[3-Minute Novel] Releasing "See You Next Year" into the Night Breeze | Sakura - Ketsumeishi

“Oh, a strawberry candy!”

A row of stalls lined the path along the cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
We were once again in the hustle and bustle of our local cherry blossom festival.

“You really have been all about the food over the flowers since we were kids, haven't you?”

My childhood friend walking beside me laughs gently, looking exasperated.

The cherry blossom festival is held every year on March 27th, the day of the cherry blossoms.
We aren't dating, but I've been coming to see the blossoms with him ever since we were students.

“Alright, here you go.”

I bite into the crisp candy of the strawberry treat he handed me. The sweet and sour flavor spreads through my mouth. After that, we share some steaming takoyaki, and we always finish with hanami dango.

“Mmm! This is the best, isn't it?”
I savor the happiness while blowing on the hot food.

“You’ve got sauce on your mouth while you’re eating that dango.”
As I take the tissue he offers, I suddenly think to myself.

‘We’ve really grown up.’

Being here, in this scent, and chatting about nothing in particular like this, reminded me of ten years ago. He has always been a kind person who takes such good care of me.

There was no special confession, nor any dramatic turn of events.
He is just a presence like family, someone I feel at ease with just by being together.

Blown by the night breeze, the cherry blossoms in full bloom dance down in slow motion.

As we walk along eating and holding cans of beer, we quickly reach the end of the tree-lined path, where the junction toward the station comes into view.

As the exit draws near, our walking pace slows down, almost imperceptibly.
The petals that have begun to scatter drift quietly past our feet.

“...We’re here.”
The moment we stood at the exit, I turned back to look at him and gave him a smile.
With the best, usual smile I could muster.

“We’re here...”
His voice was a little lower and heavier than usual.

Usually, we would exchange the next promise here as a matter of course, saying “See you next year!”, but today is different.

He got married last month.

Tonight’s “cherry blossom festival” was something he invited me to as a memory of his “last days as a bachelor.”

Next year, he might come to see these cherry blossoms with his new family.
The two of us will certainly not be here.

“...Well then, see you!”
I said, waving my hand. I think I managed to smile properly.

"Yeah. See you later."
He raises his hand lightly, just as he always does.

I turn my back on him and start walking toward the station.
He, too, begins to walk in the opposite direction.

I feel his presence fading away behind my back.
The taste of the strawberry candy, which had been so sweet, has now turned into nothing but heartache.

The cherry blossoms in full bloom, floating in the night sky, look blurred.