The following morning, he was at the shop even before 6 am. A sleepless night, indeed. Focusing on cleaning and taking care of shop animals helped him maintain his frail sanity, and so he buried himself in work any chance he got. Chifuyu dropped by around 8, only to see the shop spotlessly clean and everything in perfect order. Kazutora greeted him carrying some cat food boxes from the storage.
- Good morning, boss! - he let out a small friendly smile.
- Wow, you're early. - Chifuyu left his bag and coat at the hanger by the door.
- Yeah, well, I couldn't sleep last night, so I came a bit earlier. Hope you don't mind.
- Not at all. You do you. Just keep in mind we'll be getting a delivery of fish tank water filters at 12, and dog toys at 3pm.
- Noted! - he said cheerfully.
- I'll be going to a meeting before that, so I'm leaving that to you. - Chifuyu sat down in his leather chair in the office, turning on his PC.
- I'll take care of it... You know, Chifuyu - he started hesitantly.
- Hn? - his boss uttered absentmindedly, while staring at the shop's fiscal reports.
- I met Baji's mom yesterday, at the cemetery.
Chifuyu's full attention suddenly shifted to his employee.
- Really? And?
- She was kinder to me than I ever deserved.
- As expected. After all, it's Baji-san's mom we're talking about here. And YOU more than anybody else know the extent of his overwhelming kindness... - Chifuyu's voice gave a hint of passive aggressiveness.
- You're right... - Kazutora whispered with a sad undertone.
- So? What did you say to her?
- Nothing. I couldn't bring myself to say anything. But she forgave me still. And she was even so kind to accept my offer to take care of her as if she was my mother.
- Wow... She sure let you off easily.
- I think so, too. - Kazutora chuckled nervously. - If you don't mind, I'll go visit her after work. I'm sure she'd be glad to see you, too, so, if you have time... I mean, you don't have to, but...
- I'm busy today, but I'll go visit next time.
- I thought maybe we could go together. - Kazutora sounded disappointed.
- Yeah, sure. - he focused on his work again.
. . .
After a while, the door chime jingled, notifying the two of the customers entering.
- Welcome in, how may I help you? - Kazutora brought in his best customer service voice.
- Hello, I was thinking of buying a kitten... - a soft female voice said politely.
Kazutora subconsciously focused his attention to her. She seemed to be in her early 20's, probably 4 or 5 years his junior. Tall and lean figure with long, slightly wavy, black hair, and endearing smile, dressed in black from head to toe. "She sure has a strong presence", he thought.
- Do you have a certain breed in mind that you would prefer? - he tried to be helpful to the customer.
- Oh... well, actually, I don't know much about cats... It's just that... you see... it's for my aunt. - she laughed nervously. - She lives alone, and since her birthday is approaching, I was thinking of buying a pet for her as a present. My late cousin loved cats, so...
Kazutora's posture stiffened at those words, as if he was instantly frozen, but he still managed to take a better look at her face. A pair of familiar looking light brown eyes met his, with a sharp, soul piercing gaze.
- Uhm… is something wrong? – she was slightly confused by his lack of reaction. But he was hit with a wave of sudden realization. "No way... It can't be... Baji's cousin?! But this is too much of a coincidence to be just a coincidence! That face… They're definitely related! Holy crap, what do I do?!" - he went full on panic mode internally.
- Sorry, I guess I started babbling unnecessary things, I must have bored you with my story! - she heartily apologized to the clerk.
- Oh, no, no, no! Please... Do not apologize! I'm sorry for spacing out! Please go ahead and take a look at our cats. If you happen to like any one, please let me know!
- Ok, thank you - she gave him a polite smile and went into the cat section of the shop. Not even a minute later, she called for the shop assistant.
- Uhm, excuse me!
- Yes? - Kazutora appeared beside her in an instant.
- I would like to buy that black one over there. - She pointed to a kitten of her fancy.
- Oh, that's a very good choice! He's a bit mischievous sometimes, but a real good boy! - he laughed softly.
- Haha, no wonder he instantly reminded me of my cousin. I'm sure aunty will be happy to have him! - she smiled again, and Kazutora felt a sharp, cutting sensation in his upper abdomen upon the occasion. He could feel his face starting to burn.
Having proceeded with all the paperwork and necessities of buying a pet, the payment was the only thing left to do. She reached for her wallet and looked for her credit card, only to be stopped by the clerk.
- Oh, miss, no need to! I thought that your reason for wanting to buy a pet was very kind, and I admire you for that. It reminded me of a late friend of mine. So please, take this little one as a courtesy of the shop!
- A-are you sure? Is it really ok? I mean...
- Do not worry, please! - he tried to reassure her with a polite smile.
- Oh... ok... thank you! Really, thank you so much! - she exclaimed happily.
- You're very welcome! Thank you for shopping with us, and please visit again soon!
- Will do, thanks again! - she was at the door, carrying a cat in the carrier and a whole bunch of cat necessities. He quickly jumped in to hold the door open for her.
- Oh... thanks... - she said sheepishly.
- No problem!
- Goodbye! - she was already outside, walking towards the parking lot. He still stood by the door, looking at her walk away.
