Green plums cannot become lovers.

Many couples sat on the surrounding benches, some sharing a scarf, others whispering sweet nothings. The most eye-catching sight was a grand piano decorated with Christmas wreaths in a corner of the square, where a middle-aged man in a black overcoat sat, his fingers playing a familiar melody.

It is "Beyond Memory".

The piano piece composed by An and Asuka seemed particularly fitting for the winter night. The notes fell as lightly as snowflakes, carrying a touch of nostalgia and warmth, quieting the bustling square. Couples stopped talking, pedestrians slowed their pace, and even the falling snow seemed to slow down to listen to this unexpected street performance.

Kaori Miyazono involuntarily stopped in her tracks.

As the music faded, the performer slowly stopped playing, rose, and bowed slightly to the audience. Sparse applause followed, carrying the warmth of the winter night.

Just then, An and Asuka suddenly leaned close to Kaori Miyazono's ear and whispered, "I want to play a piece of music. Right now, here, just for you."

Kaori Miyazono's eyes lit up instantly, like stars ignited: "Now? But... what are you going to play?"

“We haven’t decided on a name yet,” An and Asuka smiled, “but the melody is already in our hearts. Just now, looking at you in the snow and listening to Christmas music, I suddenly felt a lot of notes wanting to come out.”

This was an impromptu composition—Kaori Miyazono understood immediately. Asuka wanted to compose a piece for her, a piece that belonged only to this moment and this place, in this snowy Christmas square. This realization made her heart race, and she nodded vigorously, a hopeful smile spreading across her face.

Amidst the curious gazes of the crowd, An and Asuka walked towards the pianist. Snowflakes fell on his shoulders, and the streetlights cast a warm golden glow upon him.

“Excuse me,” he said politely, “may I borrow your piano to improvise a piece? I’d like to compose a piece just for tonight for my girlfriend.”

The middle-aged man was somewhat surprised, but then smiled with understanding and appreciation: "Of course, an impromptu creation? How romantic. Please."

An and Asuka sat down on the piano bench, not starting immediately. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, as if listening to the sound of falling snow, feeling the atmosphere of the night, and gathering the presence of the girl beside him.

The square quieted down, and everyone watched the boy who seemed to be creating something on the spot with curiosity—some raised their phones to record, some whispered among themselves, but most were filled with anticipation.

Then, his fingers gently landed on the piano keys.

At first, there were a few tentative notes, as gentle as the first snowflakes touching the earth. Kaori Miyazono held her breath; she knew Asuka's creative process all too well—this stage of finding tonality was like a painter mixing the first color on a palette.

The musical notes gradually converged into a stream of melody. An and Asuka opened their eyes, their gaze piercing through the falling snow and landing on Kaori Miyazono. At that moment, the music flowing from his fingertips suddenly took on a clear direction.

The first complete musical phrase was born—gentle as the warmth of a down comforter, sweet as the first cup of hot cocoa on a winter morning. It was a blessing for her regained health, and the notes overflowed with pure joy.

Then the melody shifted, becoming light and lively, like snowflakes twirling and dancing under the streetlights. Kaori Miyazono recognized the imagery in the music: her clumsy practice of walking in her apartment after being discharged from the hospital, the cheers when she walked down the stairs for the first time without assistance, and the daily routine of sweat and smiles in the rehabilitation room.

Then the music gradually quieted down, shifting to a minor key. Lonely notes, like solitary footsteps, left faint footprints in the snowy night. Kaori Miyazono's heart tightened—she recognized these as the four years Asuka had waited, the moments when he bore everything alone.

There is no self-pity in this melody, only a clear sense of loneliness that is at peace with oneself.

Just as the emotions reached a critical point, An and Asuka's left hand joined in, playing a series of warm bass chords. Like a flame suddenly igniting in a winter fireplace, the right-hand melody sublimated, emerging from its solitude. The newborn notes carried the light of hope, not a blinding glare, but a soft and enduring halo like moonlight reflecting off snow.

That was the light the bird gave her, not the scorching sun, but the warmth most needed in winter; it was also the light she gave the bird, shining steadily like the North Star during his long wait.

The music reached its climax. An and Asuka's fingers danced across the keys, yet without any ostentatious virtuosity; every note was imbued with emotion. Snowflakes drifted onto the piano lid, melting instantly, just as the notes melted into the listener's heart. The surrounding Christmas lights seemed to flicker with the melody, and the entire square was enveloped in music, forming a magical barrier.

