The soft pink petals of the Sakura tree swayed gently in the spring breeze, casting a delicate rain of blossoms over the three friends standing beneath its branches. The late afternoon sun bathed them in golden light, painting their world in warmth and serenity.
"I think we should make a promise," Daiki said, his dark eyes serious as he looked between his two best friends. "A promise that no matter what happens, our friendship will always come first."
Beside him, Riku adjusted his glasses and gave a small chuckle. "You're being dramatic again, Daiki. What, are we starring in some kind of anime?"
Ayaka laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly, it does sound like something out of a drama. What's next? A secret handshake?"
Daiki crossed his arms. "I'm being serious, guys. High school is coming soon, and a lot of things might change."
Riku sighed, stretching his arms behind his head. "Come on, we've been best friends since forever. Do you really think we're just gonna fall apart?"
Ayaka tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe not fall apart… but people change, right? We might meet new friends, get busier with clubs, or…" She hesitated before adding, "…fall in love."
Daiki snapped his fingers. "Exactly! That's why we should promise—no matter what, we won't fall in love with each other. That way, nothing will ever come between us."
Riku raised an eyebrow. "So, what happens if someone breaks the rule? Do we exile them?"
Daiki smirked. "Obviously, they get an instant lifetime of being ignored."
Ayaka gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "Oh no, not the ultimate punishment!"
Daiki grinned. "See? You get it."
Riku shook his head. "You guys are ridiculous."
Ayaka twirled a petal between her fingers. "Still… I think he's right. A promise like that might keep us together."
Riku exhaled through his nose, clearly unconvinced, but when he saw the determined expressions on both their faces, he gave a small shrug. "Fine. I swear."
Ayaka smiled. "Then I swear too."
Daiki raised his fist towards them. "Together forever, just as best friends."
Riku and Ayaka bumped their fists against his, their laughter mingling with the rustling of the wind. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the grass as the three of them sat down under the tree.
"We're gonna be in the same high school, right?" Ayaka asked, leaning back on her hands.
"Obviously," Daiki said. "It wouldn't be the same otherwise."
Riku smirked. "Well, as long as you don't drag us into anything too embarrassing."
Daiki nudged his shoulder. "No promises."
Ayaka giggled, watching the petals dance around them. "Then let's enjoy this moment while we can."
For now, they believed their bond was unbreakable.
But none of them could foresee how love would test the very foundation of their promise.