Short Story | On the Road Where the First Spring Breeze Blows

The first breeze of spring blows through us with a gust.

A little past the station. As I walked through my hometown, the high school I used to attend came into view.
The brick gate, the school building that hasn't changed at all since those days.
I cast a glance at it.

"This is my alma mater."
I call out to Haruki-kun, who is beside me.

As he slowly turns his head and looks toward the school building, I find myself remembering my graduation ceremony.
It is a bitter memory that, now, I would rather not think about.

---

After the high school graduation ceremony ended, I headed to the rooftop.
Sailor uniform and loafers. Today is the last day I will wear them.

Akito, who was waiting on the rooftop, looked at me for a moment before averting his gaze. Then he said in a low voice,

"Yuri—we'll both be busy with university life, so let's keep our distance for a while."

At his sudden words, I felt as if I had forgotten how to respond, so I just lowered my gaze and stayed silent.
After that, I squeezed out a voice.

"Akito, that's unfair. You can say something so convenient—you don't say things like 'wait for me' or 'keep in touch,' do you?"
"…I'm sorry."

Akito walked away without looking at me.
I felt as if the canvas of my heart had been painted over with black paint.

After that, once I started university, I couldn't reach him by phone or even email.

---

"…san, Yuri-san!"

Haruki-kun's voice brings me back to reality.
I muttered, still looking down.

"Sorry, I was spacing out."

Hearing that, he shows me a gentle smile.
The tension from the other day suddenly begins to unravel.

"—About that matter, it's already fine, so don't worry."

He mutters quietly.
I nod slowly at his words. I knew immediately he was talking about Akito.
Akito and Haruki-kun sit near each other. He has probably heard about what happened between me and him.

"I will never do anything to make you sad, Yuri-san."
"I know."

He says such serious things so easily.
The reason I fell in love with him—is because of that straightforwardness.

"Well then, let's go get some lunch. At my favorite, delicious restaurant."

He nods at my voice, and my steps feel a little lighter.

Spring—is almost here.

Participating in this prompt.
The bitter memory of Yuri's graduation ceremony is revealed.

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