Couples embraced even tighter, elderly people walking alone stopped to wipe their eyes, and even the middle-aged man who had been playing the piano earlier showed a shocked expression. It was an impromptu creation, yet it was so complete and profound; it was written for one person, yet it touched the hearts of everyone.

As the music gradually calmed, ending with a few soft notes like falling snowflakes, the square fell into complete silence. The snowflakes continued to fall, and time seemed to stand still.

Then, applause erupted like thunder in spring.

"So beautiful..."

"This is improvised? No way!"

"I've never heard this piece before!"

The middle-aged man playing the piano stepped forward excitedly: "Young man, is this... an impromptu composition? A complete impromptu piece?"

An and Asuka stood up and nodded modestly: "Yes, the inspiration came from this snowy night, this city, and—"

He looked at Kaori Miyazono, "The person next to me."

Suddenly, someone in the crowd exclaimed, "Wait, you are... Anwa Asuka? That 'Asuka'?"

This statement was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake. Young people immediately recognized the face that had appeared on the album cover and in interviews.

"It really is Anwa Asuka!"

"The producer of 'Where the Stars Lead'!"

Was that a new song? Will it be included in the next album?

Asuka was surrounded by fans and audience members, and he politely answered their questions. When asked about the impromptu piece, he said candidly, "This piece, 'Soft Light,' was created for tonight, for someone important to me, so I will share it with everyone later."

Kaori Miyazono stood on the outskirts of the crowd, listening to his words, her eyes welling up with tears. She knew what Asuka meant; the boy wanted everyone to witness their relationship.

Just then, An and Asuka's gaze pierced through the crowd and found her precisely. The instant their eyes met, a tenderness that only she could understand flashed in his eyes.

“I’m sorry everyone,” he said, raising his voice with apologetic firmness, “I’m going to join the person who composed this piece.”

Amidst the surprised, envious, and kind gazes of the crowd, An and Asuka squeezed through the throng and naturally took Miyazono Kaori's hand. Young girls gasped in envy, couples exchanged smiles, and the middle-aged man who had lent the piano gave a thumbs-up, mouthing, "A brilliant improvisation! Best wishes to you both!"

The two jogged a short distance as if fleeing, until the music and noise of the square were left behind, before stopping in a quiet alley and smiling at each other.

“Gentle Light…” Kaori Miyazono gasped, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. “You really… just now, composed an entire piece for me?”

An and Asuka nodded, reaching out to brush the snowflakes from her hair: "Looking at you in the snow, listening to Christmas music, the melody just flowed out on its own. It's like..."

He searched for a suitable metaphor, “Like snowflakes crystallizing, which requires a specific temperature and humidity, and everything tonight is just right.”

"But it's so complete..." Kaori Miyazono still found it hard to believe, "That level of completion in an improvisation..."

“Because those melodies have been brewing in my heart for a long time,” An and Asuka said softly, “the waiting time, the joy of reunion, the gratitude for your recovery, the expectations for our future... all these emotions have always been there, and tonight they have just found a way to be expressed.”

Kaori Miyazono threw herself into his arms, her voice muffled by his coat: "Idiot... such a precious piece, and you just improvised it on the street like that..."

“It is precisely because it is precious that we should let it belong only to this night, and let everyone witness it for us.” An and Asuka hugged her tightly. “Like the first snow, it melts as soon as it touches the ground, but it is unforgettable.”

They embraced for a long time in the alley until snowflakes gradually covered their shoulders. When they started their journey home again, it was already late at night, the streets were much sparsely populated, and the shops were closing one after another, with only the Christmas lights still faithfully twinkling.

It was nearly midnight when An and Asuka dropped Kaori off at the street where "Ma Fille" was located. A warm light was still shining from the window upstairs in the cake shop—it was the Kaori family's living room.

“Tonight’s ‘Gentle Light’,” Kaori Miyazono turned around at the store entrance and looked up at him, “is the most special Christmas gift I’ve ever received.”

"The Christmas presents will be given on Christmas Eve," An and Asuka smiled. "This is just... a gift for the first snow."

She tiptoed and planted a cool, snowflake-tinged kiss on his cheek: "I really like this first snow gift. Goodnight, Flying Bird."

Just as she was about to push the door open, it opened from the inside. Ryoko Miyazono stood in the doorway, wearing a shawl, with a gentle smile on her face: "We heard the sound and guessed that you were back. Asuka-kun, please come in and sit down. It's snowing so heavily outside."

