散文 | 日英翻譯 | The Guy with Shorts in Winter

When winter came, I thought of that guy.

I sway on the train and walk to work as usual. Well-suited salary men hurry through the commercial buildings in front of the station. Autumn is coming to an end, and it is easy to spot people wearing coats.

When winter came, they would wrap themselves up with scarves and gloves to the freezing breeze. People’s outfit changes from season to season. That is a matter of course.

However, that guy is different—I recall the past.

That guy is always in shorts. Despite the cold winter, despite the piled-up snow, he is ever thus.

I respect that guy. Do you know why? His sight is warm. Although we had never chatted, I feel a reverence bond between us.

Unfortunately, we cannot wear shorts as our uniform in high school, so he cut the uniform short. After such an outrageous act, he was dropped out of school. But soon after, I was also kicked out, so I have no idea of the story after that.

I wonder how he is doing now—I shrug my shoulder in the bise.

Out in the crowd, an unusual man caught my eye. I can’t help but stop my steps. Pedestrians avoided me in confusion—and he noticed me. We didn’t chat, but our eyes met, just the same as in high school.

Below the suit and tie, he is wearing shorts. Probably custom-designed. The suit and shorts were of the same texture, contributing to an incredible sense of unity. But as time passed by, his exposed leg hair seemed different.

I bet he feels the same. He bowed with a smile and left.

I see. He is still following his faith—I hold back my tears and step away. Chest hair from my custom-designed tank top flutters in the wind.

In winter, he is wearing shorts while I am wearing a tank top.

If we carry through to the end, our bond will never be cut apart.