potato6

After the screening ended, the two of us left the cinema holding hands,

having watched until the end of the credits.

The movie fell short of expectations, largely due to its overly ambitious

tagline, "Changing the History of Japanese Cinema," but it was still fairly

interesting.

By the way, the person who had been glaring from beside us throughout

everything left in the middle of the credits.

She probably hated the idea of going home at the same time as us.

If possible, I kind of wanted to hear her thoughts about the movie... But

well, I guess it's fine.

I then glanced at my partner, while walking hand in hand.

A lovely profile.

Their gaze was currently focused on the phone they were holding.

The slow passage of time.

Step by step, walking along, I suddenly found myself pondering.

We had arranged to meet during a day off, sat next to each other, and

happily watched a movie together.

It was a common date, one that could be found anywhere in the world.

It was a very standard choice, but when I really thought over it, it did seem

a bit mysterious.

The screening lasted for about two hours, and 99% of that time, your eyes

would be on the screen, and there would hardly be any conversation between the

couple. Occasionally, they might look at each other during a striking scene, catch

each other's eyes by chance, or quietly whisper something in the other's ear, but

still, they would mostly focus on the film.

Depending on how you looked at it, these two hours weren't spent doing

something directly together as a couple.

Yet, it was established as a staple date activity.

For new couples, or those about to start dating, there was no need to force

conversation, and it was easy to then create common topics for later.

But for couples who were used to each other, these benefits would seem

minimal.

Despite this, they would still stick to this standard date activity.

I think it's quite mysterious.

Despite questioning the classic movie date like this, the true charm comes

from all the shared topics you get to talk about thanks to it.

"About the movie, it was generally entertaining, but I think it's better not to

set the bar too high after all. What did you think, Kiyotaka?""I agree—they set the bar too high. But even considering that, it wasn't bad.

No, rather, it was more on the enjoyable side."

The person who invited the recipient to the movie would somewhat be

tested in their choice.

Even if the movie wouldn't get full marks, if it was enjoyable, that was

enough of a reason to be happy.

"I see, then I'm glad. Which part did you particularly find interesting? For

me…"

Within our confined school life, we had spent much of our personal time

together.

So, even a trivial topic could expand into any type of conversation.

If we ran out of topics relating to the movie, there were yesterday's events,

and then today's events.

Or perhaps things from last month, or from six months ago.

Or... the future.

Conversations that you couldn't have with family or friends, but could as a

couple.

If I were to say a cheesy line, it would be that it was an "irreplaceable

time."

This time would never be a waste.

Still holding hands, we next headed to karaoke inside Keyaki Mall.

This, too, was a common date.

Upon entering, we sat very closely together on a large sofa.

Then, fighting over and pushing the microphone to each other, we sang our

favorite songs.

At times, we sang solos, and at times, we sang duets.

We were repeating the date we had gone through many times before.

Undoubtedly, it was a happy time.

As a couple, it was natural to wish it would last forever.

It should just last forever.

This wasn't just my selfish emotion.

My partner surely wished the same.

There wasn't supposed to be an end.

It was supposed to be a bright future, one that would continue endlessly.

And yet… we found ourselves in the midst of silence.

Though we were supposed to be feeling each other's body heat from being

so close together, there was somehow a sensation of something getting colder.

And that was the signal.

A small distance between us naturally emerged.

That time had come.

The emotions that had long been hidden within.One that would separate us two.

While following that person's gaze, I thought about it.

The words of farewell that would soon be spoken.

It was something that had been decided a long time ago.

While fighting the urge to deny it, this day had now arrived.

The fated moment.

With that moment now ahead of me, I couldn't help but feel an unpleasant

sweat start to form.

A disorienting confusion, one that even I couldn't believe.

Even though I had faced similar difficult situations many times before.

It felt like this was the first time.

My heartbeat, which never wavered even through all those various things—

It was now throbbing violently.

As the moment drew near, I was overcome with an unbelievable sense of

regret.

What exactly could this be?

