Chapter 3: A Plan to Meet Somewhere

"Miss Miyamizu, what is the goal of your project?"

"As you may know, I am a former resident of Itomori—in fact, I was a maiden at the local shrine. For the longest time, I hated everything about my life and the town. But once it was all taken away from me, I found that I missed it. Now, Itomori is only remembered as the site of the comet disaster. But Itomori is more than that. It's a town with a rich history and culture. I don't want those memories to fade away. I want to preserve as much of Itomori as I can."

"I see. . .having read your dissertation, the board is very impressed with your work so far. We'd like to offer you a grant to conduct in-depth research into the culture, traditions, and people of Itomori. In addition, we are intrigued by your proposition of expanding the annual remembrance event at the National Art Center this year to include the fruits of your research. You're in a unique position to conduct this study. What would take an outsider years, you may be able to accomplish in mere months. The board is also greatly invested in preserving the culture of this country."

"I—I accept your offer. I promise I will not disappoint you."

"Mister Tachibana, having reviewed your sample portfolio, I must say I am quite impressed with your technical skill. Some of your designs are a bit impractical, but others are a unique blend of modern and traditional. May I ask what your inspiration was?"

"My inspiration. . .in the past, there was someone who was very dear to me. Eventually, those memories of that person faded away—but I still remembered the buildings from their hometown. Whenever I would see them, it would make my heart ache. The landscapes people live in. . .I believe they have more meaning than we all realize. I want to design buildings that will make people remember fond memories."

"Interesting. That's a unique, but refreshing, perspective on architecture. A very personal reason. I can't say that I dislike that—it's clear that you have the drive to work in this field. Your qualifications are all in order, and I believe that I am ready to offer you a job. It will only be a temporary contract to evaluate you, but based on your skill I believe we will be able to offer you full employment in the near future."

"Thank you! I would like to accept your offer."

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing you again, Mr. Tachibana. We'll be in touch with the project details in a couple weeks."

After her interview with the board, Mitsuha hurries to meet with Tessie and Saya to discuss wedding plans over lunch. But the first topic that comes up is her research.

"So how did the meeting go?" Saya asks.

"I got it! I got the grant!" she proudly exclaims.

"Congratulations, Mitsuha!"

"We're looking forward to seeing your work at the exhibit this year!" Tessie adds.

"It's still uncertain whether or not I'll make it in time for the exhibit, it's already spring. I'd only have a few months to put something together."

"Well, it's like those academic bigwigs said! You're one of us, Mitsuha. We're all willing to talk to you. And if anyone knows the traditions of Itomori, it's you! Or your grandma," Tessie reassures.

"It's all so strange, isn't it? Eight years ago I hated Itomori and my life there. I wanted to do anything to escape. But now, it's like I'm trying to turn back the clock."

"I totally understand where you're coming from," Saya says, "I guess we just didn't appreciate what we had until it was taken from us."

"By the way, Mitsuha—something's different about you. You seem. . .happy," Tessie observes.

"Well, of course I am!"

"No, Tessie means something completely different. We could tell, you know. For a long time, you weren't happy. Your smile wouldn't reach your eyes and your laughter was always strained. But today, it seems like an immense weight has finally been lifted off of your shoulders," Saya adds.

Mitsuha absentmindedly twirls a lock of hair. "Are you sure? I am feeling better than I have in a long time. . .but I'm sure it's just because I got the grant."

"Come on, Mitsuha, you know you can tell us anything—I bet you're all happy and bashful because you finally met a guy!"

"Actually, you're not wrong," Mitsuha confirms. "Earlier today, I met up with. . .an old friend I hadn't seen in years."

Saya immediately leans in. "Okay, time to spill the beans! Who is he?"

"We're not going anywhere until you tell us everything!"

"Wh-what's with you two?!" Mitsuha panics.

"We've got to make sure this man's good enough for our girl!" Saya insists.

"What's his name? What's he do? How did you two meet?" Tessie interrogates.

Mitsuha sighs. "Fine. . .if I don't talk, we'll be here forever. His name is Taki Tachibana. . .we happened to run into each other on the train this morning. Unfortunately, we both had important business to attend to so we didn't get to talk much."

"What? That's it?" Saya pouts. "Did you at least get his number or something?"

"Ah, I did. I'm hoping—"

"So when's the date?!" Tessie interjects.

"Don't you think it's too early for that? They only just reconnected today!"

"Saya's right. We'll probably try to catch up over coffee or dinner sometime soon. I'll admit that I'm really looking forward to it."

"Well, I hope you have fun," Saya says in a suddenly serious tone. "Ever since high school, it's seemed like you've never been interested in boys. Or girls."

"Hey! I don't even know why I was so popular with girls! And I never accepted a confession anyways!"

Tessie wraps his arm around Saya. "I hope that you'll find happiness, Mitsuha."

"You two. . .thank you. You've always been by my side, through thick and thin."

Mitsuha smiles down at her cup.

"Well, don't you think it's about time we talked wedding plans? It's why we're here, after all!"

Tessie blanches, "Oh, great. Saya can't seem to make up her mind on anything, except for making me shave!"

"Hey, I'm going on a diet for you!"

"You've been saying that for months but you keep stuffing your face with cakes!"

Mitsuha laughs.

It feels like the first time she's truly laughed in years.

"Father. . .I'm happy to let you know that I've been contracted to do some architecture work. I won't be relying on you for much longer. I'm sorry it's taken so long." Taki bows his head.

"Taki, raise your head. Why would it ever be an inconvenience for me to support you? You're my son. I don't do it out of familial obligation. I provided for you because I love you. It's bittersweet, watching you move on with your life. I'm so proud of you. And I'm sure your mother would be proud of you, too."

