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“4 years have gone by since graduation.” I thought to myself. 4 years since that day at the Tree of Legends. High school certainly is the time when I had to grow up and change as a person. I might’ve not had the best start but in those 3 three years, I made some impressive strides. I graduated as one of the top 10 in my class’ test rankings, managed to get into a 1st-rate university and made a lot of memories there, both good and bad. I met a lot of good people there too, and I still keep in touch with them all. I probably have my best friend to thank for all that. Yoshio was the first new friend I made in high school and he helped me get around with others. I don’t think I could still consider Rei a friend to this day but I have to admit, he wasn’t boring and his Christmas parties were pretty fun. I would never say that to his face though.
Ayako and Yuko were pretty fun to be around as some of the more rambunctious people to be around. Those two definitely know how to keep things lively. Mira’s actually pretty nice to be around once you get to know her and she’s also fun to be around. Then there’s my childhood friend, Shiori. When I started my high school tenure, I really wanted to try and be her ideal but over time, I came to realize that maybe I was too hasty and quick in judgment. It wasn’t just something I should’ve tried rushing into headlong and I could’ve been more careful. Ultimately, I decided that I just wanted to remain friends with her and I’m happy that someone like her is an important person in my life. I’m a bit jealous that I couldn’t quite keep up with her in grades but hey, there’s some battles you can’t win.
Lastly, there’s the love of my life, Kisaragi Mio. I remember the day I first met her, in the school library. She noticed me being really engrossed in my studies and that must’ve been when I started taking myself a bit more seriously. Yoshio always told me that love can change a man and at first, I didn’t take it too seriously but ever since I met Mio, I really did try to improve myself in a lot of ways. I can’t say I know for certain on how my life would’ve played out if I had done things differently but I am certain that Mio is the person in my life that I cherish the most. The day she confessed her love for me under the tree was one of the happiest days of my life. That was also when I learned about her anemia and it explained why she never really did any intense activity. It made me a bit sad to learn about this but at the same time, it only fueled my love for Mio even more. No matter what, I would always remain at her side, even after graduation. Mio also went on to attend a 1st-rate university, just like I did and even with the changes in our lives, we constantly went on dates and found time for each other.
I just got done with another day of school work when suddenly I get a call from Yoshio. He told me that he planned a surprise and that I should meet up with him this weekend and to bring Mio. Knowing him, he definitely put in a lot of work into this and I’d just be a bad friend to deny him of his request.
“Yoshio wants us to meet up with him this weekend.” I told Mio. She adjusted her glasses slightly and gave me a cute smile.
“Well, it has been a while since we’ve done anything together. What do you think he’s planning?” she replied.
“Knowing him, he definitely has something huge planned. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t interest me in the slightest. Are you free this weekend, Mio?”
“Yes, I am. I’m caught up with all my school work.”
“That’s a relief. Yoshio insisted that I take you with me.”
“How considerate of him. Still, it is time I get to spend with you.” Mio blushed.
“Y-yeah…” I spoke, blushing in response. “Anytime I get to spend with you is time well spent.”
“You’re so sweet…” Mio responded. We both agreed to attend whatever plan Yoshio was cooking. When the weekend arrived, Mio and I got ourselves dressed up and went to the designated location. The only reaction I could muster was a sigh.
“Why did he pick an abandoned building for this?” I say, contemplating the choice of my best friend.
“I… do not know why. This has to be a prank, right?” she asks, just as puzzled as I am.
“Hard to say… but I trust Yoshio’s words.” I held onto Mio’s hand to comfort myself and yet as I held onto her hand, her grip was firm on my own.
“Everything will be okay, right?” Mio spoke to me, smiling. I smiled back.
“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go in.” We stepped into the building and as to be expected, everything was dark and it was difficult to see. In an instant though, everything lit up and the sounds of party horns exploded in the room. It was Yoshio and all of our friends from high school. Even Rei was there, surprisingly.
“Glad you guys could make it.” Yoshio said. “What’d you think?”
“I think this might’ve been your craziest plan yet but it worked.” I replied. “How long have you been planning this?”
“I wanna say about a month. Getting a day where everyone would be free is a hassle on its own. Also having to get this place cleaned up was no easy feat.”
“It must’ve been a lot for you to bear, Yoshio.” Mio said.
“Ah, well, I had some help from my sister. Ayako and Shiori also helped out.”
“Yup!” said Ayako. “Or as they say in English: “You betcha!”
“It was a pleasure to help out for such a special occassion.” Shiori added, smiling sweetly as ever. I looked over and saw Rei standing there as well, no doubt flaunting his monetary superiority over us.
“Hey uh, what’s Rei doing here?” I ask.
“Relax. I know it must be intimidating to stand before someone who is better than you in every way.” the blonde spoke. “But… I suppose I can make an exception for you this time.” Rei finished. “Enjoy the various commodities I brought over.” Somehow, even this felt nostalgic to me.
A part of me really wanted to respond with something snappy and witty but Mio reigned me in and I composed myself. “I appreciate the kind gesture, Rei.”
“Think nothing of it. It’ll probably be the last time you’ll ever get to taste food of high caliber.” He responded, giving off one of his laughs that just screams “I’m better than you” but it's fine this time.
“Well enough talking, let’s make this a night to remember!” said Yumi. She already began singing her heart out and was shortly joined in by Yuko and Ayako. Rei and Mira were conversing with one another and sharing their haughty laughter with each other. Yoshio was enjoying the food and having a nice conversation with Shiori. That just left me and Mio…
“Did you want to get some food?” asked Mio. I shook my head.
“I’m good, thanks. It’s kinda wild that all of us are gathered here at once.”
“Oh, why’s that?”
“Well, the last time we all hung out like this was back in our last year of high school. We’ve all grown up more since then but even so, I felt like we were never truly apart from each other. To be here with all of them like this for even just one more day is like a dream I never want to wake up from.” Mio blushed at my words.
“I never took you for a dreamer, before.” she said.
“H-hey! I’m just speaking my mind here.”
“Still… that was really thoughtful. I’m glad to be here with all of our friends. And I’m even more glad that I can share this moment with you.” Mio added.
“Right…” I felt my face burning up. I thought I had gotten used to it by now, but I guess that’s just how I feel about Mio. She really is the greatest person I ever met and I'm happy to call her my girlfriend.
“H-hey, Mio…”
“What is it?”
“I… d-d-do you want to… dance with me?” In place of a response, Mio simply locked both of her hands with my own and gave me a heartfelt smile. I don’t think of myself as a great dancer or anything but this moment with her made me feel like I’ve practiced my whole life. We danced away the night as our friends watched us. As my gaze met with Mio’s, I felt comfortable in knowing that I would be able to spend the rest of my life with her. And I don’t think I’d want it any other way.