The Alice in Wonderland Café stood as a whimsical in Tokyo, a place where enchantment and imagination wove their spells. Its booth designs, reminiscent of scenes from the famous tale, beckoned patrons into a world of whimsy. From the Queen of Hearts hedges to the Mad Hatter's tea party, and the white rabbit plushies scattered throughout, the café was a testament to creativity. It was a setting most wouldn't associate with a stern man like Masamichi, judging by his overall appearance.
If only they knew.
Masamichi, however, paid no attention to the quirky decor. He cared only about two things: the discreet charm of the place and its suitability for their meeting. This was his chosen sanctuary, a place where clandestine conversations could take place under the guise of innocent novelty. No one would suspect a thing, especially not the higher-ups, not until it was necessary. He had no desire to deal with their unnecessary inquiries and complications right now.
The café was blissfully empty, a fact that eased his mind. With minimal customers, their privacy was assured. He had specifically requested the Queen of Hearts Hedges booth for its seclusion and aesthetic charm. The flamingo plushies hanging from the hedge walls added a touch of whimsy and also served as a charming distraction.
"Here you are, sir," a waiter arrived, holding a tray adorned with three artfully crafted drinks and a 3-tier stand laden with delightful Alice-themed finger desserts.
The young man set the items down with practiced finesse, and Masamichi acknowledged his presence with a curt nod before the waiter departed.
As soon as he was sure they were alone, with the sounds of footsteps fading into the background, Masamichi retrieved a thin file folder from his bag and placed it carefully on the table. It contained your old record file, a relic from years past. Opening it, he glanced at your old photograph in the corner, where you didn't wear a hood or dark sunglasses, and began reviewing the contents.
Meanwhile, in the car, Ijichi maneuvered through the bustling Tokyo streets. "I think your position fits you well," you complimented him, your voice filled with warmth.
A subtle blush tinted Ijichi's cheeks, and he cleared his throat as he approached a traffic light. "Well, you could say that."
Your laughter floated through the car, a sound that hadn't changed over the years. It still had the power to light up Ijichi's world, bringing a smile to his lips.
"Goodness, Ijichi, have you been starved of compliments?" you teased lightly.
He chuckled and scratched the back of his head, a gesture that revealed a vulnerability he rarely showed. "Well, you could say that."
Sensing his underlying sadness, your heart ached, but you masked it well, allowing the conversation to continue its lighthearted course. Yet, your perceptive eyes caught the shadows that flickered in his gaze.
"It's just nice to hear once in a while," Ijichi admitted, his voice softening. "You always gave me the best compliments on our assignments."
You smiled fondly, your mind drifting back to those days when you and he had worked side by side, facing the challenges of the jujutsu world together. The memories resurfaced, vivid and tender, painting the present with hues of nostalgia.
"Of course," you replied, your tone gentle, "you were my partner. Your curtains were the best, well, second only to my auntie Emiyo's. Plus, you knew all the fine details of each mission. I might have been the power, but you were certainly the brains."
A delicate shade of pink tinged Ijichi's cheeks. "Now you're just being kind," he said, but there was a grateful glimmer in his eyes. "But we did work well together. Even if you did most of the heavy lifting."
Your laughter rang out, a melody that bridged the years between you. He was right; the assignments you and he undertook were captivating, filled with challenges that had bonded you in ways words couldn't fully express.
"Let's just settle it and agree that we made an excellent team," you suggested, your voice warm with nostalgia.
"Fair enough," Ijichi agreed, his gaze meeting yours with genuine affection. "So, what about you? It's been almost ten years, and…"
His words trailed off, his curiosity apparent. Your posture stiffened slightly, your gaze momentarily fixed on the passing cityscape beyond the window. Memories, both beautiful and painful, surged within you, threatening to overwhelm your composure. The weight of the past pressed upon your shoulders, but you steadied yourself, refusing to crumble under its burden.
"May?" Ijichi's voice cut through your thoughts, filled with genuine concern. "Are you okay?"
