Wisteria Waltz

Short Summary: Rafayel and the protagonist navigate their deepening relationship, marked by shared creativity (painting a train, designing an exhibition) and emotional vulnerability. The protagonist fears Rafayel might one day return to the ocean, but he reassures her that his heart is bound to her. The story culminates in a symbolic flower bloom, representing their unbreakable bond and promise to "never part ways."

Timeline Notes:

Event	Timeframe & Notes
Talia’s Visit & Aiden’s Grandfather	A few days before the dream. Discussion of Lemurians returning to the sea.
Dream About Rafayel Leaving	One day before the garden visit. Protagonist fears him returning to the ocean.
Neon Botanic Garden Visit	Present day (spring)
Exhibition Preparations	Ongoing. Rafayel is organizing a flower-themed art series.
Painting the Train & Wisteria Grove	Shortly after the garden visit. Romantic confession in the wisteria grove.
Exhibition Opening	Final event in the timeline. Sapphire flowers bloom in the lake, symbolizing their bond.

Key Lore Information:

Themes:
- Transience vs. Permanence: Flowers wither, but emotions endure ("fleeting beauty" vs. "never part ways").
- Belonging & Home: Rafayel’s duality (land vs. sea) and choosing love over tradition.
- Art as Emotion: Flowers and paintings as vessels for feelings (e.g., wisteria = devotion).
Symbolism:
- Sapphire Flowers: Extinct yet revived—mirroring Rafayel’s hope for their future.
- Wisteria Grove: Represents enduring love and the "precious moment" they share.
- Ocean/Water: Both a threat (separation) and a connection (blooming flowers).

NEON BOTANIC GARDEN

Sunlight streams through the window and pools at my feet as I carefully examine the rectangular glass tank suspended before me.

Inside it are sapphire flower buds reaching toward the light. They peek out of the glass.

They were growing in some grass the last time I saw them. Rafayel told me the flowers are an extinct species that had been brought back to life.

Another memory surfaces alongside it: Rafayel's warm kiss in the summer breeze with the sweet scent of flowers.

Recalling this, I pull my hand away from the petals.

Charles: After numerous experiments, we finally succeeded in making these flowers bloom underwater.

Charles: We might even get them to blossom in the ocean as we continue our research.

Charles, the owner of this private courtyard-style botanical garden and Rafayel's friend, guides us through the hydroponic greenhouses.

A few days ago, Charles contacted Rafayel and me to discuss a breakthrough in their research on these flowers.

Charles: But... Rafayel, you must be aware that research like this requires significant financial investment.

Charles: By the way, how are the preparations coming along for your flower-themed exhibition series? You haven't decided on a venue for Linkon yet, have you?

Charles: Why not hold it in my garden? As for the venue fee, I'll charge you—