Hiroshi's POV
As I lay on the soft white sand, my eyes gently close, and I allow myself to be carried away by the symphony of the ocean waves. Their rhythmic rustling plays like a lullaby, weaving a tranquil melody that wraps around me, pulling me deeper into relaxation. It's as if I'm cocooned in a world of serenity, where the worries and stresses of everyday life are momentarily forgotten.
Inhaling deeply, I draw in the salty breeze that carries the distinct fragrance of the sea. The scent is invigorating yet soothing, as though the very essence of the ocean's vastness has been distilled into this moment. It's a scent that evokes memories of carefree days spent by the shore, chasing waves and building sandcastles. The familiarity of it washes over me like a comforting embrace, grounding me in the present.
Amidst this sensory symphony, a voice from the past calls out to me, a voice that's etched into the recesses of my mind. "Hiro-chan! Let's play!" The memory of that voice, filled with excitement and joy, is like a key that unlocks a hidden door to a past I struggle to fully recall.
And then there's her face, framed by sunlight and framed by her flowing hair, a picture of pure happiness. Her laughter resonates through my thoughts, and for a fleeting moment, I feel like I can almost grasp the details of that long-ago day. It's a memory that tugs at me, reminding me of something significant yet elusive, a puzzle piece that's waiting to find its place.
As I changed into my police uniform, I couldn't help but be consumed by the persistent question: Why does that beach scene always haunt my dreams? Who is the girl I'm always playing with in those dreams? The memories elude me, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand. Every time I try to grasp onto them, my head throbs as if a bomb of forgotten recollections is about to detonate.
"Hiroshi!"
My father's voice cuts through my thoughts, jolting me back to reality. "Yes, Dad?" I reply, attempting to appear composed despite the internal turmoil.
"Hiroshi, when will you introduce us to your girlfriend?" My father's skeptical expression suggests he finds it hard to believe that I actually have a girlfriend.
"I'll do that when her schedule aligns," I answer calmly, even though the truth is that I don't currently have a girlfriend. I'm still searching for someone who I can genuinely introduce to my family. I refuse to settle for a loveless marriage.
As I stand there, dressed in my police uniform and facing my father's questioning gaze, the memory of that mysterious girl on the beach and the fragments of my forgotten past continue to swirl in my mind, a puzzle I'm determined to solve.
"Then introduce that girl at our next family reunion, which will be in three months," my father said, his eyes narrowing as doubt flickered across his expression. He seemed skeptical that I could actually produce a girlfriend for the occasion.
"Yeah, I've already informed her to keep that day free," I replied calmly. Inside, my mind was racing to process the tight deadline I had been given. Only three months to find a woman I could proudly present to my family.
"I'll be heading out now," I stated, making my way towards the front door. My father followed me, his concern evident.
"I've prepared breakfast for you. Why not have something before you go?" My father's voice held a note of both care and worry.
"Thanks, Dad, but I'll grab something at the cafe," I responded as I stepped outside. The morning sunlight greeted me, and I began walking down the familiar street towards the cafe.
The task ahead loomed large, casting a shadow over my thoughts. Finding a suitable girlfriend within the next three months was shaping up to be a formidable challenge. My father's expectations weighed heavily on my mind, and the pressure to meet them was intense.
As I continued down the street, I weighed my options. Should I rely on matchmaking services, try online dating, or take a more organic approach? The clock was ticking, and each passing moment only emphasized the urgency of the situation.
The cafe's familiar sign came into view, and I pushed open the door, greeted by the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee. My friends were already there, their camaraderie a reassuring presence.
Stepping into the café, I was greeted by the familiar faces of my friends – Haruki, Ryo, Kazuki, and Kazuya. They were already sitting at our usual table, seemingly engrossed in a lively conversation. However, I couldn't help but wonder if they were discussing the very topic that had been consuming my thoughts lately – my lack of a girlfriend. Only one person knew my secret besides my friends: Uncle Toshiro, the café owner. He had been a confidant of sorts for me over the years.
"Hey!" I greeted them with a wave, joining their conversation and temporarily putting my own worries aside.
"Morning, Hiroshi!" Haruki chimed, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Ryo raised an eyebrow, a sly grin forming. "So, Hiroshi, any updates on that mysterious girlfriend of yours?"
I chuckled, my cheeks slightly flushing. "Still a work in progress, guys."
Kazuki leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, you better work fast. Your family reunion is just around the corner."
Kazuya, the more reserved of the group, chimed in with a smirk. "You know, you could always go the matchmaking route. Get your parents to set you up."
I shook my head, my tone slightly exasperated. "No, thanks. I want this to be genuine, not some forced arrangement."
As we bantered back and forth, I couldn't help but feel grateful for their camaraderie. They had been with me through thick and thin, and their support meant a lot.
Uncle Toshiro, wiping down the counter nearby, caught my eye and gave me a knowing smile. It was as if he understood the weight of the situation I was in. I nodded subtly in acknowledgment.
After a while, as the conversation shifted to lighter topics, I found myself lost in thought. Three months didn't seem like a long time, but finding someone I could truly connect with was a challenge that required both patience and luck.
Our breakfast arrived, and we all dug in, savoring the familiar flavors that had become a part of our routine. As I took a bite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. I was determined to find the woman who would not only fit the role of a girlfriend for a family introduction but would also genuinely make my heart skip a beat.
After finishing our meal, Haruki began discussing his job and how stressful it could be. "Understanding consumers and constantly predicting their changing preferences and trends can really take a toll," he remarked, leaning back in his chair while sipping his coffee.
"Yeah," Ryo added, placing his hand on the table. "I can totally relate to your problem! Analyzing data can be incredibly stressful," he said, leaning back in his chair with his right shoulder resting against the backrest.
Kazuki leaned forward, his eyes twinkling mischievously "You know, guys, I've got the ultimate solution for your problems. It's foolproof, I promise." He paused for dramatic effect, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
Haruki and Ryo exchanged curious glances, clearly intrigued. "Alright, what's this magical solution you've got?" Haruki asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
Kazuki leaned in even closer, as if sharing a well-kept secret. "Here it is: just imagine you're a penguin."
Both Haruki and Ryo blinked, clearly taken aback. "A penguin?" Ryo repeated, clearly puzzled.
Kazuki nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Penguins are the true masters of chill. They waddle around all day, living life at their own pace, without a care in the world. Just picture yourself as a penguin analyst. 'Hmm, what's the latest trend in fish consumption today?'"
Haruki burst into laughter, and even Ryo couldn't help but crack a smile. "So you're saying we should embrace our inner penguin and let go of the stress?" Haruki asked, still chuckling.
"Exactly!" Kazuki replied with a wink. "Besides, if a penguin can handle icy waters and sliding on their bellies, I'm pretty sure you guys can handle a bit of data analysis."
The five of us erupted into laughter, still amused by how Kazuki had managed to break the tension with his unexpected penguin analogy. Kazuki had always been the funny guy of our group, and his ability to inject humor into any situation never failed to lighten the mood.
However, our laughter was interrupted by the gentle chime of the café's entrance bell, announcing the arrival of a new customer. It was a rare occurrence for our group to not be the only patrons in the café. I glanced around, surprised to see someone other than our close-knit group in this familiar space.
Kazuki's attention seemed to be fixed on the newcomer, and his gaze was enough to pique our curiosity. As a collective action, all of us instinctively turned to look in the direction of the café entrance. Our eyes fell on a woman who had just entered, and it was clear that she was the reason for Kazuki's interest.