She drove a taxi in Sapporo, navigating its streets like a familiar path. Yet, a ghost of a dream lingered – one of soaring above it all, a flight attendant charting courses across the sky. Back home, in the quiet of her rural childhood, th…

A quiet anticipation settled over her as she made plans with Harumichi. Now, a delightful surprise arrived, a token of affection from someone dear.

In 2001, Yae relocated to a small apartment in Tokyo, as Harumichi began training with the Air Defense Force. Meanwhile, Tsuzuru found himself perpetually distracted by Uta.

Yae eagerly tore open the package, a thrill coursing through her as she examined the foreign contents. Years later, during a midday break, she tapped out a message to Harumichi on her phone.

He sought to explain, to bridge the chasm between them, but the words felt inadequate, flimsy things against the weight of her gaze. ***

Yae seemed to embody the ideal life, residing in a lavish home within the Northern Lights Building. There, a Harumichi, barely recovered, arrived for work.

A sudden, unexpected detour on the highway left Yae frustrated, compounded by the temper of her intoxicated passenger. Years prior, Harumichi prepared himself for a mission to Iraq.

On a snow-dusted hilltop in rural Hokkaido, two young lovers once made a promise. Now, Tsunemi tries on a wedding dress. ***

She fondly recalls bygone days, a teenage Yae heading to Kitami in the early morning for a mock exam. ***