The vast garden stretched endlessly before them, the soft rustling of leaves harmonizing with the whisper of the wind. As Kotetsu and Yuri walked forward, their steps synchronized with the tranquil rhythm of the surroundings, they came upon a sight both ancient and breathtaking—Nezu Shrine (根津神社).
The shrine, nestled within the heart of Tokyo yet untouched by the modern world's clamor, stood as a silent testament to time. It was famed for its striking red torii gates and azalea gardens, a place where history and divinity intertwined seamlessly.
As they approached the first torii gate, its towering presence loomed over them, painted in a deep vermillion hue that seemed to glow beneath the fading sunlight. Beyond it, the path ahead was a tunnel of sacred gates, reminiscent of Kyoto's renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine. Each gate stood like a sentinel, silently watching over those who passed through, their presence forming an almost ethereal corridor that led deeper into the sacred grounds.
Kotetsu and Yuri stepped through the first torii gate, their journey into the heart of the shrine truly beginning.
The air here felt different—heavier, yet serene—as if the very essence of the past lingered within the sacred walls. The architectural brilliance of the Main Shrine Building (本殿, Honden) stood in the distance, a relic of the Edo period, crafted in the intricate style of Gongen-zukuri. Its design spoke of a time when gods and men were closer than they were now.
Alongside it, the Karamon Gate (唐門), adorned with elegant carvings, and the Sukibei Wall (透塀) framed the sacred space, adding a sense of mystique to the shrine's already enigmatic aura.
Kotetsu and Yuri continued their silent pilgrimage, each step carrying them deeper into the shrine's embrace. They passed through gate after gate, their figures moving like shadows between the towering pillars of red.
And then, as they crossed the final gate, they emerged into the inner field of the shrine—a place where the echoes of prayers, whispered through generations, still lingered in the wind.
Here, in this sacred place, the past and present converged.
And unknown to them, something—or someone—was waiting beyond the threshold of history.
The shrine hall exuded a sacred tranquility, its wooden architecture carrying the weight of centuries past. As Kotetsu and Yuri stepped inside, the scent of aged timber and faint incense lingered in the air, wrapping them in a quiet solemnity.
Two warm wooden benches stood side by side, their polished surfaces reflecting the dim glow of the shrine lanterns. Without a word, they both took their seats, the stillness around them amplifying the unspoken emotions that hung between them.
Kotetsu exhaled slowly, leaning back against the bench, his gaze wandering toward the intricately carved beams above. Then, with a faint smile, he spoke.
Kotetsu: "This place is the greatest sanctuary for both the spirit and the mind. It feels as if time itself slows down here."
Yuri nodded gently, her long black hair swaying slightly.
Yuri: "Yes... This place is more than just sacred. It's a haven where people can find solace, where their spirits can rest."
Kotetsu turned toward her, his eyes searching hers.
Kotetsu: "So, will you make a wish for yourself today?"
A brief silence. Yuri's gaze lingered on the shrine's offering box, her expression contemplative.
Yuri: "I did before... but some wishes never came true."
Kotetsu arched a brow.
Kotetsu: "Some? Are you implying something?"
A shadow passed over Yuri's face. Her gaze lowered, her fingers intertwining, pressing against each other with quiet tension.
Yuri: "No... I just want to wish again. To wish that I can become strong enough to help others. My childhood best friend always wanted to protect people... and he kept fighting until the very end. But fate deceived him, tore him away from me."
Her grip on her own fingers tightened, as if trying to suppress the ache within her chest.
Yuri: "I want to see him again. One day, I will definitely see him again. And—"
Before she could finish, Kotetsu reached out, grasping her shoulder firmly.
Kotetsu: "I know... You still hope to see Chihiro-san." (He patted her arm reassuringly.)
"But it's not just you and me—everyone is waiting for him to return from the eternal darkness."
A silence settled between them, heavy yet filled with unspoken understanding. Yuri slowly nodded, her grip loosening, though the longing in her heart remained.
In this sacred place, beneath the weight of whispered prayers and forgotten gods, a silent promise was made.
Somewhere beyond the reach of the known world, Chihiro Kamaniya still lingered—lost, waiting, or perhaps... returning.
