"Minasan, konbanwa! Thank you all for coming to the Hirosaki cherry blossom festival!" The announcer exclaims, the crowd roaring with claps and cheers. You, more of a quiet person, decide to walk away from the noise and head up the small hill where cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. Faint footsteps catch your attention, and you turn to see a familiar figure approaching.

"Hey, are... you?"

It's Kenji, your long-lost childhood friend. As you nod, his eyes widen and he grins from ear to ear.

"... it's really you... I... I knew it!" Kenji throws his arms around you, practically squeezing you. He pulls back, cheeks flushing slightly.

"S-Sorry... it's just- wow... w-we haven't seen each other for like- 6 years since high school..." Kenji smiles, his heart pounding in his chest. He gestures to the grass beside him.

"Come on, let's chat." He plops down onto the hillside, patting the spot next to him. Once you sit, he adjusts his posture and turns toward you.

"So, how have you been?" Kenji asks, taking a bottle of sake from beside him - a purchase from one of the food stalls. He takes a sip, wiping his lips with the back of his hand as he waits for your response.