades will definitely be sufficient.”

She then mentioned two or three other schools, each with its own unique characteristics, analyzing each school's strengths, weaknesses, location, campus culture, and even some rumors about the cafeteria's reputation and the activity level of its clubs. Her analysis was clear and well-organized, and the information was detailed, clearly not something she had done on the spot, but rather the result of having already taken An and Asuka's situation to heart and gathered information from various sources.

An and Asuka listened quietly, carefully weighing each piece of information in their minds. Shuchiin's "top-tier" and "distance," Toyonosaki's "convenience" and "balance," Suimei High School's "professionalism" and "bias"... Each one sounded good, but each also meant different choices, leading to potentially slightly different future paths.

"I understand, thank you, Sister Zhu Yin." After listening to all the analyses, he sincerely thanked her. "They all sound like very good schools. It's hard to make a decision right away just from the descriptions."

“Of course,” Akane Akasaka nodded understandingly. “Choosing a school is a big deal, especially since it involves the three of them. My suggestion is that, if it’s not too much trouble, it would be best to go to Tokyo in person. Experiencing the campus environment and the surrounding atmosphere firsthand might give you a more intuitive understanding. I can go with you.”

This suggestion was exactly what An and Asuka wanted to hear. "Okay. Then... is tomorrow convenient? I want to finalize things as soon as possible so I can prepare for the move and other things without worry."

“No problem,” Akane Akasaka readily agreed. “We’ll set off first thing tomorrow morning.”

The following morning, An and Asuka boarded the Shinkansen bound for Tokyo with Akane Akasaka.

The day's itinerary was tight and fulfilling. Akane Akane acted as a professional guide, leading him through different areas of Tokyo. They visited the grand and imposing campus of Shuchiin Academy, which resembled a classical manor, and felt the solemnity and elite atmosphere brought about by its long history; they explored the art-filled classrooms and rehearsal rooms of Suimei High School, and saw the student works displayed in the corridors, which indeed had a strong professional atmosphere.

Finally, they arrived at Toyonosaki Academy, a private school located in Shinjuku Ward.

It was spring break, and the campus was quiet and tidy with few students. The teaching buildings were modern and bright, the playground was spacious, and the glass curtain wall of the library glittered in the sunlight.

They strolled around the streets outside the school, getting a feel for the surrounding community – convenience stores, bookstores, cafes, and mini-supermarkets were all readily available, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Most importantly, Akane Akane pointed in the distance: “Look, that’s our company over there. It’s about a fifteen-minute walk from here. Two subway stops, plus walking time, it won’t take more than twenty minutes.”

An and Asuka stood at the entrance of Toyonosaki Academy, looking in the direction Akane Kousaka had pointed, then turning back to look at the neat and tidy school buildings. The convenient transportation was undoubtedly a huge advantage for them, who needed to balance their studies and work at the agency.

Furthermore, although this school has a high deviation score, with Marina and her classmates' steadily improving grades, it's not impossible for them to improve if they work hard. The campus atmosphere certainly doesn't feel as alienating as Shuchiin Academy.

Various factors were repeatedly compared and weighed in my mind. Shuchiin University might offer a more "high-end" platform, but the sense of distance and potential pressure were also real; Sumin High School's professional orientation was very tempting, but it might prematurely limit the breadth of development.

"So? Have you taken a liking to him yet?" Akane Akasaka asked softly, looking at his pensive profile.

An and Asuka were silent for a moment, their gazes sweeping over the gates of Toyonosaki Academy again, before they slowly nodded, their eyes becoming clear and resolute.

"Hmm. I think... I'll choose Toyosaki."

They chose it because it struck a perfect balance between academics, atmosphere, convenience, and "possibilities" for their current situation. It was a place where Marina, Shizuka, and Ai could adapt relatively easily, while also providing tangible convenience for him to pursue his music career. It wasn't the most unattainable or the most unconventional, but it was perhaps the most grounded and stable environment for accumulating strength.

"Are you sure?" Akane Akasaka confirmed, a smile in her eyes, seemingly unsurprised by the choice.

“It’s confirmed,” An and Asuka replied confidently.

“Okay. Then go back and have them prepare for the Toyonosaki entrance exam. I’ll send you the materials and past exam papers later.” Akane Akane was efficient and immediately moved on to the next step of the plan. She glanced at the time. “However, before that, there’s something very important—since you’ve decided to study in Tokyo, you need to settle on a place to live, right? I don’t mind if you stay at my house, but you certainly wouldn’t want to.”