Author's Notes: Ugh ffnet messed with the original formatting. You can find it in its original formatting at my RP journal in my profile.
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Silent Thank Yous
The people of Japan enter and leave Shibuya, but He never does.
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Rhyme doesn't know Joshua very well.
It used to only be a matter of coincidence when she met him, and even then, she never really talked to him; she only ever met him when she was with Beat, Neku and Shiki. But these days, she catches glimpses of him amongst the faces of Shibuya -- Beat can't watch over her ALL the time -- and wonders if she's subconsciously looking for him. With streets as packed as Shibuya's, picking a face from the crowd needs a focus she doesn't have.
The others know Joshua better. But... Neku doesn't like to talk about him. Shiki doesn't know how to talk about him. Beat doesn't talk to him.
It doesn't change the fact Joshua sits across from her in this cafe, but only on Tuesdays.
It must have looked very strange to onlookers who knew her. Growing older but not quite growing up yet meant being pushed into world ruled by the rumour mill. Rhyme doesn't have an interest in who is dating who, but that doesn't mean she is excluded from the gossip. And Beat is still too overprotective, though he has been getting better. Patience pays off in the long run, she thinks.
Aside from the cursory greetings and farewells, Rhyme doesn't talk to Joshua when he's here at the cafe. Words don't need to be spoken; the silence between them is golden.
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It's not a case of her seeking Joshua out, Rhyme realises over a Friday cup of coffee. It's more a case of him seeking her.
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"I don't see the others anymore," Joshua says one day, four months after this began, and Rhyme thinks she can detect a bit of jealousy mixed with sadness in his voice.
She apologises, "Sorry," as if that small word can mend the damage others cause. But she knows it offers little consolation; eventually she, too, will stop being a full-time Shibuyan.
Joshua smiles a little at that, and stands to leave, giving her a lazy wave of the hand. When he opens the door to the cafe, Rhyme can't help but notice there is no one on the other side of the door's glass window when he shuts it. She knows there's a good chance she'll never see him again.
There is a small pile of notes and coins on the table, enough for four months of coffee.