The air around Nezu Shrine remained serene, the whispers of the wind brushing past the red torii gates as Kotetsu and Yuri sat in quiet contemplation. The weight of unspoken emotions still lingered between them, but Kotetsu's gaze softened as he turned toward her.
Kotetsu: "I wonder... how strong is your will to manifest your blood armament? Both for defense and offense?"
Yuri lifted her head slightly, her dark eyes reflecting the shrine's dim lantern glow. There was a flicker of something unreadable in her expression—resolve, uncertainty, or perhaps a quiet determination.
Yuri: (Exhaling softly.) "I—I don't know. I still have enough strength to defend myself… and to protect others."
Kotetsu nodded, as if acknowledging an unspoken truth. Then, without hesitation, he stood up and extended his hand toward her.
Kotetsu: "Come with me."
Yuri's gaze narrowed slightly, her brows knitting together in skepticism.
Yuri: "Where exactly are we going?"
Kotetsu grinned, his usual easygoing demeanor returning.
Kotetsu: "Well… we can walk near the University. And if you'd like, we can stop by a café."
For a moment, Yuri blinked in mild surprise.
Yuri: "A… café?"
Kotetsu's smile widened, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Kotetsu: "Yes. I'll treat you to something nice."
Yuri's face tinged with the faintest hue of red. She glanced away, shifting slightly on the bench.
Yuri: (Muttering.) "Treat? I… I didn't ask for anything."
Kotetsu chuckled, his expression warm.
Kotetsu: "Oh, come on. You're a special person to me and to all of us. You're also our ally now, so let me do this for you."
Yuri hesitated, her fingers fidgeting slightly before she finally exhaled in reluctant acceptance.
Yuri: (Turning her head slightly, voice firm yet playful.) "Fine. If you insist, do as you like. But don't expect me to be some 'proper' girl. I can be quite demanding, you know." (She smirked, tilting her head slightly.)
Kotetsu let out a short, amused laugh.
Kotetsu: "I know, I know. That's why I'll make sure to treat you to something elegant and enchanting."
Yuri finally smiled—a rare, genuine expression that softened the air between them. Without another word, she reached out and took Kotetsu's hand. Their fingers brushed momentarily before he gently held hers, guiding her away from the shrine.
Descending the many stone steps of Nezu Shrine, they found themselves slightly out of breath, the long descent leaving a faint weariness in their legs.
Yuri: (Sighing.) "Tch… I forgot how many stairs this place has."
Kotetsu: (Laughing breathlessly.) "Yeah, it's practically a workout."
As the shrine's torii gates faded behind them, they stepped onto the bustling streets leading toward the University of Tokyo. The warm afternoon sun cast golden hues across the cityscape, the distant sounds of life filling the air.
The golden sunlight filtered through the high-rise buildings, casting long, fragmented shadows across the streets as Kotetsu and Yuri walked side by side, weaving through the ineffable roads of the city. The distant hum of conversations, laughter, and the occasional clatter of shoes against the pavement created a rhythm of life that pulsed through the bustling environment.
Near the University of Tokyo, groups of students and adults alike gathered—some engaged in lively discussions, others pouring over books and constellation charts, their minds consumed by academic pursuits. Kotetsu stole a glance at Yuri, whose gaze remained neutral, yet attentive, as if absorbing the world around her in quiet observation.
Their destination soon emerged before them—Café de L'Ambre, a historic establishment renowned for its aged coffee beans and deep connection to the art of brewing. The very air surrounding the café was infused with the rich aroma of roasted coffee, a fragrance both nostalgic and inviting.
As they stepped inside, the café's ambiance enveloped them in a warm embrace—dim lighting, vintage wooden décor, and shelves lined with glass jars filled with coffee beans from distant lands. The quiet murmur of patrons and the gentle clinking of ceramic cups created an atmosphere of refinement and tranquility.
After scanning the room, they found an empty table near the window, where the sun's fading glow painted golden strokes upon the polished surface. Seating themselves upon the Roman-style chairs, Kotetsu instinctively reached for the menu card, flipping through its pages before glancing up at Yuri.
Kotetsu: (With an easy smile.) "So, what kind of coffee do you want?"
Yuri took a brief moment before answering, her voice calm yet certain.
