Reconciliation
Four Days Ago…
Taki removes his shoes upon returning home. He places them aside and closes the door behind him. He then walks his way to the dining area and finds his father sitting at the table reading a newspaper.
"Hello father." Taki greeted as he bows his head to him.
"Welcome home, son." His father replied as he looks up at his son. Taki pulls out a chair and sat down in front of him. "So what is it that you wanted to talk about?"
Taki puts down his suitcase and scratches the back of his head. "Well…" He said nervously. "Can you ask your boss to give you a day off on Monday?"
"Why's that?"
"You know that my friends and I are going on a 2-day vacation this Saturday, right?"
"Yes. Is there something wrong?"
"Well, the thing is…"
Three hours earlier…
"Hello Taki-kun!" Mitsuha smiled tenderly as she waves her hand at Taki.
"Hey Mitsuha." Taki replied as he walks over to him. He plants a small kiss on Mitsuha's cheek before they both turn to the entrance of the restaurant. Taki and Mitsuha wrap their arms around each other's waists as they walk inside.
They both sat at a table and put down their bags. They take a few moments to look at their menus. A waiter walks over to them and they place their orders. The waiter then wrote down their orders, bowed to them and took their menus away.
Taki and Mitsuha turn back to each other and exchanged smiles. "So Mitsuha, have you and Yotsuha began packing for our upcoming trip?" Taki asked.
"Mm!" Mitsuha nods her head. "You should have seen her. She's been smiling and squealing in excitement all week."
Taki laughed. "I don't blame her. So how was work today?"
"Fine as always. Yours?"
Taki rubbed his temples and sighed heavily. "Another rough day for me. I've been given so much paperwork to do for the last few days. I'm starting to think my boss hates me."
"Then I guess it's a good thing that our trip is coming up to get your mind cleared from all that stress." Mitsuha said. Taki gave her a wan smile and chuckled.
"Yeah. Thank goodness for that." Taki said.
"However, speaking of our trip, there's a little problem and it's something that Yotsuha and I didn't even think about until now." Mitsuha said with a worried frown.
"What's that?" Taki asked in concern.
"Who's going to take care of Obaa-chan while Yotsuha and I are gone?" Mitsuha asked. "It certainly can't be any of our friends since they are all coming with us."
"I'm sure your grandmother will be fine on her own. She's a smart and independent woman after all." Taki reassured.
"But still, staying at home all alone for three days? I'm worried that she'll feel sick of being alone for more than a day. Or even worse, something bad might happen to her while we're gone. At least back in Itomori, Yotsuha and I only leave her at home for half a day while we're in school and when she goes to our family shrine, there is someone over there to accompany her!" Mitsuha said worriedly.
Taki sighed and lowers his head, knowing that his girlfriend is right. Suddenly, Mitsuha gasps and widens her eyes as an idea hatched inside her head. Taki looks back up at her. "What is it?" He asked.
"What about your father?" Mitsuha suggested.
"My dad?" Taki said incredulously.
Mitsuha nodded with a wide smile. "Your father knows how to take care of you when you were sick and he's a great cook. He would be the perfect person to take care of Obaa-chan while we're gone!" She said enthusiastically.
Taki frowned worriedly. Mitsuha may be right about his father but he knows that sometimes, he is a difficult person to talk to. He also isn't sure if his father would be willing to help them take care of Hitoha during their vacation. "I don't know, my father is a good person but-"
He gets cut off when Mitsuha leans forward and grumbles as she pouted at him.
"It's just that-"
Mitsuha cuts him off again when her scowl now turns into a pleading puppy-eyed stare.
Taki stares back at her uneasily. "I don't know if-"
"Plllleeeeaaaasssseeee?" Mitsuha begged.
Taki sighed heavily. He knows that he can never reject anyone's request for help, especially Mitsuha. And there aren't any other options besides his father anyway. He proceeds to take out his cellphone and holds it up.
"I'll talk to my dad about this tonight." He said.
Mitsuha perks up as she gets up from her chair. "Arigatou Taki-kun!" She exclaimed. She walks over to Taki and hugs him with gratitude. Taki chuckled and wraps an arm around her as Mitsuha snuggles her face against his cheek.
"And that's why I called you." Taki finished explaining to his father. "So may I ask you, father…" He bows his head and places it onto the table. "Will you be willing to take care of Mitsuha's grandmother while we are gone?"
Taki's father stares at his son silently for a few moments. "Well, it's better than staying at home doing nothing on the weekend so…alright." He gave a solemn nod.
Taki looks back up at him and widens his eyes. 'That was incredibly easy.' He thought as he stares at his father with a wide-eyed look of surprise.
"I'll make a request to my boss tomorrow for a leave of absence on Monday." His father said to Taki.
A small grin appears on Taki's face upon hearing the good news. "Arigatou!" He said to his father gratefully.
Saturday
After putting on their footwear, Taki, Mitsuha and Yotsuha step out of the Miyamizu household with their luggage.
They turn around and see Hitoha and Taki's father walking over to the doorway.
