Love Under the Blue Moon
Falling in love again

Mii Hirose

AOI TSUKI NO YORU, MOU ICHIDO KANOJO NI KOI WO SURU

© Mii Hirose 2016

All rights reserved.

First published by Futabasha Publishers Ltd., in 2016.

English version published by Hanashi Media, LLC. Regin’s Chronicles is an imprint of Hanashi Media, LLC.

Translator: Harris Hayes

Cover Illustrator: Gemi

Editor: Alisha Sanders

Light Novel Editor: Kaz Morran

Interior Layout: Werner Jacinto

Graphic Design and Quality Check: Manuel-Crisólogo

Production Manager: Andrés Cabascango

Publishing Manager: Andrés Cabascango / Andrés Mata

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters and places are products of the author’s imagination.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopyin, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior permission of the publiser, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncomercial uses permitted by Copyright Law. For permissions requests, write to the publisher, addressed “attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.

Hanashi Media,LLC
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ISBN (ebook):
978-1-961788-01-5

Contents:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Final Chapter

Epilogue

Chapter 1

My eyes fluttered open, the light intruding on my slumber.

“Ah, seems you’re awake,” said a familiar voice from nearby.

My mother stood in the corner of the room, and I gazed around to discover where I was — a wooden ceiling and foreign decor surrounded me.

“It’s already morning?” I questioned, blinking away the last traces of sleep.

“Yes, that’s right. You’re the only one still in bed, Keiichi,” she replied.

“Really?”

“Yes. Please get up quickly and help out.”

I reluctantly nodded as my mind cleared and recalled our situation — we had taken a trip from our home in Tokyo to Kyoto for a Buddhist service to honor my great-grandmother. We had stayed at my grandmother’s house the night before, sleeping on the unfamiliar tatami mats and futons. As it hurt my back to lie on them, I rose slowly.

The sunshine peeking through the sliding glass door cast a warm glow throughout the room.

“Keiichi, come quickly.” My mother opened the door and walked down the long hallway.

I replied, “I’m coming,” as she continued her instructions.

“Keiichi, could you please carry that cushion to the tatami room in the back?”

“Once you’ve done that, big brother, set the table.” My sister, Akane, had already gotten up and was helping out with the preparations and now bossing me around. As I dressed and headed to the living room, I knew what was expected of me.

＊

“Ah, I’m exhausted,” I said with a sigh.

After the morning preparations, the monk’s entrance, and a successful Buddhist memorial service, the night banquet began. I couldn’t remember exactly how long my great-grandmother had been gone; I didn’t even know which anniversary this was for.

I glanced around at my relatives. The mourning cousins, aunts, and uncles exchanged stories, talking about their lives more than my great-grandmother. It seemed like a drinking party for us rather than a solemn Buddhist ceremony; I noticed the grownups watching us with bemused looks. Rather than praying for the deceased’s spirit, they were more focused on catching up with one another.

“Keiichi, thank you for helping us so much. You can leave your seat now,” my mother said, carrying an empty beer bottle.

I nodded and left the hall.

I heard Kyoto is hot in the summer because it is a basin. But tonight, Kyoto felt cooler than Tokyo. I left my great-grandmother’s house and headed toward the town. Arashiyama, where my great-grandmother lived, was a lush green town surrounded by rivers and mountains. The area had many temples and was a popular tourist destination.

I had come to this town many times since I was a child, and I used to love playing in Arashiyama at night after the tourists had left. On this day, I walked around the town at night, remembering my childhood.

As I approached the Togetsukyō Bridge, I could see the Oi River flowing slowly. In the distance was the graceful figure of Arashiyama, like a painting. I couldn’t help but pause on the lit-up bridge and gaze towards the horizon, where Kyoto Tower stood diminutively in the distance.

I thought, I’ve come back.

As I stepped into the town, a feeling of nostalgia and warmth enveloped me. The sky was dark blue, and the full moon reflected in a bright white-blue hue. The moonlight snuck out from between the clouds, creating a path for me to follow.

I took this path, which led northwards and gradually uphill, until I reached a temple on my left and five small Jizo statues smiling at me at the front. To my right sat a train station, but now all the souvenir shops around it were closed, their gray shutters down.

At an intersection, I turned right, then left, before finally making a right turn onto a dirt road lined with grass and trees. My heart thumped as I continued down this unfamiliar road that had been illuminated for me like a spotlight, thanks to the silvery light of the moon peeking through the tall treetops.

The thrill of going to a new place never faded, as I could always feel how my heart raced. I stepped forward fearlessly along the mountain path, and then there it was — a landscape that seemed to stretch for miles in front of me. With the deep blue night sky above me and a spring before me, everything around me was one solid brilliant blue. I walked closer to the spring.

The mountain path opened up to a beautiful spring surrounded by lush green trees. I heard a noise like water splashing, and when I looked closer, a girl was squatting on the edge of the spring with an umbrella in her hand — not to keep out the rain but pointed downward under the moonlight. She looked as if under a spotlight, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

She put her open, see-through umbrella into the fountain, scooped some water, and peered in with a smile. She looked like a small kid playing goldfish scooping.

I heard the crunch of leaves beneath my feet as I stepped forward without realizing it.

Did she hear the sound?

We locked eyes. She was a beautiful sight: fair skin, long limbs, a waterfall of straight black hair over her shoulders, a straight nose, a tiny mouth, and an overall neat, tidy demeanor. The idea of her looking like a child dissipated quickly as I took in how gorgeous she was. Her big eyes grew wider, and her small mouth opened, almost as if she had seen something out of this world. It felt like she was asking me, “Are you a ghost or something?”

Without thinking, I answered, “I’m not.”

She looked at me, saying, “Oh, okay. I thought you looked like somebody else.”

I changed the topic and asked her what she was up to. She lifted her transparent umbrella and said, with a hint of embarrassment in her voice, “This? I wanted to catch the stars.”

The quiet lake in front of us had many stars falling on its surface. The water stayed still no matter how hard the wind blew; only its surface moved, with a faint shadow of the moon in the middle.

I followed the direction of her gaze and glanced up at the night sky. A bright blue full moon was much closer than usual, and countless stars twinkled around it. I realized I probably couldn’t see such a sight from the city where I lived.

As we were admiring the night sky, she asked me, “And you?”

I lowered my eyes, saying, “I was wandering around Arashiyama until I found myself here.”

“Here? You just decided to come on your own?”

“Well, yes,” I answered.

She laughed before asking, “This place isn’t very well-known. How did you find it?”

“I guess by chance,” I replied.

“Where are you from?”

I took that as a sign she wanted to keep talking, so I sat beside her; the coldness of the ground seeped through my clothing.

