The lost promise
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Forgive for my wrong grammar and punctuations, English is NOT my first language. I highly recommend to watch the movie first, then read the manga, reason is, there's a particular scene where the movie portrays it better than the manga, while the rest of the story, the manga portrays it better. Original is here: One Final Promise, a 5 centimeters per second fanfic | FanFiction, I slightly modified  ExtremeSManpig's story.

The season of early Spring had once again bloomed in the outskirts of Tokyo, their color and sight symbolizing new starts, new life, and new beginnings for the city and its people. Indeed, the cherry blossom trees had brought back their annual beauty to celebrate the new season, dressing up the entire city in a charming, cute color of pink.

In an ordinary neighborhood in Tokyo, an old man is about to leave from his house, an old lady kissed her,

[Take care honey, I love you]

the old lady said,

[I love you too, Kanae]

the old man said,

then the old man strolls through the suburban streets in the city with his decrepit body, taking in the sights that were both new yet somewhat familiar.

His bones ached, his back hurts, but right now, none of that mattered. This was because he was in a location he found all too familiar with at this point.

It's the same streets he walked down during his childhood, the same turns in the pathways, the same trees that never seemed to wither in comparison to his aging body, yet despite his old age, his mind still remembers everything so vividly despite the many years gone by.

He then walks through a familiar train crossing, the bells were for once, silent. The gates were wide open with no sense of moving, no trains were here right now. Moving past it, he thinks to himself, this place had always held some of his strongest memories.

He finds a park, one he used to play at along with someone dear to him, there, he sat on a bench relieving his old memories from that place, after a couple of minutes, he was about to leave when he saw a little boy playing on the park, seems like the boy is with an old lady, he looks at them from a distance, then he smiles and continued walking.

The old man was about to leave the park, when he saw the same little boy earlier alone in a bench crying, he approached the boy,

[Are you lost? Don't worry I'll find your parents]

he said,

the boy still continued to cry, then a strong gust of wind blows the cherry blossoms,

[Did you know?]

the old man said, as he reached out his frail, weak arm, catching the petal of a cherry blossom flower,

[Cheery blossom petals fall at about 5 centimeters per second, when they fall from the tree, when they do, you never know where they end up]

the old man said,

the boy then stopped crying and stared at the falling cherry blossoms, then out of nowhere, an old lady from the side of the bench started crying, the old man looks at the crying old lady, at that moment, both of them recognized each other, the old woman continued crying, while the old man just smiled,

[It's been a while, Akari]

the old man said,

The two elderly sat together on the bench, under a cherry blossom tree, while looking at the little boy run around.

In their mind, they had so much to say, so much to talk about, should they have been younger, they would've immediately initiated direct confrontation, and both would've been assaulted with overflowing emotions, but instead, there is silence, both of their bodies were so worn down that they were incapable of such intensities.

Finally, the old lady breaks the silence,

[Takaki, how many years has it been since?]

Akari said, while looking at the little boy running around,

[57 years]

Takaki said,

had it truly been that long? Both had lost count.

[Honestly, it's amazing, how both of our lives lasted long enough for us to run into each other again]

Takaki said,

[Yes, it's a miracle. I always had so many doubts whether I would see you again, our lives have gone on for such a great while, haven't they?]

Akari said,

They have both lived spectacularly, experience different emotions, as such, both of them were content at the moment.

[We finally fulfilled our promise from back then]

Takaki said,

[Yeah, I'm really glad, we get to watch the cherry blossom this year]

Akari said, 

[So.. how has your life been? when did you come back to Tokyo?]

Takaki asked, curious to see how things went for Akari after all this time.

[I moved back here a very long time ago, I was about 26, I came here to live with my husband, who was my fiancé at the time]

Akari said, as she glanced at the ring on her finger that had been wrapped around her for a large majority of her life.

[He must be a great person, I would love to meet him]

Takaki said,

[Unfortunately, you can't, he passed away 5 years ago]

Akari said,

[I'm sorry]

Takaki said,

Akari shook her head,

[You don't need to be, we both lived a very fulfilling lives, while he may be gone now, our time together was very long, and we were happy together throughout all of it, I met him at work, he was a very generous and kind man, he was very supportive and patient on me, he even don't mind whenever I bring up my childhood crush to him]

Akari said,

[Really? Then, I'm very glad you met him]

Takaki said,

Akari sat in content for a while, remember her memories with her late husband, before her own curiosities sprung up,

[So.. how about you? Did you find someone yourself? How did you end up back in Tokyo?]

