Persona BLEACHED Gaiden: Seeds II

July 30, 2029
"Mama? Whatcha doing?" asked the brown-haired girl with headphones around her neck.
"Working, lovebug. School is starting up next week, so I need to get ready." Rin replied, sitting at her desk.
"Are Barbie and Kitty Kat coming back?"
"That's right. I know you've really missed having them around."
"Um..." A white-haired girl holding an owl plush walked in behind. "Are those the cool singing girls you showed me, Shizuka?"
"Uh-huh." Shizuka affirmed.
"Oh, that's right. You haven't met any of my students yet, have you, Aura? Except for Sakuya, of course." Rin said.
"Is the pretty girl coming back?" Aura quietly asked.
"I hope so. I don't know if she'll be able to leave her mother alone so soon after finding her, but I'm hopeful she can find a solution. But either way, I'm sure you'll like them. I have a couple of girls in particular..."
As Rin spoke, Shizuka peeked underneath the bed. "What's in this box, Mama?"
"Oh, that. Let me see..." Rin pulled out a small container. "Grandma Hana gave it to me after dinner yesterday. 'Keep it going with your family', she said."
"What is it...? Flowers?" Aura asked.
Inside the container were a number of pink flowers, each placed inside a small plastic bag. Each bag was marked with a date.
"Cherry blossoms. One for each year since I was born. My mom's been collecting them during Hanami every year. Preserving them so they don't fade." Rin explained.
"What's Hanami...?" Aura asked.
"It's when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. It's an important time for my mom's family since they all own flower shops."
"Why does Grannie keep them?" Shizuka asked.
"It's a nice way of keeping memories. And..." Rin dug through and picked out one bag labeled '5 April, 2004'. "I was born during Hanami. Beneath one of the trees, in fact. I was supposed to arrive a week later, but I decided to make my entrance early. This blossom comes from the tree I was born under."
"Is that why Grannie calls you 'blossom'?"
Rin giggled. "I guess that could be the reason. 'I got two blossoms from that tree~'. I can hear it now."
"What do you do with the trees...?" Aura asked.
"Well, lots of things. Some places have big festivals with picnics. Some people just like looking at the trees. Mt. Shirayuki looks absolutely amazing when all the trees are in bloom. Maybe next year we can make a trip out of it."
Rin placed the container on her lap. "A lot of good memories in these flowers. Some of the best from when I was little. Do you girls want to hear about one?"
"Mmhmm." Both girls nodded.
"Alright. How about..." Rin sifted through the container again. She pulled out a bag labeled '11 April, 2009'. "I was only a little older than you two when we got this one. My dad was still around back then. My older brother, too."
"Captain Tiny Unit Energy?" Shizuka asked.
"Shizuka! Where'd you learn that?!" Rin had a realization. "Was it Uncle JoJo or Aunt Tenko?"
"Did Papa say something nasty...?" Aura asked.
"If it was him, then yes, very nasty. Young ladies shouldn't say those kinds of things."
"So why did--" Shizuka began.
"Aunt Tenko. Knew it." Rin affirmed. "Anyway, back to the child-friendly topic. In 2009 I went to a festival on Mt. Shirayuki with my parents and Uncle Tan. We had to leave Tohru with my Auntie Rei because he was...well, in one of his moods. I honestly never remember him ever going to a festival with us. He really didn't like people."
"Why didn't he like anything?" Aura asked.
"That's...a long story. Very long. I'd rather stay focused on happier things. So. Twenty years ago. My parents took us to the lake on the mountain. That place was always an important spot for them..."
---
April 11, 2009
"Ahhh, now this is a day for a picnic." Kaito said.
The lake on Mt. Shirayuki, surrounded on all sides by cherry blossom trees. There were several groups of people lounging in and around the lakebed.
"No matter how many times I see it, this sight never gets old." Kaito said.
"It seems to be missing a certain something, though." Hana walked up from behind Kaito, holding a small, bespectacled red-haired girl by the hand.
"Yeah. A certain flowery beauty playing the shamisen in the middle of it." Kaito replied.
"That could be easily fixed, college boy~."
"Hrmm."
