Chapter 3

Reunion after Ten long years.

Brought to you by Noir

“I’m home.”

As I returned to my home for the first time after ten years, and behold, absolutely nothing has changed at all. Worn-out tables, faded wallpaper, broken-edged cups. Everything was just the same as when I left.

“It must have been really hard on you, right? Even though it would have been just fine if you had returned home for the New Year and the Bon festival.”

[TL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_(festival)]

While pouring coffee into a cup with a cracked rim, my mother – Sayaka Arizuki said so. She is 48 years old but despite her age, her wrinkles are not quite noticeable and her appearance still holds some remnants of youth.

“How am I supposed to visit home on New Year’s Day when I only get that ‘New Year’s Day’ as holiday?”

The company in which I worked didn’t like or have the concept of long vacations. The New Year’s vacation only consisted of two days, New Year’s Eve, and the New Year.

While criticising that black company, I continued drinking my black coffee.

“Well, I’m glad since you decided to revisit your roots. So, are you looking for a job here or have you decided on taking over our family business?”

The Arizuki family ran a coffee shop called “Moon Night Terrace”, and she had an ambition, or thought that if by chance nothing works accordingly for her son, he could also take over the family business as an insurance.

“Hmm, that’s a fine proposal as well. Well, I’ll figure about work later in the meantime. Speaking of which…”

I ask the question which I had in mind from sometime after entering the house.

“Did the Haruyama family move out?”

The nameplate on our neighbour’s door has changed from ‘Haruyama’ to another name.

“Oh, about that”

My mother’s face becomes cloudy.

“They moved out right after you went to Tokyo.”

“Eh? What do you mean by– –”

“Hey, help me out here.”

I heard my father’s voice coming from the restaurant. My father is the owner of ‘Moon Night Terrace’ cafe.

“Coming~. Well, I will be on my way for now. I will tell you more about it later on.”

Saying that, my mother ran towards the kitchen of the store.

While laying down on my bed for the first time in a long time, my mind was immersed in memories.

A familiar face enters my mind, making me feel nostalgic.

Haruyama Miya.

That audacious little brat who used to get carried away very easily with a little praise, who used to look down on adults.

I guess I didn’t get a chance to meet that kid for a long time either.

It was a rather strange feeling. I felt both sad and relieved. 

She must be a senior in high-school now.

That bold brat, she must have grown up to be one hell of a Yankee or gal.

“I’m hungry.”

There’s still time before dinner. Shall I go to the convenience store? Thinking that, I got up and put my hand into my pocket. 

It felt as if I was searching in a clear sky.

“Nothing there… heh?”

I didn’t have my wallet with me.

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