The cherry blossoms were in bloom.

Back when we thought war was still something far away.

The schoolyard after class was filled with the usual sounds. The laughter, the noise of club activities, the twilight sky— We believed it would all just go on forever.

"Hey."

Walking beside me, you suddenly stopped.

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

I smiled and nodded.

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

───────Back then, I thought that was just how life was, but little by little, the town's scenery began to change.

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

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

It was a red slip.

The day of my deployment was three days away.

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're 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 leaving... in three days."

Your expression slowly began 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.