Chapter 1

The warm air brushed against my face causing an unconsious sigh to escape my lungs. it's another Summer. The summer of my first tear in University. For most of my life, this was my favorite season. I had so many things I loved about it. The butterflies that flew gracefully through the air, the cool water that refreshed me, the green lush grass that felt wonderful under my feet, the festivals that excited everyone... but most of all... him...

His face entered into my mind causing my heart to tighten. His white hair blowing in the night wind als I raced towards his glowing body.

I love you. His voice is still clear in my mind. I can still feel the warmth that was in my arms before he disappeared. My Gin... The only person i ever loved... Not a spirit and not a human... but the most precious person to me.

When I graduate, I'm going to get a job here... so that way i can be with you in the autumn, winter and spring... always... forever...

That was my plan... i wanted to move to Kyushu, buy a house near the forest... have a life with the one I love, but nowadays it's so hard for me to even think about going there... To be honest, I haven't been there since that Summer... Years Ago.

Gin...

I walked into my parent's house, my mind in a blur as i fought with the memories of what used to be. i had told myself that I will look forward in the future, that I would be able to smile and be happy again... But i feel incomplete... alone without him.

"is he okay?" Mother's concerned voice caught my dazed attention. I followed the sound and entered into the kitchen where she stood holding her phone tightly to her face. Her face was shaded paler than her usual color, her hand shaking ever so slightly.

"Yes... Yes... We will be on our way... Yes... Yes... Thank for informing me." Mother hung up the phone and let out a deep shaky breath.

"What is it?"

"Your uncle has become very ill. he is in the hospital... Go and pack your things. We are going to Kyushu." My heart sunk whenever Mother told me the news, even more so when she said we are going back there.

"I-I.."

"Don't try to get out of this one, Hotaru. I don't know what happened a few summers back, but this is not the time to abandon your uncle... You're Uncle Inn is already having enough trouble as it is. He needs our help." I stopped what I was going to say and nodded my head. It's true. Losing Gin was years ago... and uncle needs us now more than ever.

"...I'll go pack my things." my chest hurt as i walked into my room and began to pack my belongings. I reached underneath my bed to grab my travel bag. As i did, i could feel the edges of a bos directly beside it. My breath caught in my throat as I pulled out the dark black box. A layer of dust covered the top showing the amount of time it has been in solitude. Opening it ever so slowly, i could see the outline of the mask.. Gin's mask. It still looked exactly how it looked for all of those years. My hand founds its way to caressing the smooth surface of its cheek. Picking it up, I placed it against my lips. the same spot that he had kissed that Summer. I now sat kissing that same place years later... Wishing that it could be him.

"I love you...Gin" my voice softly whispered, my forehead against the forehead of the mask. i could feel the burning of the tears that were slowly making their way out of my etes and down my face. "I'm going back... I'm going back to Kyushu... Back near the forest of the mountain god... I'm going back"

The rears would not stop rolling down my face as i clutched his mask to my heart.

I miss you so much...!

"Next stop Kumamoto. Next stop Kumamoto." The announcer's voice filled the bullet train as i stared out the window. My bag laid in my lap as I softly clutched it for some amount of strength. Even without the announcements, I would know where we are. This place that used to excite me so much... that used to be the highlight of my years. the train grinded to a halt as a few people began exiting it.

"Hotaru... Hotaru, this is our exit." mother told me as i stood from my seat and exited the train. it wasn't long before we were at the inn. The sun was setting in the sky as birds continued to sing their melodies. I stared off unconsciously in the direction of the forest.

"We will visit your uncle tomorrow. for now, let's get some rest." Mother told me to which I merely nodeed. I walked back into my old room and dropped my bags to the floor. The moment i was alone, all of my pent up sadness overflowed from me. I dropped to my knees and allowed myself to cry as the memories haunted me. Those sweet precious memories... Haunt me.

"Gin..." I allowed myself to whisper his name as another round of sobs rocked my body. "I can never... forget you."

That night I cried myself to sleep.