"What's the matter? Still upset about Tohru?"
"I don't know what that boy's problem is. A day outside with everyone's not gonna kill him. But the way he was looking, dragging him out here was just going to make it worse. I just hope he's not giving Rei a hard time."
"Toh wants to act like a spoiled brat, let him. His loss." Tan, lacking a beard or tattoos but sporting dark shades and gold chains, spoke up.
"Hyōtan." Hana said sternly.
"Nah, man, he's wack. Looks at me like he'll cap me in my sleep when he gets the chance."
"He's just a kid, Tan. Kids have temper tantrums." Kaito replied.
"Not this one." Tan picked up Rin, who giggled. "You see that smile? That's the cutest dang smile I've ever looked at and I want twenty of this thing right now."
Hana took Rin back. "Every child is different. Hopefully he'll grow out of it. Like you'll hopefully grow out of...whatever this is."
"Why you hatin' on my bling, Ma? Ladies dig a guy with a bit of swag to him, ya feel me?" 
Kaito sighed, rubbing his eyes. "Let's just...find a place to sit."
The family found a tree unoccupied by anyone else. "Okay, blossom, want to take a little walk to the lake? I want to show you something." Hana said.
"Okay, Mama!" Rin exclaimed.
"Kaito, dear, I'm taking her for a walk. We'll be back in a little bit."
"Alright. You girls stay safe. Watch out for sea beasties." Kaito joked.
"It's a lake, Papa! Sea beasties aren't in lakes!" Rin expressed confidently.
"She's got you there, dear." Hana teased.
"Corrected by a toddler. What did ya go to college for, anyhow?" Tan asked, peeling and taking a bite out of a lychee.
Kaito grumbled in annoyance.
Hana took Rin out to the lakebed. "How's the water, blossom? Not too cold, right?"
"Nope!" Rin exclaimed.
"I used to live out here, you know. Came out to the lake and played my shamisen. In fact..." Hana pulled the instrument out from behind her. "You want to have a bit of fun?"
"Uh-huh, uh-huh!" Rin nodded.
"Good. Now hold this and repeat after me..."
On shore, Kaito took a swig from a sake bottle. "Hey, Papa!" Rin shouted out. Kaito turned to the lake.
Hana was holding up Rin, who was holding the shamisen. "Guess you figured me out, college boy~!" the girl cheerily said. 
Kaito spat out his drink. Hana began laughing hysterically. 
"That's not funny!" the flustered man said.
"I thought she was pretty convincing~!" Hana teased.
"Please don't corrupt our five-year old! The last thing I need is another shameless tease!"
"Oh my God she's the most adorable thiiiiing!" exclaimed an emotional Tan.
"What's with you?" Kaito asked.
"I'm sorry, it's just...I remember when she was like this tiny and now she's so big and I'm just getting super emotional right now!" Tan uttered.
"...did you get that lychee from my secret box? I told you not to go digging in there!"
"Oh God I'm so sorry I knew how wrong it was I just couldn't help myself--"
"Okay, calm down, Nathan Lane! Just sit there and...fan your face for a bit."
"Kaitooooo." Hana called out.
"Whaaaat?" Kaito responded.
"I've got a couple more spots I want to show her. Could you hold down the fort just a little bit longer?"
Kaito turned to Tan, who seemed to be on the verge of tears. He turned back to his wife. "I really don't know."
"You'll be fine. A little father-son bonding time never hurt. Enjoy, boys~." Hana walked off with Rin.
"Not this one...or this one...maybe..." Hana scoured several trees.
"What are you looking for, Mama?" Rin asked.
"There's a special tree around here somewhere...ah! Here we are."
On this tree in particular, there were numerals carved into the bark. "5 - 4 - 2004". "You know what this is, blossom?"
"Um...five, and...four...oh! It's my birthday, right?"
"That's right! Your father and I carved this here. Five years ago, I was sitting underneath this tree. And then...you decided you were tired of being in my belly. And before we knew it, there you were."
"Why was I in your belly? Did you eat me by accident?"
Hana giggled. "Too precious. I'll tell you when you get older. For now, do you see those flowers on the tree?"
"Pretty..."
