I watched Kimi no nawa then got directed to this, got upset from the ending and knocked this out overnight, don't expect a deep meaning in this story but do expect a Kimi no nawa follow up, enjoy.

"You're the one that I love, and I'm saying goodbye" -Christina Aguilera

-Ill fated-

He paces towards that fleeting memory of his, the tantalizing echo of adolescence long passed, at the centre of which, the frail clause which remains close to his heart, "Takaki I hope we can watch the Cherry Blossoms together someday"

She walks toward the future she created, that which differs from her girlhood's desire, the rose still pricks her at times, the regret of not saying "I love you, Takaki"

Both meet at the heart of the train lines, the bond threaded through time tugs at both, yet their unwillingness to face their lingering thoughts keeps them on their path. The train passes as both cross, as if it were a barrier that separated their worlds, their chosen paths. She doesn't feel strong enough to reach out and leave her comfort zone but he on the other hand wants to transcend the barrier that bind him,

"Hey! Haven't we met before?"

That reminiscent voice that keeps her in the past, rings through to her now. That voice could only belong to the one she kept in a special place in her young childish heart. Perhaps he still lingers in her soul but he is not in the life she chose

"Um, Say something please, or I'm giving-" Takaki sheepishly apologised

"No" Akari glances down before looking back at him "Takaki-kun, it's been a long time"

Both are now seated at a bench making small talk about their recent experiences. Takaki remembered that letter he never sent, the one that contained his true feelings. Listening Akari speak about her fiancée made his heart ache.

Dear Akari,

I'm sorry our lives had to be so complicated, I really do mean it.

I remember when we messed around in the library till late and our parents got worried. The fact that you kept me company touched my heart. For the first time someone who held my interests stayed so close to me, I decided that I'd be the one if you wanted me to. If you had left town, anywhere and I would've followed you, but I didn't have the strength to chase after you, for this I'm sorry.

I love you Akari, and I know you might not reciprocate those feelings but know that I'm grateful you allowed me to be a part of your life. Without a doubt, you are the best choice I had ever made

He shrugged it off and wanted to speak but Akari looked at her watch and decided now was the time, she never expected to see him again let alone before her departure, but knew she had to do this

"I'm sorry Takaki-kun, ever since that kiss we shared I believed that we would be together for eternity by some magical process, but it was over my head and it's clear that I knew nothing at all, I was still learning to love and just starting to crawl" Akari laments

"Was it because I was late that night? I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you, really anywhere and I would've followed you" Takaki cries

"No it wasn't, you're really wonderful, but we won't be able to see each other anymore, we're moving to Germany" Akari waited for this to sink in "and now I… will swallow my regret, Takaki-kun you were the one that I loved, now I'm saying goodbye"

kill me.