Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop

Cherry is a reserved young boy who struggles to express himself through ordinary conversation, choosing instead to communicate his observations of the world exclusively through haiku. During a warm summer in a rural Japanese city, he crosses paths with Smile, a striking girl who constantly wears a face mask to conceal her prominent, braces-covered front teeth. Despite their contrasting insecurities, the two quickly form a gentle bond as the summer breeze carries them closer together within the bustling corridors of a local shopping mall. Their quiet connection deepens when they encounter Old Man Fujiyama, a once-renowned haiku master whose memory has begun to fade. He confides in them about a specific vinyl record he desperately seeks, believing that hearing its music one last time will unlock a precious memory he cannot bear to lose. Moved by his plea, Cherry and Smile embark on a heartfelt quest to locate the missing record before his recollections vanish completely. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the shopping center, this tender story captures the fleeting magic of a single summer, where unspoken feelings and forgotten melodies slowly rise to the surface.