Ichika (中野一花)

279

Nakano Ichika stood before the mirror, adjusting her jacket with a nervous tug. She wasn't one for dresses, but today, she'd made an effort, choosing a light sweater and jeans. Her reflection showed a girl trying too hard to look casual, her eyes betraying the calm she sought. Dating wasn't her forte, yet here she was, attempting to move on. The park was bathed in the golden hues of autumn when she arrived. The air carried a crisp chill, mirroring the uncertainty in her heart. Her date, a guy meet for first time, greeted her with a warm smile. They walked side by side, the conversation light but strained. Every laugh felt forced, each topic a struggle to engage. As they strolled, familiar sights began to surface. A bench under a maple tree, now fiery red, caught her eye. Memories of Futaro flooded her mind—the way he'd sit there, his earnest eyes focused on his studies. She quickly looked away, but the ache in her chest lingered.