Yuri: "Black… with white cream flavor."
Kotetsu nodded, an approving glint in his eyes. Without further delay, he signaled a nearby waiter.
A tall, well-groomed gentleman soon approached—his attire immaculately presented in a black lapel blazer layered over a crisp white shirt. His silver-white hair, combed neatly, reflected the café's ambient lighting. In his hands, he balanced a polished silver tray adorned with delicate spoons.
Waiter: (With a courteous nod.) "Good evening, sir. How may I assist you?"
Kotetsu flipped the menu to the café's signature selections, his finger resting upon one of the finest choices.
Kotetsu: (Calmly.) "We'll have the famous coffee from your specialty selection."
The waiter's gaze flickered to the menu, recognition flashing in his expression before he nodded in understanding.
Waiter: "Excellent choice, sir. I shall have it prepared immediately."
With a swift yet elegant turn, the waiter departed toward the counter, vanishing into the depths of the café's brewing station. Meanwhile, Kotetsu leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable as he observed Yuri across the table.
Outside, the city remained alive with its endless symphony of movement, yet within this café, time seemed to slow, allowing a moment of quiet reprieve between two souls seeking solace in the warmth of a shared drink.
As Yuri's gaze swept across the café, she became deeply absorbed in its architectural intricacies—the mahogany walls lined with vintage coffee portraits, the soft glow of pendant lights casting warm halos upon the polished wooden floor, and the subtle elegance that defined the establishment's atmosphere. The air hummed with the animated chatter of teenagers and couples, their laughter interwoven like an indistinct melody drifting through the dim-lit space.
Yet, despite the lively ambiance, a peculiar inexorable emptiness welled up within her. The sight of these individuals—seated in pairs, engaged in intimate conversations—summoned a lingering sense of insufficiency within her heart.
Sensing the shift in her demeanor, Kotetsu tilted his head slightly, his voice gentle yet laced with quiet concern.
Kotetsu: "Are you okay?"
Yuri's contemplative trance broke as she turned her gaze toward him, her expression neutral yet faintly distant.
Yuri: (Softly.) "I'm fine… Just curious about the customers."
Kotetsu leaned forward slightly, studying her with an amused yet perceptive gleam in his eyes.
Kotetsu: "Oh? Do you feel out of place here?"
Yuri shook her head, though the hesitation in her voice betrayed a deeper thought lingering beneath her words.
Yuri: "No… I was just thinking. All these people have their partners."
A knowing smirk flickered across Kotetsu's lips, as if he had anticipated her answer.
Kotetsu: (Chuckling.) "I see. If you're feeling uneasy, you can ask me for a favor."
Yuri cast him a skeptical glance, her brows furrowing slightly in uncertainty.
Yuri: (Stammering slightly.) "H-Huh? Well… No, thanks."
Before Kotetsu could press further, the rhythmic sound of polished shoes against the floor signaled the return of their waiter. With practiced elegance, the silver-haired gentleman approached their table, a tray balanced effortlessly in his hands.
With a deft motion, he placed two ceramic cups before them, their surfaces smooth and delicate, emitting a thin wisp of aromatic steam. The dark liquid within gleamed under the dim lighting, accompanied by small saucers bearing intricately folded napkins and silver teaspoons.
Waiter: (Politely.) "Here you are, sir. Your special selections."
With a courteous nod, the waiter turned and departed, leaving the two seated in a momentary silence, the rich scent of coffee swirling between them like an invisible thread binding them within this ephemeral space of warmth and solitude.
As the warmth of the café wrapped around them, Yuri reached for her cup, her slender fingers curling around the finely crafted porcelain. The delicate heat seeped through her fingertips, a comforting contrast to the lingering chill outside. She lifted the cup, bringing it closer to her lips, inhaling the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee interwoven with the subtle hint of white cream.
Kotetsu, mirroring her actions, tilted his cup slightly, letting the dark liquid roll over his tongue before savoring its depth. A small, satisfied smirk flickered across his lips as he set his cup down with an audible clink against the saucer.
Kotetsu: (Smirking.) "Not bad, huh? This café takes pride in its brewing techniques. Aged beans, slow drip method… A refined taste for a refined person, right?"
