Togawa Sakiko stood outside her former home, staring at the luxurious Western-style house through the iron gate, her expression hesitant.
Just as she was debating whether to ring the bell, the gate suddenly opened.
"Ms. Togawa, what brings you here?"
The sudden voice startled her. She jumped back like a frightened rabbit, clutching her bag in front of her with both hands. Her tone was wary. "How do you know my name?"
Toru, who had just stepped out in a jacket, smiled and said, "A Western-style house like this, practically museum-worthy, isn't usually sold on the open market."
"Before I bought it, I did a background check on the seller. It's standard due diligence. With that kind of money involved, no one treats billions of yen like pocket change."
"During that process, I also learned why the property was being sold. I just didn't recognize you the first time we met."
Hearing that, Sakiko finally relaxed.
Toru's explanation made perfect sense. With a transaction this big, checking documents and the seller's background was natural.
She placed her hands before her abdomen and bowed politely. "Sorry, I misunderstood you, Mr. Fujiwara."
"You know me?" Toru asked with a raised eyebrow.
Sakiko smiled. "I think there aren't many people in Japan who don't know who you are now. I didn't recognize you the first time either. There's a bit of a difference between seeing someone in person and in photos."
In that moment, she seemed like the poised and confident heiress of the Togawa Group again. Her words even mirrored the same reasoning Toru had just used.
But soon after, her expression soured, and she shifted back from Togawa's young lady to the part-timer.
So this counts as being known by everyone in the country, huh...? Toru thought.
"Ms. Togawa, was there something you needed?"
His question brought her back to the present. She quickly said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Fujiwara. I have a rather unreasonable request..."
She hesitated, then explained, "...I came here two days ago, but you weren't home."
"I was back at my family home in Kyoto," Toru said casually.
"I see. I, um, wanted to ask... After you bought this place, did you happen to find a slightly worn red doll in the piano room?"
"I left in a hurry when we moved and forgot it. I've had it since I was a child, so I really wanted to get it back."
"Of course, if it was old and you threw it away, I understand..."
Her words sped up near the end.
"You mean that doll? It's still in the piano room. I haven't touched it. Since it means something to you, of course I'll return it. Please, come in."
Toru stepped aside, gesturing toward the entrance.
"Uh, I'd rather not go in."
Sakiko looked uneasy.
"You're here to ask a favor, right? It's a bit much to have the owner fetch something for you, don't you think?"
Toru smiled. His tone wasn't scolding, more teasing.
Sakiko took it seriously and bowed again. "You're right. I was being rude. My attitude wasn't appropriate for someone asking a favor."
"Then please, come in."
Toru turned and walked toward the main door of the house.
She followed closely behind. Whether it was returning to her old home or just feeling safe around Japan's national hero, she didn't overthink things.
"Excuse me for intruding!"
Upon entering, Sakiko took off her uniform shoes. Her small, pale feet, covered in white lace ankle socks, stepped onto the soft carpet.
Toru also changed into slippers and headed for the piano room on the second floor. Sakiko, already familiar with the layout, followed.
Truthfully, she knew this house better than he did. She had lived in it for over ten years.
As they passed through the living room, Haibara was seated cross-legged in front of the coffee table, her pale legs visible beneath her shorts. She was typing on her laptop.
Seeing Sakiko, she set her laptop aside and looked at her with cool, assessing eyes.
"This is my younger sister, Haibara Ai."
"Haibara, this is Ms. Togawa, the former owner of the house. She's here to pick something up."
Toru introduced them.
"Sorry to intrude, Haibara-san."
Even though Haibara looked like an elementary schooler, Sakiko still addressed her with respect.
Haibara nodded slightly, offering no response.
"She's always like that. No need to mind it."
Toru offered a quick explanation.
After the two headed upstairs, Haibara quietly muttered, "He really attracts attention everywhere he goes. And they're always pretty girls..."
The piano room on the second floor had a thin layer of dust. Toru rarely used it.
Sakiko didn't mind. She reached out and brushed the music stand gently, her thoughts tangled.
Seeing the red doll still sitting on the piano, her eyes lit up. She rushed forward and hugged it tightly, not even caring about the dust on it.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Fujiwara. I won't trouble you any longer."
She turned to leave after retrieving it.
Rumble—
Thunder rolled outside. Rain began to pour.
Toru glanced out the window and sighed. "Spring weather in Tokyo is always like this... changes in an instant."
Sakiko's face tensed. She let out a soft gasp. "Oh no, the bus will probably be delayed because of the rain. And it's too late to go back and grab an umbrella..."
The thought of being late made her anxious.
Docked pay. Getting fired. All kinds of possibilities flashed through her mind.
"Ms. Togawa, do you have something urgent? I happen to be heading out. If you're in a rush, I can give you a ride."
Toru spoke calmly.
"No, that's alright. I've already troubled you enough. I really can't bother you more."
"It's fine. I really don't mind. I'm going out anyway."
Sakiko was still hesitant. But the fear of losing her job outweighed her pride.
Her cheeks flushed. She lowered her head. "I'm really sorry, Mr. Fujiwara."
"Haha, Ms. Togawa, you're always too polite. I can tell you're deliberately trying to keep people at arm's length, but sometimes it's really unnecessary."
"This might sound presumptuous coming from someone you barely know, but... I think I understand a bit about the hardships you're facing."
"When you're struggling, you have to push through. If you let it stop you from connecting with others, your life will only get harder."
"Just my thoughts. If I've overstepped, please forgive me."
Sakiko could feel his sincerity. Her voice trembled slightly. "No, I understand. You're being kind, and what you're saying is true."
She paused, then seemed to make up her mind.
Maybe it was because Toru was still technically a stranger, so she didn't have to maintain her pride in front of him. Or maybe she was trying to finally let go of it.
With courage, she admitted, "I'm actually heading to my part-time job. If I'm late, they'll fine me."
The two of them returned to the first floor.
"You're working while studying?"
"Yes. I really don't want to lose this job. I'm still in high school, and it's hard to find places willing to hire someone like me. Especially convenience stores... I don't want to run into people I know."
Having voiced her initial fear, the rest flowed easily.
These were thoughts she had always kept bottled up, with no one to share them with. Now that she was letting them out, she felt an odd relief.
You really can't hold everything in forever.
Toru went to get an umbrella and handed it to her. "You can borrow this. Let's head out now. Driving in the rain might be slow. I can't let you be late."
Sakiko was overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Fujiwara..."
She had never expected someone like him to be this warm.
His words were gentle and easy to listen to, his manner composed and sincere.
Thinking about how he faced down those dangerous criminals and protected innocent people, she couldn't help but feel a deep respect.
As expected of Japan's hero...
"Haibara, I'm taking Ms. Togawa out. I'll pick up some groceries too since we're out of vegetables. Need anything?"
Seeing him about to leave with another girl, Haibara's face turned cold.
"No need."
But just before he stepped out, she added, "Peanut butter. Or blueberry jam sandwiches."
"Got it."
"And the new issue of 'Classy' should be out. If they have it at the store, buy one for me."
"No problem."
Hearing his easy agreement, Haibara's expression softened.
She turned her head. "Be careful on the road. I'll be waiting at home."
Toru led Sakiko to the garage. They got into the Panamera and drove into the rain.
As the windshield wipers swept away the downpour, he kept his eyes on the road and asked,
"Ms. Togawa, what kind of work are you doing now?"
She hesitated, clearly embarrassed. But still, she replied softly, "I work customer service. Handling after-sales calls."
Toru nodded. "I have a job. Would you be interested?"
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)