"Goodbye everyone. Do have a fun time at Mie." Hitoha smiled warmly at the three.
"Arigatou Obaa-chan!" Yotsuha said to her grandmother.
"Please take good care of my grandmother while we're away, Tachibana-sama." Mitsuha said, bowing to Taki's father.
"I will. You have my word, Mitsuha." Taki's father replied solemnly as he bowed back to her.
"Now then, get going. You all don't wish to miss the train now, right?" Hitoha chuckled.
"Right. Let's go everyone!" Taki said to Mitsuha and Yotsuha. The two Miyamizu sisters nod their heads before they and Taki pull out the luggage handlebars. The three turn back to Hitoha and Taki's father and wave their hands at them.
"Goodbye!" The three said in unison as they walk off while dragging their luggage.
"Bye." Taki's father said in a monotone voice as he and the elder Miyamizu bid farewell to them.
"Have fun!" Hitoha added with a large smile. The two watched them leave until they're out of their sight.
Afterwards, Hitoha and Taki's father turn to each other and there was an awkward silence between the two for a moment.
"So, what do we do now?" Taki's father asked.
Hitoha simply smiled at him. "Would you like to watch me braid cords?"
Later in her room, Hitoha sat behind her takadai and works on her craft. Taki's father kneeled behind a marudai and silently watched the elder Miyamizu.
"I didn't get your name yet." Hitoha said to Taki's father while her eyes are still focused on her work.
"Oh right." Taki's father said as he adjusts his glasses. "It's Seiji. Seiji Tachibana."
"It's an honor to know your name, Seiji Tachibana." Hitoha said as a warm smile sweeps across her face. "I'm pleased to finally meet the father of my daughter's boyfriend."
"What do you think of my son, Miyamizu-sama?" Seiji asked.
Hitoha puts down her bat and looks up at him. "Your son is a bright, kind and wonderful person." A smirk later appears on her face. "And very talented too."
"Talented?" Seiji asked in confusion.
"I taught him how to braid cords during my daughter's birthday and he managed to make one for her. And my daughter loved it! Hahahaha!" Hitoha laughed.
"Really? My son can make braided cords?" Seiji asked incredulously.
"Yes! Since that day, he now visits my home every Sunday afternoon to take braiding lessons from me. He shares my granddaughter's dream in continuing our family's tradition to braid cords and I couldn't be anymore happier." Hitoha smiled.
Seiji stared blankly at Hitoha for a moment, completely surprised to learn what his son had been doing whenever he is with the Miyamizus. "My son never told me any of that." He said.
"Oh?" Hitoha adjusts her glasses. "How come?"
"Hmm. I guess it's probably because we don't speak to each other often." Seiji murmured. "Not that our relationship is bad. It's just…we don't talk very much."
Hitoha closes her eyes and solemnly nods her head. "I can see that something is troubling you. And probably doing so for a very long time now. Tell me, since when do you and Taki stop talking to each other regularly?"
Seiji sighs heavily. "We stop talking a lot after…" He paused for a moment as his eyes grew cold. "My wife died."
"I see." Hitoha said as she places her hands on her knees. "You remind me of someone, a certain person who also lost someone dear to him and just gave up on his responsibilities as a priest and a father altogether.
Seiji then remembered what Mitsuha told him when she was at his apartment for the first time on the day his son fell ill and bedridden. "Is that person, Mitsuha's father?" He asked.
"Oh, you know?"
"Mitsuha told me briefly about him before."
Hitoha nods her head. "Yes, that person is both Mitsuha's father and my son-in-law. I know that he's heartbroken over my daughter's death, but abandoning our family traditions and my granddaughters in the process as well?" She grumbled to herself and shook her head in disgust. "How much more pathetic can he be?"
"Where is he now?" Seiji asked with curiosity.
"He quit Shintoism and move into politics to become the mayor of Itomori. And even after our town is destroyed, he still pursues a career in that field upon moving here." Hitoha replied.
"Mayor of…Ito…mori?" Seiji stuttered and narrowed his eyes. He and his son did read the news regarding the destruction of Itomori nine years ago. He also saw the name of the town's mayor in the article and tries to recall what it was. Then, his jaw plummeted and his eyes widened in surprise and bewilderment.
"Your son-in-law is National Diet member Toshiki Miyamizu?!" He asked incredulously. Hitoha nodded again. "I never thought in a million years that the father of my son's girlfriend is actually that infamous man."
"It's important for us to never forget the people we love." Hitoha said as she grimly stares back at Seiji. "But being consumed by too much grief is harmful to the human soul. It blinds our judgment and we will end up making the wrong decisions. Fortunately for you, you still choose to take care of your son after your wife's death. But I can tell even then, the thought of her death still lingers inside you."
Seiji looked down at the marudai and frowned deeply as he tightly clenches his fists. "It's just…my wife is the most amazing woman I ever met in my life. I loved her so much. No one could ever replace her. And when she fell ill…I couldn't do anything. Despite all the money and help I got…I still couldn't save her." He murmured. He does have the urge to cry, but he held back his sorrow.
"But at least you still have your son." Hitoha said.
