Aiko nervously sat in the passenger seat of Anon’s car, her straw hat resting in her lap. The sun had started to set, painting the sky with hues of oranges, purples, and pinks. She took a deep breath, smoothing the fabric of her dress as she looked out at the horizon. The quiet in the car was heavy with the weight of their shared decision to leave their old lives behind.

The road they were on was desolate, stretching endlessly between them and their destination. They were going to Kagoshima, and the thought of finally fulfilling their childhood promise brought her a small sense of comfort. After such a long journey, she hoped they could finally find the peace they had been searching for.

Her eyes met Anon’s. She wished with all her heart that they could embrace this fresh start and be as happy as they once dreamed they would be.

“Anon, do you think everything will be okay now?”