"Oh, what's this?"
I find a small dusty box, hidden in my closet.
It feels familiar—like something I've been waiting to find.
I open it.
Several photos are inside. Most look lively.
There are some old notes as well.
"Oh, no way... it's that, um, what was it called again?"
I thought.
A time capsule? I think that's what it's called.
Each photo unlocks a memory in me.
One full of laughter—
"So ridiculous, everyone falling after one tripped while we played tug of war."
One full of silly tears—
"Ahh..."
I took a moment to breathe.
Reminiscing.
"Me crying," I laughed.
"Because of how annoyed I was with—"
One full of bantering with my friends—
"Oh! This one. Flexing my own phone when everyone else had to borrow from their parents."
And... huh?
This photo. With a note attached to it.
"Me, and... my childhood bully?"
I stayed silent.
Just... confusion.
This really got me remembering.
With her.
"I wonder what's this about—her hugging me from behind." I chuckled after.
"I look ridiculous. Was I really that annoyed with her?"
A sudden realizati—no.
I've always known this.
The corners of my lips rise slightly.
"...I wonder where she is now."
I check the folded note taped behind the photo.
Carefully removing it.
As if I'm handling a delicate flower.
I open it and—
Ring! Ring! Ring!
"Ah, really? Now?"
Annoyed, I put the note back inside the box.
"Eh, I'll read it later."
...
"Yo." He said.
"What's up?"
"Ah, well—remember our huge friend group back then?"
"Uh... back in elementary?"
"Yeah, yeah—so, I'm planning a reunion."
"Again with this?"
"Dude, trust me."
I thought for a moment.
"...Sure—I'll come."
"Damn, took you long enough to decide."
"Well, I was reminiscing our past and stuff."
I paused for a moment.
"The time capsule—y'know?"
"Time capsule... Ohhh!"
"Found it in my closet. Got curious and opened it."
"Then, you read her note yet?"
"Whose note?"
"You know."
"...Who?"
"The girl you find so annoying." He laughed.
"Ahh..."
"But dude, you always—"
I immediately hung up.
...
Opening my closet again. Clothes fill it.
I take the box out again.
Now I'm really wondering what the note was.
I wonder, is this note for me?
I open the note once again.
This time, no distractions.
My heart starts racing. For whatever reason.
What's wrong with myself...
"Hey, snarky loser!—"
Ugh.
Even now, that still irritates me. I can imagine her voice.
After the first line, I knew I didn't want to keep reading.
Always so full of insults.
—But, something caught my eye.
Something that always makes me so confused.
The words I hated the most.
I laughed.
"I really hate you..."
I stop.
The room feels... quieter.
"...Akane."
I read it again.