"Yes." Seiji said. "I promised my wife before she died that I will continue looking after him. So I did. But his presence is never enough to remove the emotional pain in my heart. The constant thoughts of my wife made me hard to communicate with my son. As my son grew older, the rarer we ever talk to each other, to the point that sometimes we never even say a single word to each other for a whole day. I think deep down inside him, he must feel uneasy to have a stubborn father like me."
Hitoha laughed, causing Seiji to look up at her confused. "Don't be ridiculous." She said to him with a wan smile. "If you're really stubborn, your son wouldn't even become the bright and kind-hearted man he is today. Tell you what, how about we have a little trip of our own tomorrow?"
"A trip? To where?" Seiji asked.
"I'm keeping that as a surprise from you." Hitoha smirked mischievously. "But I will say that it's a special place that might help you with your problem."
"Really? Is that true?" Seiji's eyes widened.
"Yes." Hitoha's smile quickly disappeared and is replaced by a look of dead seriousness. "But only if you are fully committed to help yourself."
Seiji remained silent for a few moments. He really does miss his wife. But at the same time, he cares about his son. Although the grievance over his wife's death complicated his relationship with his son, he does feel guilty. He felt guilty for being strict towards Taki and making any sort of communication between them tense and difficult. How he wish things were normal again between him and his son. Exactly how they were when his wife was still alive. He knows that if he were to move forward and have a better relationship with his son, he must be cleared of his grievance completely.
"Yes, I'm fully committed, Miyamizu-sama." He said as he closes his eyes and bows his head.
"That's good." Hitoha smiled tenderly at him. "And drop the formalities, Seiji. You may just refer me as Hitoha."
The next day, Seiji woke up especially early to prepare breakfast for Hitoha. By the time he is done cooking, Hitoha woke up and stepped out of her room.
Seiji places the food and drinks on the dining table. He walks over to the other side of the table and pulls out a chair for Hitoha.
"Arigatou." Hitoha said as Seiji gestures her to sit down. After she sat down, Seiji goes over to the other side and sat in front of her.
"Itadakimasu." They both said in unison before they eat their breakfast.
"You made such wonderful food, Seiji." Hitoha complimented. "I still haven't forgotten how delicious lunch and dinner were yesterday."
"I'm glad you enjoyed them." Seiji replied with a wan smile.
"Perhaps you can give my younger granddaughter Yotsuha some cooking lessons one day." The elder Miyamizu joked. Seiji chuckled in response.
"So Hitoha, where exactly are we going later?" Seiji inquired.
Hitoha looks up at Seiji and smiled. "Miyamizu Shrine."
Hitoha and Seiji sat together at the back of a passenger bus. There are lots of other people aboard the bus so Seiji sat close to the elder Miyamizu, making sure that she is safe at all times during their journey to the shrine.
After what felt like almost half an hour, the bus finally reached the exact stop where they need to alight. Seiji and Hitoha carefully make their way through the passengers who are standing and gripping onto the handholds. Thankfully, most of them are kind enough to give way to them. When they reach the exit doors, Seiji and Hitoha step out of the bus.
They continue their journey by walking down the sidewalk. After turning at a corner, a smile crossed Hitoha's face the moment she and Seiji spot the shrine looming in the distance.
Seiji widens his eyes in awe as he sees the structure coming into his view. The new Miyamizu Shrine is a small traditional Shinto shrine built in the middle of the district. After walking alongside the wooden fences that lined boundaries of the shrine, they stood in front of the Torii gate and bowed down with respect before stepping inside.
Seiji looked around the extensive area of the shrine as they walk. There are a few stone lantern pedestals at both sides leading to the entrance of the actual shrine itself. There are also a few large trees that grow above the shrine and the Torii gate they had passed through. Also, at the left side of the area, there is a decorative wall of kuchikamizake sake barrels.
"This shrine doesn't have much yet and certainly not as big as the one back in my hometown, but I am confident that it will evolve over time." Hitoha said to Seiji.
Before they knew it, Hitoha and Seiji find themselves in front of the doorway to the shrine. The two place their hands at the doors and they both push them open.
Inside the shrine, they find a woman with shoulder-length red hair, dressed in a white haori, red hakama, white socks and sandals, sweeping the floor with a broom.
The woman turns her head to the doors upon hearing them open. "Good morning Miyamizu-sama!" She greeted and bowed to the elder Miyamizu.
"Good morning Kasumi." Hitoha replied back. "Make some tea, will you? We have a guest here today." She gestures to Seiji.
Kasumi turns to Seiji and bowed to him as well. "Good morning sir. Welcome to the Miyamizu Shrine." She said.
"Arigatou. Good morning to you too." Seiji said as he bows back to her. Kasumi then gently places down her broom and walks off.
"That's Kasumi Kinomoto. She is a maiden here in this shrine." Hitoha said to Seiji.
"Are there any other shrine priests and maidens here?" Seiji asked.
