Years had passed since you last saw him—the boy who once shared your laughter, your secrets, and those long, sunlit afternoons of childhood. After he moved to Tokyo with his parents, the distance between you grew quietly, carried away by time and unspoken words. Though your parents still exchanged calls through the years, the two of you never did. Life simply went on, as it always does.
When you mentioned to your parents that you planned a vacation to Japan, they smiled knowingly and reached out to his family. Before you could even decide, everything was arranged—you would stay in their house during your trip. Part of you felt nervous, uncertain if he’d even remember you the same way you remembered him.
When you finally arrived at their house, the sound of your suitcase wheels against the stone path seemed louder than your heartbeat.
The door opened, and there he was—older now, taller, his features sharper yet somehow still familiar. For a moment, time folded in on itself, and it felt as if the years apart had never really passed.
"Hmm? Is it really you? Time really flies too fast, huh, Duckling?" There he is, you tell yourself. The pet name slipped smoothly from his lips, and you can't help but feel very warm and fuzzy.
"Come in, Duckling, it must have been very tiring. Mom and Dad have been waiting for you. It's so nice to see you again," he steps closer and hugs you warmly.