Chapter 1: Recollect

"Your name?"

Her question mirrored mine as tears ran down both our faces. Although my memory is hazy, I could not shake off the feeling that I had known her in the past.

"My name is Tachibana Taki," I responded.

"Tachibana Taki…" she repeated, tone tinged with relief, like someone who finally found something they lost.

"My name is Miyamizu Mitsuha," she replied as she wiped the tears that flowed down her cheeks.

Miyamizu Mitsuha. I too, felt that her name was familiar.

I brushed the tears away from my own eyes and swallowed as I thought of what to say next.

"Um… this might sound crazy but I feel like I've known you in the past. However, I cannot remember when or how I met you."

"I have the same feeling," she took a step towards me and her eyes locked with mine, as if attempting to burn my image into her mind.

A cascade of emotions wracked through me. I wanted to know why all the feelings of heartache and yearning went away the moment I looked at her. I wanted to know why I cannot take my eyes off her. I wanted to know more about Miyamizu Mitsuha. I want to know.

"I am sorry for using your time, but are you going to work?" I asked sheepishly.

Mitsuha shook her head.

"I think my boss will be alright if I skip just today. But, I do not want to keep you from work either," she gave a shy smile.

I hesitated. "I… am not working today."

It was a beautiful, clear morning. The clouds were only mere wisps in the sky with no hint of rain. A cool, gentle breeze danced idly by as warm sunlight radiated down on our parasol. Taki and I sat outside a quaint little coffee shop, quietly sipping our coffees as we each tried to think of something to break the silence. There were so many things that I want to ask him about, but I did not know where to start, and neither did he.

Taki, the mere mention of his name set my heart fluttering along with a comforting sense of familiarity. But… why? He is a stranger to me as I am to him. Yet, sitting here drinking coffee with this stranger feels like the most natural thing to do.

Now if only he would say something!

Feeling the silence becoming slightly unbearable, I nervously brushed my hair back.

"I really like your hair tie," he blurted out.

Our eyes met for a second before we averted them elsewhere in embarrassment.

"Th-Thank you," I replied, internally sighing in relief when he broke the silence.

Taki rubbed the back of his neck for a moment before speaking again.

"Um… I am sorry for the awkwardness, Mitsuha. But, I do not know where to begin."

"Mitsuha?" I arched an eyebrow.

"Ah, sorry! Miyamizu-san," he flustered and reflexively clenched his fists in his lap.

"It's fine," I murmured. Honestly, I did not mind him calling me by my first name. In fact, I wanted him to, but formalities dictate otherwise.

"You don't have to try so hard, Taki," I said, "it is fine if you don't remember the details, so let's just start from the beginning."

I rested my hand on my cheek and gave him an encouraging smile, though deep down I was having a severe case of stomach butterflies.

I just said his first name without honorifics! Come on Mitsuha, just how close are you going to get? I told myself.

Meanwhile, Taki sat dumbfounded, astonished by the brazenness at my lack of formality.

"I feel the same way," he said as he collected his thoughts.

Taki swallowed and put out his hand. "Alright, let's take it slow then."

Instinctively, I reached out to take his outstretched hand and shook it.

So warm.

"Miyamizu Mitsuha. Nice to meet you," I greeted.

"Tachibana Taki. It's nice to meet you too," a shy grin slowly formed at the corners of his mouth.

"Well, Tachibana-san, let's start by sharing our contact info," I said while reaching into my handbag for my phone.

"Alright Mitsu- Ah… Miyamizu-san."

We brought our phones together for a moment, then the notification lit up indicating that it finished.

"Um, Miyamizu-san," Taki started, "Do you have any plans this weekend?"

"Hey, what happened to taking it slow Taki-san?" I replied jokingly, even though my heart leapt out of my ribcage at the thought of him asking me out.

"I… uh… that is…" he looked away for a moment, then he met my eyes again with newfound determination.

"Miyamizu-san, would you like to go on a date with me this weekend?"

This time, I struggled to respond, taken aback by his sudden directness.

"Y-Yes," I replied, feeling a blush rising to my cheeks.

"Great!" his blue eyes lit up with happiness.

"I'll let you know where and when we can meet," he said and got up from his seat.

"Wait, where are you going?" I asked.

"Ah, I got some errands I need to run," he replied and gave me a smile.

"I'll see you."

As I watched Taki walk away, I had the urge to get up and chase after him.

Calm down Mitsuha. I told myself, attempting to rein in the abnormal feeling.

Just take it slow. I echoed Taki's words in my head.

Easier said than done. I sighed as I picked up my handbag and thought of excuses to give my boss as to why I was late for work.