"No, there aren't." Hitoha places her hands behind her back. "I used to have plenty of staff in my old shrine back in Itomori. But they have since relocated to different cities after the destruction. My granddaughters used to be shrine maidens too. But after we moved to Tokyo, Mitsuha and Yotsuha went back to school to focus on their studies. After graduating from university, Mitsuha got a different job to help support the family. Yotsuha is currently still studying. Therefore, I no longer have any of my old staff here anymore. So I'm grateful that Kasumi came to this shrine and decided to work for me. She usually comes here earlier than I do to clean up the shrine before we open it to the public."
"I see." Seiji said.
"Like you, Kasumi was a troubled person. Ever since her gambling father walked out on her and her mother, she became a wild and violent person as she grew older. But after getting caught by the police, she lost all of her friends and her relationship with her mother worsened. That led her into depression. But one day, she stumbled onto this shrine and I offered to help her. Since then, she became a well-behaved person after becoming a shrine maiden. Her relationship with her mother even improved afterwards and she graduated from her senior year with flying colors. And she still chose to continue working for me even to this day." Hitoha explained to him.
"Because I don't ever want you to be all alone in this shrine, Miyamizu-sama." Kasumi said as she returns back into the shrine's foyer while carrying a small tray with two cups of warm tea on it. "Here you go. Two cups of tea."
"Arigatou Kinomoto-chan." Hitoha smiled tenderly at her before she and Seiji take the cups from the tray. The two drink their tea and place the cups back on the tray when they are done. She turns her head to Taki's father. "Seiji, why don't you introduce yourself to Kasumi?"
"Oh right. My name is Seiji Tachibana. Nice to meet you, Kasumi Kinomoto." Seiji said.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Tachibana-sama." Kasumi smiled warmly at him.
"So Hitoha, is this really the place that will help me with my problem?" Seiji asked Hitoha.
"No." Hitoha shakes her head.
"What?!" Seiji cried in bewilderment. "But I asked you this morning-"
"Where exactly are we going later? Yes, I told you we are going to Miyamizu Shrine but did I say this is the place that will help you with your problem. No, I didn't! Hahahahaha!" Hitoha laughed at him. Seiji frowned at her in disappointment. "No, we are dropping by here first because I want Kasumi to come along with us."
"Huh?" Kasumi said incredulously.
"That's right." Hitoha said, turning to Kasumi. "We're not running the shrine today."
Kasumi groaned as she lowers her head dejectedly. "So I opened and cleaned up the shrine for nothing." She muttered.
"Oh don't look so down dear, because instead, we're going on a trip today!"
Kasumi perks up as she looks back at Hitoha. "Really?! Where?" She asked excitedly.
"I'll tell you later. Now go change back into your normal clothing." Hitoha said, gesturing her to leave. Kasumi turned around and hastily makes her way to the changing room.
Hitoha turns back to Seiji. "So Seiji, tell me more about your wife."
"Huh?" Seiji said to her in confusion.
"You told me she is the most amazing woman ever. How so?"
Seiji frowned as he stuffs his hands into his pockets. "Well, she's amazing because she is the only person I know who always understands how I feel. Let's just say that whenever there's a problem, she always comes up with the perfect solution. She's that good."
"Where do you first met this amazing woman?"
"I first met her at a ramen restaurant in Setagaya. I can still vividly remember the name because it was so simple. It's called Setagaya Ramen."
Hitoha hummed as she solemnly nods her head. "Thank you for telling me." She gave Seiji a gentle pat on his back. "If you would excuse me, I need to go to my room for a while." She said before walking off. Seiji stood and watched her in confusion.
'Why did she ask me that?'
After Kasumi changed back into her normal clothes, she, Hitoha and Seiji leave the shrine and head into her black car. Hitoha told Kasumi back in the shrine where to take her and Seiji to and she obliged. Seiji asked them during their car ride where exactly are they going but Hitoha and Kasumi told him that they are still keeping it a secret, much to his frustration. But Hitoha told him to be patient.
The car ride to their destination was rather uneventful. They left Ikebukuro and the Toshima ward about nearly an hour ago. Seiji is starting to feel restless after sitting in the back of the car for that long.
"Are we there yet?" Seiji asked, sounding rather weary.
"Relax, Tachibana-sama. We're almost there." Kasumi said with a small smirk while her eyes are focused in the front and her hands are gripped firmly on the steering wheel. The woman is now dressed in a sleeveless white jacket with a blue tube top underneath, a brown choker around her neck, black arm pads, black gloves, blue jeans, brown belt with a silver buckles and brown boots. Seiji was rather surprised at first that for a woman who works as a Shinto maiden, she sure does have a…unique sense of fashion outside of her profession.
"She knows where she's going so don't worry." Hitoha said to Seiji with a reassuring smile.
After another ten minutes have passed, Kasumi turns the car and heads into a public car park. Seiji felt relieved that they have arrived at their destination. After she safely parked her car, the three got out and close the doors. They walk down the sidewalk to continue their journey. They eventually arrive at a narrow and lively street with several shops and restaurants at both sides. They stick close together as they walk through. Seiji followed Hitoha and Kasumi from behind as the two women escort him.
