1981

"Take Me Back

To The Year

1981"

Prologue:

The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air as Haruto leaned against the counter of Souta's family bakery, watching her carefully pack a loaf into a paper bag. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, catching the dust motes in the air, making everything feel warm—almost too perfect.

"Here," Souta said, sliding the bag across the counter with a smile. "You always forget to eat breakfast, so take this."

Haruto took the bag, feeling that familiar warmth spread in his chest. It wasn't just the bread—it was her. Souta had always been like this, kind in a way that felt effortless, as if she didn't even realize how much it meant to him. Maybe she really didn't.

He still remembered the day it started—the moment he knew his feelings for her weren't just simple friendship.

—

It was their first year of high school. Haruto had forgotten his history book, panicked as the teacher walked down the rows checking for homework. Souta had wordlessly slid her book over to him under the desk, her eyes meeting his for just a second, as if to say, Don't worry, I've got you.

Since then, he had never stopped looking at her that way. And yet, Souta remained the same—oblivious, always smiling, always treating him like just her best friend.

"Haruto?" Souta waved a hand in front of his face. "You okay?"

He blinked, shaking off his thoughts. "Yeah. Just… thinking."

She laughed. "That's a first."

Haruto rolled his eyes but smiled anyway. If only you knew what I was really thinking.

But then, just as he was about to say something—something he wasn't even sure of yet—his phone buzzed.

One unread message.

He read it once. Then twice. His fingers tightened around the phone, a sudden weight settling in his chest.

"…Haruto?" Souta's voice was softer now, concerned. "What's wrong?"

He looked at her, at the quiet world they had built together in this small town. The bakery. The late-night walks. The unspoken things between them.

He wanted to tell her. He really did.

But instead, he forced a smile and said the one thing he knew wouldn't make her worry.

"Nothing," he lied.

Even though, deep down, he already knew—

Everything was about to change.