Akari asked those questions expecting a bit of an anxious air from a potentially difficult question. She knew for sure that she had somewhat managed to move on, but she didn't know for sure if Takaki had done the same, but, he had no sight of visible grief, instead, Takaki just smiles,

[It took a bit of time and I'm glad I didn't rush everything]

Takaki said, while he proudly showed off his own ring, one that had been stuck on his finger for a long time.

The sight of that and his words seemed to lift a weight in Akari's chest, one she had unknowingly been carrying for all these years. The confirmation that he had move on, the mere sight of the made her chest seem lighter, a satisfying sense of relief that she needed, finally rushing over her.

[Oh that's wonderful, who's the luck girl?]

Akari asked,

Takaki closed his eyes and reminisced as he looked back on everything he had done,

[Her name is Kanae, I actually met her in middle school at Tanegashima, but back then, I didn't really notice her very much, at first, I couldn't really bring myself to reciprocate her feelings for me]

Takaki said,

Akari nodded slowly, she knew that feeling, after all, she went through the same thing for the majority of her middle and high school as well,

[I understand what you mean, so, how did she end up winning your heart?]

Akari asked,

[It took a long time, I had moved back to Tokyo when I was about 20, and back then I felt lost with my life, I know now that during that time, you seemed to have been really happy, but on my end, well, I couldn't say the same]

Takaki said,

Akari felt a small pang of guilt in her chest, had she been younger, she would've felt it much harder, but now she merely able to accept it as unfortunate events gone to pass.

Takaki is a human, so as she, but just because she had move on from their separation at the time, didn't necessarily mean Takaki would've as well. However, he seemed so content now, that she could assume that despite this past, Takaki had been fine since, so being respectful, she continued listening to his story,

[My early to mid 20's were kind of a stagnant year for me, I move back to Tokyo in hopes of finding solace in my past, but it never came, I tried various jobs and ended up quitting them all, I walled myself off from others, and could never find any satisfaction in anything, I hurt so many people, trying to find what I lost, knowing well that I could never find it]

Takaki said, as he breathed in, recalling the painful memories in his past,

hearing this, Akari, was about to cry, it's like she felt the pain, Takaki felt that time,

[Well, I was wrong, Kanae found me, somehow that girl did something amazing, she fly all the way over from Tanegashima to Tokyo with no guide or reference, and she succeeded, Amazing isn't it?]

Takaki proudly said,

after hearing that, Akari wiped her small tears and felt relieved,

[Yes, that's one remarkable lady, to close so much distance on her own is truly amazing],

Akari cheerfully said, hiding her own regret,

Akari thought that, she and Kanae got separated from Takaki, but despite the distance from each other, Kanae persisted, had she do the same....,

[Right? That day, I felt like I was reborn, eventually, I found myself falling for her. I moved back to Tanegashima with her, we got married, and we've had the most wonderful lives together]

Takaki said,

[I'm really glad to hear that]

Akari said,

[Also, I kinda fulfill my childhood dream to become a space pilot, just like you said, though, not really as a space pilot, but a programmer for the space exploration program, My wife also chase her dreams and became a professional surfer]

Takaki enthusiastically said,

Akari looked at Takaki, she remembers the time when Takaki said his dreams to her with sparkles in his eyes, she smiled, knowing he managed to achieve his childhood dream,

[See? I told you, you could do it, you should be proud of yourself]

Akari said,

[I am...., thank you, for the encouragement you gave me back then, speaking of things I'm proud of, I'm also proud of our kids, they made every trouble and difficulty in life, all worth it in the end]

Takaki said,

[Oh, you had kids?]

Akari said,

[Yeah, three]

Takaki said,

[Three?]

Akari said,

[Indeed, two beautiful daughters and a stunning son, I love them all dearly]

Takaki proudly said,

[That's amazing, and here I thought I had enough trouble raising one child, how did you handle it?]

Akari said,

Takaki leaned back as he remembered his days of raising his kids, and smiled fondly on them,

[Kanae is the real team player, she's like a super mother, always doing her best and caring for everyone in the family. She had a genius strategy to turn everything into a game, so the kids actually liked doing chores with her, she made it seem so fun and rewarding]

Takaki said,

Akari smiled and let a small laugh,

[From the was you describe it, it seems you had far more exciting life than me, I'm really happy for you Takaki]

Akari said, while looking at Takaki,

Indeed, she was truly glad for him. She felt gratitude to Kanae for giving him such happiness, merely from what Takaki described of her, she sounded like such an amazing girl.