"So, this is where the place that will help me with my problem is located?" Seiji asked as he looked around. "Very unique I must say."
"Kinomoto-chan, I'm feeling rather hungry right now." Hitoha admitted to the shrine maiden.
"Heh. Me too." Kasumi chuckled as she turns to the elder and places her hands on the back on her head.
"Hmm?" Seiji raises an eyebrow at them. "What are you two talk…" He trails off and widens his eyes when he sees the two women stop in front of a familiar restaurant.
"This is it, Miyamizu-sama! Setagaya Ramen!" Kasumi cried as she points a finger at the signboard above the small entrance.
"Let's go inside and have something to eat, Seiji! We do need our lunch after all." Hitoha said to him.
"B-b-b-b-but…" Seiji stuttered. He tried to say something but Hitoha and Kasumi have already entered the restaurant. His brows furrowed as he looks up at the signboard. It still looked the same since the day he and Ayase first met each other here.
But he wonders what on Earth are they doing here instead of going to the place where he and Hitoha are supposed to go.
'Don't tell me she asked me that question back at the shrine just to find a place to eat?!' Seiji grumbled to himself as he shook his head. It seems he has no other choice but to enter the restaurant anyway.
"Irasshaimase!" The chef behind the counter greeted as Seiji steps in. Kasumi and Hitoha are already sat at the counter and they reserved an empty seat next to them for Seiji. There is no one else inside the restaurant except the four of them.
The chef's mouth flopped and his eyes widened when he recognized his latest visitor. "Seiji?!" He uttered.
Seiji stopped and stares at the chef. His eyes widened as he recognizes him as well. "Yamato?"
The chef perked up. "Why I never…Seiji Tachibana! It's good to see you here again after all these years!" He cried joyfully.
"It's good to see you again too, Yamato. I see you never changed, and that's a good thing." He said to the chef. Yamato chuckled in response.
"You two know each other?" Hitoha asked him as Seiji walks over to the counter.
"Seiji and his wife Ayase used to be my regular customers." Yamato said to Hitoha before turning back to Seiji who just sat down and next to the elder. "Speaking of Ayase, how is she?"
"She passed away." Seiji said grimly.
"Oh…" Yamato said softly as his smile is quickly replaced by an apologetic frown. "I'm…so sorry."
"It's alright." Seiji shook his head. "That was a long time ago. I'm sorry that I never told you about it until now."
"How about I make your favorite dish to cheer you up?" Yamato asked.
Seiji gave a wan smile at him. "Sure. Go right ahead."
"Itadakimasu!" Kasumi and Hitoha cheered before they and Seiji proceed to eat their ramen noodles that had been served to them by Yamato.
Seiji picked up some noodles with his chopsticks and eats them.
"Well, what do you all think?" Yamato asked his customers.
"Delicious!" Kasumi said before she goes back to slurping her noodles.
"Very good." Hitoha remarked.
"It still tastes as good since the last time Ayase and I ate here." Seiji complimented. "Arigatou, Yamato."
"You're welcome! All of you!" Yamato grins at them.
"So may I ask, does either of you remember how the first encounter between Seiji and Ayase was like?" Hitoha asked Seiji and Yamato.
Seiji sighs wearily while Yamato scratches the side of his head. The two were silent for a moment before Seiji decides to speak first. "Well, I was very tired from work one day and head straight to Yamato's restaurant."
Yamato nods his head and added, "He ordered his usual favorite type of ramen when he came here. After placing his order, a young and beautiful woman entered the restaurant and I greeted her."
Seiji turns his head and stares blankly at the entrance of the restaurant. "When I saw her walking into the restaurant, I stared at her for moment, thinking she was very beautiful." Seiji's cheeks slightly blushed upon saying that.
Yamato chuckled. "The woman proceeds to sit next to Seiji at the counter and she made her order." He said to Hitoha and Kasumi who are both studiously listening to them. Seiji turns his head back to the two women.
"And as Yamato walks off to cook up our food, Ayase and I just sat next to each other in silence." Seiji lets out another weary sigh. He can't believe that he is about to describe how he felt that day in detail. "I…felt nervous…as she sat next to me. I was really unsure of what to do. I thought of…asking her a question or striking a conversation with her…but I was scared that she'll think I'm a stalker." Kasumi and Hitoha both chortled in response, flustering Seiji as the man blushed.
He coughed and continued, "When Yamato returned back with the food and place them in front of us, we both reach out for the chopsticks placed inside the container in front of us. My hand accidentally placed on top of hers."
"And I watch them turn to each other and start stuttering and acting all nervous." Yamato said to Hitoha and Kasumi as he folds his arms.
"You were watching us?!" Seiji cried at the chef incredulously.
"I'm surprised you never noticed me back then." Yamato smirked at his friend. Kasumi and Hitoha laughed again as Seiji grumbles at Yamato irritably.
"I thought that's pretty cute." Kasumi remarked as she strokes her hair.
"Anyways, we eventually calm down…laughed…and started talking to each other…and spent hours chatting inside the restaurant…as if we have all the time in the world." Seiji murmured between his pauses as he vividly remembers how his first encounter with his late wife went. He stares blankly at his bowl of noodles for a moment before he continues eating his lunch in silence.
