At the end of summer, Riku returned to his hometown. A year had passed since he started his university life in Tokyo, and he was filled with excitement about coming back. He was especially looking forward to reuniting with his childhood friend, Kenta.
"Hey, Riku! Long time no see!" Kenta's voice called out. Riku turned around to see Kenta waving with his usual smile, but something felt off.
The two of them sat down by the riverside, each holding a can of coffee. It was their favorite spot since they were kids.
"So, how's university life in Tokyo?" Kenta asked.
"Well, it's been quite an experience. I've encountered new ways of thinking, and it feels like my world has broadened," Riku began to speak excitedly. He talked about the value of diversity he learned in his philosophy class, the interesting aspects of different cultures he discovered through interactions with international students, and the social issues he became aware of through volunteer work.
However, the more Riku talked, the more he noticed Kenta's expression clouding over.
"Yeah... I see," Kenta replied curtly.
"What about you, Kenta? How's work going?"
"Well, it's the same as always here," Kenta responded.
The conversation didn't flow. They used to be able to talk for hours.
"Hey, Kenta, there are various issues in this town too. Maybe we can do something about them," Riku suggested boldly.
Kenta suddenly raised his voice. "What are you talking about? What do you know about this town? You've only been in Tokyo for a year, and now you think you know everything..."
Riku was taken aback. "That's not what I meant..."
"It's fine. You go your own way. We'll manage here," Kenta said, standing up and turning his back.
"Kenta..." Riku called out. Kenta paused for a moment but walked away without looking back.
Left alone by the riverside, Riku watched Kenta's retreating figure and thought. The more his world expanded, the more the distance between him and those he cared about seemed to grow. But was this what growth meant?
Riku looked up at the sky. The dusk sky was painted orange, yet it seemed somewhat lonely.
"Surely, I can build a bridge," Riku murmured. He was determined to find a way to reconcile with Kenta. That would prove the true value of his broadened world.
Riku stood up and slowly headed home. In his mind, the conversation with Kenta replayed over and over. He knew he would reflect on this conversation many times in the future, and each time, he would gain new insights.
