{The End of Summer Spent Together 1}

The long, long summer vacation was coming to an end.

Even though it was long, I never felt like I had too much time on my hands. On the contrary, this summer flew by because I was so busy with internships, part-time jobs, and club activities. It feels like it passed in the blink of an eye. I even got to visit Miyu’s father’s grave, so I’d say it was a fulfilling summer.

However, it seems Miyu has a little bit of dissatisfaction or perhaps some lingering regret.

“Even though we were together during Obon, I feel bad that I dragged you around according to my schedule, Atsushi…”

“I didn’t think that at all.”

On the contrary, I was happy that she took me along, but Miyu felt guilty that our Obon plans only revolved around visiting the grave.

“If that’s our only summer memory, doesn’t it feel a bit lacking?”

The word “summer memory” felt oddly nostalgic.

“I haven’t heard that phrase in a long time.”

When I was in elementary and middle school, we often talked about summer memories, and we’d write about them in picture diaries or essays. Maybe we did in high school, too, though I don’t remember having any particularly special memories.

Since starting university, all I’ve thought about is how to spend my long summer vacation meaningfully, and I’ve never really been conscious of creating memories. There were no picture diary assignments, and as long as I spent the time efficiently, that was all I cared about.

“Is that so? Do university students stop saying things like that?”

Miyu looked curious, so I laughed and answered.

“Now that you mention it, we don’t say it at all anymore.”

“That’s a bit sad.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

I hadn’t felt it was sad before, but now I could see how it could feel a bit dull and colorless.

Of course, it was a productive summer. That fact doesn’t change, but since we’re here together, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to make one more memory.

After all, I have her with me.

“How about we go somewhere since we have no plans today?”

It seemed like she was thinking the same thing.

It was a weekend in mid-September. Once the week started, my summer vacation would be over, so if we were going to create summer memories, today or tomorrow would be the last chance. Fortunately, neither of us had any plans this weekend.

“Sounds good, let’s go make some memories.”

I answered without hesitation.

Miyu’s face lit up immediately.

“Yeah! I was thinking it’d be sad if summer just ended like this.”

If that’s the case, we’ll have to enjoy today to the fullest.

Let’s make the best memory right at the end of summer vacation.

However, it was still quite hot outside.

Even though it was mid-September, well past the time for summer heat greetings, the daytime temperature still hadn’t dropped below 30°C. Today was another mercilessly sunny day, and wandering around aimlessly in search of memories under this scorching sun was something I definitely wanted to avoid. The worst thing would be for our last summer memory to be getting heatstroke together.

Since it was a spontaneous idea, a long trip was out of the question, and we couldn’t go to the beach since it was no longer swimming season, so—

We ended up choosing the suburban shopping mall we often visit.

“Sorry, I couldn’t think of anywhere else.”

As we got off the bus and passed through the now-familiar entrance, I apologized, but Miyu shook her head.

“No, I didn’t have any other ideas either. Whenever we suddenly want to go somewhere, we always end up here.”

In reality, this place has everything. Of course, there are groceries, but also electronics, furniture, toys, and stationery. There are a wide variety of clothing brands and a large bookstore. There’s a restaurant area and a food court, so we can eat depending on our budget. And if we run out of things to do, we can always watch a movie at the cinema.

So, it’s no wonder we end up coming here.

“I actually wanted to look at some clothes.”

As we began walking through the air-conditioned mall, Miyu said.

“I need to buy some more work clothes. It’s been so hot lately, so I want something light and cool.”

“Got it, let’s go look at that first.”

I had no objections. We usually come here for groceries, so this was a rare chance to take our time browsing for clothes. I thought I might buy something for myself as well, so we headed to the clothing section together.

However, we soon encountered a problem.

After visiting a few stores, we finally realized it.

“It’s all fall clothes now…”

As Miyu pointed out, every store had already switched to displaying fall clothing. There wasn’t a short sleeve in sight; instead, the shelves were lined with knit sweaters, cardigans, and thick flannel shirts. Even the outerwear selection was expanding, and we were feeling the arrival of fall not through our skin, but through our eyes.

“Every season, it feels like the clothing stores are always ahead of the game.”

I grumbled as I watched a mannequin in the display window already wearing a scarf. The ribbed sweater and corduroy skirt were both rich autumn colors, and the bright hues of summer were nowhere to be seen.

“But it is September now,” Miyu said, shrugging her shoulders.

“It’s still so hot outside, but according to the calendar, it’s already autumn.”

“Yeah, I guess summer really is ending…”

It wasn’t just summer vacation that was ending—summer itself was, too.

This summer felt especially busy, with so much to do that it seemed to pass in a blur. It wasn’t a bad thing, but I also felt like I had been left behind by the rush of it all.

“They say the years go by faster as you get older, and maybe this is what that feels like.”

It’s something my parents and other older people always said.

Maybe I’m reaching the age where I’m starting to feel it, too.

“You’re jumping the gun, Atsushi.”

Miyu laughed at me as if it were amusing.

“You’re not old enough to be saying things like that yet, are you?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Maybe 20 is a bit too early.”

“Exactly. If you’re saying that in twenty years, then I’ll agree with you.”

“Twenty years from now, huh…”