"Precocious... Transparent White Thoughts"... A Confession Spanning Decades...

NEW! 2023-10-31 14:37:44

Even as a middle-aged man, Kenji couldn’t forget Miho, his classmate from fourth grade elementary school, who was precocious, a leader among the girls, and had skin as clear and white as porcelain. He tried to forget her, but his feelings only grew stronger. However, Kenji in fourth grade was very shy and could only gaze at her from afar, quietly.

He constantly wondered where she was, what she was doing, whether she was married and had a family. These questions always raced through his mind.

He searched her name on the internet countless times. However, the name "Miho" was too common, and he couldn’t find her. He even tried looking on social media, but couldn’t find any accounts that seemed to be hers.

Nonetheless, the memories of her lingered in the back of his mind, no matter what he was doing.

Kenji: "It’s been a while. Maybe I should go to Kamakura. I want to see the sea."

Kenji took his camera and headed to Kamakura.

As he exited Kamakura station, he was captivated by a woman with a bob haircut.

"Her skin is so clear, so white…"

Kenji’s heart raced.

He slowly approached her. When he was about 5 meters away, the woman turned around.

Miho: "Hey, is that you, Kenji? It’s been so long. You look surprised."

Miho: "What’s the matter? I’m not a ghost, Kenji."

Kenji: "I’m not surprised. I was just looking at the sky."

They reminisced about the past, standing and talking.

It was as if they had stepped into a different world, where the hustle and bustle around them disappeared, leaving only a quiet space for them.

Miho: "Hey, Kenji. Let’s go to the park. Come on."

She hadn’t changed. Just like when they were in fourth grade, Miho’s precocious personality shone through.

Blushing, Kenji gently placed his right hand in Miho's outstretched left hand.

As they joyfully caught up and shared old stories, Kenji felt an urge to say something. He tried to stop himself, but he couldn’t.

"Miho-san, can I ask you something? It might sound strange, but are you married now?"

His voice trembled, concerned about her reaction.

Miho looked a bit surprised but answered cheerfully.

Miho: "My husband passed away 10 years ago. I've been alone since then. Why do you ask?... I see. You like me, don’t you? I understand. I like you too, Kenji. Even now."

Kenji: "Really? I’ve liked you for so, so long."

Miho: "Of course, I knew. Somehow."

Kenji: "You haven’t changed at all, Miho-san. But why didn’t you tell me back then?"

Miho: "Kenji, you still don’t understand a woman’s heart. Girls wait. That’s just how girls are. It’s not your fault. It’s because you didn’t tell me."

A single drop fell on the cobblestones at Kenji’s feet.

Miho: "Oh dear. You haven’t changed, Kenji. That’s what I liked about you."

Miho gently wiped Kenji’s eyes with her floral handkerchief.

(Truthfully, it was that precocious side of hers...)

Miho: "Girls wait for the boys to make a move. That’s just how we are. It’s not your fault for not telling me."

Kenji was left puzzled.

"???..."

A single tear drop fell to the cobblestone beneath Kenji’s feet.

Miho: "Oh no, Kenji. You haven’t changed a bit. That’s what I liked about you."

Miho gently wiped Kenji’s eyes with her floral handkerchief.