“Yes, come in and have a cup of hot tea before you leave.” Miyazono Yoshimi also appeared behind his wife. This father, who had once been the strictest with An and Asuka, now had eyes full of kindness.

Unable to refuse their hospitality, An and Asuka followed them inside. The shops on the first floor were already closed, but the sweet aroma of baking still lingered in the air. They went up to the second floor, where the fireplace in the living room was burning brightly, and black tea and handmade cookies were laid out on the coffee table.

"Did you have fun today, Kaoru?" Ryoko Miyazono asked as she poured tea.

"I'm so happy!" Kaori Miyazono took off her coat, her cheeks flushed with warmth and excitement. "Asuka improvised a piano piece in the square, just for me!"

She excitedly described the scene—the snow-covered square, the Christmas lights, the sudden inspiration, and the complete improvisation. The Miyazono couple listened intently, especially when Kaori Miyazono tried to hum the melody of "Gentle Light." Although she wasn't a professional pianist, the emotion in the music was still conveyed through her simple humming.

"To be able to improvise to that level..." Miyazono exclaimed, "Asuka-kun's musical talent is truly amazing."

Ryoko Miyazono focused on another perspective: "Creating this only for you... this sentiment is so precious."

As they chatted, time slipped by unnoticed. By the time An and Asuka realized it was time to leave, a thin layer of snow had already accumulated outside the window.

“Let’s stay here tonight,” Ryoko Miyazono suggested again. “The snow is getting heavier, and the way back is not safe.”

Miyazono nodded: "The guest rooms have always been prepared, and since you and Kaoru are dating, it's good for you to spend more time together."

Kaori Miyazono glanced furtively at An and Asuka, her eyes filled with shyness and a hint of barely concealed anticipation. This snowy night was so perfect; she naturally wished it could last longer.

However, after a brief silence, An and Asuka politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle and Aunt, but I'd better go back. Marina and the others are probably still waiting for me, and..."

He looked at Kaori Miyazono and said gently but firmly, "Kaori needs to rest. We have many more nights to go, there's no rush."

He paused, then added, "And some beautiful moments need the right distance to settle. Like tonight's 'Soft Light,' if I stayed now, it might just be an interlude in the snowy night. But if I leave, it will slowly ferment in our memories and become something more precious."

These words caused the Miyazono couple to exchange a glance, their eyes flashing with deep admiration. They could see that this young man was not only considerate, but also possessed a maturity and wisdom beyond his years.

Although Kaori Miyazono was somewhat disappointed, she completely understood what he meant.

She nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding and love: "You're right. Some beautiful things need time to develop."

“Then let’s do it next time,” Ryoko Miyazono said, no longer insisting. She got up and took an umbrella and a small paper bag from the cabinet. “Take this umbrella with you, and these freshly baked cookies. Take them back and share them with Marina and the others. Be careful on the way.”

"Thank you auntie."

As Kaori Miyazono saw Anwa and Asuka to the door, she quickly whispered in his ear when her parents weren't looking, "I will remember 'Gentle Light' in my heart, every single note."

“Me too,” An and Asuka replied softly, “every moment you’re with me.”

The door closed behind him. An and Asuka opened their umbrellas and stepped into the increasingly dense snow. The way back to the apartment wasn't short, but he walked slowly, letting the snowflakes and his thoughts drift down together.

The melody of "Gentle Light" still echoed in his mind. It was indeed an impromptu composition, but those notes seemed to have been waiting to be summoned in his subconscious. He recalled the smooth feeling of his fingertips touching the piano keys, as if he wasn't creating music, but rather the music was coming into this world through his hands.

Halfway there, he suddenly sat down on a bench at the street corner, took out his phone from his pocket, turned on the recording function, and softly hummed the main melody of "Gentle Light" into the microphone.

There's no need for a full recording; just leave behind a sound record of this snowy night.

After he finished humming, he opened his messaging app and found that Marina, Shizuka, and Ai had sent many messages in the group chat:

"When will the birds return? The snow is falling heavily!"

"We've made red bean and rice cake soup for you to eat when you come back."

"Did Sister Xun get home safely? (≧ω≦)"

He replied, "I'm on my way back. Xun has arrived home safely. Also, I composed an impromptu poem for her tonight."

The group chat exploded instantly.

"Huh?! An impromptu creation?!"

"Are you there? We want to hear!"

"How romantic! Kaoru must be so happy!"

