Spring had deepened into a lush, vibrant season. The cherry blossoms that had once been fragile buds now carpeted the ground with their soft, pink petals, creating a delicate tapestry across the university campus.

But beneath the beauty of the season, Yuuma felt the growing weight of responsibility pressing down on him.

His job hunt was proving tougher than he had imagined.

Despite countless applications and interviews, rejection letters piled up, each one chipping away at his confidence.

Meanwhile, Sakurako was consumed by her thesis. Nights stretched long as she poured over ancient texts, searching for meaning and clarity.

Their once leisurely afternoons together were now rare moments snatched between obligations.

One rainy evening, after a long day at the library, Yuuma and Sakurako met under the shelter of the university’s main entrance.

The sky was a wash of gray, droplets sliding down their umbrellas as they stood close, their breath mingling in the cool air.

“I’m sorry,” Yuuma said, voice thick with fatigue. “I know I haven’t been around much.”

Sakurako shook her head gently. “Don’t apologize. I understand. We’re both under pressure.”

She paused, searching his face. “But I miss you.”

Yuuma’s heart ached at her words.

“I miss you too,” he admitted.

They stood in silence for a moment, the rain pattering softly around them.

Yuuma reached out and took her hand, fingers entwining.

“We’ll get through this. Together.”

Sakurako nodded, a small, hopeful smile breaking through.

A week later, Yuuma received unexpected news: he had passed the final round of interviews at a prestigious securities firm.

Relief and excitement flooded him, but it was tempered by a lingering worry.

The job would demand long hours and relentless dedication.

Would he have time for Sakurako? For himself?

He shared the news with her during a quiet evening walk along the Sumida River, the lanterns casting warm reflections on the water.

“That’s wonderful, Yuuma,” Sakurako said softly. “I’m so proud of you.”

He smiled, feeling the weight of the moment.

“I just hope I can balance everything.”

She squeezed his hand reassuringly.

“We’ll find a way.”

But fate had its own plans.

A sudden call from Sakurako’s professor jolted them both.

Her thesis had critical issues and required significant revision.

The deadline was moved up.

Stress threatened to overwhelm her.

Yuuma tried to support her as best he could, but his own responsibilities were mounting.

One night, as Sakurako sat hunched over her desk, tears streaming silently, Yuuma sat beside her.

“Don’t give up,” he whispered. “You’re stronger than this.”

She looked up, eyes red but determined.

“I won’t. Because of you.”

Despite the pressures, their bond grew stronger.

They learned to treasure small moments — a shared cup of coffee, a brief smile across a crowded hall, a whispered encouragement.

In the midst of uncertainty, their love became a steadfast promise, blooming quietly like the sakura, fragile yet enduring.

End of Chapter 03