The sound of the surf filled the air, and the wind brushing against their cheeks carried the scent of the sea. Two shadows raced along the white sands, playing in the waves as they washed up and receded on the shore.
“Come on, Wataru! Keep up!”
“Wait up, Natsumi!”
Since childhood, Wataru and Natsumi had played on this beach, reuniting every summer vacation. As always, they met in front of the beach shack, ran along the shore, dove into the sea, and laughed together like children.
But this summer was different.
As sunset approached and the sea turned orange, Natsumi suddenly stopped walking. Wataru noticed and stood beside her.
“Wataru… I’m leaving this town.”
For a moment, it felt like even the sea breeze had stilled. Wataru instinctively turned to face her.
“…Why?”
“My dad’s job. We’re moving next month.”
Natsumi looked down at the water’s edge and smiled faintly. But the smile only made it harder to bear.
“No way…”
Wataru searched for words, but none came. He had assumed they’d see each other again next summer, like always. Realizing that might not happen made something tighten deep in his chest.
“Don’t go…”
His voice was hoarse, barely audible. But Natsumi gently shook her head.
“I’m sorry. But there’s nothing I can do.”
Silence fell. The waves rolled in between them.
Eventually, Wataru spoke.
“Then… let’s make a promise.”
Natsumi looked up in surprise. Wataru stared out at the sunset-streaked sea and continued.
“Next summer, let’s meet here again.”
Her eyes wavered.
“But…”
“It’s okay if you’re not sure whether you can come. Just promise. I’ll be waiting, right here.”
Natsumi lowered her gaze for a moment, then smiled softly.
“…Okay, promise.”
The two linked their pinkies. A gentle breeze swept by, and the light of the setting sun melted into the sea.
At the end of that summer, Natsumi left the town.
And then—
The following summer, Wataru stood at their promised place. The waves still caressed the shore, and the salty air carried the scent of summer, just like always.
But Natsumi was nowhere to be seen.
No matter how long he waited, no matter how hard he looked, the familiar smile never appeared.
“…I guess it really was too much to hope for.”
He muttered, glancing up at the sky.
But then—
“Wataru!”
A familiar voice pierced through the sound of the waves. He spun around in shock — and there she was, Natsumi, running across the sand.
His eyes widened. And in the next moment, he ran.
Their shadows stretched long into the setting sun.
And just like that, the promised summer began once more.
