A portrait of the reliable ghost in their back rooms. She would like to lodge a complaint about that descriptor.

Observations and moments through the years.

Spoiler: I have named Miss Matoba. Just in case!

these summer mornings.

A tall glass of barley iced tea and a plate full of sleepy matcha shortbread cats wait for her every morning.

Just enough sweetness to start the day.

siblings.

Shinobu lets out a screech. Seiji has matter-of-factly dipped one of his sister's plaits into cupcake batter. And with no regrets, he continues whisking away.

Nanase wonders how it took so long.

Alas, no cupcakes tonight—maybe for the best on account of Miss Matoba's hair—and Seiji's summarily banned from the kitchen for the rest of the month.

It's almost a shame. And Nanase isn't much for sweets.

suitor.

"He looks like a playboy, doesn't he?" Seiji's golden-haired date.

Shinobu's eyes crinkle with mirth. "He's certainly played Seiji!"

The two of them are at the edge of the koi pond. The boy has their boy by the hand—a point of contact he makes sure to maintain.

She ambles over to them now, playfully tips them into the water. Shuuichi steadies Seiji by the waist and it's the first thing he does. Seiji goes pink.

Shinobu delights in her brother, as always, with a fox-like teasing. She ends up in the pond too.

It is rather warm, after all.

Nanase sets her heart.

they what—

Nanase isn't surprised by the news of the marriage.

Of course, the Matoba are one for custom. So, really, Seiji? She looks at him over the rim of her spectacles.

"I, we, didn't want to wait." Familiarly pink.

"How romantic." Seiji burns brighter still. She tucks a smile into her palm.

"Youth." Is all she has to say. And isn't it wonderful.

résumé.

It was not needed.

espresso.

It is Shuuichi's pride and joy, besides Seiji. A shining thing like a small car atop the back counter.

And oh, if Nanase has a weakness.

But Shuuichi doesn't think of it like that and it is a few months before hers resembles anything like his.

They trade cups, as always.

pig-cat.

"I know you can talk."

"And what," the calico yawns wide, "would we talk about, book-keeper?"

Nanase doesn't hesitate. He is a ridiculous, chunky excuse of a cat, and the window is right there. Who would blame her? Well, Seiji might, but she knows that Shuuichi and that boy, Takashi would back her up.

After all, he can find his way back inside if he wants to and if his pride lets him.