A brief silence, recognizing the fact that they had changed so much.

There were words in their mind that were left unspoken but both were equally aware of what the other was thinking,

Both are hesitating, despite how close they used to be with each other, their bond had thinned so much,

[Yeah it was exciting for sure, but still, there was one thing missing]

Takaki said,

Akari knew where he was going, both of them realized that this topic is inevitable,

[I know what you mean Takaki]

Akari said,

She looked to the distance, wondering about the past again, before she continued,

[We really did live out most of our lives without each other, didn't we?]

Akari said,

Takaki let out a pained sigh,

[Yeah, I guess we did]

Takaki said,

They were once so close, yet now, they felt almost like strangers to each other, then Akari solemnly brought the topic up,

[You ever sometimes wonder, how things would've been if we somehow managed to stay together?]

Akari said,

A silence settled, as she waits for a reply,

Takaki responded eventually,

[Occasionally, When I was still a in my teens and young adult years, I would always think about it actually, but now, it only comes up once in a while]

Takaki said,

Akari reminisced her own side slowly,

[Yeah, same goes for me. It used to bother me daily, but nowadays, the thought seldom comes up]

Akari said,

[and even though you know you're truly happy, it becomes a big bother at that one moment right?]

Takaki added,

Akari looked at him with a surprised expression, before melting into a gentle smile,

[We really are so similar to each other, aren't we?]

Akari said,

[Yeah, I guess, even after all these years, we still think the same way]

Takaki said,

That fact, brought warmth and solace to their hearts, that even after so long, they were still the same people they were in the past, deep down. After so much time, while their bodies aged and their minds become more experienced, the pure, genuine souls they had since childhood would never change.

[Did you know, the moment I finally started to move on from my past, it was at the train crossing we used to walk across all the time]
Takaki said,

A vague moment, most people would hardly be able to pinpoint which one, let alone remember the details, yet Akari, instinctively knew exactly what he was talking about,

[At the train crossing? so it was you back then?]

Akari said,

she seemed unsure, but Takaki had always sensed that it was her, it was a strong instinct he just had at the time,

[Back then I waited for the train to pass, hoping to see if it was you, when the train went by, you're already gone]

Takaki said,

Akari calmly remembered the scene, it was similarly vivid in her mind as well for some reason,

[You're wondering why didn't I wait? I think it was for a couple of reasons, I was busy arranging the wedding, I also had groceries to buy forthat day, but most of all, I guess, back then, I was worried, I felt that I had recently already moved on from my past with you, and properly started my life with Yuichi, I didn't want those feelings to resurface back then, and I wanted to give my husband mu full devotion]

Akari said,

Akari sighed with audible regret in her voice,

[I'm sorry, when I think back to it now, I feel like, I should've waited for the train to past back then, just to see you again]

Akari said,

Takaki laughed, catching her off guard,

[It's fine, honestly, that day, while somewhat painful, helped me a lot, I guess there was some subconscious feeling that had me continue to cling to the little hope, that we could magically be together after everything, and it was keeping me from being my normal self, also before that time, I also worried that you weren't doing well like me that time, but you leaving the crossing, let me know that you were both fine and happy with your life, so as a result, I could move on as well]

Takaki said, while smiling,

Akari started to cry,

[Don't get me wrong, I would've loved to see you back then, but you leaving, helped me go back to who I was before]

Takaki added, while comforting Akari,

Akari contemplated on the reveal of what happened for a while, before finally feeling at ease, slowly but surely, all of her final regrets were finally being resolved.

[You know]

Takaki continued,

[Even though things didn't turn out the way we wanted back then, I'm not too sad about it]

Takaki said,

[You aren't?]

Akari said, while wiping her tears,

[Nope, not anymore, I remember that I used to constantly be put down by my past and losing contact with you, but now, I look back on my life and I can't help but feel proud that I'd grown so much, and I'm sure you have too]

Takaki said,

Akari looked back on everything, finding herself to agree with him on that.

[You're right, even though we never end up together, we are both satisfied with our life]

Akari said, while the little boy runs towards her,

[Look at my grandchild, isn't he adorable?]