"I took a blossom from that tree. I keep it in a little bag. I've done the same thing every year since. Blossoms to remind me of my blossom. I was *this* close to naming you Sakura. But your father thought it was too on-the-nose. So instead of being a cherry blossom, you're an apple blossom." Hana patted Rin on the head. "Either way, you're an adorable little flower. Speaking of..."
Hana hoisted Rin up. "Go on. I'll let you pick this year. The prettiest one you can find."
"Umm..." Rin plucked one from the tree. "This one!"
"Ooh, that's a lovely one. Let's see..." Hana placed the flower above one of Rin's ears. "Ooooh, how is it possible for you to be even more adorable than you already were?"
Hana sat by the tree, placing Rin in her lap. "Blossom...can you promise me something?"
"Sure, Mama."
"I want you to stay like this forever. Sweet and smart and happy. You can make so many people happy just by being around them. Like your father and me, and Hyōtan."
"But...what about Tohru? He doesn't like me very much..."
"Oh, Rin...Tohru will grow out of it someday. I'm sure of it. I just can't imagine anyone not liking you. As long as you stay sweet, and smart, and happy. Ringo Kubo is a happy girl. Right?"
"Right, Mama."
Hana closed her eyes. "I love coming here. And having you here makes it so much better. I love you so much, blossom."
"I love you too, Mama."
"AHHHHHHHHHH!"
Hana's eyes jarred open. There stood Tan, openly weeping.
"SO BEAUTIFUL! OH MY GOD, LET ME IN ON THIS!" He ran over and embraced his sister and confused mother.
"Oh, dear." Hana sighed. "I love you too, you over-the-top goof." Rin simply giggled.
"I tried." Kaito approached. "I really need to put a lock on that secret box." He picked up Rin. "I see your mom already got this year's flower. Did she tell you about them?"
"Uh-huh. And she told me to keep being smart and sweet and happy!"
"Did she now? I'd stick to that. You'll make tons of friends down the line. I can already see it. And I can see the looks I'll be shooting at every boy that thinks he can come near you."
"I think it's too soon to talk about that, dear. Let's just focus on what we have now." Hana slowly got up, with Tan still clutching her. "All of it."
"Yeah, you're right. Let's get back. Hopefully no one swiped our food. Ready for lunch, little apple?"
"Uh-huh! I'm starving!" Rin exclaimed.
"Well, we're gonna fix that, aren't we? Come on. That includes you too, Mr. Drama."
"AHHHHH!" Tan exclaimed.
The family made their way back. Things couldn't have been any better than they were at this moment.
The kind of happiness that was built to last...
---
"....."
"...Mama? Why are you crying?"
Tears had fallen from Rin's face. "I'm sorry. I wanted it to be a happy story. Thinking about back then...I thought it could stay like that forever. But..." Rin looked at her scarred arms. "It didn't. We got to go on two more trips with my dad before...before we lost him. Then Uncle Tan got in trouble and was gone for a few years, and then Tohru..."
The girls took the cue and hugged Rin.
"Oh...I shouldn't be like this. Everything is good now. I have such good friends. Tan is back and doing well. I have Rose. And...I have you." Rin patted Shizuka on the head. "Even when things were bad, my mom still found time to pick these flowers. It reminded her of better times. And it was a hope that things could be good again."
Rin wiped her eyes. "Okay. I had a good cry. How about another Hanami story?"
The girls nodded.
"Okay, let's take a look...oh, boy. This one." Rin picked out a flower labeled "April 5, 2020". "This was my 16th birthday. The first one I got to spend with Rose and everyone else. This is when Uncle Jin and Aunt Tenko got me Momo. Your Mama and Papa were there too, Aura. So was Uncle Jugo. And you know that was a recipe for...things..."
---
April 5, 2020
"Enjoying your gift, Rin?"
Sitting against a cherry tree, Rin was holding onto a small, pink-hued kitten. The scarring on her arms was much more visible, and she went without glasses. Rose stood by her, still wearing azure clothing.
"She's precious, Rose. I've been wanting a kitten for so long, but Tan's allergies...yeah."
