The sun had just begun to climb, painting the streets in a faint golden glow. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the distant sound of a passing train.
Tomoe arrived at the station earlier than planned. Her steps were quiet on the platform tiles, and she glanced at the clock. It wasn't even ten yet. She shifted her bag slightly on her shoulder, exhaling softly.
As she turned her head, she spotted Tetsuo walking toward the station entrance at the exact same time.
"You're early," he said calmly, his hands in his pockets.
Tomoe blinked, then let out a soft chuckle. "I didn't expect you to get here before ten."
"I was restless last night," she added, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So I decided to leave a little earlier and just wait for you here. But… I guess we thought the same thing, huh?"
Tetsuo gave a small nod, his expression as steady as always. "Well, since we're here, let's kill some time. There's a new café that opened nearby."
"Sure," Tomoe replied, following his lead.
The café was small and warm, its wooden floors faintly polished. The soft aroma of brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air. A waitress dressed in a maid outfit greeted them at the door with a practiced smile.
"Welcome to our café! Please, take any seat you like and order from the menu," she said, her voice cheerful.
They sat by the window where faint sunlight spilled onto the table.
"Order whatever you want," Tetsuo said, his tone neutral. "It's my treat."
Tomoe scanned the menu briefly, her eyes settling on a picture. "Okay… if that's the case, I'll go for this chocolate sundae. The one with the cherry on top."
The waitress turned toward Tetsuo, pen poised. "And for you, young man?"
"Just water is fine."
She tilted her head slightly. "Nothing else?"
"No."
"Alright," she said with a polite bow. "Coming right up."
When she left, Tomoe looked at Tetsuo with slight concern. "Why didn't you order something? You could have at least tried one of their desserts."
"It's fine. I'm not really a fan of sweets," he replied simply.
A few minutes later, the waitress returned, setting down a tall glass of water in front of Tetsuo and a perfectly prepared sundae in front of Tomoe.
Tomoe clasped her hands lightly. "Time to give it a taste." She scooped a spoonful and took a bite. "Mmm… it's amazing. Actually really good."
A faint smile formed on her lips as she took another spoonful. Tetsuo simply watched in silence, his gaze calm.
After she finished, they stepped back out into the cool late morning. Tetsuo led her through a quieter part of town, where an old library stood tucked between two modern buildings.
When they entered, the faint scent of aged paper and polished wood surrounded them.
"Wow…" Tomoe's eyes widened slightly as she looked around. "I didn't know this place existed."
"Yeah," Tetsuo replied. "I didn't either. I just moved back here recently."
Rows upon rows of books lined the shelves, the afternoon light casting soft shadows on the floor.
"Go ahead," he said. "Read whatever you like. We have plenty of time."
Tomoe nodded with a small smile. "Okay, I'll do just that." She picked out several books, cradling them in her arms before settling into a corner seat.
Two hours passed quietly. The library was silent except for the occasional sound of pages turning. Tomoe seemed absorbed, her expression soft and focused. Tetsuo sat nearby, unreadable, occasionally glancing toward her.
When they finally stepped back outside, the sun had shifted higher, and a mild breeze passed through the street.
"Look," Tomoe said, pointing across the road. "There's a bakery over there. Let's check it out."
Before he could respond, she lightly tugged his sleeve, pulling him toward it.
The bakery smelled of fresh bread and sugar. Behind the counter, Naomi and her mother stood arranging cakes.
"Wow, it's really quiet today," said Naomi, glancing at the empty tables.
"Yeah," Naomi's mother sighed. "Business is so slow lately. It's a shame your friend even came out to help us on her day off."
"Don't worry, Mom. Customers will come," Naomi said, smiling reassuringly. She turned toward Sachiko, who stood by the display case. "Right, Sachiko? We'll sell out in no time."
"Yeah… we will," Sachiko said, adjusting her apron.
Just then, the bakery doorbell rang as the door opened.
Naomi perked up. "See? Told you!"
"Sachiko, you can greet them," Naomi's mother said.
"Got it," Sachiko said, taking a small breath to steady herself. She stepped toward the counter with a practiced smile. "Good afternoon, and welcome to Nakamura Pastries and—"
Her voice caught mid-sentence.
Sitting at a table was Tetsuo. And across from him, a girl.
Sachiko froze, then quickly turned her back before he could fully see her face. She walked back toward Naomi in small, stiff steps.
"Hey, what's wrong? Didn't you take their order?" Naomi asked.
"Just… look," Sachiko whispered, pulling Naomi slightly to peek around the counter.