"Thanks for the food, Yamato-sama!" Kasumi said as she, Hitoha and Seiji stood at the doorway.
"No problem! You three are always welcome here any time of the day!" Yamato grins at them with his hands firmly placed on the counter. "Especially you, Seiji."
Seiji gave Yamato a solemn nod before he, Hitoha and Kasumi bid farewell to him. The chef waves back at them as the three turn around and leave the restaurant.
Seiji stuffs his hands into his pockets and turns to Kasumi and Hitoha. "Thank you very much for bringing me back here and all, but are we now heading to the place that will help me with my problem?" Seiji inquired.
"Soon enough." Hitoha reassured him with a warm smile. "Let's head back to the car first."
Seiji sat restlessly at the back of Kasumi's car once more. An hour has passed and Seiji felt that they are no closer to getting to the special place where Hitoha wants to take him to. He stares out of the window and watches the various buildings pass by. Despite living in Tokyo for all of his life, he has absolutely no idea where Hitoha and Kasumi are taking him now. It is an extremely big city that is constantly changing every day after all. Or maybe it is because he couldn't remember when the last time he ever took a scroll around the city was.
Besides going to work every weekday or sometimes heading to nearest mall to buy groceries or household equipment, Seiji never steps out of his house, especially during weekends where he would stay at home and do housework along with his son.
'It's worse than I imagined.' Seiji thought grimly. Not only did the loss of his wife affect his relationship with his son, it also affected his own well-being.
His thoughts were interrupted when Kasumi makes a sharp turn with her car. Seiji turns back to the front and takes a look and what's in front of them right now. He leans forward and squint his eyes to get a clearer look at the place where they are heading straight to. He could see the entrance and also make out an eminent structure behind it. It looks to be a Ferris wheel. Is it the Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel? If so, does that mean…
"Are we at Kasai Rinkai Park?" Seiji asked incredulously.
"Yup." Kasumi nods her head with her eyes focused on the road.
"This is the special place you want to take me to?" Seiji asked Hitoha, looking wide-eyed.
"No, it isn't." Hitoha said. Before Seiji could reply, Hitoha holds up a hand at him. "But, we'll get there."
"Yes, so relax, Tachibana-sama." Kasumi added.
Seiji slumped in his car seat with a frustrated groan. He rubs his temples to settle down his nerves. 'Perhaps that special place is inside the park.' He thought once he had calm down.
After Kasumi parked the car, the three got out and walk into the park. Upon entering, they look up and see the Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel in front of them.
Seiji sighed dejectedly as he admires the close-up view and design of the Ferris wheel. "This Ferris wheel opened years after my first date with Ayase in this park." He said grimly as he stuffs his hands into his pockets. "If I wasn't so busy back then, we would have returned to this park and immediately gone up there…" He paused for a moment as his eyes softened. "…Along with our newborn child."
Hitoha walks up to Seiji and stood beside him. "How did your first date with Ayase went?" She inquired.
Seiji rocks back and forth in a fidgety manner on his feet before turning to Hitoha and gave her a wan smile. "Well, after we met up with each other at the train station, we walk our way to the park...and had an enjoyable day together."
For the next hour, Seiji escorts Hitoha and Kasumi through the park, visiting the spots where he and Ayase went to during their first date that happened all those years ago. Seiji is pleased that none of the areas that he and Ayase visited have changed over the years, which helps bring a sense of life and nostalgia back to him. Both Hitoha and Kasumi had an enjoyable time listening to Seiji's story and visiting the areas of the park that he and Ayase gone to.
After Seiji finished telling his story, the three sat down on a metal bench inside the observation rest house. They sat at the top floor so that they can admire the view of the entire park, as well as the sea beyond it.
Seiji lets out a heavy sigh. While he did enjoy his time at Setagaya Ramen and the park, he stares at the sky worriedly. The sun is beginning to set and they still have not visited the special place that Hitoha said that she would take him there.
He grumbled to himself and turns to his head to Hitoha and Kasumi who are happily conversing with each other.
"Hitoha! It's time for you to take me to that special place now!" Seiji raises his voice in frustration.
"Relax, Tachibana-sama." Kasumi said calmly to him.
"I would except it's almost evening now and we still haven't visited the place yet!" Seiji said morosely. "Sure visiting the restaurant and going around the park were great but why do we go to those places for? Don't tell me that Hitoha asking me where Ayase and I first met was just to know of a place to eat!"
Hitoha kept calm and silent as Seiji lets out his frustration. She simply smiled at him and places her hand on his shoulder. Seiji's exasperation vanished in an instant and his scowl is replaced by a look of confusion.
"Very well, Seiji. I do believe our time here is done." Hitoha said. "Let's get to the place which I promised to take you."
Night has fallen over Tokyo shortly after they leave the park. Seiji and Hitoha sat silently at the back of the car as Kasumi drove them to their next destination. Seiji felt relieved that they are finally heading to the special place that will help him be relieved of the pain and grief that had been lingering inside him since the death of his wife.