The rest of the group was over by the cabin. Tenko's hair was longer; Jugo's was shorter, and less unkempt, and he was missing his cowboy hat; Hiyoko's hair was also shorter, and lacked any bells; both of Shūjo's eyes were intact, his hair was short, and he held a bamboo leaf in his mouth; and Jin, still mute, had less prominent facial hair and much shorter hair.
"Ahh, nothing better to start the day than a nice morning shit!" Shūjo exclaimed.
"Hiyoko, could you please tell your boyfriend not to be so gross?" Jin signed.
"You know that's futile, Jin." Hiyoko signed back.
"You mind keying me in? I dunno if you're saying smack about me or not." Shūjo said.
"That's the idea, dude." Jugo replied.
"You'll just have to deal with it til his tablet charges up. Until then I get to lie and say he's being nasty~." Tenko joked, her arms around an irritated Jin's shoulders.
Rin turned to Rose. "Hey, could you look after her for a little bit?"
"Sure. But where are you going?"
"I...there's somewhere I need to go to. By myself. Just for a little while."
"Okay, but...it's your birthday. We want to spend the day with you."
"I know, but...please. I really need the time."
Rose sighed. "Okay. But don't be too long."
"Thank you. I'll be back soon." Rin got up and walked off.
A short while later, Rin arrived at the lake. "This sight never changes. Never gets old. No matter how many times I--" Rin stopped herself. She recalled hearing a similar sentiment eleven years prior. She fell silent. "....."
She walked around the lakebed. She stopped, and gazed out at the water. She recalled being in the water with her mother. She took her shoes off, and walked in until the water was halfway to her knees. "No shamisen...no college boy to tease. The water feels good, at least. Mom would love this."
After a few minutes, she exited the water, and began looking through the trees. "Now if my memory's right, it should be...here." 
The tree showed signs of age, but the "5 - 4 - 2004" carving was still visible. She thought back to that day in 2009, when her mother first told her about her connection with the tree. About the cherry blossoms she collected. About the promise she made to always stay happy.
"Sorry, Mama...I couldn't keep that promise..." Rin rubbed her scarred arms. Then, she heard a noise behind her. She quickly turned around. "Who's there--"
The quick turn startled Jin. "Ugh, Jin! Don't scare me like that!" 
"Sorry, I didn't want to interrupt. Why the secrecy?" Jin signed.
"How did you even find me?"
The rest of the group arrived. "I'm sorry. We got worried. I couldn't help it." Rose apologized.
"What's the matter, Rin-Rin? You didn't get tired of us already, did you?" Tenko asked.
Jugo peered at the carving. "Hunh...looks like your b-day. You been here before, Boss?"
"Well, yes. This tree's where I was born under." Rin replied.
"Born under a cherry tree. Man, your fam likes to keep a theme, huh?" Shūjo asked.
"I take it that there are some sensitive memories involved here." Hiyoko said.
"Not really sensitive. They're good, for the most part. This lake is really important to my family. Not just because I was born here. My mom used to live up here, when she first met my dad." Rin replied.
"Your Ma lived in the mountains? Is she some kinda fairy?" Shūjo asked.
"It'd go a long way to explaining her crazy gambling luck..." Jugo added.
"My mom isn't a fairy." Rin plainly stated. "She had a falling out with her family and decided to live somewhere quiet, where she could play music in peace. She tells me this is where she and my dad fell in love. And it's where my family would come during Hanami. Before..."
Rose put her hand on Rin's shoulder. "It's alright. I'm okay. After what happened with Tohru, my mind's been spinning. When I first came here, my mom and dad both told me to keep being happy. Keep being happy, and no one would ever hate me." Rin scoffed. "You can see how that turned out."
"Yeah. We do." Tenko put an arm around Rin's shoulders. "A bunch of jokers like us standing here with a queen. Don't let what that jerk did to you make you think you're in the wrong. I don't regret meeting you for a second. I'm your shield for life, y'know."
"Ditto. I'd never gotten my head on straight if you hadn't come along." Shūjo added.
"Debatable if it's not crooked. But he's right. I'd be a power-hungry loony's lackie if you didn't show me how he really was." Jugo added.
