Introduction

Has it already been three years since I last passed through this immigration gate…?'

Since graduating from high school seven years ago, I've only come back to Japan from America a handful of times.

Even after I'd graduated from college, I only came back to Japan to celebrate New Year's. But these past couple years, I've been too busy with a film project to even go back for that annual visit.

This time, I've been half-forced to come back to attend the wedding of a childhood friend.

'Natsuki's been calling to constantly remind me like she's been possessed by a demon, and Yuu and Mochita sent texts saying that they'd uncovered a video of my dark past and I'd better come and get it if I didn't want it sent to everyone…'

I'd already been planning to attend in the first place, but they pressured me to take time off before and after the ceremony too, just in case.

I know exactly why the three of them have been so persistent about this.

Even once I've come back to Japan, I don't contact anyone other than family, and haven't ever bothered to meet up with them.

'Although, it'd be more accurate to say that I couldn't meet them…'

I narrowed my eyes behind my sunglasses and looked at the single Boston bag of luggage I had with me.

I rummaged inside of it as I sat in a chair in the lobby and immediately found what I was looking for.

A thick, worn-out red notebook with the words, "Sakuragaoka High School Class 2-3, Aida Miou," written on the cover.

Each design captured a piece of the world with delicate brush work, just as neatly as the words on the cover were written.

"It doesn't feel like they were drawn very carefully, but just… naturally."

No matter how many times I looked at them, strangely, I never got tired of her works. Every time I turned the pages, it felt like the very first, but at the same time, nostalgia would sweep over me.

"….I wonder how she's doing."

I hadn't seen her since graduation, but I always remembered her with her gentle smile.

When I close my eyes, my memories of high school come back in vivid detail.

The memories of days where I couldn't pull through with my own feelings, but still always gave it my all.