They only drove for fifteen minutes before they finally reach their destination. As Kasumi pulls the car up next to the curb, Seiji looks out the window. His mouth agape and his eyes widened in shock and utter disbelief. He recognizes the building right next to them. Seiji stuttered as he struggles to say something.
"T-t-this is t-the-"
"The church where you and Ayase got married." Hitoha interrupted. Seiji whirls about and face her.
"Why did you bring me here?!" Seiji demanded. "I thought-"
"This is the special place that would help you with your problem." Hitoha said.
Seiji fell silent and stares blankly at the elder Miyamizu, completely unsure of what to say.
"Geez Tachibana-sama, you mean you never figure out the whole time?" Kasumi chuckled as she turned around and gave Seiji a smirk. "We visited the ramen restaurant and the park because we want you to recollect your happier times with your late wife. Miyamizu-sama told me to take you to Setagaya Ramen to when she came into the changing room back at the shrine. Then back at the restaurant, while you were in the restroom, we asked Yamato where you two went on your first date and where you both got married. I used the map on my phone to find their exact locations, which is why Miyamizu-sama took me along on your trip."
"And what better place to finally release yourself of your grief than the building where you and Ayase tie the knot together?" Hitoha said, smiling warmly at Seiji.
Seiji turns back to the building. He sees that the church hadn't changed much since the day of their marriage. He continues staring at it for a few moments before he finally lets out a sigh and steps out of the car. Kasumi turns off the ignition and she and Hitoha followed suit.
They all entered the church together. Hitoha thanked the pastor for letting them inside. Despite the fact that it is almost closing time, the pastor gave them ten minutes to spare.
Seiji froze for a moment to take a look around the interior of the church. Instantly, memories of the wedding ceremony between him and Ayase came flooding back into his mind.
He began to walk slowly through the aisle. Hitoha and Kasumi silently walk over to the nearest wooden bench beside them and sat down. They quietly watch Seiji makes his way to the end of the aisle.
As Seiji slowly walk, he closes his eyes and began reminiscing all of the memories he had with Ayase.
He vividly remembered the moment he made his first physical contact with her by placing his hand on top of hers. He remembered the genuine and beautiful smile she made when she turned to him.
He remembered the smile she gave him while walking towards him at the train station on the day of their first date. He remembered how beautiful the sky looked when he and Ayase laid down on the grassy field and gaze up at the passing clouds.
He remembered the smile Ayase gave him as she walked down this very aisle and made her way towards him while their friends and relatives including Yamato, sat at the benches and watch with an overabundance of joy and happiness.
He remembered the moment he slid the diamond ring through her finger. He remembered the day he sat next to Ayase, who he could now proudly refer her as his wife, while she lied on the hospital bed and carrying their newborn son in her arms.
He remembered now. He remembered everything.
He opens his eyes and finds himself standing at the end of the aisle, the very spot where he and Ayase proposed to each other and vow to stay together to the end of time. He looks up at the large stain glass windows in front of him. He finally realized that he had become inconsolable with grief after his wife's death that he has completely forgotten all the days of bliss he had in his life and his continued desire for happiness.
Seiji turned to his left. His eyes widened and his mouth slightly flopped as he comes face-to-face with a familiar figure.
"Always be happy, Seiji." The woman gave him a tender smile. "And don't worry. One day, we will see each other again."
With that, the woman vanished.
"A...Ayase…" Seiji uttered as he stood where he is. A few moments later, he felt something forming in his eyes. He gently places his fingers on his right eye and looks down at them. It was a tear.
He closes his eyes, letting his tears pour out of them and flow freely down his cheeks. He began to moan in sadness. Then he sobbed uncontrollably. And eventually, he lets out a wail of agony.
He fell to his knees and kept crying as his tears continue pouring down his face.
"Ayase…Oh Ayase…" Seiji bawled unhappily as his tears spill onto the floor.
"Sometimes going backwards is what helps us move forward." Kasumi said softly. Hitoha nods her head in agreement as the two solemnly watch the display.
Seiji continue sobbing as the man is completely overwhelmed by emotion.
He finally lets out his tears.
The grief was gone.
He was free at last.
Later that night, Kasumi gently parked her car next to the curb of the pavement. Seiji and Hitoha got out of the car and find themselves back at the Miyamizu's apartment.
Kasumi lowers the window of her car and turns her head to the two. "Good night, Miyamizu-sama, Tachibana-sama."
"Good night to you too, Kinomoto-chan." Hitoha smiled warmly at her.
"Good night, Kinomoto." Seiji said as well.
A smile sweeps across Kasumi's face as she said to Seiji, "This is a beautiful world we live in, Tachibana-sama. Never forget that."
Seiji smiled back at her and nods his head in response.
"Miyamizu-sama, next time introduce your granddaughters to me. I still have yet to meet them." Kasumi said to Hitoha.
Hitoha chuckled. "Be patient, dear. I will one day." She reassured to her.
Kasumi bids farewell to them as she slowly closes the window. Hitoha and Seiji waved back at her. Kasumi quickly turns back to the front as she began to drive off.
