Meet 2.0
(Disclaimer: Da!Da!Da! is sole property of Miki Kawamura. )
The house does not have any distinct quality, as ordinary as it can be. The only special thing is the small maple tree beside the gate.
The young man matched the address once again, then with the name plate. Nah, Ok. Opening the gate, he rang the bell.
A small boy opened the door. About four years, blonde hair, a little brown eyes with greenish spark, he looked at the stranger with a bit suspicion, and went in running. Kanata could hear him shout, "Mom! someone is here!"
He looked inside the room, an ordinary.. but.. wait! That kimono showcased is so familiar! It was the last gift, isn't it?!
"How many times I have to tell you not to open doors like that.." a woman came out, probably from kitchen, wiping her hand in the apron. She stopped at the sight of the visitor, with question evident on her eyes.
"Mr Taira is taking a bath, please be seated Mr. -"
The person she was addressing had his gaze fixed on her, and very nervously he was waving his hand over his beard, as he uttered, those words, "I have come to you, Miyu."
Miyu's eyes got widened, "Who are-" her eyes quickly measured the person in front of her, tall, well built body, brown is his beard, hair, and eyes too.. that..
The man kept shuffling with a few cards on his hand, avoiding eye contact, as he uttered, "Remember Heiomachi?"
Her body shook in astonishment, "Kanata!?"
Her hands automatically went to caress her messed hair, as if she wanted to look best in front of him. "You.. changed.." she paused, finding those old days, "a bit."
"You too.." Kanata said, "but only a bit". He could not miss the emerald eyes stirring in emotion. She can not hide it. The blonde hairs on her glowing skin looks a bit pale, why? Change, a bit.
They stood, and both could almost hear each other's heart beat.
"Miyu who is there?" A head peeped in, still dripping water.
"Oh" Miyu quickly got hold of herself, "This is- Saionji, my school friend!"
Kanata greeted the the person politely.
"Oh? Hello Mr. Saionji, I have not seen many of her school friends, at all.. please be seated, Miyu, his tea-"
"Not at all, I have to catch the next train. I came here just-" he looked at the Kimono again, for no reason, and back to the emerald eyes, "it's my .. my..wedding on 29th" he said without breath, "and with the old school theme, I am inviting all the good friends from school.." he looked at Taira, "with family, of course!"
"Gosh! An invitation after so many days" Taira sighed, "I am already in!"
Miyu did not utter a sound, looking blankly at the card.
Then, she smiled.
She smiled beautiful.
"I am happy for you.."
"Mom! it's bath time!" the little boy came out bare chest.
"Oh yeah.."
"Well then" Kanata maintained to say in a dry voice, "bye Miyu! See you on 29th!"
He came out the door, with a mixed filling of guilt, relief and heaviness. As he approached the gate, he could hear footstep behind.
Oh, that boy.. Kanata looked at the child, and smiled, sitting down, "What are you doing here?"
"accompanying you to the gate." the boy shrugged, Kanata could not but notice the black mole on his left shoulder. Just like his mother.
"Thank you Mister!" Kanata greeted as he came out of the gate, "by the way, what's your name, sweetie?"
"Konata" uttered the boy aloud, and ran in.
A piece of cloud suddenly covered the shiny sky.
End