The Forgotten Memories
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That day, the wind in Tokyo carried a familiar scent—the fresh spring breeze that brought memories from the past. Kaito walked slowly toward his classroom, his mind lost in the shadows of emotions he couldn't explain. The previous day, his meeting with Misaki under the sakura tree had left a mark on his heart. But there was one thing that troubled his mind more than anything: that feeling, a feeling he seemed to have experienced before.
As Kaito entered the classroom, his gaze unintentionally met Misaki's eyes. For a moment, he felt that something was different—something that reminded him of memories long buried.
Misaki, sitting at her desk, also felt an inexplicable sensation. Although they had only spoken a few times, there was a bond between her and Kaito—a feeling that reminded her of childhood, when they had once been very close.
That day, the lessons went on as usual, but the two of them were caught in a memory that resurfaced. A memory of a time long gone—when they were ten years old.
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Ten years ago, an unexpected encounter had brought them both together. Kaito, who had just moved to Tokyo with his family, felt incredibly lonely in the new environment. He didn't know anyone, and despite the Fujimura family being one of the most respected families in the city, Kaito felt alienated from a world full of luxury and expectations.
Meanwhile, Misaki was a cheerful girl who had always been at the same school since childhood. She was a simple child, always greeting everyone regardless of their background. One day, when they crossed paths in the schoolyard, they exchanged glances. Kaito, looking awkward and anxious, finally confessed that he felt isolated.
"Why do you look so lonely?" Misaki asked, with her innocent smile.
Kaito, who usually kept to himself, was surprised by the question. But somehow, he felt a sense of comfort in Misaki that made him want to talk more.
"Because I just moved here," Kaito replied softly.
From that moment, they became good friends. Misaki would always accompany Kaito when he felt lonely, and they often spent time together in the schoolyard, talking about simple things—books, movies, and their dreams.
However, one day, Kaito had to move to another school due to urgent family matters. Before he left, he made a promise to Misaki.
"I'll come back someday. Don't forget me, Misaki," he said seriously.
Misaki just nodded, though in her heart, she feared that their meeting would become a memory that would fade over time. And indeed, after Kaito moved, their connection was cut off just like that.
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Back in the present, Kaito remembered that promise. The feelings they once had as friends seemed to resurface strongly. But there were also other feelings—guilt and awkwardness. He felt that he shouldn't get too close to Misaki, considering his bond with Hina, who always demanded his attention.
Misaki, on the other hand, felt trapped in a long-lost feeling. She clearly remembered how they used to spend time together, sharing laughter and dreams. However, their worlds had changed, and Kaito, the boy she once knew, was now a very different person. Still, there was a feeling she couldn't just discard, a feeling that seemed to return when they met again.
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That day, after school, Kaito felt anxious. He wanted to talk more with Misaki, to clarify all the unsaid things. But before he could step toward the garden, his steps halted. There, beneath the sakura tree, stood a girl with flowing brown hair and a cheerful smile that he knew so well.
"Hina..." Kaito whispered softly, though he knew what was about to happen.
Hina, with her sweet expression, walked up to Kaito. "Kaito, I've been waiting for you here. You look so anxious, what's wrong?" she asked with a worried tone.
Kaito just smiled faintly, feeling a little guilty. "I just wanted to talk to Misaki for a bit," he replied.
Hina looked slightly disappointed but tried to hide her feelings with a smile. "But I want to be with you, Kaito. I haven't seen you for a while," she said with a spoiled tone, tightly holding Kaito's hand.
Kaito fell silent, his heart filled with confusion. On one side, there was Hina, who always depended on him, and on the other, there was Misaki, who made his heart race. He knew he had to make a decision, but how?
On the other side, Misaki stood beneath the sakura tree, watching them with feelings she couldn't express. She felt as though she was standing outside their world, a world filled with confusion and misunderstandings.
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That night, Kaito sat in his room, staring at the stars shining in the night sky of Tokyo. He felt trapped between two worlds, two conflicting feelings. In his heart, there were memories of his childhood with Misaki, but there was also a sense of responsibility toward Hina, who always needed his attention.
What would he choose?