When her car is out of their sight, Hitoha and Seiji turn around and walk their way to the elevators.
"Hitoha, thank you so much for everything." Seiji said softly to her in gratitude.
"You're welcome." Hitoha replied, smiling tenderly at him. "If my son-in-law had stayed in the shrine longer, I would have done the same thing for him. I'm glad for your case, it's never too late."
A wide smile crossed Seiji's face as his eyes softened. It was the biggest smile that he has ever made since the death of his wife. Hitoha gently pats Seiji's back before they turn back to the front and head their way to the elevators.
The next day, Seiji woke up early to cook breakfast for Hitoha and himself. When Hitoha steps out of her room and heads to the dining area, she finds Seiji looking spry and happy. The two happily ate their food together while conversing at the same time. Afterwards, they spent the rest of the day sharing stories of their lives and enjoying each other's company.
That night, the doorbell rang. Seiji walks over to the door to answer it. He opens the door to reveal Taki, Mitsuha and Yotsuha standing outside with their luggage.
"Hello Tachibana-sama!" Mitsuha and Yotsuha both greeted.
"Hello father." Taki said as he bows his head to him.
"Hello everyone! How was your trip?" Seiji asked them with a wide smile plastered on his face. Taki and Mitsuha stare at him in confusion.
"Ah! You have all returned." Hitoha said with a warm smile as she walks over to them and stood next to Seiji.
"Okay Miyamizu-sama…" Taki said, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at Hitoha. "Tell me. What have you done to my real father?"
"Tell him the truth, Obaa-chan." Mitsuha added flatly.
Seiji and Hitoha both laughed. "Seriously son? That's the response I get from you upon returning from your holiday?" Seiji asked Taki.
Taki stares at his father incredulously as Seiji gave him a pat on his shoulder. A moment later, a small smile crossed Taki's face. "Please tell me everything when we get back home." He said to Seiji.
"I will." Seiji said as he steps out of the house. Mitsuha and Yotsuha then entered their home and carefully bring their luggage in. They turn around and stood beside their grandmother.
"Arigatou." They said in unison as they bow down to Seiji.
"Thank you so much for taking care of our grandmother while we're gone." Mitsuha said to Seiji with gratitude.
"You're welcome, Mitsuha." Seiji said to her.
"Ah, before you go Seiji, take this." Hitoha took out a braided cord from her pocket and holds it out to her friend. Seiji stares at the cord wide-eyed. "This is the cord that I was working on two days ago. Accept this as a gift. Let it serve as a reminder that you are now officially a friend of the Miyamizus like your son before you."
Seiji looks up and smiled at Hitoha. "Arigatou, Hitoha." He said to her before gently taking the braided cord from her hands.
Mitsuha walks over to Taki and grabbed his hands. "I'll see you around, Taki-kun." She said softly to him with a tender smile.
"I hope to see you again soon, Mitsuha." Taki replied. Mitsuha leans forward and plants a kiss on Taki's cheek. Taki then caught her and kissed her forehead.
Mitsuha walks back into her home. She turns around and both Taki and his father bid farewell to the Miyamizus.
"Goodbye everyone." Taki said as he and his father wave their hands at them.
"Goodbye Taki-kun! Tachibana-sama!" Mitsuha cried as she and her family wave back.
"See you around Taki!" Yotsuha said.
"Take care, you two." Hitoha added. Taki and Seiji both turn and departed for their own home.
After unlocking the door, Taki opens it. He steps into the household and carefully brings his luggage inside. After putting his luggage to the side, Seiji steps in and the two remove their shoes. Taki then closes the door behind them and he turns to his father. The two silently stare at each other for a moment.
"I'll go to my room to unpack my luggage. Then, I'll take a shower." Taki said to his father. Seiji nodded.
Taki turns around and picks up his luggage. Just as he is about to make his way to his room however, Seiji interrupted, "Son, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Taki places his luggage down again and turns back to his father. "What is it?" He asked.
Seiji frowned at him. "Son…I'm sorry for all the times that I've been strict towards you." He said to Taki with deep regret. "It's just…ever since your mother passed, I kept holding onto my grief and sorrow. I now realized that because of my foolishness, I greatly affected our relationship and my own well-being. I'm sorry, son. I really am."
Taki sighed heavily. "It's true, father. You were very strict and soft-spoken. And because of the way you act towards me, it affected my life too." Then, a small smile appears on his face. "But…you did still take care of me." Seiji's eyes widened.
"You still raise me, feed me, teach me, look after me whenever I'm sick, help me with my studies and made sure that I grow up to be a smart and independent person." Taki continued. "And those are all things that a real father would do for his child. That's why I'm still grateful to have you as my father."
A wide smile plasters across Seiji's face upon hearing what his son had said to him. Taki smiled back at him as it is the happiest he has ever seen his father. They both step forward and wrap their arms around each other, pulling themselves into a warm embrace.
"I love you, father."
"I love you too, son."
Sovereign: I would like to thank AquaBluey and NeoXen7 for reviewing. Thanks guys!