Epilogue

“DO YOU WANNA KNOW everything about me?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean what I said. Wanna know my whole life story? All the inner workings of my heart?”

“Ehhhh… That’s probably not necessary.”

“What do you mean, probably?”

“I mean, if you want to talk about it, I’ll gladly listen.”

“But you don’t feel the need to know everything?”

“If I know too much, I might start second-guessing. I’d rather just trust you.”

“Oh, you! You’re making me blush!”

“As far as I’m concerned, the story started when we first met. It doesn’t matter what came before—I only need to know the part that happens afterwards.”

“Are you even listening to me?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I mean, you’re not wrong. The people in my life all had their own lives before me, and maybe they’ll have their own lives after me, too. I only get to see a small fraction.”

“Well then, just tell yourself that this fraction is the best part.”

“Oh, I see. Maybe that’s what ‘destiny’ truly is.”

“Yeah, maybe. Maybe you’ll get to catch a little glimpse of the parts you missed—in the stories I tell you or shared memories recounted by someone else.”

“That sounds fun.”

“Likewise, I figure I’ll just wait until you feel like telling me.”

“Then that’s what I’ll do, too.”

“Because you trust me?”

“Yeah.”

“Ugh, now I’m blushing. Well, uh, looks like we’re here. See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah. See you tomorrow.”

“Okay. See you.”

“Actually…”

“Huh?”

“I could think of a few things.”

“Yeah?”

“Things I don’t mind telling you.”

“Such as?”

“Well, um…”

“Yeah?”

“I was wondering… Would you wanna come over?”

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YORU SUMINO

 

First started writing while still in high school. Sumino’s debut work, I Want To Eat Your Pancreas, became a bestseller and took second place in the 2016 Japan Booksellers’ Awards. Other literary works include I Had That Same Dream Again and At Night, I Become A Monster. Enjoys listening to music.