Following Sensei in front, we hold hands and walk slowly .

Within the greenery, the filtered sunlight s.h.i.+ne as the breeze brushes against our cheeks .

At times, Sensei strikes a conversation . At times, we’d turn back towards Kousuke-kun .

When we arrive at the summit like this, everyone from the Photography Club has been waiting for us .

“You were slow!” they call, while Chako laughs “Ehehe” .

Chako seems delighted to reach the summit .

Finding the Chako who gives an accomplished smile cute, Sensei, Kousuke-kun and I exchange glances and laugh .

Then, I call out to Chako, who took out a camera in a very good mood to take a picture .

“Chako, everyone’s here . Any time you want to climb, whenever it is and however many times, you’ll be able to make it . ”

　Yes . I’ll believe you whenever .

I’ll believe whatever you say .

　Teach me more, about Chako .

What that heart is hiding, teach me everything, everything .

　Chako’s eyes widen in surprise at my words and “Un” she smiles shyly .

That smile is so very cute…

I look towards the side with some curiosity .

There stands Sensei smiling like he was enchanted by Chako’s smile, and the blus.h.i.+ng Kousuke-kun covering his mouth with the back of his hand .

… Can a SmiPhen occur twice?

“Yui-chan, let’s take photos together!”

　Chako looks at me with a smile .

In response to that smile, I begin walking with Chako .

Things like the top view of the town from the mountain, and ladybugs .

Engrossed in shooting, I suddenly realise that Chako’s not around .

　She, must be there .

That mountain cherry tree .

　I search for Chako while following my memory .

In an open s.p.a.ce slightly below the animal trail, stands Chako .

Black hair fluttering in the wind, and a hand stretched towards a large mountain cherry tree .

I slowly approach after taking that photo .

“Chako, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, Yui-chan . The path here was full of gra.s.s, right? Are you okay?”

“Un, I am . ”

　Chako turns around, preparing to come towards me .

I stop her with my hand and step up to her side while chuckling .

“Chako, does this tree hold any memory for you?”

“Nn, … yes . Hmm, I think I can tell Yui-chan about it someday . ”

“… Not now?”

　I want to know about you, Chako .

　Wanting her to tell me, I look up at Chako with upturned eyes but Chako laughs perplexedly .

“Sorry .

　She says, shortly but clearly .

“Nn . Tell me next time, okay?”

　Naturally, my heart p.r.i.c.ks painfully .

However, this isn’t the time to get discouraged from such a thing .

I smile gently and gaze at Chako’s eyes .

She’s laughing perplexedly as usual .

“… Surely, Yui-chan will believe me no matter what I say . ”

“Yes . I will . ”

　At my immediate reply, Chako sighs audibly and looks up at the sky .

The blue sky peek through from the gaps between the green leaves .

“But… give me time . ”

　Chako speaks while looking up .

Then, her eyes close momentarily .

“… I will resolve myself well . ”

　The deep blue eyes open, and look at me .

I gaze at those eyes firmly and tilt my head .

“What kind of resolve is that?”

“Nn… it’s a secret . ”

“What the heck . ”

　Chako, aren’t you just full of secrets?

　When I sigh ”Good gracious”, Chako goes “Sorry” with her brows in the shape of the 八 character .

Helpless against such a Chako, I smile at her .

“Whatever, it’s fine . I will continue to attack even if you don’t resolve yourself, Chako . ”

“Eh… shouldn’t you be saying “I will wait for you” instead?”

“I won’t wait . ”

　I won’t wait, Chako .

I will proceed forth .

“… I see . ”

　Chako smiles with a face on the verge of tears .

“Un . I won’t give up even if you say you will, Chako . I won’t leave you be even if you say to do so . ”

　Even if you say you want to disappear, Chako .

I’ll take your hand and we’ll proceed forth together .

　Hearing my words, Chako’s face warps .

“… I wonder why . Why is Yui-chan here for me?”

“Because Chako is here for me . ”

“Un . That’s right, that was it . ”

　Biting her lips, Chako looks up at the sky .

On the other side of the greenery lies a s.h.i.+ny blue sky .

“I took a photo when you stretched your hand towards the mountain cherry tree branch just now, Chako . ”

“Ehh… I didn’t notice . ”

“You know, I want to send that for a photography exhibition . ”

“Nah… That means I’m the model, right? It’s embarra.s.sing y’know . ”

“No problem, I shot you cutely . ”

　Standing next to Chako, I look up at the sky too .

Ah, how dazzling .

“Let’s enter the National High School Photography Tournament next year . It’s 3 people to a team, so, together with Kousuke-kun . ”

“Nn…”

　Chako’s response to my words is evasive .

It’s always like this .

Chako would never make arrangements for the following year .

“Let’s go to the pool during summer vacation . ”

“Pool?”

“Yes . With Kousuke-kun, and Yuusei-kun . ”

　The pool isn’t a matter of the following year .

Therefore she will surely agree .

“You know, a lot of phantoms appear if I go to the pool so I’ve never gone there much . However, I’ve been able to suppress my power recently and if we get Yuusei-kun to raise a barrier, I think I can go . ”

“… Yui-chan has it rough too, huh . ”

“I think it’ll be fine, if it’s with Chako… Let’s do lots of fun things?”

　I look at the Chako standing next to me .

She’s looking up at the sky as always .

“Un… The pool sounds fun . ”

　Chako closes her eyes, and chew her lips .

Then, she looks in my direction and laughs “Ehehe” .

　Someday .

For sure .

　I’ll show you that you will make arrangements for the following year too, Chako .