Your smile faltered for a moment, but you quickly regained your composure, wearing a mask of tranquility. "Yes," you replied, your voice steady, "just so much has changed since I was last here." You released a short sigh, your gaze drifting toward the buildings that held secrets only you could comprehend.
Yet, buried beneath your calm exterior, a tempest of emotions raged. The memories clawed at the edges of your consciousness, threatening to pull you back into the abyss of the past. You fought against the undertow, against the darkness that threatened to engulf you. With sheer willpower, you emerged from the depths, resolute and unyielding.
"Are you su—"
You silenced Ijichi's concern with a reassuring smile. "Yes," you said, your voice gentle, "you don't need to worry. Now, as for your question…" You trailed off, steering the conversation toward safer shores. "I have a new line out."
Ijichi arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by your statement.
"Yes, a clothing line," you elaborated, your tone carrying a hint of pride. "It should be arriving soon. Have you heard of Divine Threads?"
He gave you a bemused look, clearly unfamiliar with the brand.
"Well, that's my clothing line," you explained, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up your eyes. "It's been around for some time now. So, that's what I've been up to."
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Ijichi's features, and you sensed his unspoken questions. The truth hung between you like an unsheathed sword, sharp and gleaming. Memories resurfaced, unwanted and painful, of a time when the world had been a labyrinth of shadows and fear.
"Oh, that…" you said, your voice carefully modulated, "well…"
But your words were torn away from you, swept aside by a tide of anguish. The echo of sizzling flesh, the scent of burnt skin, and the searing pain seeped into your consciousness. The memory threatened to consume you, to pull you back into that suffocating darkness. The trembling of your fingers brought you back,Your heart was still racing, but gradually, you realized you were sitting in the car next to Ijichi.
The suffocating, viewless room was gone, replaced by the familiar interior of the car. The sky stretched above you, a vast expanse of blue. Your hands, resting on your lap, moved instinctively towards the sharp pain in your abdomen. Just before your hands could reach the spot, you forcefully pulled yourself out of the disorienting state. With a deep breath, you pushed down the overwhelming emotions threatening to engulf you.
"Well, the main thing is, I made it out," you said, your voice level despite the storm within. "I survived. And that's what matters."
You met Ijichi's concerned gaze with a brave smile, refusing to let the shadows of the past dim the light in your eyes. With a deep breath, you shoved the memories back into the recesses of your mind, locking them away.
Ijichi pulled into a parking spot, his eyes filled with empathy and unspoken questions. He opened his mouth, undoubtedly ready to voice his concerns, but you spoke first, diverting the conversation.
"So, Masamichi wants to meet here?" you asked, changing the topic.
You knew the area well. "I'm not surprised. But it's kind of him. Shall we go?"
Before Ijichi could respond, you opened the car door and stepped out. He followed suit a few seconds later.
Back inside the Alice in Wonderland Café, Masamichi meticulously finished reviewing your file. Glancing at his phone, he noted there were five minutes left until your expected arrival. He knew you would be here soon, likely accompanied by Ijichi.
As he waited, his eyes returned to your file, a document he had longed to receive news about. Your sudden contact was a surprise, a welcome one, but it brought a sense of unexpected heaviness to his stomach.
His gaze fell upon two names in your file: Zabari Hamada and Emiyo Hamada.
Behind his dark shades, Masamichi's eyes softened with a mix of emotions. A friendly and solid hand landed on his shoulder, followed by a hearty chuckle and a broad smile from Zabari. With a brief moment of connection, Masamichi closed the file, setting aside the weight of the past for the time being.
"Kaka!" Zabari smirked, "Come, let's have a drink of tea. Emiyo just brewed a new pot."
Masamichi lifted his eyes from your file to the empty spot across where the two untouched drinks sat. One was strawberry infused with peach. Masamichi stared at it, his mind deep in thought. The answer to his unspoken question would come once you arrived. Another query lingered in his mind, awaiting its moment.
You weren't a Grade 2 anymore.
He was sure that much changed.