Chapter 80: Familiar Shadows ( 80 )

Chapter 80: Familiar Shadows ( 80 ) The day before her father’s birthday was already busy. The house bustled with chatter, chopping boards, and the faint scent of simmering broth in the kitchen. "Kyouko," her mother called out from the hallway. "Use my car. Go buy more sake." Kyouko looked up from peeling vegetables. "Yes, yes..." "Keiko! Go with your sister!" "Ehh?" her younger sister’s voice piped up from the kitchen. "I’m busy here—she can go alone." Their mother clicked her tongue. "Kenji!" A pause. Then Kenji’s voice floated in from the other room. "Ah, Mother... I’m also busy. I need to prepare the seating." "Haaah... fine!" her mother huffed. "Well, Kyouko—it looks like you’ll have to go alone." She handed her daughter a small shopping list and a cloth bag. "Buy some more meat, and sake bottles—big ones. Five or six." Kyouko’s eyes widened slightly. "Eh? But that’ll be heavy~" "Don’t become spoiled, Kyouko!" "Haaa... fine, fine. I’m going," she sighed, slipping her arms through her cardigan and grabbing the car keys. As she stepped into her sandals by the door, her thoughts wandered. Going alone, huh... She didn’t mind. Actually... a little peace and quiet sounded nice right now. Meanwhile, at the Okinawa branch office. Haruki was seated at his desk, casually scanning through tomorrow’s training outline when a voice called out behind him. "Ah—Mister Haruki?" He looked up. The branch chief stood by the door with a polite smile. "Yes?" The man stepped in with a small chuckle. "I was wondering... would you like to join me tomorrow?" Haruki raised an eyebrow. "Tomorrow? For what?"freēwēbnovel.com "Ah, nothing formal," the man waved quickly. "Just... my uncle’s birthday." He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, grinning. "A little family gathering. Small, really. Food, drinks, some neighbors. I thought it might be nice for you to see a bit of local life outside the office. You know, real Okinawan flavor." Haruki blinked, surprised. "I mean, if you’re not too busy. Totally up to you, of course," the chief added quickly, trying not to sound too pushy. "But the food will be great. Sake too." Haruki leaned back slightly, considering. It wasn’t like he had any plans. And the invitation seemed harmless enough. The branch chief grinned. "Okay then. We’ll go straight after work.around seven. That good, Mister Nakagawa?" Haruki leaned back slightly in his chair, nodding. "Sure. I don’t have anything planned anyway." "Ahh, that’s great to hear. Really great," the chief said, visibly pleased. "The whole office will be joining too. Just a casual gathering. Nothing formal." "That’s fine," Haruki replied with a polite smile. "Sounds nice." The moment the chief walked out, the energy in the hallway shifted. Outside the office, a group of junior staff, mostly the younger women, had overheard. "He’s coming?" "Really!?" "The Tokyo boss is going to the party?" "He’s so calm and cool... imagine him in a yukata..." "I need to borrow something cute to wear!" The excitement buzzed through the hallway. Haruki, still seated at his desk, had no idea how much attention he was attracting. As the office hour wound down, Haruki grabbed his blazer and headed toward the exit. On his way out, he paused by the chief’s door and gave it a light knock. "Chief." The man looked up. "Yes, Mr. Nakagawa?" "I’m heading out. You take over from here." "Understood. Have a good evening, Sir." Haruki smiled and gave a small bow. "Thanks." He walked down the corridor, shoes tapping softly against the tile floor, and pushed open the main door. He walked calmly toward the parking area, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement. His company-provided scooter was parked neatly under the shade of a tree, still cool to the touch. Haruki climbed on, adjusting his helmet casually. "Well... maybe I’ll stop by the store for a bit." The engine buzzed to life, and he moved along the road. After a while, Haruki arrived at the large local store. The evening breeze was warm against his skin as he parked the scooter near the entrance. He stepped inside, and the automatic doors slid open with a soft chime. Cool air greeted him, brushing against the collar of his shirt as he grabbed a basket. "Wonder what to eat tonight? Should I cook... or just grab something simple?" He wandered the aisles slowly, passing neatly stacked shelves of packaged foods and local snacks. His pace was relaxed. Then, near the corner of the aisle, he slowed down. Ahead of him, there was a woman with long, soft hair falling over her shoulders. She wore a loose, pale cardigan and a flowing skirt that swayed gently. Haruki paused. ...Kyouko? His heart skipped a beat. He stared, eyes narrowing slightly, watching her from behind. The way she stood. The movement of her hand. Her posture, her silhouette—everything about her, even the quiet air around her—stirred something familiar deep inside his chest. But then, the woman turned slightly. Not enough to see her face, just enough to break the illusion. Haruki blinked, then let out a quiet breath, smiling faintly. Maybe it was just my imagination... He turned away and walked calmly toward the fresh produce area. Behind him, just a few aisles over, Kyouko stood with a small shopping list in one hand, scanning the shelf of condiments. She sighed softly as she looked at the list in her hand. "Ugh... this list is too much..." she muttered. Five bottles of sake. And the big ones, too? Why does Father need this much...? She adjusted the strap of her handbag and slowly moved toward the fresh produce section, her arms already tired from the weight of the basket dragging at her side. As she turned the corner, her eyes caught a figure just ahead. A tall man, walking with easy, relaxed steps. Dark hair. Broad shoulders. Something about his posture made her heart skip a beat. Hmm? ...Haruki? Her body froze. Her breath caught unexpectedly, and one foot was half-raised as she stared at his back. He was just a few steps ahead, reaching for something among the vegetables. Then... "Excuse me—" a store staff member called gently, needing to pass. "Ah—sorry," Kyouko quickly said, stepping aside with a small bow. When she looked back up, the man was already gone, turning down the next aisle. Kyouko let out a quiet laugh under her breath, a hand brushing her cheek. Am I crazy...? Her chest felt strangely tight. She shook her head, forcing a small smile as she headed toward the meat section, trying to steady her thoughts. It couldn’t be him. Right? ( End Of Chapter )