The only way
Even more than touching her, to spend moments like her with this is something he prefers. For her to rest so comfortably in his hold like this, despite the cold, all he felt is the warmth transmitting from her back.
"When you take a look at this, you really can tell that winter is approaching."
"It wasn't so obvious earlier. But it is, that season already."
For the two of them, winter holds so many memories. Memories that connect together; and memories that differ from each other. It was winter when he confessed to her and winter when they got together.
Winter when Tsueno Mamoru passed away, winter when Makino left him to pursue her dreams. Winter contains fond and beautiful memories, as well as sad ones. Every time winter comes, his feelings towards Ibuki Sumire increase. But for her, every time winter comes around; it's a trial, a test of her heart and emotions.