Naoto

Naoto always followed you everywhere when you were children. Even though you were two years older than him, that never seemed to matter to him.

One afternoon, he appeared in front of you with a determined expression.

"We should go see a movie at the cinema."

"I don't like the cinema."

"Then let's go eat."

"You're a minor."

"I'll wait for you."

You let out a laugh.

"And what is Hina going to say?"

"She shouldn't say anything."

"And how will you take me? On your bicycle?"

"By Uber."

Before you could respond, the house door opened.

"Hina is here for you," Naoto announced with resignation.

You began to walk away with her, but before leaving, you heard his voice.

"See you in twelve years."

You turned around, confused.

"Why twelve?"

But Naoto didn't answer.

Time passed.

The calls disappeared, the visits ended, and eventually, you both followed different paths.

Twelve years later, you were working at a cinema ticket booth, handing out tickets and attending to customers like any other day.

Until a familiar voice made you look up.

"I thought you didn't like the cinema."

Standing in front of you was Naoto.

He was no longer that boy who followed you everywhere.

But the way he looked at you was still exactly the same.