"I wouldn't know who my family was if you didn't show me. In more ways than one." Hiyoko added.
"You dragged me out of my rut. You and me share the same pain. You're someone I'm proud to call my friend." Jin signed.
"You already know my gratitude. You gave me family and love where I had none. I could spend the rest of eternity by your side. Nothing a bitter wraith could say could ever convince me that you are anything but a beautiful soul." Rose said.
Rin sighed. "Thank you, everyone. It's easier to keep going when I have you all here with me. Sorry for worrying you."
"Don't sweat it, girlfriend. You're the birthday girl, after all. You're allowed to do whatever." Tenko replied.
"There is one other thing. Before we head back." Rin turned to the tree. She plucked a blossom off of it. "My mom collects one of these every April. Ever since the day I was born."
"A blossom for her blossom." Hiyoko said.
"Exactly how she words it. It's a reminder of happier times. And the hope that it can be happy again. That I'm still standing here with you all with me...I know it can be happy again. Let's go back. We need to get to that cake."
"NOW you're speaking my language." Jugo said.
"Cake with a bit of sake is my idea of the perfect trip~!" Tenko exclaimed.
"Good grief." Jin signed.
The group began making their way back. "I truly mean it, you know. I owe everything to you." Rose said.
"You think way too much of me, Rose. All I did was be your friend."
"That means far more than you could ever realize. I..."
An alert came on Rin's phone. "Hunh. Another birthday message, perhaps?" Rose asked, somewhat annoyed at being interrupted.
"It's from...hm. I don't recognize the number. Let's see..." Rin looked at the message.
"Hi, there. I hope I have the right number? This is Rin Kubo, right?"
Rin texted back. "Yes, this is her. Who is this?"
"Okay, good. This is Sumiko Sakaki. Just Miko is fine. I'm the girl from the forest. Are you anywhere near Mt. Shirayuki? Weird question, I know..."
"Who is it?" Rose asked.
"It's the girl I helped in the...the suicide forest. I think she wants to meet up..." Rin began texting back.
"I am, actually. I'm near the big lake. Why do you ask?"
No response for a bit. Then...
"Wait there."
"Hey. What's the hold-up?" Shūjo yelled out.
"I, uh...I have no idea." Rin said back.
A rustling sound came from the tree nearest Rin. Before anyone could react, something dropped down from it, startling Rin. "WHAT--"
The others ran over. "Hold it right there--" Jugo began.
"Whoa whoa whoa, wait a sec! I'm not some weirdo!" the strange girl panicked. Her already unkempt clothing was littered with foliage, and her red glasses were crooked.
"You just jumped down from a tree. Excuse us for not buying it." Tenko retorted.
"Wait a minute!" Rin stopped them. "Are you...Miko?"
"That's my name, missy. I'm sorry for scaring you. I just got a little excited when I heard you were around here." Miko replied, readjusting her glasses.
"What are you doing climbing in the trees up here?" Hiyoko asked.
"Bug-hunting. And...running away from home." Miko said somberly. "Just so we're clear...you're the same one that helped me in the forest, yeah?"
"That's right." Rin affirmed.
Miko suddenly embraced Rin in a hug. "Thank you. I...needed someone to care. No one else ever did."
Rin hugged her back. "It's alright. I know how it feels. Like there's no hope. That there's only one way to escape the pain."
Miko let go. "Sorry, this has gotta be super weird. Girl drops out of a tree and gives you a hug. I wouldn't blame you for calling the cops."
"Girlie, you've got no idea. We're pros when it comes to weird." Jugo said.
"Why don't you come back with us? You look like you could use some TLC. And we have cake." Rose suggested.
"Cake?! Is it someone's birthday?" Miko asked.
"Yeah. Mine, as it happens." Rin replied.
"OMIGOSH, I didn't know I was crashing your birthday! Ohhh, but I can't say no to cake! I wouldn't be weird for wanting to come with, would I?"
"Of course not. I'd be more than happy to have you along." Rin replied.
"Bless it. I'm coming for that cake--!" Miko sprinted off.
"Hang on, you don't even know where our cabin is!" Jugo called out.
"Let's go follow her before she hurts herself." Jin signed. 
