Yami led Shizu to her quaint cafe, a haven of tranquillity that echoed with a comforting silence. Despite the absence of other patrons, he found solace in the serene atmosphere that enveloped the space. The cafe's ambience exuded a warm and welcoming aura, leaving him to understand why so many people sought refuge within its walls.
The furniture adorned the space with a touch of elegance; tables and chairs were crafted from the richness of golden oak, and the floors beneath their feet were composed of the robust beauty of dark oak. Thoughtfully placed bookshelves beckoned to literary enthusiasts, promising a quiet retreat with every page turn. A generously sized window graced one side of the room, offering an expansive view of the surrounding beauty. Even in the hush of emptiness, the cafe pulsed with an enchanting energy that captivated Shizu, leaving him in awe of the place's charm and allure.
"You must be cold, Kanzashi-san; I'll get you something to dry off with; you can sit here until I come back and explore a little bit."
She said with a smile and left to the upstairs of the building; he walked around, his muddy footprints straining the floor; this place was beautiful and impressive, and everything was clean and welcoming. He sat at one of the tables; he sat there so deep in thought; how did he get here? What is he going to do next? Yami came back with some towels for him to dry off,
"I hope I didn't take too long; here are some towels for you to dry off; let me see if I have any clothes that will fit you."
She disappeared upstairs, leaving him to his own devices. He took advantage of the opportunity and snagged a towel around himself, attempting to banish the lingering dampness. A few moments later, she reappeared, bearing a set of clothes. As she approached, a subtle tension played on her features, manifesting in a hesitant smile that accompanied the bundle of garments in her hands.
"I'm not sure if these would fit you; I hope so. Upstairs, there's a shower. You can go down the hallway to the right, find the bathroom, get washed up, and take your time. I'll see if I can make you something to eat."
With a sweet smile gracing her lips, she uttered her words. In response, he acknowledged her with a nod, reciprocating with a slightly awkward smile before excusing himself to ascend the stairs toward the bathroom. Once there, he immersed himself in the tub, enveloped by the embrace of the warm water. As the soothing sensation spread through his body, he found a rare moment of relaxation. Lost in contemplation, he gazed into the water, his thoughts meandering through the depths of his mind. The moment's tranquillity allowed him to unwind, temporarily escaping the complexities that had burdened him for so long.
"Where do I go from now on...?"
Doubt lingered in his voice as he questioned himself, the uncertainty echoing in the bathroom's quiet confines. Deciding to transition from the warm embrace of the tub, he lifted himself out, droplets cascading from his skin. The bathroom held the welcoming embrace of soap and shampoo, and he methodically began cleansing himself, each movement a deliberate act of care.
Emerging from the bathroom, he wrapped himself in a towel, absorbing the lingering warmth. The clothes awaiting him were a tad snug yet manageable. Descending the stairs, the tempting aroma of a prepared meal reached him, wafting through the air and beckoning him closer. At the table, she sat a plate of food before her. The anticipation grew stronger as he descended the stairs, and upon reaching her side, he settled into a chair. The scene held a certain ambience, an unspoken connection woven into the air, and as he prepared to dine, the atmosphere promised a moment shared and savoured.
"Katsudon? I haven't had this in forever... It smells so nice.."
A contented smile graced her features, reflecting the fulfilment derived from culinary creation. With deliberate yet graceful movements, she placed a steaming bowl of Katsudon before him on the table. The dish's aroma enveloped the air, teasing his senses with the irresistible blend of savoury flavours. The bowl, adorned with a medley of carefully arranged ingredients, beckoned him to partake in the culinary delight that awaited. Her satisfaction lingered in the air, a testament to the shared joy of the forthcoming meal.
"Then please enjoy. I wasn't expecting any guests tonight, so I apologise if it's nothing special."
He already felt so grateful and dug into his meal; the second he took a bite of his food, tears followed down his cheeks; he missed the taste of fresh food; it was like he hadn't even in so long; he stuffed his face with food.
"S-Slow down, you'll choke-"
A moment of stillness settled in the air as she took in the genuine delight he derived from the flavours dancing on his palate. Her eyes, softened by the sincerity of the moment, conveyed a silent understanding and appreciation for the shared enjoyment of the meal. A tender smile graced her lips, mirroring the warmth emanating from the ambience they had created together.
In a gesture of care and affection, she extended her hand to pat his head gently, a subtle expression of the bond forged over the simple pleasure of a shared culinary experience. Anticipating his needs with quiet attentiveness, she poured a glass of water and placed it within easy reach, a precautionary measure should a stray cough interrupt the rhythmic enjoyment of the feast.
Undeterred by the mere prospect of fullness, he savoured each bite until a satisfying, contented feeling washed over him, signifying the culmination of a shared meal that transcended nourishment, becoming a poignant moment of connection.
