Chapter 4

(2 years later)

Date Makoto stood at the podium, his heart pounding in his chest. The eyes of his classmates and teachers were fixed upon him, but his mind was elsewhere. For the past two years, he had poured his heart and soul into excelling academically, determined to prove his worth. But now, as he prepared to deliver his valedictorian speech, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness.

His mind wandered back to the day when he had discovered Leah’s infidelity. It had shattered his world, leaving him broken and betrayed. What had hurt more was the fact that his closest friends had sided with Leah, turning their backs on him. Their support for her had cut deep, adding salt to his wounds.

Determined to erase the memories of that painful chapter in his life, Date had made a life-altering decision. He decided to enlist in the army, viewing it as a path to redemption and a chance to prove his mettle. The thought of leaving everything behind and embarking on a new journey filled him with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

As Date took a deep breath, he adjusted the microphone and began his speech. He spoke about the transformative years spent at the school, the friendships forged, and the countless memories created. As he spoke, his voice grew stronger, carrying a newfound confidence that even surprised himself.

His classmates listened intently, unaware of the tumultuous journey Date had experienced. They applauded him, unaware of the personal battles he had fought within himself to reach this moment. But deep down, Date knew this was just the beginning.

After the ceremony ended, Date discreetly slipped away from the crowd. He had decided to leave without saying any goodbyes. It wasn’t out of bitterness or anger, but rather a need for closure and a fresh start. He wanted to forge a new path for himself, away from the comfort and familiarity of his hometown.

On the eve of his departure, Date knelt by his bed, clutching a photo of his graduating class. He traced his finger over the faces, reminiscing about the bond they had once shared. Thoughts of Leah drifted through his mind, even though he wished they wouldn’t. He hoped that one day, forgiveness would replace the bitterness he felt towards her.

With a heavy heart, Date woke up early the next morning and left his childhood home unnoticed. He gazed one last time at the place that had witnessed his joys and sorrows, the place where he had grown. Determined and resolute, he took one step forward, embarking on a journey that would test his body, mind, and spirit.

On a sunny morning in Date’s hometown, news of his sudden departure spread like wildfire. The town buzzed with whispers and speculations, as everyone wondered why Date Makoto had left without saying goodbye. His absence left a void in the hearts of his family and friends, but beneath their sadness, a glimmer of hope flickered. They understood that sometimes a fresh start was necessary for one’s well-being.

Date’s two uncles, Theodore and Howard, were particularly affected by his departure. They had been like fathers to Date since his parents passed away, and their bond was unbreakable. As they sat together one evening, reminiscing about their precious memories with him, they couldn’t help but feel a mix of sadness and happiness for their nephew.

Theodore had always been the more emotional one, his expressive nature at odds with his tough exterior. Tears welled up in his eyes as he lamented, “I wish he had just said goodbye. We could have had a final meal together, shared a few laughs.”

Howard, a man of few words, patted his brother on the back and replied, “Sometimes, fresh starts require a clean break. Maybe it was what he needed.”

Their conversation was overheard by Date’s ex-friends and ex-girlfriend, Leah. The guilt she felt consumed her every thought, as memories of their broken relationship and the pain she had caused him tugged at her heartstrings. Determined to make amends, Leah sought out Date’s friends, hoping they shared her remorse.

One by one, they all gathered, driven by the shared guilt that weighed heavy on their shoulders. In an old, abandoned building, they formed a circle, their faces reflecting regret and sorrow. Leah, taking a deep breath, confessed, “We did him wrong. We were selfish and uncaring, but he didn’t deserve that. Let’s find him and ask for forgiveness.”

The group of ex-friends nodded in agreement, acknowledging their shared responsibility for Date’s pain. Their determination propelled them into motion, as they embarked on a journey to find their lost friend.

With each step they took, Leah’s desire to make amends and rekindle their love grew stronger. She couldn’t shake the thought of their unfinished story, wondering if there was a chance for them to forge a better, more mature relationship.

They set off to find their friend to make amends and finally forgiveness for what they’ve done to him.

However, six months later.

Leah couldn't believe it had been six months since she had last seen Date Makoto, the man she deeply loved. Their relationship had ended on a painful note, with betrayal and heartbreak that still haunted her every moment of the day. She had hurt him, cheated on him, and now she longed for his forgiveness.

Leah's friends, who had once been mutual friends with Date, shared her desire to reconnect with him. They had all witnessed the beautiful bond she shared with Date and understood the depth of her remorse. Together, they formed an unyielding determination to find him, to beg for forgiveness, and to rekindle their broken past.

They searched tirelessly, pursuing every lead they came across. They scoured social media, questioned acquaintances, and reached out to old friends. But no matter how hard they looked, Date seemed to have vanished from their lives. He had left no trace behind, leaving Leah and her friends feeling helpless and discouraged.

Leah's heart ached with regret and guilt. She berated herself for her foolish actions, for not appreciating the amazing man she had in her life. She questioned her own worthiness of a second chance but hoped and prayed that God would grant her the opportunity to make things right.

One night, as Leah lay in bed, the weight of her mistakes suffocating her, she prayed with all her might. Tears streamed down her face as she poured out her heart, begging for forgiveness, not only from Date but also from herself.

In the midst of her prayers, a sense of calm washed over her, and she felt a glimmer of hope. She believed that maybe, just maybe, her plea had been heard.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, but still, Date remained elusive. Leah's friends began to lose hope, urging her to move on, but she refused to give up. She knew deep down that she couldn't move forward without making amends.

Time will tell if fate granted her a second chance.