An and Asuka smiled, put away their phones, and continued walking towards the apartment with its warm lights. He knew that three girls were waiting for him there, there was a bowl of hot rice cake soup, and a home where they could share their stories tonight.

Snowflakes fell on the umbrella, making a soft rustling sound. On this first snowy night of December, he composed a piece of music that existed only in this moment, giving his beloved girl a unique gift.

Life, like these falling snowflakes, is unique in every single one, and every moment is unrepeatable.

But some things will remain—like music, like memories, like the warmth of holding hands on a snowy night.

Anhe and the birds looked up at the night sky, where snowflakes swirled and fell in the beams of streetlights, like musical notes filling the air.

He quickened his pace.

Because there is light, warmth, and people waiting for his return ahead.

Volume 1: Chapter 186 The Concert

Christmas arrived amidst everyone's anticipation and quietly departed amidst warmth and laughter. The dazzling lights on the streets have not yet been taken down, and shop windows have already been adorned with New Year decorations. Tokyo exudes a unique festive atmosphere as it transitions from the end of the year to the beginning of the new year.

Following this is Japan's most important traditional festival – the New Year.

Anwa Asuka spent the end of December in a busy and fulfilling pace. On December 31st, he and four girls got up early and went to Senso-ji Temple for a New Year's pilgrimage. Although it was still dark, a long, winding queue had already formed in front of Kaminarimon Gate, and the white breaths of the people gathered into a hazy mist in the cold air.

"So many people..." Xiao Ai stood on tiptoe to look around, her purple eyes shining in the morning light.

Marina excitedly held up the amulet she had just obtained: "I'm going to wish that the sales of my manga volumes will double next year!"

Shizuka gently straightened the hem of her kimono, which had been ruffled by the wind: "I hope everyone stays healthy and safe."

Kaori Miyazono held An and Asuka's hands tightly, her light golden hair adorned with a New Year's flower hairpin. This was her first New Year since her recovery, a time when she could freely go out, and every moment felt especially precious. As they finally passed through the Kaminarimon Gate and arrived at the main hall, the rising sun pierced through the clouds, casting its light upon the ancient building.

The five of them rang the bell together, threw in incense money, clapped their hands, and made a wish. As An and Asuka closed their eyes, many images flashed through their minds—the reunion, the healing, the growth of the past year, and the precious smiles around them. His wish was simple: he hoped that these days could continue.

After their visit, they bought ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes) and hot amazake (sweet sake) on Nakamise-dori Street, and ate and strolled around until the sun was high in the sky before finally returning home satisfied.

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Anwa and Asuka, persuaded by Akane Akasaka, went to visit Anwa's house alone. The Japanese-style house was particularly tranquil in winter, but the dry landscape garden in the courtyard, covered with a thin layer of snow, had a unique charm.

Anwa Tendo, dressed in an elegant kimono, waited in the tea room. Upon seeing his grandson, the old man smiled gently: "Asuka, come and sit down. I heard you've been very busy lately?"

"Happy New Year, Grandma Anwa." Anwa Asuka bowed respectfully and sat down at the tea table. "I am quite busy, preparing for the concert."

"I heard it from Xiaoqian." Grandma Tiantong poured him tea with elegant and composed movements. "Is it nervous for your first official stage appearance?"

An and Asuka nodded honestly: "A little, after all, it's completely different from the recording studio."

"But you're also looking forward to it, right?" The old man saw through his thoughts and smiled. "When I was young, I was so nervous before my first performance that I didn't sleep well for three days. But the moment the curtain opened and the lights came on, all the nervousness turned into energy."

She paused, her gaze distant: "Flying Bird, the stage is a magical place. It amplifies your emotions and transmits them to the people you want to convey them to. So don't be afraid of being nervous; it's proof that you value this performance."

When An and Asuka left the ancestral home, An and Asuka carried an exquisite little bag—inside was the amulet that the old man had worn on stage when he was young.

"Take it with you, and it will help you shine on stage."

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, An and Asuka visited Akane Akasaka at the Rouge En Rouge office. Unlike the tranquility of a traditional Japanese residence, employees were still working overtime in the Shibuya office building, creating a wonderful blend of festive atmosphere and work enthusiasm.

Akane Akasaka's office had a fantastic view, overlooking the entire street intersection. Dressed in a sharp suit, she was reviewing a document when An and Asuka entered. She gestured to the seats opposite her: "Sit down. How was your New Year?"

“It was very fulfilling.” An and Asuka sat down and placed the gift on the table. “Thank you for the Christmas present, Sister Zhu Yin.”