Everyone ran off in pursuit. Rin sighed. "Never a dull moment."
---
"So that's where you met Big Sis?" Shizuka asked.
"Formally, yes. She ran away, just like you did. Those four years I knew her, she loved going to that mountain. It was the perfect place for bug-hunting." Rin replied.
"What happened to Shizuka's Big Sis?" Aura asked.
Rin went silent. "She's...where my dad is. She got very sick, before Shizuka was born. I took her back to the mountain when it was time for her to go. It's what she would've wanted. That mountain...that lake...so much of my life is tied to it. Good and bad. But the way I look at it..."
Rin looked at the bag with the flower. Next to the date, was a tiny doodle of a bee. "If this day hadn't happened, then I never would've met one of my best friends. And you might not have come to us that day, lovebug."
"Okay, so...I have time for one more Hanami story. Then I really need to get back to work. You girls up for it?"
The girls nodded.
"Alright. Let's go with...this one." Rin took out a bag labeled "April 8, 2028". "Last year, before I began teaching. Before all the craziness of the last year..."
---
April 8, 2028
"There we are. Pleasant pink perfection." Hana plucked a blossom from the tree.
"You've been waiting to use that one, haven't you?" Rin asked.
"You're not the only one with a gift for wordplay, dear~."
"Well, should we head back to the cabin? It'll be dark soon."
"Just one more thing, blossom." Hana motioned towards the lake. "Come on. For old times sake."
"You know I can't say no to that."
The two women walked out into the lake.
"...it's been close to twenty years since the first time I brought you out here. It's too bad I can't carry you anymore. You'd wrap around me like a spider."
"I remember that. And I remember how badly we embarrassed Dad with the shamisen stunt. His sake nearly flew halfway across the lake."
"Oh, I remember. We would fluster that man so much. I don't think there was ever a time when his glasses weren't foggy."
The two women giggled.
"...we've been through so much. So many drastic changes." Hana said somberly.
"I know. So much hardship it's hard to keep track. Dad, Tohru..." Rin adjusted her glasses. "...Miko. And if things had gone differently...me." Rin rubbed her arms, covered by sleeves.
"But we got through it all. And look at you now. Twenty-four years old and about to start teaching at one of the country's top academies. I still see you as that sunny little girl, but here you are, a beautiful, beaming young woman. I count myself so lucky that I get to be your Mama."
"Oh, Mom..." Rin began blushing. "I've only managed to keep it together from watching you. I don't know how you've found the strength to keep smiling after everything. I don't think I'd be standing here if it wasn't for that strength."
"You give me far too much credit, blossom. I couldn't spend my days wallowing in misery with three children to worry about. And really, who could find a minute to be miserable with a daughter like you~?"
"Mooooom."
"Heehee. As easy to push as dear Kaito. But really, being so occupied has helped immensely. But you and your brother are grown now. So I've made a decision..."
"What about?"
"I'm handing the flower shop over to Rose."
"You're...but, Mom, that store is your baby. Are you sure about this?"
"I've given it a good deal of thought. You know better than anyone that Rose can take good care of it. And I'm not saying that I don't want to do anything else..."
Hana took her daughter's hand. "I just need a little break, is all. I'm just...so tired. I've kept myself so busy that I haven't even been able to think about grieving. I...just want to mourn your father and brother properly. I'm not retiring. I'm just giving my heart the time it needs."
Rin embraced her mother. "I get it, Mom, I get it. You've earned some rest. You don't need to explain yourself to me. I understand better than anyone."
"I miss them both so much...I blame myself for how your brother turned out. I can't condemn his hate when I felt the same about my family for so long. And Kaito...my Kaito...we were supposed to grow old together. He would be so proud of the woman you've become. Part of me was destroyed when he was taken away. It just...isn't fair..."
At that moment, Rin saw something she hadn't seen in years. 
"Ha. And here I'd thought my tear ducts had dried up. How embarrassing..."
"It's alright, Mom. It's just you and me here. Bottling things in isn't healthy."
"You're right. You shouldn't be keeping things from the ones you love. Hmm. On that note...I wonder how Rose is doing at the moment..."