I felt embarrassed at myself by how calm I had been just moments ago.

The words of farewell I thought I would easily be able to say.

I realized that it wasn't easy at all.

Ah, that's right.

I was able to realize it now, just before that moment.

My true feelings.

I don't want to part.

And that they too wouldn't want to part with the lover in front of them.

I realized I felt that.

I love you.

Without warning, that feeling surged forth from the very bottom of my

heart.

Until now, I had hardly noticed these things properly.

Their charm.

Their face, voice, body—everything about them was dear to me.

The cute mannerisms I always looked at without really properly seeing.

My voice, it wouldn't come out.

—Let's break up

Even though I had decided to voice such words here.

——Again.

Once again, I tried to say it out loud.

Looking into their eyes, I tried to pull out those words, 'Let's break up.'

I can't do it.

And then, I understood.

Without even truly noticing, they had become truly important to meThis was love.

Something I never could say, since the beginning.

And that's because, in truth, I had known for a long time... that this is the

person I love, I knew that…

Ah, I'm glad…

●

"Let's break up."

Yes.

Our feelings had been the same.

As long as we both knew that we cared for each other, it would be ok.

I was thinking about everything properly, Kiyotaka.

About everything until yesterday, about today, about tomorrow, and about

next year.

I was thinking that there would be no such breakup.

That it wouldn't come to that...

'I' had always believed in that.

But... all those desires were just delusions.

They were merely wishes of how I wanted things to be.

Lifeless eyes were looking at me.

The slow movement of the lips saying, 'Let's break up.'

I don't know what he's thinking... no, I don't want to know.

"...That's the only option, right?"

Such words came out of my throat surprisingly calmly.

The karaoke room remained quiet, while someone in the next room was

passionately singing an anime song.

"Yeah. Whether it's better this way or not, I'm not looking for such a

discussion. Let's end everything here and now."

With an unfaltering expression, Kiyotaka spoke those cruel words.

"So, I see..."

My throat was dry.

I wanted to drink water.

However, my body wouldn't move properly.

All I could manage was a forced smile as if everything was fine.

"Seems like you aren't surprised."

When did I start liking him?

I can't remember a specific time anymore.

"Kind of... I understand... I can tell that your feelings have drifted away."

No, that's not it.

Maybe Kiyotaka never had feelings for me from the start.

Cherishing and loving each other—that feeling has always been one-sided.

I realized it recently, but I probably knew it a bit earlier.Kiyotaka never fell in love with me.

I kept pretending not to notice.

So, why did he date me?

I wouldn't ask that question.

Because I understood what Kiyotaka was thinking.

It was half for me.

And half for Kiyotaka himself.

But it wasn't about choosing right or left; Kiyotaka always considered his

own thoughts as absolute.

So this was probably decided from the beginning.

It was when the clock struck midnight, like Cinderella's magic inevitably

breaking.

The end of my relationship with Kiyotaka was predetermined from the

start.

It was simply time for that moment to come.

I really wanted to cry, cling, and say I'd do anything.

I wanted to plead, 'I'll do anything for you.'

Maybe... a little while ago, I would've done that.

But I won't.

I can't.

Because resisting would only betray Kiyotaka's expectations.

"Do you need an explanation for the reason?"

Saying that, Kiyotaka took out his cell phone for some reason.

But, unable to think clearly, I shook my head from side to side and

maintained a smile.

"No, it's okay."

I answered, trying hard to appear calm, and Kiyotaka put his phone away,

saying he understood.

"Sorry I couldn't meet your expectations."

"It's okay. I also felt... that the atmosphere was kind of heavy, actually."

I pretended to be cheerful.

No, my heart was always close to Kiyotaka.

Even today, I was trying my best to enjoy myself without recalling my

anxieties.

At that moment, I wanted to be told that it was a lie and be embraced.

But there was a reason I acted tough like this.

"That might be true."

Kiyotaka answered in a tone as if he was talking to someone else, and I

kept responding with a forced smile.