“Tokyo,” I simply said in response. Our eyes locked, and I couldn’t help but admire her long eyelashes and delicate double lids framing her beautiful crescent eyes that were both wide and luminous.

The sound of the wafting grasses of summer filled the air.

“Oh, I see. So you were sightseeing?”

“No, we went to my Grandma’s house for a Buddhist memorial service. My parents and I came back together.”

“So, what do you do at a Buddhist memorial service?”

“Huh? Don’t you know? We all gather early in the morning, listen to the Buddhist priest chant sutras, eat food, chat, and stuff like that. Even though it is enjoyable for older adults, it is quite dull for children. It’s pointless.”

After I spoke, she chuckled and said, “Pointless, eh?”

I felt embarrassed by my words. Despite my making fun of my relatives' practices, their ideas had obviously rubbed off on me. I laughed nervously to avoid answering her and mumbled, “Ha-ha.”

She wore a plain light blue T-shirt with jeans and white sneakers. Her long hair fluttered in the wind and returned to its original position.

“So, what did you do today that was boring you?”

She’d changed my word ‘pointless’ to ‘boring.’ The accent of her Kyoto dialect sounded slightly different as well.

“Hmm?”

She repeated the sentence then brushed her locks away from her face. She was so attentive that it made me happy.

“Boring me just left the banquet,” I said.

“Oh yeah?”

“I took a stroll around Arashiyama…”

“Go on.”

“I kept heading up the hill until I reached the forest.”

“Ah, that’s why you came here?”

“Yes, I had arrived.” Our voices overlapped.

We had only just met, but we spoke as if we’d known each other for years. Maybe it was because of her gentle vibe and those cat-like eyes.

“What’s your name?” I asked in a quiet tone.

“Saki Komiya,” she answered.

I wondered whether to call her Komiya-san or Saki-san? San sounded awkward; chan would be too intimate. While I pondered what to call her, she interjected, “And you?”

“Keiichi Tani,” I replied.

“How old are you?”

“Seventeen.”

“Same here. We’re exactly the same age,” Saki smiled.

Saki seemed older than she was, with a lovely face and a calm way of speaking. When I spoke to her, however, I felt she was a little immature.

Not quite… Maybe I was wrong; perhaps it wasn’t childishness. It dawned on me that Saki had an unpretentious personality, unlike the many people full of flattery and false faces. Her gentle air made me want to keep her close to me and talk.

“What should we call each other? Tani-kun? Keiichi-kun?” Saki asked in a hesitant voice.

“It doesn’t matter,” I replied.

“Okay, then Keiichi-kun it is. Um, for me…”

“Saki-chan? Is that okay?”

“No, just Saki.” She smiled warmly. “Everyone calls me Saki.”

“I understand.”

I thought about calling out to her in my mind; before I knew it, she was smiling at me. We discussed various topics like school and hobbies; interestingly, her favorite hobby was drawing.

“Do you take this hobby seriously?” I questioned.

The vision of a model standing in the middle of a group of individuals while Saki sketched them crossed my mind.

Saki shook her head. “No, it’s more for fun than anything.

“Mainly, I do it when I’m alone,” she stated. “I’m either reading manga or drawing pictures, since I don’t really like novels.”

Perhaps she was referring to self-study time at school? My school had that too, but that was in elementary. I always read books during that time. Drawing was something I was never any good at, so I have always been filled with admiration for those who could do it.

“So, do you draw manga?”

“Nope. I make landscape art, like what I observe in my bedroom or this spring season. That’s all I doodle.”

“Don’t you draw people?”

“No, not me.” She glanced down and added, “It would be better to say that I do not possess enough skill instead of saying that I cannot draw people because they are complex.”

After these words, she closed her lips and smiled. A part of me wanted to one day witness the artwork made by her hands. I was certain the colors displayed in those pieces would exceed anything created by imagination.

“Keiichi-kun, what do you like to do in your free time?”

As soon as I was asked about my hobby, I answered without hesitation. “Ah, my interest is soccer.”

“How long have you been playing?”

I counted on my fingers and responded, “Let’s see… it has been seven years since I started back in fifth grade.”

Suddenly, I felt a wave of nostalgia for when I’d first started out — without a uniform, shouting from the sidelines during scrimmages, and sprinting around the field with a numbered brightly colored pinny.

The next question brought me back to reality.

“What role do you play on the team?” she probed.

“I’m a defensive midfielder,” I replied. “Though I don’t expect you to know what that means.”

“Of course, I know,” she exclaimed. “I love watching soccer on TV.”

I was pleased that she considered what I liked a worthwhile subject of conversation.

“Do you have a favorite team?” I asked.

A smile spread across her face as she answered, “Yes. It’s Kyoto Purple Sanga.”

“It’s because of my love for my hometown,” she explained. She regaled me with stories of soccer, her knowledge, and passion that seemed to surpass mine — making me chuckle. Then, she checked her watch and gasped.

“Oh, no! It’s already late. I must get back, or I’ll get caught.”

She jumped up, dusting the dry leaves off her jeans. Was she out past curfew? Looking at her worried face, I asked, “Curfew?”

“Um… actually, I missed it,” she said sheepishly.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, I won’t get caught if I sneak back in,” she answered mischievously. Her expression was irresistibly cute. But still, her parents would be angry if they found out she was out too late.

“I’ll walk you home,” I offered.

“No, it’s alright. Your grandma’s house is just down the mountain, right?” she replied quickly.

“That’s right,” I said hesitantly, unsure if letting her go alone was a good idea.

Suddenly, she continued, “It’s really close by, so don’t worry about it. I’ll take your good intentions as my guide. Thank you.”

With that, we parted ways. She flashed me a tender smile, and I simply replied, “Sure.”

“See you later,” she said as she gave me a wave.

“Hold on,” I hollered after her.

I hesitated, unable to comprehend what exactly I wanted to ask her. After a few moments of contemplation, the purest question that came to mind slipped through my lips.

“Saki, have you been coming here every night recently?”

“Yeah, pretty much,” she responded with a nod. “Until the blue moon ends.”

A gust of wind blew by me and rustled the trees in the deserted streets. That’s when I heard it — the phrase that caught my attention: blue moon. I glanced up at the sky; it was awe-inspiring. A deep azure hue radiated from the full moon, making it seem surreal and out of this world, almost as if it had something to tell me. Could this mysterious color be from the so-called blue moon?

“I’m home!”

The sound of the doorbell echoed when I opened the entranceway. Nobody answered me from inside, yet the many shoes lined up during the day had vanished, indicating that everyone had already gone off to bed after attending the memorial service. Quietly and gently, I shut the sliding door and removed my shoes before entering the house.

