The cherry blossoms were in bloom.

Back when I thought war was still something far away.

The schoolyard after class was filled with the same voices as always. The laughter, the sounds of club activities, the twilight sky... We thought those things would last forever.

"Hey."

Walking beside me, you suddenly stop.

"Let's watch the cherry blossoms here again next year."

I smiled and nodded.

"Of course. Next year, and the year after that."

​───────Back then, I thought that was only natural, but little by little, the town's scenery began to change.

The stories heard at school, the papers posted in the streets—everything grew more ominous by the day.

And then, one day, a single slip of paper arrived at my house.

It was a red slip.

The day of deployment is in three days.

I haven't been able to tell you anything yet. Because if I do, I know you'll cry.

So today, I head to our usual spot. To the place where you are waiting, just like always.

"...There's something I need to tell you."

You look at me.

A single cherry blossom petal danced in the twilight breeze.

"I'm... I'm leaving in three days."

Your expression slowly begins to change.

I couldn't say anything more. Only the spring wind passed between us.

"I'll be waiting for you... at the place we promised that day..."

That's what you said to me.