The beautiful pink cherry blossoms have bloomed, adorning Sakurai Sho’s grave like a delicate crown. Standing in contemplation before it, in the serene embrace of Aoyama Cemetery, I find solace amidst the bittersweet memories. The peaceful atmosphere wraps around me like a gentle embrace, as I immerse myself in the solemn yet comforting surroundings. The rustling of leaves creates a melodic backdrop, a symphony of nature paying tribute to the departed souls resting here.
With a cigarette clutched between my fingers, I raise it to my lips, the ember casting a soft, fleeting glow upon my face. As I take a deep drag, the smoke swirls and dances, becoming a transient conduit for my thoughts and emotions. In this serene moment, the past and the present intertwine, and I find myself lost in reflections of love, loss, and the journey that has led me to this poignant juncture.
As I gazed at the gravestone, memories flooded my mind, carrying me back to the time we spent together, the dreams we shared, and the beautiful life we created. My heart aches with the weight of loss, and yet, I feel a sense of determination.
“Sho, my love,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “It’s been years, but I haven’t forgotten. I’ve carried your memory with me, even as I found solace and purpose in Germany.”
I recalled my time in Düsseldorf, the city that became a haven for me. I recounted the fateful encounters with Sho’s best friends — Masaki Aiba and Ninomiya Kazunari — and Nino’s therapist and now boyfriend Matsumoto Jun. Our shared grief and unwavering love for Sho brought us together, forging bonds that transcended time and distance.
“While I was far from Tokyo, I never stopped thinking about you, Sho,” I confessed, clutching the ring on my necklace, the very same ring I was supposed to give to Sho on that fateful day. “Meeting Masaki, Nino, and Jun reminded me of the light you brought into our lives. I wish you could see us. I wish you were here.”
In the midst of my reflections, I was interrupted by the presence of a group of men in sleek suits approaching me. Their stern expressions and formal demeanour raised my curiosity. They started to question my purpose and identity, their enquiries filled with a mix of suspicion and authority.
With calm resolve, I reached into my coat pocket and retrieved a calling card. I handed it to the men, my eyes meeting theirs and observing their facial expressions.
“I am Detective Inspector Ohno Satoshi,” I said, my voice steady. “And I am opening the Sakurai Sho case.”
As the words hung in the air, I left the men standing in quiet astonishment. I walked away from Sho’s grave, the weight of my mission resting heavy on my shoulders. The journey to uncover the truth and bring justice to my beloved lover’s memory has begun. I am ready to embark on this path, guided by love, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to Sho, the man who captured my heart in ways words can barely express.
Waiting In Windenburg 