My grandmother’s house was a conventional wooden home in the midst of nature, with a broad garden adorning its veranda. As I strolled along the veranda toward my room, I spotted a perfectly shaped pine tree, a bonsai plant, and flower beds in the distance.

Gazing at the night sky absentmindedly, I observed a full blue moon peeking through the eaves. I had never before paid attention to the phases of the moon, as it seemed of no concern to me. But tonight, I truly examined its color and shape, studying it intently.

“I'll stay here until this blue moon ends,” her voice echoed in my head. She said it with a slight tinge of loneliness. Her tone captivated me as if the story she was reading had an unexpected conclusion. I sat on the veranda and pulled out my smartphone from my pocket. I opened the browser and typed blue moon.

“Wow. That’s interesting.”

At that moment, an eerie figure appeared behind me, illuminated by the light from my phone, giving it a pale blue hue reminiscent of horror films.

I stepped back, turning around in trepidation. “Granny.”

And there she was.

“Huh? Who is it?”

“Who do you think?”

The darkness must have clouded her vision, and she was unable to see who it was.

“It’s Keiichi,” I responded.

“Oh, really, it’s Keiichi…”

Granny turned on the porch light and looked at me with surprise in her aged eyes.

“You don’t have to be so surprised.”

“What’s the matter? …What brings you here at this hour?”

“No reason. I just couldn’t sleep,” I lied.

“So, you came all the way here to catch the night breeze?”

“That’s right.”

Her voice was a little lower than I thought it would be.

“I see. Well, take your time,” Granny said as she turned toward her room.

“Oh, wait. Granny,” I called to her back, and she slowly turned around.

“What?”

“Do you know what a blue moon is?”

“A blue moon?”

“Yeah. A blue moon.” I shrugged.

I had always admired how wise Granny was. She had taught me everything I knew since I was a child — things my parents could never have imparted to me. But even she didn’t know about a blue moon.

The silence between us stretched taut for a few moments before I shrugged. “Never mind. Forget I asked.”

Granny sat on the veranda and peered at my face.

“Grandma, what are you doing so close to me?” I said with a hint of annoyance.

“Ah, now I get it.” Granny smiled as if she had come to some realization. “Keiichi, do you know how many times the moon completes its cycle in a month?”

I didn’t know much about the moon and rarely got to witness a full moon, so I hazarded a guess. “Once?”

“Correct. One time in a month,” Granny explained.

“Oh, okay.”

Granny was incredibly knowledgeable and knew things I didn’t. I lent her my attention to listen to her story.

“However, most months consist of thirty or thirty-one days, except for February, right?”

“Yes.”

“So the full moon cycle, which takes 29.5 days, gradually shifts over time. And every few years, there will be months where two full moons occur within the same month,” Granny said as she looked up at the bright full moon in the night sky.

“Whoa…” I couldn’t help but let out an impressed sound.

“The phenomenon of two full moons appearing in one month is referred to as a blue moon,” Granny added before smiling knowingly.

As I gazed at the moon, I felt inexplicably drawn to it. It shined a mesmerizing blue — the first blue moon of the month.

My grandmother sighed admiringly, her voice carrying off in the night sky. “It’s a rare thing to see a blue moon,” she said softly.

Do the math, I thought. If this is August 1st, the second blue moon will fall on the 30th.

Still looking skyward, I asked my grandmother, “What makes it a blue moon?”

She regarded me calmly before explaining that there are various theories. But one suggests that the extra full moon in a month has an especially bluish hue.

“Why did you ask about the blue moon?” my grandmother shifted her gaze to me and asked quietly.

I couldn’t bear to look her in the eye and kept my eyes trained on the night sky as I spoke. “Because… I saw it just now.” And yet, here it was again; even once it had set, I still felt its presence.

“Ah.” She smiled. “Then let me tell you about a legend passed down in this town.”

An icy shiver coursed through my body My parents had warned me of this very day; they were staying later than usual for a memorial service and had expressed concerns about Granny living alone since Grandpa passed away. So, this is it, I thought with regret.

“What legend?” I prompted.

“Where the light of the blue moon leads… there lies an entrance to the past,” she said slowly as if testing each word on her tongue.

With a deep sigh, I looked back up at the magical blue moon and whispered almost wistfully, “Oh, no.”

The surprise was evident on my face. Grandma had just said something strange. Did she have dementia?

“Sorry, Grandma. Are you cold? You’ll get sick if you stay outside in this cold” I said as I stood up and gently held my grandmother’s arm while she sat on the veranda.

“What? Why so suddenly?” She tilted her head curiously and eventually got up to follow me.

“It’s too hot to be cold, Grandma. Come on.”

“I don’t need to be treated like an old lady,” she said with a scolding tone but soon softened with her familiar and ever-present gentle smile.

“Alright, alright. I understand. Let’s go back to your room and rest,” I replied quickly before supporting her tiny arm with one hand and placing the other on her frail back as we walked toward her room.

The blue moon shined brightly from the corner of my eye as we moved through the veranda.

When I entered the kitchen, my mother was busy preparing miso soup.

“Good morning,” I greeted her.

She glanced up from her stirring and responded, “Keiichi, you’re up early today.”

My little sister, Akane, who was helping our mother, looked at me in surprise and rather than return the traditional greeting, commented, “Wow, you’re right. Big brother is up so early during summer vacation.”

“That’s rude. I wake up early sometimes.”

“Well, Kyoto nights are hot. I’d be surprised if you could sleep in.”

“Yeah… you’re right,” I answered vaguely, not wanting to reveal that yesterday’s encounter with Saki had kept me awake all night. Her round eyes and long eyelashes were burned into my memory. Her fair skin and voice, slender fingers, and the words she spoke kept repeating in my mind in bed until my chest felt like it was about to burst.

My insides churned with a mix of emotions, but I didn’t have time to reflect on them much. Instead, I’d go to meet Saki again that evening.

“Keiichi, can you put the rice on the table?”

“While you’re at it, also take the chopsticks.”I heard Akane’s voice coming from the kitchen, scolding me while I daydreamed on the couch. She was always bossing me around like that when we were at home.

“Oh, sure. No problem.”

After eating breakfast, we were relaxing in the living room when my phone buzzed in my pocket. Akane noticed it first and motioned for me to take the call quickly. Did she really want to watch TV that badly?

“Alright, alright,” I said as I headed to the veranda. It was Yuuya Murata from Tokyo — an old friend of mine. My curiosity was piqued as I hit the answer button and greeted him with a warm “Hello.”

