I read a letter recently. Sent to me from Osaka in a small, lime-colored envelope, I knew who it was from that small detail. Each word I read within that kite, set to me from the cold autumn air, wrung the disparity from my heart and put warmth beneath my feet.
I had decided to take a long walk on that day, one without a destination, following the streetlights like one would follow the small lanterns hung at summer festivals. However, the temperature was way too low to draw out a good comparison.
The virgin snow that collected in this small part of Kanazawa. The mountains cloak the city in a large shadow, the sea on the other end brings in the gentle smell of salt.
"Karasu-kun~"
With a smack on my back, I coughed up the warm air that sat at the back of my throat. The disposition of a smaller girl filled my vision.
"You never fail to somehow sniff me out, do you Nao-chan?"
"Of course," she laughed, "it's quite difficult to miss someone as depressed as you out in public."
"I told you before, didn't I? Not to call me Kurasu anymore."
"Eh? But Kurosawa is such a boring name. I think you fit the name Kurasu even more."
I slowed my pace and came to a stop at a street corner. Despite there being no traffic I sat and stared patiently at the red crossing indicator. Nao kept close at my side.
"So. Why are you out this late exactly?"
Nao giggled, "I could ask the same thing of you, Kurasu-kun."
It irked me, but I wasn't going to be able to fight her on the name issue, nor was I going to get an answer without giving my own reason for being out so late, on a day that had no significance.
"It's been about three years since we graduated Nao, I'm sure you have an idea as to what I'm doing."
"Is it about Tora-san?"
The name rang carefully in my ear for a moment before Nao nudged me in the side, just under my ribcage.
"I'm thinking of going to Osaka for a little while."
"Is it that time already?"
"You say that like it hasn't been three years. You've gone back to calling him Tora-san as well."
Nao didn't give much of a response and instead took off ahead of me as the indicator finally switched to a soft green hue. The chime it played passed behind me as I followed after Nao.
"You see, Kurasu-kun, I had already made the decision to move on from Tora-san. However, I know you haven't." Nao took a couple more springy steps before stopping dead in the snow, it gave way reluctantly to her foot. "You see, Kurasu-kun, I'm happy as things are right now. We even started working in the same restaurant together."
I could tell Nao was trying to encourage me to stay a while longer. But I shook my head and placed my hand against her shoulder. I turned her to face the same way as me as we both continued down the street. The blue streetlights illuminated the snow like moonlight. Each step was cushioned slightly and gave a small sound of discontent.
"Nao, I'm going to Osaka. Would you mind holding down the fort for me while I'm gone?"
Nao didn't respond for a moment until we came upon a small bridge, "If it's really that unavoidable, Kurasu-kun. Just make sure you come back soon or the boss will be mad at you."
"Of course," I brought the frigid palm of my hand to her forehead, which was summery to the touch. She gave a slightly upturned smile in response and quickly jumped away a few paces. Her body spun in a slightly dangerous manner as the ice beneath her shifted in retort.
"I'll see you again, Kurasu-kun, enjoy your trip."
I didn't give any further response and waved her off with what was my supposed smile as she ran down the road.