I waited for Misaki after school so we could go meet our old friends. While waiting, only one thought kept circling in my mind: should I tell Misaki that I've traveled back in time or not? I kept thinking until Misaki interrupted me.
"Sorry for being late. I was at the library and lost track of time."
"It's fine. Shall we go?"
"My friends from high school… I wonder how they're doing now."
"You could've known if you actually cared, but instead you stayed with Rin and forgot about us."
"Yeah, maybe… but Rin always planned to invite everyone one day. She kept talking about it."
"Typical of her. Honestly, I still don't know how she even agreed to date you in the first place."
"Because I told her a secret."
"A secret?"
"Yes. I leaned close to her ear and whispered… 'I love you.'"
Misaki's heart skipped a beat. Trying to change the subject, she hit Kaito.
"Who told you to get that close?"
"That was her reaction. Not bad for the first time."
"It wasn't the first time. I was just trying to make up with her that day. Nothing really happened—just one of my mistakes."
"You make a lot of mistakes. And you call it just a mistake? I'm sure it was more than that."
Misaki laughed.
"Look at you, all flustered."
"Look who's talking—you were the one blushing moments ago."
"Of course, being that close makes me nervous… you pervert!"
"That's a heavy word."
"Then maybe… creep? Or something less?"
"No, no. Pervert is enough."
"You haven't changed at all."
"Neither have I. Honestly, I miss those days… I really do. I wish they could come back."
When Misaki said that, I wanted to tell her everything. But I decided not to—at least, not yet. I didn't know when the right moment would come. Explaining everything wouldn't be easy.
"Misaki!"
A voice called from afar. We turned to see a boy with brown hair slicked back and glasses. He looked familiar, but I couldn't place him.
"Who's that with you? Wait… is that Kaito? No way! I've missed you so much! How have you been?"
"I'm fine, but… do I know you?"
"Seriously? After all our years of friendship you've forgotten me?"
"No, he hasn't forgotten," Misaki interrupted. "He just knew you with long hair and no glasses."
"Wait… you're Jun?!"
"Yeah, don't joke with me. You're Jun?"
"Yes. Surprised I've put on some muscle? Girls will chase me now, but deep down I'm still the same."
"You've changed your looks, but not who you are. Don't worry—I'll never change when it comes to my friends."
"I've missed you, Jun."
"Not much, though?"
Jun suddenly burst into tears, waterfalls streaming down his face.
"I'm kidding! You know how much you mean to me. Kaito!!"
We finally reached the park where we used to meet. Everyone was already there, and we greeted each other warmly. But when I asked about Park, they said he had a part-time job and would come later. The atmosphere felt different—everyone seemed more mature now.
We chatted until Park finally arrived.
"Hey, everyone! Sorry for keeping you waiting. Eri waited for me to finish work, so she came along."
"Eri?"
I turned and saw a beautiful girl with long green hair. She looked different from how I remembered.
"It's fine, Park. She is your girlfriend after all."
"…Wait, what did you just say?"
Jun laughed. "You didn't know? Eri and Park have been dating for three months."
"They're dating?! Is that true?"
"Yes, do you have a problem with me dating Park, Kaito?"
"No, no. I'm just surprised."
"Honestly, we still can't believe it ourselves."
"Yeah, I wanted it to be a surprise for you, but I guess the secret's out early."
"You're right."
We sat down and continued catching up. Jun was studying to become a teacher, Yuna to be a doctor, Constantine wanted to be a writer, and Eri and Park were preparing to start their own business together. Big dreams for people who were once just ordinary high schoolers.
Later, I sat with Park.
"So… you're dating Eri now. How did that happen?"
"Simple. I confessed to her… and she accepted."
"That easily?"
"Yeah. Honestly, Eri's changed since high school. She used to be so playful, but now she's serious and focused. I'm still not fully used to it."
"You're right. But she's kind and always encourages me."
"That's wonderful. I really wish you two happiness. So hurry up, graduate, and get married, lovebirds!"
"Lovebirds, huh? It's not that simple. I made her a promise first, and I intend to keep it."
"What kind of promise?"
Before he could answer, Eri came over.
"Kaito, I haven't seen you in so long, and now you're stealing my boyfriend's time and asking all about us? Are you really that interested?"
"No, no. I was just asking."
"It's fine," Park said. "I wanted to talk with you all too."
"About what?"
Jun spoke up. "We're sorry, Kaito. We only found out about Rin's passing a week ago. Since we don't meet often anymore, we heard late. We were all devastated."
"It's okay, really. I should be the one apologizing for not telling you… or reaching out all this time."
"Don't worry. What matters is now. We've decided—we're going to visit Rin. How about we all go together?"
"Yes! I want to see her too."
"Then it's settled. Let's go the day after tomorrow."