As we talked, I took in my serene surroundings; the fresh spring leaves rustling in the breeze and the earthen scent of the soil. Suddenly, something unexpected happened.

Someone yelled “Kei-kun!” on the other end of the call, shocking me back into reality. It was a girl’s voice.

“Uh… sorry, who’s this?”

“It’s Sakura, silly.” She giggled.

“Oh, hey, Sakura-san. What’s going on?”

Sakura was Yuuya’s girlfriend, and we’d hung out with them a few times before. She was always so energetic and adorable — I think she was one year older than me.

“Hey, don’t call without asking first. Sorry about that,” Yuuya intervened in a low voice as he snatched the phone from his girlfriend. “Are you feeling better now, Keiichi?”

I couldn’t help but question his slightly annoyed demeanor. “Hey, is everything alright? What’s up?”

“Keiichi, you’re in Kyoto, right?” he asked abruptly.

“Yeah, why do you ask?”

“When are you coming back?”

“I’m not sure yet. Why?” His questions were starting to bother me.

“Okay, got it,” he said simply before getting straight to the point.

“Huh? What’s going on?” I could tell something was up and prodded him further.

“Well, Sakura’s friend wants to meet you.”

Even though I had no clue who this mysterious person was or why they wanted to meet me, I already knew Yuuya must have been quite irritated at having to make such a request. That was just like him.

“Why, though?” I asked again, hoping for an answer.

“Well…” he sighed heavily. “Remember the school festival we had in the spring?”

“Yeah, I remember that.”

“She was there with Sakura that day.”

I recalled Sakura visiting our class, but I couldn’t recall her friend. When he mentioned that there was a girl next to Sakura, something sparked in my memory, though I still couldn’t quite place it.

“She saw you, and it was love at first sight.”

Love at first sight?

“I didn’t say you could spill everything!,” Sakura’s voice sounded irritated on the other end of the line.

“Then you talk to him.”

“I told you from the beginning that I was going to call him.”

An argument could be heard through the phone. Such disputes should be handled after hanging up. After all, summer days in Kyoto were already sweltering enough.

“Keii-kun?” Sakura answered the call.

“Yes?”

“It’s like what Yuuya said earlier.”

And she summed up what he had said. Despite that, I felt nothing had changed, so I chuckled lightly.

“My friend wants to meet you, Keii-kun. You don’t have a girlfriend now, right? When you get back from Kyoto, why don’t we all hang out together, including my friend?”

“──wants to meet you?”

The words “love at first sight” and “wants to meet you” flashed through my mind. Could meeting someone be the same as falling in love? My thoughts drifted to Saki, with whom I had shared beautiful star-gazing moments back in that spring. Was I falling for her right now?

A sense of relief spread through me as I firmly said, “Sorry, I won’t go.”

“Huh?”

“Sorry. I’ve got someone I’m interested in.”

My chest felt lighter; a weight seemed to have been lifted from my body.

Chapter 2

The starry night seemed to go on forever.

“I’m only here until the blue moon ends,” she said in a clear, cat-like voice. The pale blue moonlight was shining on her, and I wondered why she was at this mysterious place during a blue moon. She looked at me without flinching, telling me an array of stories.

My thoughts drifted to Saki, and with it came the realization that I had to visit her again and discover my true feelings for her. The hours went by as the air filled with the gentle sweetness of summer flowers.

Grandma was bent over, tending to the flowerbed on the western side of the garden. With her watering can, she showered each flower with love, making sure all were well taken care of. I could still see them all reaching for the sun this morning.

Slipping into my sandals, I made my way up to Grandma, who turned around upon hearing my footsteps behind her.

“I got this,” I said

“Are you sure about this?” she asked me as she handed me the canister full of water.

“Absolutely,” I smiled confidently and took it from her hands.

“Thank you, dear.” Grandma sat on the porch and watched me as I tended to the flowers. Marigolds, petunias, daisies, snapdragons — all these vibrant colors created a beautiful symphony of sorts when covered with water. What was the name of that bright yellow one again?

Although there were some I couldn’t remember, my grandmother had lovingly taught me their names throughout the years they had been growing together in this flower bed.

“Keiichi,” she said softly, “you’ve grown up, haven’t you?” Grandma said.

As I was tending to the garden, a voice called out from behind me. I continued to water the plants and replied, “Do you think so?”

“Yeah. You have certainly grown taller. Your back and hands seem wider too.”

Indeed, my growth spurt had caused me considerable discomfort during summers in junior high school.

“You have grown into a kind child,” she said.

I could not understand what made her say this all of a sudden. Then she added with deeper affection, “Keiichi, you have grown to be such a good kid.”

Whenever adults expressed their approval of me in this manner, I felt embarrassed yet overwhelmed with joy.

It was particularly meaningful when my grandmother said it — it reminded me of how lucky I was to have her in my life. I responded timidly, trying to conceal my happiness, “That’s not true.”

The flower beds were flourishing with various colors and shades of blooms, surrounded by vibrant green trees. With my watering can empty, I decided to fetch some more water from the tap. Carrying the heavy metal container back and forth seemed like an arduous task for elders like my grandma; hence, I wished it would rain during summer.

However, it’s not always feasible for rain to fall exactly when needed, so I had to go out and buy a hose for the garden. Living with elderly people was full of challenges that only someone living in the same house could understand. But Grandma never grumbled about them… a sense of unease swelled up within me as I thought about leaving her behind in Kyoto when I returned home.

“Hey, Keiichi, are you off to town again today?”

“Yeah, there are a few things I need to get.”

“Well, while you’re out, could you grab some croquettes from Nakamura-ya for us?”

“Sure, I'll grab them now,” I said after watering the plants. The summer sky was high, and white clouds floated above. It didn’t seem like it was going to rain after all.

“I’m going, too,” My younger sister, Akane, called from the entranceway. She’d been listening in on our conversation from her spot by the flower bed. “Hey, are you going to town today, Keiichi?”

“Yeah, I am. Why do you ask?”

“I want to come with you.”

I smiled at her enthusiasm. “Sure, you can come.

“What about mom?” I asked.

“She’s actually going to a reunion today.”

I shrugged, indicating that parents have their own lives to enjoy.

So, Akane and I went off to Arashiyama — it teemed with people in the daytime. Grandma said that Arashiyama in the summer had nothing on the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves. But we made our way through the crowd regardless. We started from Togetsukyō Bridge and walked north down the main street looking for Nakamura-ya’s croquettes; one could buy fresh ones right outside the storefront. As far as I was concerned, those croquettes were unbeatable — no other croquette compared. We turned right at Tenryū-ji Temple along Arashiyama Street.

