Secondhand Memories (Pioneer English Cell Phone Novel)

The New and the Old

Chapter 349

The New and the Old

"Ahhh... I'm feeling like ramen." Juria pointed excitedly down the main street at a nearby ramen shop.

I couldn't refuse the idea; a nice hot cup of tea or coffee between my hands was more than welcome.
I rubbed my hands together for warmth and shoved my hands in my pocket.

"Sounds good!" Airu grabbed my arm brightly and pulled me along.

Sighing and without a choice, I followed.

But inside my pocket, my fingers touched the little silver key I found.

Chapter 350

The New and the Old

It was nearing the end of the school year.
Miracles didn't happen for me.
The first year of high school was almost over.
Yet I felt like I was older than I should be.
I wasn't sure why.
Was I tired of life?

Chapter 351

The New and the Old

The end of the year ceremony was as boring as I had anticipated;
the principal and various others droned on and on.

The rigid backs of the wooden chairs lined up in the atrium
pressed against my spine,
a painful way to keep me awake.
So I stared blankly ahead, words streaming in one ear and out the other.

But not everyone felt this way.
Glancing along side, many faces were shining brightly,
proud of their accomplishments, beaming in triumph and victory.
A year has passed, they were one year older, one year closer to success.
A year has passed, they were ready to celebrate.
School was off.

But for me, a year has passed. My first in a long time without Aoi.
I can't imagine what it would be like next year.

Chapter 352

The New and the Old

"Seiji!"

I felt someone wrap their arms around me.
I spun around.

"Omedetou!!" Airu said with a smile.

"For what?"

"Well you're one year older, school's out...
so that's for sure a reason to celebrate yeah?"

"Well..." I shrugged.

She grinned. "Here, follow me!"

She grabbed my arm and tugged me down the streets.

"I have something to show you."





*~ Omedetou - Congratulations

Chapter 353

The New and the Old

"Where are we going?" I squinted at her. I was annoyed.

She remained silent but determined and I ended up glaring at her back.

We have been moving through the afternoon crowds,
slicing through the downtown streets for the longest time;
and there was no sign of stopping.

With a weak February sun above and a slow chill creeping through our bones,
I was about ready to turn around and head back home.
The only thing that prevented me from doing so was her vice-like grip on my arm.

Though admittedly, it was a bit comforting.
That was the only place on my body that was warm.