[Short Story #9] When did I start feeling the end of summer? | [Remnants of Summer Story]

Kaho asked me questions with her usual enthusiasm.

Hey, hey! Akito, when do you think summer ends and autumn begins!?
Who knows, when indeed.

There was a time when I worried that my replies were a bit blunt, but Kaho talks regardless, so I suppose it doesn't really matter how I respond. In any case, it had become second nature for me to just offer casual nods and listen until she finished saying whatever she wanted to say.

Because, look, it's so hot and feels so much like summer, but August 7th is the start of autumn, so it's already autumn! Seasons are so confusing, aren't they?
That's certainly true.

I've been dating Kaho for three years. I hear this story every year. At first, I tried to give her my own thoughtful answers, but she was never really satisfied. For Kaho, the 'end of summer problem' must be an eternal theme.

I used to love and hate the 'summer solstice' the most. Because, you know, it's the day with the most sunshine in the whole year! This is truly summer! It reaches the peak of summer, right? But after that, it's all downhill. The days just keep getting shorter... it's the day the end begins. That's why I love it but hate it. It makes me feel kind of lonely.
I see, that is lonely.

I've probably heard this story several times a year. During the summer solstice, the winter solstice, when the cherry blossoms bloom, and when the leaves turn red.
Kaho's eyes always light up as she gets lost in conversation whenever she feels the change of seasons.
But this time it was a little different. She said, 'I used to love and hate the summer solstice the most.'
She always used to say, 'I love it and hate it the most!' without hesitation.

Akito, you always listen to me in silence. Thank you. I love autumn the most now.

At the end of summer, although it was different from the endearing feelings I had at the beginning, I had come to want her to stay by my side forever.

<End>
(698)

Once again, I have taken the liberty of participating in Aki Fujie's project.
Thank you for the fun project.

[An excuse in the form of an explanation]
I wrote this with the theme of 'the end of summer.' To be honest, I struggled with how to end the story. Since it was about the end of summer, I had even decided on the final line thinking about them breaking up, but I felt sorry for the two of them and changed it to this ending. I had decided on the title at the beginning, so I left it as is. I thought it was a good title either way.

Regardless of whether what I write as a novel can be called a novel, this time I wrote a story based on something I have absolutely no experience with. Though, liking the summer solstice is my own feeling.
I hope Kaho and Akito will be happy. I'm sorry for trying to make them break up.

To everyone who read this!
Thank you for reading until the end.
I would be encouraged if you could send me your thoughts.

'One who waits impatiently for the next summer solstice'
It was Minoxidil.