The day before the opening ceremony, I was called by him.

The place was under a huge weeping cherry tree that was a century old. How good would it be if this was a confession of love? I had a vague idea of what he was going to ask me to do.

I arrived a little late for the meeting, and there he was.

"You're late, Horikita."

"Ayanokouji-kun..." He had the same tone as usual.

"It's unusual for you to be late."

"No, have I been late before? Like you saw my brother off, now you've come to see me off?"

"You know exactly what I mean, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. I've been with you, reluctantly, for two years, and I know most of your thoughts. Yes, this is my farewell to you."

Yes, I wouldn't be where I am today without him. I owe him more than I can ever thank him for. That is why I must be the me he expects me to be and see him off more than he expects me to.

That is my duty.

"I exceeded your expectations, Horikita. You know my requirements, but I want to reiterate that I will be moving to Ichinose's class from the beginning of the third year, which means tomorrow at the opening ceremony."

"Why?"

I want to ask him right here, right now. But I know I will only disappoint him if I show him such disgraceful behavior. Then all I have to say is...

"If that's your intention, we'll do our best to confront you. We'll make you regret it." He then laughed, a laugh I had never seen in our two years together.

A soft spring breeze flowed through the silence.

"I guess we're done here, then I'm going now." I said intending to leave, however, he said something that caught my interest.

"Horikita, do you know when the cherry blossoms are at their most beautiful?"

"What?" I was caught off guard, and I couldn't answer.

"It's the moment of falling. Cherry blossoms are beautiful because we know they are fleeting. So, Horikita..." I interrupted him.

"No, the most beautiful moment is when they are in full bloom. No flower blooms to fall. Ayanokouji-kun, next year, I will show you the cherry blossoms in full bloom."

"Next year ...fine. Let's meet again next year in this place. If we both graduate safely."

Next year the cherry blossoms will bloom and fall again.

Will we see cherry blossoms in full bloom, or will we see cherry blossoms that have fallen?

I left the place with a determination in my heart.

All that was left were the petals of the weeping cherry blossoms around Ayanokouji-kun.