Akari said, while pinching the cheeks of the little boy,

[Sure he is, I bet they would get along with my grandchildren]

Takaki said,

They both realized that indeed, it was only after they both lived their lives to essential completion, that they were finally able to reunite, to see each other again, at the very end.

[If you have time, you can both come to my place, my grandchildren will be there anytime now, I'll also introduce you to my wife]

Takaki said, while standing up,

[Are you sure we're not a bother?]

Akari asked,

[Not at all, In fact, I would like my grandchildren to have a new friend]

Takaki said,

Akari nodded,

while walking, Takaki looked around, appreciating the pink scenery and bright sun, as the nostalgic streets continued to surround them, almost as if the scenery was welcoming them once again,

[Akari, you know, even after all this time, while I truly am happy with everything, I can't say I was fully satisfied quite yet, not until today]

Takaki said, while the three of them walk together,

[Yeah, we finally had our closure]

Akari said, while smiling.

Infront of Takaki's house, Akari felt a little nervous, but she steeled herself and enters the door, a beautiful old lady warmly welcomes her,

[Kanae, this is Akari]

Takaki said to Kanae,

[Akari, this is my wife, Kanae]

Takaki said to Akari,

[So you're the one]

Kanae said, while smiling,

[I'm really thankful to you, for making Takaki happy]

Akari said, while bowing,

the children already started to play with each other, they got along well,

the three elderly sat together on the sofa couch and talk to each other about different kinds of stuff, at that moment, there was no awkwardness, the three of them were like a child again, talking to each other's passion.

The three elderly, continued to talk to each other, enjoying each other's company, Kanae suddenly brought up,

[Akari-san, do you believe in reincarnation or the parallel world?]

Kanae asked to Akari,

Takaki looks shocked,

[There's no scientific proof on them, why?]

Akari said,

[I live my life to the fullest, I marry someone who I truly love, I'm really happy, and I can feel Takaki's love on me is really genuine]

Kanae said,

both Takaki and Akari looked at Kanae,

[Takaki always talks to me about, science, theories and stuff, I'm happy that he can talk to me about what his passion is, and I too began to develop curiosity on some of the theories, he talked about]

Kanae said, while smiling,

[But sometimes you know, I can't help but to wonder, what would've happen if you got together, either by reincarnation, or a parallel world, where you two got together]

Kanae said,

[I can't help to think about it, I got married to my first and only love, I'm really happy about it, both of you are each other's first love, it just makes me wonder]

Kanae said,

[No matter what happens, you're still my greatest love Kanae]

Takaki said, while hugging Kanae,

[Kanae-san, We finally resolved our regrets, We're both happy on how we lived our life, I'm really happy that you were the one who found him when he's lost]

Akari said to Kanae,

Kanae then started crying, both Takaki and Akari comforts Kanae,

the three of them shared their own moments, then the children started to running towards them, the three of them happily played with the children.

 

 

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AUTHOR's THOUGHTS:

If Takaki managed to give that letter to Akari, when they were about to meet, or had Takaki confess to Akari, before the train door closes, I think Akari, would've waited for Takaki. During their middle school, they still continued to exchange letters, by that time, both could actually exchange address and mail each other, then after both graduate from high school, they could've arrange to meet each other through mail, and have a happy ending.

But yeah, they might both get happy ending, but Kanae, would suffer the most, so while I'm rooting for Akari x Takaki, I'm also glad, that Kanae have a happy ending (assuming from the last panel of the manga), she deserves to be happy, just wished Akari and Takaki had some sort of closure, where they both met each other, after both got married (Takaki married to Kanae), and finally talk to each other about the past, have a closure on their regrets, and then both their family will become good friends, while the author could explore into, making both Akari and Takaki's kids fall to each other and actually ended up together, so we could have at least a satisfying ending, not through Akari and Takaki, but on their child, a win win I must say, Kanae is happy with Takaki and Takaki is happy with Kanae, Akari is happy with Yuichi, at least through their child, kinda like ended up together, well that's just another of my imagination.

Now for those who are wondering who do I ship? to be honest, I'm rooting for both (Akari x Takaki, Kanae x Takaki), if only the setting is isekai or fantasy, we could have a harem ending, but yeah it's really realistic, so if I ever have to choose one, I would go for, Kanae x Takaki, I mean, Akari already move on (though stated that she still talks about her first love which is Takaki to her husband), like Takaki, Kanae never move on, for everyone to have happy ending (except for the guy who's courting Kanae) Kanae x Takaki should happen.

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