Naomi leaned to see. "Oh… well, well. Do you know her?"
"No," Sachiko said quietly.
Naomi tilted her head. "Hm. Maybe she's the reason he's been leaving class so quickly. His girlfriend, huh? Not gonna lie, she's cute. Though she's got that same blank expression he does… guess that's his type."
Sachiko felt her face warm. "I… I can't go out there and face him. Not while I'm dressed like this."
From the table, Tetsuo glanced toward the counter. "Hello? Is anyone here?" he called out calmly.
He walked up toward the display case, eyes scanning the cakes. "They must've stepped out for a moment," he murmured. His gaze landed on the cheesecake. "…These look good. Usagi would like this. I'll buy a slice for her."
Naomi smirked at Sachiko. "Come on, you were the one who volunteered to help today. You can't back out now."
"It's not funny, Naomi!" Sachiko whispered harshly, her cheeks still flushed.
"I'm not laughing," Naomi said, stifling a chuckle. "It's just… your face is really cute when you're jealous."
"I'm not jealous!" Sachiko shot back, blushing even more.
"Sure you're not. The guy you like is on a date. Anyone would be jealous. But if you're really not bothered, then there's no reason to hide, right? Go take the order. We can't lose customers."
Sachiko clenched her fists briefly, then let out a small sigh. "…Fine. I'll do it."
She walked back toward the counter, forcing her voice steady. "Good day. Welcome to Nakamura's Pastries and Cakes. What can I get for you today?"
Tetsuo blinked once. "Sachiko. That's a surprise. I didn't know you worked here."
Sachiko shook her head quickly. "No, I'm just helping out. Naomi's mother owns this bakery."
Tomoe looked between them. "Oh? You two know each other?"
"Yes," Tetsuo replied. "She's my classmate. Also the vice president of the student council."
"I see," Tomoe said, nodding. "Well then… could you cut a slice of that cheesecake for me?"
"A slice for me as well," Tetsuo added.
"Understood," Sachiko said, cutting the cake carefully and packaging it before handing it over.
"Thank you for coming. Please stop by again soon," Sachiko said with a polite bow.
"Sure. I'll definitely come again," Tomoe said as she and Tetsuo left.
She ate her cheesecake on a nearby bench, the soft breeze carrying the faint scent of flowers. Afterward, they walked to a bookstore.
"Wow!" Tomoe's eyes lit up as she spotted a display. "It's the next volume of Read Between the Lines! It's such a good detective series, full of mysteries. I didn't get a chance to buy this one yet. I should've brought enough money…"
"I'll buy it for you," Tetsuo said without hesitation.
"Are you sure? It's not a big deal. I can get it next time," she said.
"Think of it as a gift," he replied, taking the book and heading to the cashier.
Tomoe's fingers brushed the cover lightly, a faint smile on her lips. "…Thank you."
From there, they visited a small flower shop, then wandered to the residential park.
As they arrived, a basketball suddenly bounced their way. Tetsuo caught it with one hand.
"I'm so sorry, mister!" a young boy ran over, bowing slightly.
Tetsuo spun the ball on his finger briefly, then stepped toward the small court. He dribbled smoothly, took a clean shot, and the ball swished through the hoop without touching the rim.
"Whoa!" the kids gasped. "That was awesome!"
"How'd you learn to do that?" another boy asked.
"I play basketball at Toshigawa Academy," Tetsuo said calmly.
"That's so cool! Play with us, mister!" the kids cheered, grabbing his hand and pulling him onto the court.
For a while, he played with them while Tomoe watched quietly from the bench, her eyes following his movements. Eventually, he returned, and they sat together, the cool breeze brushing against their skin.
Tomoe looked at him with a soft smile. "Thank you for today, Tetsuo. I was hesitant before, but… I'm glad I came. It's the first time in a long while I've had this much fun."
"I'm glad you feel that way," he replied. "Your eyes… they're not as gloomy as before. That's good."
Tomoe let out a small laugh. "There you go again, always talking about my eyes. You're kind of weird, you know that?"
"I'm going to get something to drink. Do you want anything?"
"Water's fine."
"Alright. I'll be back."
As he walked toward the vending machines, Tomoe took out the book he had bought her. She traced her fingers over the cover, smiling faintly, then opened it.
She became absorbed in the story, unaware of time passing—until a faint shadow loomed over her.
A voice, low and familiar, spoke behind her.
"…I'm back, Tomoe. Did you miss me?"
Her breath caught. She turned, her eyes wide.
"No… it can't be…"