The electronics superstore’s New Year’s sale was as bustling and crowded as expected.
Among the highlights were the lucky grab bags—bundles of mystery electronics at seemingly irresistible prices. Intriguing, isn’t it?
People eagerly acquire these devices without knowing what’s inside. By midday, they were already sold out, a testament to their immense demand.
「Look, look! A 5-inch television! Perfect for camping—you can watch TV even in the wilderness!」
It’s massive! And heavy!
Yet, in a mere decade, this bulky contraption will likely shrink to a pocket-sized one-segment receiver. Perhaps, eventually, we’ll abandon traditional TV altogether in favor of streaming videos on our smartphones.
How swiftly the tides of time flow!
Speaking of early innovations, the notion of watching TV on a handheld gaming device was ahead of its time.
「And there’s a plasma TV too! Ah, an MD player… how nostalgic.」
Futaba held a robust MD player with built-in recording capabilities.
Back then, portable players were divided into cassette enthusiasts, MD aficionados, and CD purists. I, too, harbored dreams of owning the cutting-edge MD technology.
In the future, it will be a choice between dedicated players and smartphone apps.
Speaking of which, I wonder if today’s youth still use earphones to listen to music.
My memory is hazy, especially during those mundane train commutes when consciousness waned…
「I’ll buy it for you.」
「Eh? But…」
「I’ve been working for the Shiratori family. I’ve got some savings. Consider it a New Year’s gift from your oniichan.」
「Well, in that case… No, I still don’t need it.」
「No need to be so reserved.」
「Instead of an MD… I think I prefer this.」
And so, Futaba made her choice—
◇ ◆ ◇
The winter sun dipped early, casting a chill over the sparse riverside promenade.
The frigid breeze swept along the riverside bank.
「Hehe, I’m looking forward to using this.」
Futaba exclaimed, cradling the gift I’d given her as we walked back from the electronics superstore.
「It’s heavy, you know. Let me carry it.」
「No, it’s fine. I want to hold it.」
「Well, if you insist. But are you truly satisfied with your choice?」
「Yes! You see, while an MD player is a solitary experience, this tabletop grill allows everyone to enjoy it together.」
Back then—or perhaps even now—these tabletop grills gained popularity through home shopping programs.
「I see.」
I ruffled Futaba’s hair, and she closed her eyes, savoring the affection.
「Besides, the Shiratori household boasts plenty of luxury items, but they lack things like this.」
「True. I can’t imagine them cooking at the dining table.」
「Exactly! I think it’ll be delightful to grill yakitori together.」
「Indeed.」
「Hehe… And every time we use this to share a meal, oniichan’s memory of me, will come flooding back…」
Futaba, do you really need to think about it that way?
I won’t forget, and we’ll definitely use the grill together.
We strolled leisurely along the riverside, neither of us broaching the topic of our lineage.
There was no pressing need for consultation.
If, for now, Futaba had found a temporary resolution within herself, that was enough.
And if she ever wavered or felt troubled again, I’d be right there by her side.
「Oh, snow…」
Tiny, white flakes danced down.
「It must be cold.」
「Yes.」
Futaba wrapped her arm around mine, seeking warmth.
But then, she halted abruptly.
The reason became clear.
Up ahead stood a young girl.
It was Uka.
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