・・・ xxxviii ・・・
They walked home together.
For the three of them, walking was considered a tradition instead of just riding a car.
That way, they would be able to spend more time talking together.
They would get to see the different sceneries, too.
On the way, there was always one low bridge that they needed to pass over.
It had an amazing view of the city line.
Leo considered it once as one of the best places to watch a sunset.
Sometimes, they would stop there to stare at the water.
Sometimes, they would eat ice cream or pizza.
Once, there was even a time when Ame pushed Leo over the edge and they all ended up jumping in the river.
That bridge had been a kind of special place for them.
Until now... it still was.
・・・ xxxix ・・・
Halfway across, Ame suddenly stopped walking.
She hadn't said anything.
By the time Ao noticed it,
he was already eight steps away from her.
He looked back and stopped as well.
There was a blank look on her face as she stared at the city.
A slight wind blew strands of her golden hair.
"What's wrong Ame?" Leo asked behind Ao, finally noticing.
At the sound of her name, Ame turned to them.
Her eyes looked distant.
She opened her mouth.
"Next year... I'll be going to college," she said.
"I...was just thinking about how much I'm going to miss being with you two like this."
"..."
Ao looked at her.
She was right, of course.
Ame was already in her last year of high school.
A short silence passed them.
"... It's not like you're going away forever," Ao said quietly.
Leo nodded in agreement.
"That's right. It's not a permanent goodbye. And why are you even talking about that? I mean... it isn't even winter yet!"
Ame blinked at him.
Ao could see the surprise in her face.
Then, she laughed.
"You're right. I'm being too sentimental."
At that, Leo laughed as well,
shaking his head as he grinned.
"Ah... Maybe it was because of the cupcake."
・・・ xl ・・・
From middle school until then in high school,
the three of them were always together.
During the first day of classes.
During lunch.
During Christmas.
During outings.
During festivals.
During events.
Laughing. Talking. Smiling.
Fujiwara Ame, Fujiwara Ao, and Kusakabe Leo were inseparable.
・・・ xli ・・・
But of course, it was only a matter of time before one of them left.
A few months later, Ame finally moved away to college.