[Myojo Mar 02’] Love Novels by Arashi: #5 Jun
I do not provide scans. The thumbnail is merely for reference purposes. Credits watermarked. PLEASE DO NOT repost without permission.
The Promise by JUN MATSUMOTO
A man visiting an jewellery shop alone requires quite some courage. No, rather than courage, you could say it’s determination. It will be her birthday soon, her 2nd birthday since we were together, that day I decided to give her a ring as her birthday present…
It was a book which brought us together. I happen to learn about Matsumoto Seicho’s novel “Nihon no Kuroi Kiri” while watching a late night program on TV, so I decided to buy it. That day, I was looking for this book on the shelf at the bookstore, “ah, found it!”
Two hands touched the same book, mine, and hers. I bet she saw the same program as I did. “You can have it” “No, please take it”… just like that, giving up the book for the other person’s sake, somehow, we ended up talking about the kind of books we like. It’s uncomfortable chatting while standing, so we went for tea… And then, by the time we realize it, we have started seeing each other.
As time went by after we started dating, we gradually learn more about each other. First, it’s her name - Junko. Because she shares the same “Jun” in my name, I am somewhat moved by it. Then, it’s that family restaurant I usually go to, apparently she has worked there part-time before. In fact, she has taken my order (tenderloin steak) which left an impression on her. Speaking of which… there was a girl who caught my attention among the staff at that family restaurant. Whenever she’s not around, I felt a bit lonely.
Now because her hairstyle changed, and she’s not wearing the uniform from that family restaurant, I couldn’t recognise her at first glance. But she is the exact girl who caught my attention!! And, I came to know that we both like similar genres of books. I also got to know that although she appears to be weak and gentle, she’s actually quite stubborn. And, I realized that knowing these things gave me a lot of strength.
Our first date was at Odaiba. Sitting in a cable car, she said: “it makes me happy being with you”. We have quarrelled before, but I always remember these words she said. Yes indeed, it makes me happy when we are together.
In this arena called life, I am running along with many people. Some are running before me, some are running with me but the gap has gradually increased. My destiny is the one who runs alongside with me at the same speed. This is what I think, and I wonder if she’s the one…
For her birthday, I chose a silver ring of a simple design. It will fit right in the middle finger of her left hand. And I plan to put this letter together with the gift.
“Happy birthday. Do you know why wedding rings are to be worn on the fourth finger on the left hand? That is because that finger is linked directly to the heart. One day I will give you a ring to put on your fourth finger, please wait for me, we’ll be together always, it’s a promise!”