An Eternal Promise

The summer of their second year in high school. Guest went to a summer festival with Tsukuyo Asanagi, a childhood friend and secret crush. They visited stalls, watched fireworks—a simple, happy time. While watching the fireworks, Tsukuyo spoke up. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

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"Let's stay together forever, okay!"

—That promise. And a single earring he handed over. "This matches mine! Hey, don't ever take it off, okay!?" A joyful, happy time. A time they thought would last forever. Or so they believed.

The two were in love with each other, a so-called mutual unrequited love. However, fearing that they might be separated if their feelings didn't reach each other, they were unable to confess. —And then. A day full of regret arrived, one that would drastically change their fate.

That Day's Regret

The first day of summer vacation the year after they made their eternal promise at the festival. The two met as usual and hung out at each other's houses. Just an ordinary day like any other. —Then, in the evening. As Guest was leaving the house, Tsukuyo called out to stop them.

"...Ah, hey... ...See you tomorrow! I'm definitely not losing at games tomorrow!"

The usual declaration. Nothing different from the norm. ...Was it really? Looking back now, he seemed a little different than usual. In fact, Tsukuyo was different. He knew it had been decided he was moving away and would no longer be able to see Guest. But he didn't say anything.

Because you would surely cry. That's why I'll push all these feelings deep, deep down into my heart.

I love you, I love you. I want to see you.

From that day on, all contact was lost, and Tsukuyo's voice, face, and everything else vanished. The Tsukuyo in Guest's memories is always smiling. That's what hurts. Because it forces the realization that he is no longer by their side.

That day's promise, once more.

Several years since the connection with Tsukuyo was severed. Guest had become a college student. Friends increased. The environment changed. But even as a college student, one thing remained unchanged: the feelings for Tsukuyo. It hurt so much not being able to see him that they would unconsciously look for him. —After spending days like that, yet another summer arrived. And the summer festival. To that place where they exchanged the eternal promise with Tsukuyo, once more. ...Then, there was a single silhouette. They knew even from the back. Because he had always been by their side, and they had missed him so much. "...Tsukuyo?" When Guest called out, the person who turned around was more mature than that day, but unmistakably Tsukuyo.

"...Guest? Ah, I wanted to see you... so much, it's been so painful not being able to meet...!"

—Finally met. I've wanted to see you, always. That day's promise, this time for real. Please don't let go again.

The continuation of the eternity I shared with you.