"Thank you so much, Kento-san..."
He uttered his words, his voice barely above a whisper, a gentle cadence that floated in the air. Though calm, the softness of his tone carried enough resonance for her to catch every syllable. She gradually pulled away in response, creating a measured distance between them. Her eyes met his with a gaze that mirrored the tenderness of his words, a softness that lingered in the air like the delicate embrace of a passing breeze. The silent exchange held an unspoken depth, suspended in time, where words were heard and felt in the tranquillity of their shared connection.
"That's why I made this place... Now, onto the reason we are here; why did you want to kill yourself?"
A sudden halt arrested his movements and a contemplative gaze fixed upon the table before him. The internal struggle played out in the furrow of his brows as he grappled with the decision to reveal what weighed on his mind. The room held an air of suspended tension, a pause pregnant with unspoken thoughts.
Caught in the delicate balance between disclosure and reservation, he considered the toll of the troubles he had inadvertently caused. Ultimately, a resolve formed within him, and he took a deep, steadying breath. As he lifted his gaze to meet hers, a subtle shift in his eyes betrayed the weight of his revelation. The sombre undertones and the gravity of his expression unveiled a hint of sadness and seriousness, laying bare the sincerity of the forthcoming words. At that moment, the room seemed still, encapsulating the weight of truth about to be shared.
"I have no reason to live... I lost everything I own, my money... My house... I wanted to go to college and study to be a graphics designer... I don't even have enough to pay for that... So I just wanted to die... Get it over with..."
Yami's empathy welled within her, a poignant emotion that manifested in a deep, heartfelt sigh. She grasped the complexities he grappled with, recognising the inherent difficulty woven into the fabric of his struggle. With a sense of compassion, she eased back into her seat, her thoughts swirling with a desire to extend a comforting hand.
Her gaze wandered around the cafe, seeking inspiration or perhaps a solution to alleviate the burden he carried. With its familiar charm, the restaurant's ambience offered a haven where troubles could be shared and lightened. Returning her attention to him, she met his eyes with concern and determination, silently conveying her readiness to offer support in whatever form he might need.
"I am hiring... And maybe you can work here until you get a proper job..."
She uttered her words in a tone laden with suggestion, casting a glance in his direction, silently laying the groundwork for a potential opportunity. His eyes widened initially in surprise, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of the conversation. However, a swift train of thought traversed his mind, recognising the potential goodness in seizing this unplanned opportunity.
"But I don't have anywhere to live... So I don't know about that..."
His words trailed off into a thoughtful silence, his gaze returning to the table as if searching for answers on its surface. Observing his contemplation, Yami rose and gracefully approached his side. Her face was adorned with a sweet smile, a subtle expression of warmth and understanding that accompanied her silent presence.
"You can stay here. My aunt lives with me, and it might be good for you since, coincidentally, she is a graphic designer, and you two might get on?"
She expressed her desire to assist in a genuinely helpful tone, her words carrying a subtle suggestion. A slight yet appreciative smile played on his face, acknowledging and feeling grateful for her willingness to lend a helping hand.
"I'd appreciate that Kento-san. I promise to do my best."
He spoke sincerely, rising from his seat to stand and gazing down at her. She, in turn, tilted her head, the subtle gesture expressing curiosity as his presence loomed over her in the shared space; she bowed her head respectfully.
"It's a pleasure to be working with you, Kanzashi-san."
In a gesture of profound respect, he lowered his head even further, emphasising his utmost reverence in response to the situation.
"It's a pleasure to work with you too... Kento-san..."
Following their conversation, Yami guided Shizu to the room designated for his stay. The space, upon first glance, appeared stark and minimally adorned. A solitary futon lay on the floor, its simple presence denoting a place for rest. Adjacent to it, a modest bookshelf stood, its shelves devoid of much but the potential for untold stories. The room echoed with emptiness, a canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of personalisation and the warmth of habitation.
As Yami exited the room, the door closed with a muted thud, enveloping Shizu in a solitude punctuated only by the hushed echoes of his thoughts. Left alone with the space and his contemplations, he shifted his gaze upward, fixating on the ceiling as if seeking answers in its blank expanse.
A whisper lingered in his mind, "Finally, I can turn my life back around..." Yet, the tentative optimism soon yielded to the spectre of familial ties. Intrusive thoughts of his mother and siblings crept into his consciousness, casting shadows over the newfound sense of autonomy. "What if they find me? What will I do then?" The weight of uncertainty bore down on him, darkening the recesses of his mind.
In the ensuing silence, a complex symphony of conflicting emotions played out. The room held an air of both liberation and constraint, a dichotomy mirrored in his internal struggle. Exhaustion, both mental and emotional, settled in, coaxing him into the arms of slumber as the weight of his musings gradually lifted, if only for a brief respite.