"Dad. . .thank you. I love you."

"No, Taki. Thank you."

Taki hangs up. It feels strange, to suddenly not worry about finding a job anymore. His schedule is suddenly completely clear for the next two weeks until his contract begins. Taki starts texting.

Tsukasa, Takagi, Okudera: I was wondering if you all were free sometime in the next few days. I think it'd be nice to meet up for dinner and catch up.

Before Taki can even put his phone in his pocket, he receives multiple notifications.

Of course!

I'm in.

I'll be in town tomorrow and the day after! Where should we meet?

It only takes Taki a moment to think of a place.

Why not my old workplace?

As the only one without a job (at least for a little while), it falls upon Taki to head to the restaurant first to secure a table. He recognizes the general manager and manages to strike up a conversation, ending up with the manager securing Taki a table in the more exclusive part of the restaurant.

As he's sitting at the table contemplating sending a text to Mitsuha, he's suddenly pushed down by someone wrapping an arm across his shoulders.

"Taki! How have you been?"

"Tsukasa! It's good to see you!"

"Hey, don't forget about us!" Takagi calls.

"Typical Taki, lost in his own world," Okudera teases.

"Come on, sit down! It's been too long," Taki says as he stands to pull chairs.

"So, Taki, any particular reason why you wanted to meet up today?" Okudera asks as she takes a seat.

"Like I've said, we haven't spoken in a while—and I also have some good news! I recently received a contract for some preliminary work on a project that could turn into full employment."

"Congratulations!"

"We knew you had it in you, Taki!"

"No way! With that suit you wore last time?!" Takagi asks incredulously.

"Wh-what?! Are you still going on about that?"

Takagi laughs. "Only a bit. But I'm happy you've finally found a job! We were a bit worried about you."

"Yeah," Tsukasa adds. "Your qualifications were excellent, but you always seemed to mess up when it came to interviews."

"Sounds like someone had problems performing in crunch time, hmm?" Okudera needles.

Taki feels his face burning.

"Come on, guys! That's enough about me."

"But really, Taki. You've changed," Takagi says.

"Uh, yeah? That's kinda what happens as life goes on," Taki flippantly replies. "What's it to you guys?"

"Takagi spoke for us all when he said we were worried about you. For five years you seemed lost. Like you were just going through the motions. But today. . .it's like you're a completely different person," Okudera says.

"She's right, you know. For a while, all you would do was sketch landscapes and buildings. But now it's like you're walking taller. Hey, maybe that was the problem—your suit looked awful when your shoulders were slumped!"

"I mean, I do feel like a great burden has been lifted off my chest—but that's probably because I finally found a job! Nothing more, nothing less," Taki reasons.

"You know, Taki. . .I've seen that look in your eyes once before. When we went on that awful date five years ago. You're in love with someone, aren't you?" Okudera realizes.

"No, I'm not!"

"You couldn't lie to me five years ago, what makes you think you'll get away with it now?"

"Fine, I give up. I wouldn't say I'm in love, but I ran into a very old friend I had forgotten this morning," Taki admits.

Tsukasa and Takagi are suddenly both on his shoulders.

"So, who's the lucky lady?" they ask in tandem.

"Who said anything about it being a girl?"

"Okudera's right, you know—we can all see it on your face."

"You guys know me too well," Taki grumbles. "Her name is Mitsuha Miyamizu."

"You gonna tell us anymore?" Takagi asks.

"We barely had time to reconnect this morning, we hardly know anything about each other's current lives. We were hoping to meet up at talk soon, though."

"Miyamizu. . .Miyamizu. . . ." Tsukasa muses.

"Hey, isn't that the name of the mayor who saved the people of Itomori eight years ago?" Okudera asks.

"Yeah, it is!" Takagi affirms. "Old friend? Are you sure you aren't going after her because of your old obsession with Itomori?"

"Yeah, I'm sure! Look, can we talk about you guys for once?"

The three of them look at each other and grin.

"Not a chance!"

The crisp night air is refreshing as they exit the restaurant.

"Taki, I'm glad you decided to get in touch with us today. I really enjoyed tonight," Okudera says.

"Same here," Takagi concurs. "So, when do we get to meet Miss Miyamizu?"

"No way in hell am I letting her anywhere near the three of you!" Taki complains. "We all know exactly how that would go!"

"You know you're going to cave in the end, Taki," Tsukasa says. "Besides, we'd like to meet the girl who was able to capture your heart—we need to know if she's right for you."

Taki sighs. "You're probably right. But I want to catch up with her before I even consider throwing her to the wolves—the wolves being you three. Tonight was great, let's make plans to do this again!"

As they all head their separate ways, Taki pulls out his phone and opens up Mitsuha's contact information. He starts typing.

Mitsuha is laying in bed when her phone buzzes. When she sees it's Taki, she immediately sits up and reads the message.

Hey, sorry for contacting you so late! It's been a busy day. How are you?

Mitsuha smiles. No worries! I'm doing great, how about you?

My day has been incredible. I was just wondering if you'd like to meet up soon. My schedule is pretty clear for the next two weeks, but after that I'm not too sure.

She starts doing mental calculus, balancing her free time and her project. I'll be pretty busy soon, but for the next week I should have time. What did you have in mind?

Why don't we go to a café and talk? Does tomorrow work?

There's no hesitation before she replies. Tomorrow is great! Do you want to meet at the café, or somewhere else and we can head there together?

Do you remember where we met today? Suga Shrine? Why don't we meet there and head out from there?

Mitsuha sends her reply, then clutches her phone to her chest.

Sounds good! It's a date!