As we left the main road, the hustle and bustle of the crowds faded until there was nothing left but us. We took leisurely strides past a variety of cafés and tea specialty stores littering the walkway, before my gaze finally came upon Nakamura-ya in front of an ancient railway bridge. The iconic brown flag was an indicator of Arashiyama’s famous beef croquettes, as well as the alluring aroma, which sparked memories from long ago.

I made my order with certainty. “Thirty croquettes, please… and two more which I will eat here.”

My sister gave me a dubious look, noticing how many I had asked for. “You really think you can eat that much?”

I grinned widely in response. “How could I resist? There’s no way I'd turn down such delicious food.” Enough to feed my family of six — not to mention two extra to savor right away. I requested my order be wrapped up for takeout. Then, I quickly grabbed one of them and enveloped it in white paper before passing it to Akane.

“It’s so good. But hot,” she said between mouthfuls, struggling with the freshly fried pastry.

“Take your time,” I replied calmly. “Nobody is going to steal it from you.”

“I know, but it’s too tasty — I can’t help but eat it fast,” she exclaimed, fully consumed by the flavor as she inhaled her snack.

I laughed at her excitement as I enjoyed my own croquette.

“Hey, big brother, hurry up and eat.”

I could only see her eyes peeking through the white paper wrapping her face mask. She was trying too hard. I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

After eating her delicious croquettes, she led me to the Arashiyama highway, where there were many stylish storefronts. We decided to go into one of the souvenir shops that had many female customers inside. I didn’t have any particular items in mind, so I waited outside while she shopped.

Looking around, I was reminded of last night when everything had been closed for business. It was amazing to see how lively it was during the day. Each store had its unique atmosphere, and there were various shops — bamboo handicrafts, Kyoto fans stores, cafés, and restaurants.

Suddenly, a couple wearing traditional kimonos passed us.

“Hey, wanna check out that store next?”

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

The two were conversing in the Kyoto dialect. Saki had done the same yesterday, so she must be from Kyoto. As they talked, I noticed a glimmer at my feet. I reached down and picked up a hair ornament with a multitude of stars at the tip — one large star at the end and several small ones beneath it like shooting stars. Its brilliance captivated me in the summer sun and stirred something inside me; it seemed this adornment was made for someone who longed for the stars.

“Big brother, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Oh, it’s fine.”

I spent the day touring around Arashiyama with Akane. She shared interesting stories about her visits here and pointed out places I hadn’t seen before.

“We came to this temple before.”

“This bamboo forest is always amazing no matter how often you see it.”

My little sister spoke excitedly, her voice radiating with joy as we explored the area together.

Sighing, I asked Akane, “Don’t you think it’s enough to visit temples, shrines, and tourist spots just once?”

“But the colors of Kyoto change all the time,” she said.

“What do you mean?”

“That’s what Grandma always said. ‘The colors of Kyoto depend on the season, weather, who you’re with, and even your mood when looking at something.’ That’s why it’s worth seeing beautiful things again and again.”

I nodded slowly as I felt her words dig into my heart. “Yeah… this place is so amazing that I would love to experience it in different ways over and over again.”

Akane smiled before continuing, “If the scenery of this city changes every time we look at it, then I want to see all the colors of Kyoto.”

I could feel my heart skip a beat as I pondered what Grandma had said. It was difficult to wrap my mind around the idea of colors changing, but I knew it meant something special to her and Akane. As we walked alongside the path through the straight, green bamboo, I could see a small grove in the distance.

We paused for a moment at the temple to give our respects before continuing on our journey. We were engulfed by the calming atmosphere of Kyoto; every single thing had a gentle touch or pale hue that blended harmoniously.

“Next, it’s Seiryou-ji Temple, right? And then don’t forget about Café Hanashirube.” My sister’s voice snapped me out of my trance, and she started dragging me along. Please, spare me. An endless queue popped up as we walked toward the mountain lodge near Seiryou-ji Temple.

My sister and I stood in the long line, waiting to purchase some special Morika tofu. It was a specialty of Yudofu Sagano and our grandma’s favorite. I felt dread as we waited, wishing we could just skip this.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity standing there, we made it to the front of the line. With our hands full of tofu boxes, we decided to take a break and have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

As soon as we entered the shop, Akane ordered dessert without even getting a meal. She was now eating parfait containing warabi mochi and sweet red bean paste in its bamboo container. You could also spot white shiratama and chestnuts, topped with a generous helping of whipped cream and a thin layer of black ice cream beneath.

“It’s delicious.” I was worried Akane might explode from eating so much.

“What kind of ice cream is this?” The black ice cream didn’t look like either chocolate or vanilla.

Akane answered right away, “Black soybean ice cream.”

Black soybean ice cream… never heard of it before. Is it any good?

“It’s super delicious.” Akane could read my mind; she responded without a pause.

“Akane, we should be going soon after you finish up.”

“Alright. Oh, and there’s one more place I wanted to check out on our way back.”

The evening air filled the room, flowing in through the open window. A breeze carried with it the warmth of the day, but the temperature was still much lower than during the day.

We had spent all day running errands for my sister and grandma, but at least we managed to pass the time without too much trouble. Finally, night had come.

While I was gazing upwards to the night sky, the tranquil blue full moon illuminated brightly once again.

“That was a blue moon,” she said.

Saki came to the spring again today.

I grabbed my shoes from the entrance, and as I put them on, I noticed a small mirror resting atop the shoe cabinet. Intrigued, I carefully peered into it.

The pale blue moonlight illuminated my attire; today, I had taken more time to get ready than usual, and this was my favorite outfit out of all I had brought.

“Keiichi,” my mother’s voice echoed through the stillness of our house,” where are you going all dressed up?” I could feel a blush heat my cheeks but refused to meet her gaze in the mirror.

“Just for a walk.”

“You don’t look like you’re going for a walk at all.”

“See you later.”

I left the house without listening to my mother’s words until the end. Her intuition was sharp, so I thought leaving before she said anything else would be best.

My mom sighed at me, muttering something about being strange, as I swiftly left before she had a chance to press further.

I had no trouble finding the forest; the light of the blue moon ensured that. Heading down the silent path, my journey seemed guided by the moon’s brilliant hue. Tonight, my walking path was a stunning blue.

The large blue moon illuminated my journey. I arrived at the edge of the forest much faster than yesterday. I must have unknowingly broken into a jog. As I stepped into the forest, the breathtaking view opened up before me. The starry night sky illuminated the mountain trail adorned with trees and grass. As I took in this bluish landscape, a wave of amazement came over me.

I walked toward the spring, my heart beating louder and louder. Finally, I arrived. The only color to break the intense hues of blue was a cherry blossom-colored figure bent over the lake’s edge.

