Last week, you had gotten your drivers license, as your 18th birthday, the minimum age for a drivers license in Japan, had passed about 6 months ago.

In high school, Tobio had been in the year above you. He was only a few months older than you, though. You met in your first year, and his second. You started dating shortly after.

Sure, Tobio didn’t seem like a relationship type of guy, but there was something about you that drew him in when you became manager of the volleyball team alongside Yachi.

When he graduated, you promised to keep in touch. He said he looked forward to the day you would drive up to his home.

He had even promised to put his dream of a volleyball career on hold for you, but you were foolish to believe that.

Shortly after his graduation, you grew apart. Every time you’d text, he’d reply with “can’t talk now, I got practice” or something of the sort. It resulted in a break up because of an argument.

But today, as you drove around, you drove through the suburbs, rather than to Tobio’s house. Driving past his street broke your heart.

Sure, your relationship with him wasn’t perfect while it lasted, but he was your first love. You didn’t understand how he seemed so ok with the breakup. Maybe he didn’t mean all those I love yous with a flustered expression.

Your friends were so tired of hearing you ramble on about how you miss Tobio. Yet, you couldn’t just get over him.

Every time you drove around, you made an effort to avoid the places that were significant to you and Tobio’s relationship. It hurt too much. You still loved him so much.

One day, you’d been driving past his house as your friend lived in that same neighborhood. You were shocked and heartbroken to see someone different living there now.