- Please wish your aunt a happy birthday from us! - he shouted from the shop door.
She turned around and smiled quickly at him. And again, the cutting feeling in his stomach... Even after she drove away, he still lingered at the door, staring at the direction she went to.
- That's going to be deducted from your salary. - Chifuyu smiled from behind Kazutora, which snapped him back to reality.
- Eh... I wouldn't have it any other way. - he chuckled in light embarrassment. - Do you think... that she...?
- ...could be Baji-san's cousin?
- Yeah... - his voice concerned.
- I don't.
- Really? - a sudden relief.
- I don't think. I know. I know her.
Kazutora's face changed every single shade of pale in an instant.
- You know her...?
- Yep. Tsukishiro Fuyuko. Baji-san's little cousin.
- Does she... know... - Kazutora's voice went suddenly quieter. - ...everything?
- No. She was overseas for a long time. She doesn't know this is my shop. I haven't seen her in ages either. Anyway, I'll be going now, need to run some errands before the meeting, catch you later! - Chifuyu was dressing up and picking up his stuff. - Don't forget the deliveries!
- Oh, alright! Good work, boss.
- 'Later! - With that said, Chifuyu stormed out of the shop, leaving perplexed and shocked Kazutora behind.
"Baji's cousin, huh? I'm in deep trouble now... I'll probably see her at Mrs. Baji's place, sooner or later. Shit! How do I avoid that...?!" - he absentmindedly started biting his nails. "I promised I'd visit Mom this evening, what if she's there?!" - the burning sensation in his stomach intensified. "And what is this feeling though? I've never felt this kind of fear before..."
Having finished his shift as usual, Kazutora left for Baji's house, the said fear never leaving him for a single second, as he was walking there. A thousand "what-ifs" swirled through his mind, exacerbating his anxiety. But one particular "what-if" was significantly different from the rest. Pleasant, even. "What if I get to see her, and she smiles at me again?" That thought excited him for some reason, and revoking the image of her smile stuck in his mind lifted up his mood.
Lost in thoughts, he arrived to Baji house. With nowhere to run from whatever was about to happen, he rang the doorbell, and hoped for the best. In a few moments, Mrs. Baji opened the door.
- Oh, Kazutora-kun! Come on in!
- Good evening, O-kaa-san! Sorry for interrupting.
- No, no, I was just making dinner. I'm glad you arrived on time for it, it's been a while since I shared a meal with someone.
- Thank you for having me.
His uneasiness and anxious curiosity took a better of him; he had to know if the girl from earlier today was really related to Baji. "They do share quite a few features, but it could be just a coincidence…" There was only one way to know for sure.
- Say, O-kaa-san, are you always alone? Don't you have any relatives who could visit you?
- Not really, no. I do have a younger brother, but he's been working and living abroad for years. I haven't seen him and his family ever since Keisuke's funeral. - she let out a small sad sigh.
- I see... - Kazutora's fears were confirmed!
But I'm really glad you offered to visit, Kazutora-kun! - she smiled sadly at him. - Come on now, eat before it gets cold!
- Itadakimasu...
. . .
After they finished dinner, Kazutora got up to clean the table and wash the dishes.
- Oh, thanks, sonny. Say... I was also wondering; don't you have parents?
- Well, - he started flatly, without any emotion in his voice, - I do, technically. I just broke off all contact with them since I went back to jail.
- Oh... And, why is that, if you don't mind my asking?
- Oh, not at all, O-kaa-san! - he smiled at her politely. - My therapist at the institution suggested it was the best for me. Apparently, I was abused as a child. I wasn't really aware of it back then, but now when I think about it, it makes a lot of sense. I just know they're divorced, but I have no idea where either of them is, nor how they're doing. And I don't really care that much, to be honest. Neither of them ever bothered to visit me during those ten years. I never had a proper relationship with either of them. My family was Toman... - his voice suddenly sounded regretful.
- I'm sorry to hear that, kiddo. It seems you've been through a lot of problems of your own... But I gave it a thought, and made a decision. I'll consider you my son from now on. I'm sure even Keisuke would have insisted on it.
Kazutora bowed down to her. - Please take good care of me from now on, O-kaa-san!
- You too, sonny! - she laughed softly.
After helping her out with a couple more house chores, he left for his apartment. They agreed to go visit Baji's grave together the following day, after he finishes with work.
Thoughts and worries about Tsukishiro Fuyuko once again found their way to his mind. A yet another sleepless night ensued. Chifuyu noticed his state and let him off the shift an hour early, so they arrived at the cemetery before the dark.
- You have a really kind boss there, don't you? - she lightly teased.
- Yes, I really can't complain. - he smiled sheepishly.
- Chufuyu-kun, huh... I haven't seen him in a long time either. Is he doing well?
- He seems to be. By the way, he promised to come visit you one of these days when he finds some free time.
- Oh, really? That's really nice of him! - she smiled happily. - So, why don't you guys drop by this Saturday? I'll make some really nice food for everyone!
- Thank you, O-kaa-san! I'll let Chifuyu know you invited us.