The movie theater wasn't far from the station.
As we approached the entrance, more people came into view.
Some were standing in line.
Others were talking while holding snacks and drinks.
Kira looked around quietly.
"...There are more people than I expected."
"...Yeah."
We bought our tickets and headed inside.
The smell of popcorn filled the air.
A few minutes later, we found our seats.
The lights slowly dimmed.
And the movie began.
For a while, neither of us said anything.
The screen lit up the dark theater as the story unfolded.
Every now and then, I could hear Kira laugh quietly at something.
For some reason—
I found myself paying more attention to her reactions than the movie itself.
Time passed.
The movie became quieter.
Sadder.
The characters on the screen were saying goodbye.
The entire theater fell silent.
I glanced beside me.
Kira's eyes remained fixed on the screen.
For a moment—
I thought I saw her wipe away a tear.
But she quickly looked away.
"...Don't say anything."
"...I wasn't going to."
"Good."
A small smile appeared on her face.
Then she turned back toward the screen.
The movie continued.
A few minutes later—
I felt something gently rest against my shoulder.
I froze.
Slowly, I turned my head.
Kira's eyes were closed.
...Did she fall asleep?
I stared for a moment before looking back toward the screen.
The movie continued.
But I couldn't focus on it anymore
Kira....
I saw it from the very beginning.
I just pretended not to.
I even pretended to fall asleep because I didn't want him to see how terrible I looked.
That's why I try not to recognize it.
Because if I do
then I have to accept it.
But even if I pretend...
it still doesn't change anything.
That's why I always smile.
Because if I stop smiling—
I think I'll cry.
So just for a little longer...
can we stay like this?
Just a few more minutes.
Like it's only us.
If this is the last time—
then I want to make it enough to remember.
Very quietly now...
I think I can finally accept it.
I already lost.
So...
it's okay if I cry now.
Right?
Because no matter how much I wished for it...
This was never going to end the way I hoped it would.
END OF CHAPTER 17