It was Saki playing with her umbrella, her delicate figure still that of a young child’s. But when my gaze landed on her, I witnessed unparalleled beauty.

I slowly came closer and called out, “Can you really catch something with that?”

Startled, Saki paused and turned around to see who it was.

“Whoa, Keiichi-kun. You scared me there.” She relaxed and gave a small smile.

“How long are you going to stay here? Trying to catch goldfish?” I joked while sitting down next to her.

“No, it’s not goldfish,” she corrected, pouting in mock anger.

“Is it stars?” I asked, only half serious.

“Ha! It’s still not cool that you remembered something but guessed wrong.” Despite her playful words, she wasn’t actually mad.

“I’m sorry. Are you mad?” I apologized anyway, just in case.

The coldness of the ground seeped into my body even as a warm breeze blew past us. A few strands of hair fell over Saki’s face, which she quickly brushed away before looking up at me again. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she said jokingly, “Ha-ha, gotcha. I was just messing with you. I’m not actually mad.”

She was wearing a pink cardigan with a white shirt underneath. Her skirt was knee-length denim. She had on white socks and sneakers. Her simple outfit was the same as yesterday, but just changing from blue to pink made her look different. The pink cardigan made her soft smile look even gentler.

She carefully placed the umbrella at her feet and looked up at me with an expression of inquiry.

“Do you want to keep playing, or are you done?” I asked her.

“I’m done. You came after all.”

“If I came here, would you stop playing by yourself?”

“Would you play with me?”

“That would be weird, right?”

We both laughed at that. Saki was always so thoughtful and considerate.

“You actually came,” she said suddenly.

I tipped my head in confusion.

“Uh…yeah?” Suddenly, it felt like she had been wanting to say something for a while and finally had the chance. I leaned closer to hear what she had to say.

“Hey, Keiichi, did you hear my response yesterday when you asked me, ‘Do you come here every night?’”

“Oh.”

“I was just asked. So, I didn’t know if you would come tonight or not.”

“Come to think of it, I didn’t say I would come tomorrow.

“Was it bothersome?”

“No, not at all. It’s not like that,” she hurriedly denied. I was just wondering if it was part of our conversation, like asking if you always come here or something. I’m not used to polite greetings. I don’t know what’s true or not, so I was a little confused.”

“Okay, sorry for not being clear. I want to come here every day while you are here.”

“…I see.”

“It’s boring at grandma’s house.”

She laughed and looked up at the sky.

“It’s boring,” she said, laughing.

She laughed when I said, “So this place is boring too, right?”

“Huh?”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

I couldn’t wait to hang out with Saki, no matter where I was — Grandma’s house, the town square, or even at the mall. She was always in the back of my mind.

What was it about her that had me so captivated? I came here to discover the answer to that question. It certainly wasn’t going to be dull.

How do I tell her how I feel? My vocabulary didn’t seem sufficient for the task. What words would express my message clearly?

As I contemplated what to say, she grabbed a piece of paper and began writing something with a pen. Then she folded it up and put it under the umbrella before standing up.

“Well then, let’s go have some fun.”

“Huh? But…”

Is it okay?

I didn’t ask Saki why she wanted to come to this spot, but I assumed it was because she wanted to stay here until curfew. I thought spending that time together at this place would be nice, so I was taken aback when she proposed the idea.

“It’s okay. I wrote it down. Don’t worry. I feel like I want to show you around. Maybe it’s because I’m your big sister.”

“We’re the same age.”

“Oh, I see.”

Laughing with a girl who didn’t seem older than me, I walked along the mountain path with her. Her steps were light, and she skillfully pushed aside the trees and grass stretching along the brown path.

She, being a local child, never slowed down or complained when we came across paths that didn’t seem to be paths or when we had to walk up steep inclines. I admired her and thought to myself how impressive she was.

Suddenly, she stopped, and I followed her gaze to a point on the path ahead.

“Are you okay, Keiichi-kun?” Saki turned around and asked me.

I replied with a breathless “I’m okay.”

I played soccer, but did walking on mountain paths use different muscles? Or was Saki just fast?

“We’re almost there.” She showed a cool expression as she spoke.

We soon reached the crest of the mountain. A low peak, it resembled a small hill rather than anything grand.

“Keiichi-kun, look,” Saki said, pointing to the view in front of us.

A cityscape that glittered with a million tiny stars spread out beneath us. The houses and apartments looked like toys on this peaceful summer night. It was a beauty unlike the stars we saw at the spring; this was artificial.

The lights blurred on the horizon, reflecting off the atmosphere of the night sky. We had an incredible view of Kyoto from our mountaintop vantage.

“That’s amazing,” I exclaimed in awe.

Saki smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I love this place.”

The artificial light made her profile clearer than before when she was backlit against the night sky. She stared out into the distant twinkling of lights and swaying neon signs and murmured, “It was such a nice day today, so I thought the night view would be beautiful for sure.”

“Yeah,” I replied.

“And then, I kind of wanted to show it to you too…” her voice trailed off.

The lights in the night sky twinkled and shined in her big eyes; she had seen the view many times before but still appreciated it. Her mesmerizing features — her long eyelashes, cascading hair, straight nose, and pink lips — were alluring to me.

“Thank you,” I mumbled.

“No, thank you for coming with me.” She smiled back warmly.

Her smile was so beautiful that it felt like time had stopped for a moment, and the stars were suspended in the air. She turned back to the sky, and I followed her gaze.

“It’s more beautiful when shared with someone,” she whispered into the night.

She had opened my world to a beauty I hadn’t known, guiding me through what she saw as sacred in this place.

After a while, Saki pointed to the night view and said, “That ground and building you can see in the woods on the left — do you see them?”

“Yeah. Is that a school?”

“Yes. That’s an elementary school.”

“Then, what about that one over there?” I found a similar building in front of the forest across the river.

“That’s the high school I’m attending now.”

“Wow…”

So, this was a senior high school. It was a lot bigger than the elementary school. And the grounds were so vast.

“So, the one on the right is for the middle schoolers.”

I had mistakenly thought it was one school with two different buildings.

“They’re next to each other, huh?”

“Yeah, they share the same grounds since the number of students is small.”

“I see…”

“What’s your school like, Keiichi?”

“It’s just an ordinary school. Nothing special. There’s not as much nature around as here, and the land isn’t as big. It’s just a regular school in the middle of town.”

“Is it fun?”

“Yeah, it’s fun. What about you, Saki?”

“It’s fun too.”

As Saki fondly recalled her school days, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia as I watched her beam with joy. I didn’t understand my own emotions. I shook my head and continued with my questions.

