It was a quiet afternoon. The sun hung low over the golden fields, the air warm but gentle, carrying the faint scent of grass and earth. Haruto walked along the narrow dirt path that led to the small countryside station. The rhythmic chirping of cicadas filled the air, and the sound of distant wind rustling through rice fields seemed to echo the heaviness in his chest.
The station was old and almost deserted — just one wooden bench, a faded timetable nailed to the wall, and a single rail line cutting through the endless countryside. Kana was already there, standing near the edge of the platform. The soft breeze lifted her hair slightly, and the sunlight shimmered through it like threads of gold. She wore a light summer dress, pale blue with white flowers, and a small brown travel bag hung from her shoulder.
