-SAPPORO CITY, RESIDENTIAL AREA-
-8:15 AM, MARCH 11, 2017-
Morning light filled the streets.
Soft.
Warm.
Calm.
-ARAKAWA RESIDENCE-
-8:17 AM-
Rikuu stood by the window.
Watching the city.
Alive.
Normal.
His grandmother's voice came from behind him.
"…You've been standing there for a while."
Rikuu turned slightly.
"…Just thinking."
She smiled gently.
"…About the past?"
He shook his head.
"…About now."
She walked closer.
"…And?"
Rikuu paused.
Then—
"…It's better."
A soft silence.
Then she placed a hand lightly on his shoulder.
"…Good."
Outside—
The world continued on.
Peacefully.
-SCHOOL GATE-
-9:05 AM-
Rikuu arrived at school.
Ichika was already there.
Waiting.
She noticed him immediately.
"…You're late."
Rikuu shrugged slightly.
"…By a little."
Ichika gave a small smile.
"…That's new."
Rikuu walked beside her.
"…I have time now."
Ichika looked ahead.
"…So do I."
They walked into school together.
Not as people running from something.
But as people moving forward.
Students talked.
Laughed.
Lived their lives.
Ichika glanced at Rikuu.
"…This is normal."
Rikuu nodded.
"…Yeah."
A pause.
"…And it should stay that way."
Ichika smiled.
"…Then let's make sure it does."