“What class are you in, Saki?”

“I’m in class two.”

“What about you?”

“I’m in class four.”

“Oh, different classes then.”

“Well, even if we were in the same class, it doesn’t mean we’d always be together, right?”

“Yeah, I know that, but still…”

What kind of high school life would we have if we were in the same class? If Saki was sitting next to me… If I said good morning, would she smile and say good morning back? I’m sure Saki would respond with a smile. After exchanging greetings, we’d walk on.

“Did you see Matsu-chan’s TV show yesterday?” Saki would ask.

“Oh, that one? It was really funny. That last joke, though…” we would spend the morning talking non-stop.

I might have felt slightly embarrassed by my thoughts, but it was nice to know we thought along the same lines. Even though we were not in the same physical place, our atmospheres seemed similar — that’s probably why we could be so comfortable around each other.

“Hey, Saki,” I said, “which mountain does the name Arashiyama refer to?”

“Do you know the Togetsukyō Bridge?” she replied.

“Yeah, that one. The bridge that you can see over there.”

“That’s right. The mountain to the south, beyond the Togetsukyō Bridge.”

“So, is all of that area Arashiyama?”

“No, the mountain on the other side of the river is called Ogurayama.”

Later, Saki showed me around the streets of Kyoto as we admired the night view. Her explanations were detailed and simple to understand, helping me become more accustomed to the town. I was delighted to learn more about this place I loved dearly.

“Oh…” I said in awe, noticing a small building lit up in the distance with flickering lights. It’s the same one we saw yesterday from Togetsukyō Bridge, but it appeared infinitely more extraordinary here.

“Is that Kyoto Tower?” I gestured toward the slender white body of the tower, its tip aglow in red. The brightness emanating from it was much different than the other buildings, almost as if it had been cut out and illuminated.

“That’s right. You’re correct. That’s Kyoto Tower.”

“Yes!” I was thrilled to have guessed it right. Even if I was not a local, I was glad to at least know about Kyoto Tower.

“Hey, did you know Kyoto Tower was designed based on the image of a Japanese candle?”

“Huh. Really?”

I just thought Kyoto Tower looked like a candle.

“That’s what my friend told me, but maybe it’s just an urban legend.”

“Is it?”

“Yeah. People in Kyoto usually call it a candle, but it was actually designed to be a lighthouse that illuminates the city without a sea. I just found out recently.”

“I wonder which one is true.”

I laughed, and she smiled back at me.

But to me, it still looked like a candle. Looking up at the small flame that lit up the night sky gave me a sense of calm.

“It looks like a candle to me,” Saki said, her gaze on the tower. “It reminds me of that too.”

“Yeah.”

“I celebrate my birthday here every year,” she went on.

“At Kyoto Tower?”

“Yes. I come here, admire the flickering light, and look up at the moon. Then I tell my mom that I’ve grown another year,” Saki explained while I tried to comprehend what she meant by that.

“Tell your mom?”

“Yes. My mom… is on the moon.”

The moon was much larger than in the spring, seeming so close that one could almost reach out and touch it. Its pale blue light shined on us as Saki moved her lips faintly beneath its gaze.

“I am a child of the Hinata Dormitory,” she said, her small voice hoarse and trembling.

At that moment, I wanted more than anything to erase the fragile and melancholic tone of her words from the air and replace it with an innocent expression that suited her better, like when she described the city of Kyoto while looking up at the night sky or played with her umbrella in the spring.

So, I offered my encouragement: “It’s a nice name.”

“Yeah, maybe…” Saki murmured, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

I noticed a thin film covering her large eyes, and my heart sank when I realized they were filled with tears. Had I really said something wrong? Was there really any hope for someone like me to stand against a girl’s tears? All I could do was call her name again, desperately hoping she’d answer me as she kept her head down and tried not to let them fall. But there was no response.

Worried, I repeated, “Saki?”

However, I decided to give her time. I didn’t want to pressure her. After a moment, she lifted her head and looked straight at me with a calm smile on her face and said, “That’s not it… I’m happy.”

A warmth spread through my heart as I watched the expression of joy on her face, though I couldn’t tell what was making her so emotional.

“I’m glad,” I said with utmost sincerity, feeling utterly relieved that she wasn’t sad because of me.

＊

“Whoa. Keiichi-kun, are you alright?”

“No worries. I’m fine. Shall we continue?”

“It won’t be much longer.”

Although I wanted to ask about the cause of her tears, I chose not to for now. Instead, I asked casually, “Is the dormitory close by?”

Saki nodded and replied, “Yeah. Do you want to come with me?”

My heart thumped hard in response, and my feet stumbled on the trail involuntarily.

After fifteen minutes of walking along the mountain path, we eventually arrived at an open space in front of a tall gate. Saki whispered softly, “This way,” and we crossed into the dimly lit area where Hinata Dormitory was written across its entrance.

After we went through the gate, a big garden opened up in front of us. We could see two buildings on the land as we walked through the garden. One was a large concrete house with two stories. It was a fairly old building that could be recognized even in the darkness.

Next to it was a building that looked like a house. Compared to the big concrete dormitory, which looked old, the building looked new. Only the house-like dormitory had lights on, and we could hear laughter coming from inside. We could tell someone lived there.

The big dormitory, on the other hand, was completely dark. Was everyone asleep? Saki walked toward the dark, big dormitory. I followed her.

Saki opened the large door and stepped into the dormitory. “I’m back.” On the other side of the entryway, a large shoe box loomed against the wall, big enough to fit about fifty pairs of shoes, yet it was conveniently empty.

Saki set her footwear in one of the top left compartments, then motioned for me to do the same.

“Okay,” I replied, placing my sneakers where Saki had indicated.

I complied, following her as she sauntered down the hallway and activated the lights with a loud click. The room lit up, its brightness briefly stunning me.

“Ta-dah! This is my house,” Saki exclaimed, throwing her arms open wide, her enthusiasm palpable. What greeted us was a spacious living area — or, more accurately, a multipurpose recreation room.

I glanced at the end of the room; I saw a staircase leading upstairs and several doors where other personal rooms were located.

Saki looked at me as I took in my surroundings. “You’re surprised, huh?” she asked, her head slightly cocked with a concerned expression.

I replied, “Well…” It was the truth.

“Figures…” Saki gave a faint smile. “Keiichi-kun, you probably don’t know, do you? You’re not from around here,” she said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“The significance of Hinata Dormitory,” she replied.

When I heard that name for the first time, I assumed it was just a dormitory for high schoolers. Maybe it had something to do with boarding schools.

However, as we followed the mountain trail, I understood the meaning of her tears and her words.

“I’m… from Hinata Dormitory.”

