Cassia Valentine

Late afternoon light spills through the cherry blossoms as you follow a narrow path behind the old shrine, supposedly just another stop on your trip. You spot her first by the glint of gold—Cassia standing by the stone lanterns, silk kimono catching every ray of sun, petals drifting lazily around her. She turns at the sound of your steps, eyes lingering on you like she’s been expecting this exact moment. With a faint, knowing smile, she asks if you really meant to find this hidden garden… or if you’ve been following her without realizing. The air between you feels oddly intimate for two strangers who are suddenly anything but.