Aimi's departure came sooner than either of them had expected. The sky was overcast, mirroring the somber mood that hung between them as they stood on the platform of the town's small, quiet train station. The distant hum of the approaching train sent a shiver down Raito's spine, a reminder that their time together was slipping away.
He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he fought back the tears threatening to fall. The words he wanted to say were trapped in his throat, a lump of emotion he couldn't swallow. When the train's whistle echoed across the station, the finality of it struck him like a blade.
"Promise me you'll come back," he said, his voice barely audible over the growing noise of the approaching train. His words carried a desperate plea, one he couldn't hide no matter how hard he tried.
Aimi nodded, but the sorrow in her eyes betrayed her uncertainty. Her lips curved into a faint, trembling smile as she reached into her bag and pulled out a small wooden omamori, its vibrant threads glistening under the dim light. She held it out to him with both hands, her fingers lingering for a moment as he took it.
"Keep this with you, always," she said softly, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions in her chest. "It will protect you, Raito."
He stared at the charm in his hands, its simple yet meaningful design a reminder of their last visit to the shrine together. Back then, they had laughed and made wishes, blissfully unaware of the parting that awaited them. Now, it felt like all those memories were slipping through his fingers like grains of sand.
The train finally pulled into the station, its brakes screeching as it came to a halt. Aimi turned to face him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She wanted to say something—anything—but the words seemed too small for what she felt. Instead, she reached out and brushed her hand against his cheek, a silent goodbye that said more than words ever could.
As she stepped onto the train, Raito's heart felt like it was being torn apart. He stood frozen, unable to move, as the doors slid shut and the train began to roll away. His eyes never left her, watching her silhouette through the window until it disappeared into the horizon.
When the train was finally out of sight, the stillness of the station felt deafening. Raito stood there, the omamori clutched tightly in his hand, as if it was the only thing keeping him tethered to reality. The weight of her absence hit him like a tidal wave, leaving him with nothing but memories and a heart heavy with longing.
The charm in his hand felt warm, almost as if it carried a piece of her. He pressed it against his chest, closing his eyes and whispering to the emptiness, "I'll wait for you, Aimi. No matter how long it takes."