"Are you feeling better?" Takao asked her.
Hana nodded; the onigiri wrappers and empty juice bottles tucked into the plastic bag that had been used to carry them here.
She was sure of it now: Takao had sought her out on purpose to bring her here and cheer her up. His question, combined with a slight smile, had confirmed this for her.
"If you still feel bad, don't hesitate to come and enjoy the terrace," he said, looking at the garden that surrounded them.
"I'll think about it," Hana said with a slight smile.
The weather had cooled down again as the end of the day approached, and car traffic had become much heavier in recent minutes. The sound of engines and horns rose up to the height where they were, and the streets lit by vehicle headlights, street lamps, and lights from storefronts and windows looked like garlands cutting the ground into a strict and precise grid.
