Dear Hanamaru,

The happiest of birthdays to you! Words cannot begin to express my feelings for you, but I must try.

When Aqours made their debut, and I mean their debut debut, I honestly wasn’t all that interested. It was only once I heard your introduction that I decided to give you all a chance. Your words resonated with me on a personal level and I couldn’t help but be drawn to you from then on. It was this one phrase specifically that really made you so relatable to me: “No matter where I am or who I’m with, I’m always alone, after all. If there was someone else who could understand my feelings, I would be happy♪”

You came during a dark part of my life when I was just starting to feel loneliness, because that time was when my many siblings -- basically my only friends -- were starting to get married and move away. But you made me feel like there were, in fact, others who understood that loneliness, that I wasn’t totally alone, because you and I shared the same mindset. You made me smile when so little could back then.

Since that rough spot my love for you and desire to get to know you more only grew. I saw your beauty, inside and out, the love you have for your fellow Aqours members, your dedication despite stamina not being your best subject, your insecurities before joining Aqours...you’re truly inspiring, Hanamaru! You work so hard and do your very best all the time, and no matter the challenge, no matter the struggle, you press on...and that’s something I can learn from you at this stage in my life. If I could have even a portion of your courage and strength in difficult times I would not have to worry about anything ever again. But I can’t take that from you, no, so I’ll just have to find my own like you did! Just like Rin was your inspiration to step out of your comfort zone, you are and will be mine!

I love you Hanamaru! I really, really do! I’m so happy you entered my life, and I don’t know where I would be if you weren’t here! Thank you, zura~!! <3

HanamaruFanAwards2019