"Rose? Probably closing up shop. Why bring her..." Rin caught on. "Moooom."
Hana giggled. "You'll get there eventually, blossom. Shall we go back?"
"Yes. Let's. I can feel a fish pecking at my toes..."
Later that night, Rin was lying in bed, scrolling through her phone. "(Mom's earned her rest. The way things change around here, she needs all the time to herself she can get.)" she thought.
Her thoughts were interrupted by an incoming request for a video call. Rin sighed. "What could she want at this hour?" She answered.
"Sorry to interrupt your beauty sleep, bestie. Not that you really need it~." Tenko cheerily said.
"Really can't go a sentence without trying to butter me up, can you? I'm guessing from your tone that this isn't an emergency."
"Not exactly. I was gonna wait until you got back tomorrow, but I wanted to share SO BAD. Okay. So. Today I went for my regular check-up and I told the doc how I've been feeling kinda funny lately. He runs a few tests, and..."
"And...?"
"Aaaaaand..."
"Aaaaaand?"
Tenko brought up an ultrasound image. "Say hello to Baby Mirai~!"
Rin reeled back, her glasses nearly falling off. "What?! Tenko, you're...pregnant?!"
"I'm pregnant!"
"Oh my God! That's amazing!" Rin readjusted her glasses. "How did Jin react?"
"Well how about you ask him yourself?" Tenko moved the screen over to the couch. Jin was out cold. His sister, Mimi, was fanning him.
"You'd better hope he doesn't have a concussion! That's the last thing I need to worry about on top of needing to disinfect everything!" Mimi griped.
Tenko gave a cheeky grin. "He'll be fine."
"I should hope so. I guess that means the Olympics are a no-go, huh?"
"That's the one bummer, yeah. But hey, that just means 2032 can be the comeback tour! Peeps love comeback tours!" Tenko grabbed her stomach. "Oh, man. I'm gonna be a mama, Rin-Rin. Like there's an actual kid growing in there."
"I'm so happy for you, Tenko. First chance tomorrow, we're celebrating. Appropriately, of course. Meaning no alcohol."
"Oh. Oh, you're right. I can't have sake for nine months. Oh God."
"Well what better expression of love can there be?"
"I guess...oh, boy. This is gonna be an experience."
"It'll be worth it. This kid is going to be so spoiled."
"I'm naming it after you."
"Oh, Tenko, please, that's too much--"
"You're not changing my mind. I want him or her to remember that they have the best auntie in the world. I call you bestie but...you're my family, Rin-Rin. That's the best thank-you I could ever give for what you've meant to me. So that's what I'm gonna do."
"Oh..." Rin's eyes got watery. 
"Heehee~. I'll stop torturing you for one night. Good night, bestie. We'll see you tomorrow." Tenko blushed. "All of us. Nighties."
The call ended. "Hanami really is never without a surprise." Rin said to herself. "The more things change..."
---
"So that's the day I found out little Rina was coming." Rin said. "Never thought I would beat Aunt Tenko to being a mommy, but this year was one surprise after another."
"Aunt Rin?" 
"Yes, Aura?"
"Where do babies come from?"
Rin paused. "Uh...you should probably ask your parents that question."
"What about me, Mama?" Shizuka asked.
"You should probably ask Mama Rose that question."
"Awwww." both girls uttered in disappointment.
"Well, anyway. I really do need to get back to work. But I'm glad you pulled this out. I enjoyed talking about these flowers."
"Can we go next year?" Shizuka asked.
"Of course! We'll make a big party out of it. We can even bring the students along. Hopefully come next April we won't have any more...trouble."
"Like the creepy masked guys?"
"What creepy masked guys?" Aura asked.
"Oh, boy. That's a whole other story for another time. How about you girls get back to playing? I really need to catch up here..."
"Okay!" The girls bounded off.
Rin gave the box of blossoms one more look, before closing it tight, and sliding it back under the bed. "See you next year."
"(Thanks for the memories, girls. Of happier days. And how they can be again.)"
Flowers on the mind, Rin returned to her work. 
In a week, her nine charges would be back. Happy, chaotic days would be here again. And she couldn't be happier.