The cries of the cicadas echoed through Yokohama as winter's chill gave way to spring's gentle warmth. Okamura stepped out, stretching his limbs in an effort to shake off the lingering weight of exhaustion. A few steps ahead, Koyori moved gracefully, her silver hair swaying gently in the morning breeze.
Their surroundings were perfect for a morning walk in spring, yet his mind remained caught in the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you—Father and I are going overseas for spring break," Koyori said casually, as if it were an afterthought.
"Really? Where to?"
"England or Bolivia, maybe. He hasn't said yet. It's supposed to be a surprise, but judging by where he's travelled before, it's likely one of the two."
"Bolivia or England, huh? That's quite a contrast from Japan."
"I know, right? But it doesn't really matter to me, honestly. As long I get to spend some time with him, I'm fine with wherever we go."
A long pause followed, filled only by the steady hum of cicadas and the soft rustling of wind through the trees. Okamura's pace slowed slightly.
"...How long will you be gone?"
"A little over a week. Maybe two. As I said earlier, he hasn't given me any details."
That number settled in his chest—two weeks without her presence, without her quiet companionship.
"Will you miss me?" she teased, glancing sideways.
He didn't get the chance to respond before a raspy voice cut their conversation short.
"Good morning, Koyori. You're looking extra lovely today," came the voice from a short distance away.
Turning toward the source, Koyori responded almost instinctively, "Thank you, Miss Morikawa! Mother and I spent a really long time this morning picking out what I should wear today and we ended up on this."
Okamura didn't waste any time. He quickened his pace down the sidewalk, leaving Koyori to chat with her. When she finally caught up, she didn't think much of his behaviour—it was just like him to avoid unnecessary small talk. Falling into step beside him, her usual playfulness returning as she glanced up at him.
"So..." she began, her tone shifting to something more expectant, "why hasn't my prince charming asked me to accompany him to the Four Season Cherry Blossom Festival yet?"
Hasegawa shifted his gaze away—almost as if he had been dreading this exact question.
"Yeah... about that." He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wasn't planning on going this year... It's really not my thing."
Koyori's brows furrowed. "Come on, Kintarō. I want to go this year—with you. I didn't get a chance to go last year, and now I want to experience it."
Her voice softened, taking on an almost childlike plea, like a daughter begging her father for a treat. He exhaled sharply, shaking his head.
"You really give me no room to decline, do you?" he muttered before relenting with another sigh. "Fine, I'll go—with you. Just this one time."
Koyori's face lit up almost instantly, like a sunflower blooming in summer.
Seeing her like this, Okamura couldn't help but smile. She had always been one of the few people who brought happiness into his life. After the incident, many of his friends revealed their true colours—some turning their backs, others scorning and ridiculing him.
But Koyori was different.
Though she had distanced herself for a time, it had never been by choice. The pressure from her parents, her close friends—everyone around her—had urged her to step away. Yet it was only a matter of time before she came back.
Still, the scars from that time lingered, and his perception of the world had shifted irreversibly. The way he viewed others, the way he saw his mother, the way he saw himself—it had all changed further that day.
"Why do you always look so upset, Kintarō?"
Now, Koyori stood in front of him, arms akimbo, brows furrowed.
"Oh... was it showing again?" He forced a soft laugh, trying to brush it off.
She studied him for a moment before speaking. "Ever since we started our last year of junior high, that look has been plastered all over your face..."
"I... was just thinking about how you were... going away—"
"Don't lie to me, Kintaro!" she snapped—not unkindly, but firmly. "Have you forgotten? I've been by your side since we were little. I know when you're lying."
A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the distant chirping of bush warblers. He exhaled slowly.
"So... It seems you've caught onto my tricks," he admitted. "Fine. Since you won't let up, I guess you leave me no choice. This was supposed to be a surprise, but... I was planning on buying you something special today. Only... I don't really have the fund rights now."
Her expression didn't change.
What he said was not a lie—nor was it entirely the truth.
She tried to look away, but eventually, her emerald-green eyes rose to meet his.
"I don't care about material things," she quietly, almost pleading. "All I really want is for us to spend some time together."
Her words sent a warmth through him, tightening the grip in his chest as he looked at her.
Okamura relented with a sigh. "But I at least wanted to get you something before you left the country…"
She stepped closer and suddenly reached out, taking his hands in hers. He paused, startled, just as she cupped his cheeks gently.
"Listen," she said, her voice firm but soft. "I told you that doesn't matter. I have you. That's the only thing that matters to me. Then again…" Her gaze lowered slightly, regret flickering in her tone, "I'm the one to blame for putting you in this situation."
Koyori let go of his cheeks and turned toward the convenience store. "If it weren't for all those bentos—and me always being so hungry—you'd probably be better off."
Before he could say a word, she leaned in once more and pressed a gentle kiss to the tip of his nose. His breath caught.
Then, flashing a mischievous grin, she grabbed his hand and took off running, tugging him along behind her.
"Come on! Let's get going before the others show up."
「そのまま咲きなさい,でも私の愛も同じでしょうか?」