Boruko Shikato stood frozen, his face flushed, eyes wide, mouth agape. Maria's teasing farewell echoed in his ears: "Bye, byeeeeey!" The door clicked shut, leaving him alone in the freshly renovated room.
Silence settled, broken only by the faint hum of the city outside. Boruko exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. He glanced around the room, now adorned with mismatched furniture and vibrant paint colors—a testament to their chaotic yet heartfelt efforts. Matzsumaki came to him, "Son, I'll go Job-Hunting too... By the way, I have no objection..."
"What did she mean?" he thought...
Meanwhile, Outside
Maria, Roko, and Kisimoto stepped onto the bustling streets of Osaka. The morning sun bathed the city in a golden hue, casting long shadows on the sidewalks. The trio paused, taking in the vibrant energy of the city.
"Alright," Maria began, adjusting her pink gardening gloves, "let's get to work."
Roko nodded, his clipboard in hand. "I'll head to the flower shop." (Osaka Is a Food-Obsessed City Unlike Anywhere Else in Japan, Midōsuji)
"And I'll check out the café," Maria added.
Kisimoto smiled, "That leaves me with the bookstore."
They exchanged nods and parted ways, each heading toward their respective destinations.
Maria at the Café
Maria arrived at the quaint café, its exterior adorned with ivy and blooming flowers. Inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air. The manager, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, greeted her.
"Welcome! You must be Maria."
"That's me. Ready to help wherever needed."
The manager led her to the back, where boxes of supplies awaited unpacking. Maria rolled up her sleeves, diving into the task with enthusiasm.
Roko at the Flower Shop
Roko entered the flower shop, greeted by the scent of roses and lilies. An elderly woman stood behind the counter, struggling to lift a heavy pot.
"Let me help you with that," Roko offered, rushing to her side.
"Thank you, young man. My back isn't what it used to be."
He spent the morning assisting her with lifting pots, arranging displays, and even learning a bit about flower care.
Kisimoto at the Bookstore
Kisimoto stepped into the dusty bookstore, the scent of old pages enveloping him. Stacks of books teetered precariously, and a flickering light overhead cast a dim glow.
"Hello?" he called out. (Areas/streets with more outdoor seating and/or generally "Cozier" or ...)
An elderly man emerged from behind a shelf, adjusting his glasses. "Ah, you must be here to help."
"Yes, sir. Where should I start?"
"The roof has a leak, and the lights need fixing."
Kisimoto nodded, setting to work with his toolkit.
Later That Day
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, the trio reconvened at a small park. They shared stories of their day, laughter filling the air.
"You should've seen Roko trying to arrange flowers," Maria teased.
"Hey, I think I have a knack for it," Roko retorted, grinning.
Kisimoto chuckled, "The bookstore owner insisted I take a book as thanks."
They sat in comfortable silence, watching the city lights flicker on, the hum of Osaka's nightlife beginning to stir.
In that moment, amidst the ordinary, they found a sense of peace—a brief respite from their past adventures.
TO BE CONTINUED...