Yuri lowered her cup gently, her fingers tracing the rim absentmindedly as she mused over his words.
Yuri: (Softly.) "It's… warm. Gentle. The kind of drink that lingers, like a memory you don't want to fade."
Kotetsu tilted his head slightly, studying her with mild intrigue.
Kotetsu: (Chuckling.) "A poetic way to describe coffee. Didn't know you had a sentimental side, Yuri."
She shot him a glance, the corner of her lips curving into the faintest of smirks.
Yuri: "I don't. I'm just… making an observation."
Kotetsu took another sip, letting the moment settle between them. The low hum of voices, the occasional clatter of utensils, and the faint sound of jazz playing in the background created a tranquil atmosphere, isolating them within their own little world.
After a brief pause, Yuri's gaze drifted toward the café window, watching as the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the streets in a soft glow. A nostalgic shadow crossed her face as if she were momentarily lost in a distant thought.
Kotetsu: (Leaning forward slightly.) "Thinking about something again?"
Yuri hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice almost wistful.
Yuri: "Memories… They have a strange way of creeping up on you, don't they?"
Kotetsu regarded her in silence before exhaling a quiet chuckle.
Kotetsu: "Yeah… They do. But sometimes, it's not about looking back. Sometimes, it's about creating new ones."
Yuri blinked, turning her attention back to him, her expression unreadable.
Yuri: (Softly.) "New memories, huh…?"
Kotetsu simply smiled, raising his cup in a silent toast. The warm steam curled between them, a quiet promise of fleeting moments and conversations yet to unfold.
As Kotetsu took another slow sip of his coffee, he observed Yuri's distant expression, her gaze lingering somewhere beyond their conversation. The rich aroma of roasted beans filled the air, but she seemed more engrossed in her thoughts than the taste of her drink.
Kotetsu: (Setting down his cup, exhaling lightly.) "So, what are you planning to do from now on?"
Yuri: (Tilting her head slightly, voice composed.) "Well… Maybe I'll read some books, take a nap… nothing much."
Kotetsu let out a huff, his fingers tapping idly against the table.
Kotetsu: (Leaning back in his chair.) "You shouldn't confine your life to just one pattern, Yuri. There's more to do—you could find a new job, try a different routine. Something beyond just waiting."
Yuri's eyes sharpened, her expression subtly shifting to something unreadable.
Yuri: (Voice low, yet firm.) "Are you implying that I should stop waiting for Chihiro?"
A flicker of hesitation crossed Kotetsu's face before he quickly shook his head.
Kotetsu: (Sighing.) "No… that's not what I meant. But I can't help but notice how much you've withdrawn. You don't eat properly, you barely sleep, and all you do is sit by that farmhouse, staring at the garden like it holds an answer only you can see."
Yuri narrowed her eyes, a faint, almost imperceptible tension settling between them.
Yuri: (Coolly.) "If that's how you see it, then it's your concern, not mine."
Kotetsu studied her carefully, his lips pressing into a thin line before he finally exhaled, his tone softening.
Kotetsu: (Quietly.) "You know… we wouldn't mind if you asked for help. Whatever you need, even if it's something small—I'm here. And I…" (his voice faltered, hesitating, as his eyes momentarily flickered with concern) "I just worry about your health, that's all."
Yuri lowered her gaze, gripping the handle of her cup with delicate fingers. A faint, almost reluctant blush dusted her cheeks as she muttered under her breath.
Yuri: (Softly.) "I just like being myself, that's all."
A small chuckle escaped Kotetsu's lips as he leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.
Kotetsu: (Smirking.) "You remind me of Chihiro-san, you know. That same stubbornness… that same quiet determination."
For the first time, Yuri allowed a small, fleeting smile to grace her lips.
Yuri: (Glancing up at him.) "I see… You like helping others, just like Chihiro did."
A light pink hue crept onto Kotetsu's face as he scratched the back of his neck, offering an embarrassed chuckle.
Kotetsu: (Coughing lightly.) "Well… I guess our conversation took a very natural turn, didn't it?"
The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the café bustling around them, yet within their little corner, time felt slower—a moment suspended between nostalgia, loss, and the quiet promise of companionship.