The Korokan was a huge, guest facility in Hakata for diplomatic visitors from mainland Asia. Keigo and Hanako joined a tour group and learned more about the history of the site.

It operated in ancient times and was recently discovered in 1987, while excavations took place before expanding a baseball stadium in Maizuru Park. It had since been excavated. The museum showed a part of the excavations and also included a partial reconstruction. Artifacts excavated from the site and materials explaining the diplomatic missions were put on display for the public to view during the tour.

Evidence suggested it was both large and grand, needing to house large groups of visitors sometimes, and also needing to impress them with Japan's high level of culture and civilization. Rulers in the Japanese islands had diplomatic and trade relations with rulers in China and the countries of what is now Korea since the dawn of written history. Hakata was an obvious arrival and departure point as the route from there to Iki, on to Tsushima, and then to the southern tip of Korea, which was the shortest and safest route. With the centralization of the state in the late 7th century, Hakata was designated the only official entry point into Japan, a kind of immigration control center.

A little further inland from Hakata was Dazaifu, the central government's western administrative center. Unexpected arrivals would have to wait in Hakata while messages were sent to the government in Nara and later Kyoto. Some time might have passed before permission was given for the envoys and their entourages to proceed, so facilities were needed to house and entertain the foreign guests. An old document from 688 mentions the facility and that it was then called "Tsukushi no Murotsumi", but that later on the Chinese term "Korokan" was used. This version was believed to have been constructed in the 8th century and to have been used for about 400 years.

After the tour ended, Hanako and Keigo explored the rest of the grounds and the ruins. The autumn leaves of the trees created an ambiance that made one feel as though they were stepping into the past as they wandered, a feeling of magik mingling with the memory of the ruins.

"Wow, it's so beautiful here," Hanako noted, looking at the golden light shining through the leaves as the clouds parted- giving them an enchanting glow.

"It sure is. Autumn is a wonderful time of year," Keigo added, sighing with content. "It just seems so much more peaceful this time of year."

"I would have to say that spring and autumn are my favorite seasons," Hanako said as the clouds moved in front of the sun once more. "I love that everything comes to life during the spring, showing off the wonders of nature, but autumn has a different touch as that liveliness begins to fade and disappear until the new year. And while both seasons bring rain and cooler temperatures, there's just something about them that I feel resonates with me."

"I can understand that. I think for me, it's always just been the autumn, but since you came into my life I've been noticing that I'm enjoying each season with a different kind of appreciation than I would have before." Keigo looked down at Hanako. "If it weren't for you, I'd be missing out on a lot and wouldn't have noticed."

Hanako blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I honestly never thought that I'd be spending my days like this and I have you to thank for it." She offered him a smile. "Since you came into my life, things have definitely changed- for the better, that is."

"I'm glad to hear it," Keigo replied, but then his stomach growled and he blushed as he tried to laugh it off. "Let's find somewhere to eat."

Hanako giggled at that. "Why don't we get sushi?"

Finding a sushi place not far from where Hanako lived, Keigo and Hanako were seated in the warmth of the restaurant. They placed their drink orders and enjoyed the welcoming ambiance of the humble business. When Hanako received her plum tea, she was careful not to burn her tongue or lips on the hot liquid.

"Mmm, that's yummy..!"

Keigo watched as Hanako sipped her tea, sighing in content. "I bet the sushi will be even better." He commented, enjoying his lemon sour.

"I hope so, it's been a while since I've had good sushi," Hanako noticed his expression and blushed. "W-What? Is there something on my face?"

"Nope."

Hanako felt her blush growing as he gazed at her, finding that she was unable to decipher the look in his eyes, and she was grateful when their food arrived in the knick of time- providing a much-needed distraction.

They began their meal, having gotten a little bit of everything to try.

"Mmm..."

Keigo chuckled. "You seem to really like that one. Which one is it?"

"Unagi," Hanako said. "You should try a piece."

Keigo reached over and picked out a smaller piece of unagi roll, popping it into his mouth. His brows raised with surprise and when Hanako asked him how he liked it, he gave her a thumbs up.

"Thanks for today, Keigo," Hanako said, taking a break from her sushi to enjoy more of her plum tea. "I've had a lot of fun with you."

"Same here," Keigo replied, savoring another bite of unagi roll. "It's definitely been a nice change of pace from everything going on."

Hanako watched him muse over which sushi to try next and smiled over her mug as she brought it to her lips for another sip. 'Even if he was just teasing earlier, I like the idea of going out on dates with him. Even if it's just as friends, this has been really nice.'

"Hanako, try this one," Keigo offered her a piece of one of the tuna selections. "It's a bit spicy, so be careful." He watched as she tried it, his chuckle turning to laughter at her expression. "Not big on spicy, huh?"

Hanako downed the rest of her plum tea and sat back, waving her hand in front of her face. "I don't mind spicy, but that? That's a bit much for my liking."

"Good to know," Keigo said aloud, taking a mental note for the future.

The rest of the evening went like that, with playful banter between the two as they enjoyed their meal. Keigo and Hanako eventually made their way back to her apartment- Keigo being grateful that the chill in the evening air was enough to keep him sober. The walk was a bit long, but neither of them seemed to mind it so long as they had each other's company. An evening chill hung in the air and Hanako was glad that she had brought her cardigan with her.

Keigo walked her up to her apartment, standing just outside in the hallway as she unlocked the door. Off in the distance, the sound of thunder boomed and Keigo felt the winds changing as the coming storm drew nearer and nearer.

"You should get home before the storm hits," Hanako said, looking at the darkening sky.

Keigo nodded, returning his attention back to Hanako. "I had fun today. Thanks for inviting me along."

"I had fun today, too. Thanks for coming with me."

Keigo took her hand in his, just as he did the night of the charity dinner and her birthday, and placed a kiss on the back of it- this time lingering a bit longer than before. "Good night, Hanako."

"G-Good night, Keigo."

Keigo waited for Hanako to get inside before turning to make his way back down to the street, his smile growing as he found that he was finally ready to admit what Ryushi seemed to have already known for awhile.

Up in her apartment, Hanako had come to the same realization but she was still just as wary about the possibility of it affecting their work relationship and their friendship. 'What am I going to do...?'