Chapter 17 (Extra Edition?) A holiday date with a childhood friend ④
AN: This is a bit serious and may be hard to read. …This may be the last update for today. I’ll be posting more about their past in a little while.
“Kotoha, do you have a minute?”
I talk to her to carry out the last operation of the day.
“What’s going on?
“I want to make a short detour.
“I’d like to take a little detour.”
“Tsuzuri-kun, that’s the opposite direction from the station. …Do you have something to do?”
As expected, she looked at me suspiciously and nodded her head. It’s too sudden and she doesn’t know what it means.
I explained in detail to convince Kotoha.
“There is a place that I really want to go see with Kotoha.”
“Wow, …! It’s so beautiful!”
We were at a nearby seaside park. Kotoha was elated by the spectacular view.
She seemed to be absorbed in the magnificence of the jewel-like shining sea and civilized trees, and the sunset that completed it.
I ask Kotoha about it.
“You haven’t been here recently, have you?
She froze for a moment, but quickly returned to her normal state.
“I’m sure. …I’m pretty sure the last time I was here was—.”
“Eighth-grade summer vacation!”
We both couldn’t help but laugh at how perfectly we were breathing. We were both laughing at how well we fit together, but it soon turned into a fragile smile.
“…brings back memories, doesn’t it?
“There really were a lot of things, weren’t there…?”
We are both nostalgic for the past. For the negative legacy that certainly existed and bound us. We chew on the present together. And then the two of us were “released “, the two of us free.
Suddenly. An old, but certainly deep, wound in my heart ached. I feel it and am disappointed in myself. After all, I’m helplessly cowardly.
“…Kotoha. I don’t think I should be making such a haughty wish. But let me say this. I want you to never leave my side, no matter what.”
I realized after I said it. I realize what a pretentious and self-satisfied line it is. I chuckle inwardly. I wondered what Kotoha would say, and even that worried me right now. But…
“Tsuzuri-kun is foolish. I’m not going to leave you because I’m afraid you’ll die if I’m gone. So I want you to be at ease.”
She wrapped my anxiety in a very gentle tone of voice. She is a gentle, pretty girl who is always there for me.
I couldn’t help but hug her because I loved her so much.
“Kotoha!
“Hiya, hiya!
For a moment, her body tensed up. I’m not sure what to do, but I’m sure I’ll be able to do it.
“…Tsuzuri-kun.”
The two of them savored the momentary happiness to the fullest. While checking each other’s warmth. Hoping it will last forever.
But a moment later, a voice echoed from somewhere.
“Damn, you’re showing me something.
“It’s good to be young.
I noticed that all the people around me were paying attention to me at once. Yes, there are still a lot of people in this park. I wondered how many times I had blushed today, and we were both embarrassed.
“Tsuzuri-kun, I’m leaving first!”
“Oh! Wait a minute, Kotoha!
As usual, we are not able to close the distance at the end of today. But that’s what makes us unique. It is an irreplaceable treasure that must not be lost.
By the way, I wonder if we’ve made a step forward with this date. Will we be able to tie the knot at the destination?
I’m very curious, but no one knows. The only way to find out is to visit—
—If you ask this superb view, can you really get the answer?.
I tried to ask, but all I got was a reflection of the sunset.