Mata Ashita

"See you later," I wave goodbye
Forcing a smile, feeling lonely inside

Riding my bike up the steep hill
Gossiping about someone at the convenience store
Traffic lights in the distance, casting shadows
Hearing laughter from strangers I don't know

Today I walk alone on this familiar street
But somehow it feels different, you see
I feel a little smaller than usual, honestly

"See you later," I wave goodbye
Putting on a smile, feeling lonely inside
I really want to talk more, but
"See you later," I say, pretending
Lying that we'll meet again, you know
With my usual smile, I say it
See you tomorrow

I pretend I'm okay being alone
But deep down, I'm not that strong, you know

The same old scenery, the same old town
Nothing should have changed, but somehow
I feel like I'm the only one who's small

Instead of saying, "See you later,"
I should've said, "Just a little longer,"
I wanted you to notice, I was hoping you'd see
But with the words, "See you later,"
I lie to myself once more
Hiding these feelings with my usual smile

"See you later," I wave goodbye
Forcing a smile, feeling lonely inside
I really want to talk more, but
Even the words, "See you later,"
Are too close yet so far away
Let me say it just one more time, like always
See you tomorrow.