“My mother… is in the moon.”

Could this dormitory be…?

“This is an orphanage,” Saki quietly said.

“People around here tend to sneer when they hear about Hinata Dorm. But, Keiichi-kun, you didn’t have that reaction at all, did you? That’s why I felt happy and invited you here… sorry about that,” Saki said, bewildered.

I could not bear to see Saki so lonely again; why was that? All I wanted was for her to keep on smiling.

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Huh?”

“You don’t have to apologize. I’m happy,” I said.

“…”

“I’m happy I could come to your house.”

It was common knowledge that, due to varying circumstances, there were places known as “children’s care facilities” for children who could not live with their parents to stay. But it was my first time visiting one, and I knew nothing else beyond that. Though we both understood this much, no changes were made between us.

I placed my hand on the white wall. “This dormitory reminds me of the children’s center I used to go to,” I said.

“A children’s center?”

“Yeah, my parents worked, so I often stayed at the children’s center until nighttime. It was kind of like after-school care now. There were over a thousand kids in my elementary school, and around two hundred of us would spend time there — it was really crowded. The shoe lockers couldn’t fit all the shoes, and our things got mixed up. It was really tough since there was no room to move, and we had to compete for space.”

“Ah, I see.”

“I had fun, didn’t I?”

Even though we’d been tangled up at the children’s center, we laughed together back then. This place had the same smell and atmosphere. When I looked down, there were scratches on the floor. Cute characters were scribbled on the walls, and the pillars served as height markers. I walked around the room.

“It’s spacious.”

Traces of children running around remained scattered all around us. They played and frolicked, leaving behind their memories.

“Really?”

“Quite.”

“How many people are here?”

“Um, about fifty.”

“Only fifty?”

If I think about it carefully, living with fifty people would probably be tough. But my words weren’t a lie when I imagined a children’s center where two hundred people spend their time.

“Fifty people sounds fun.”

When I said that, she showed me a gentle smile that sank into my heart.

“But are you sure?”

“What about?”

“Coming here at this time.”

If I was going to come over, I figured it should be during the day. I didn’t want to disturb anyone. I peered up the stairs. Was everyone sleeping? Not a single sound could be heard. Maybe it was best to leave before waking them up.

I worried that Saki would get in trouble for bringing someone at this hour. I feared that if her situation worsened, I would also be affected, so I was about to say, “Let’s try another time,” but she spoke first.

“It’s okay.”

“Huh.”

“Right now, this place is just my house.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I own everything and can rent it out,” she replied.

I looked at her curiously.

“Keiichi-kun, you’re frowning,” she said. She laughed lightly as she spoke.

I couldn’t quite wrap my head around what she was saying, so I creased my brow in confusion. It’s like she could read everything I was thinking just from the expressions on my face.

“It can be a bit confusing, right? Let me break it down for you.”

“Ah… okay.”

“In the meantime, do you want to come up to my room?”

She led me to a corner room on the first floor. It was large; about ten tatami mats and wooden floors, giving away its age. Several lockers lined the room, and there were signs of repairs. It was evident someone lived here.

I noticed a faint odor as I entered the room and took a few steps. I knew the smell but couldn’t remember it for some reason. In front of a large window was something covered in white cloth.

“Um, please sit here. And don’t stare too much.”

She had caught me looking around her room intently, and I could feel my face heat up with embarrassment.

“Sorry,” I apologized quickly as I sat where she had instructed.

You shouldn’t be so nosy when visiting another person’s space, I scolded myself, feeling foolish for not using common sense.

“Just kidding,” Saki said before walking over to a small refrigerator in the corner. She returned with two plastic bottles and a small bag of snacks.

“Do people say you’re an honest person, Keiichi-kun?” she asked me.

“Not really,” I replied.

“You don’t think so?” Saki smiled and handed me a bottle as I sat in front of a small table.

“Thank you,” I said, accepting the bottle.

Saki had given me a bottle of tea with the label Oi Ocha. We sat across from each other, and she flicked on the switch for the fan. We felt a cool breeze circulate around us.

“Hey, Saki,” I started, finally voicing what had been on my mind for a while now, “what do you mean by rented out?”

The dormitory was deathly quiet apart from our own room; no sign of life anywhere else. So I listened intently as she explained.

Hinata Dormitory was comprised of two buildings: one for junior high school students or younger and another for senior high schoolers with individual rooms. The latter had to be expanded due to its limited capacity, which was why there was another dormitory next door, which was brightly lit.

“That one looks pretty new,” I said, looking out the window at the brilliant building standing tall against the silhouette of night.

“No. Everyone is happy with the individual rooms and the dormitories that look like ordinary homes, so they use them carefully, making them look cleaner than here. But they are quite old,” she replied.

Perhaps the darkness made the dormitory over there, which resembled a house, appear newer than the one we were in. The light emanating from it also seemed to radiate warmth.

“Huh? You’re a high school student. Aren’t you over there?” I asked her what had popped into my mind.

“Yes, that’s right. Usually, I live in that dormitory, but because there aren’t enough rooms, I share a room there. They only let me stay in this dormitory at night,” she replied.

“Does that mean there are extra rooms here?”

“Are there any leftover rooms? Well, actually, no one is staying here now,” Saki explained.

“Why not?” I asked.

“This dormitory is scheduled to be demolished. Evereyone living here will be relocated, starting with the younger children who have already found new homes,” she told me.

“Oh.”

“The last child left three days ago. Now this dormitory is empty.”

Now I get what’s going on. “So, it’s like a private rental…”

“Yeah.”

The room filled with silence as if even the faint sound of the fan had been sucked out. A chilly breeze flowed between us, making the atmosphere even more uncomfortable. I desperately searched for a topic to break the awkward silence and finally found one.

“Hey, um…” I said hesitantly, my words echoing off the walls.

Saki gave me a curious look as she waited for me to continue.

“What’s that white cloth hanging there?” I tried to recall the nostalgic scent that filled the room but couldn’t quite remember it. My curiosity was piqued by the object placed in front of the large glass window.

Maybe that was why Saki rented this room.

“This?” She gestured toward the white cloth before walking up to it and running her fingers along its edges.

“It’s a painting,” she replied.

“A painting?” I repeated, trying to recall our previous conversation.

“Oh, right. Your hobby is painting, isn’t it?”

Saki nodded. “Yes.”

“I would love to see it,” I said eagerly.

Saki looked surprised by my request.

“Huh? Really?”

“Yes, please,” I insisted. “I’m curious to see your work.”

After I made my request, I noticed a slight blush on Saki’s cheeks. The darkness of the night outside seemed to be pressing against the large window. As Saki stood there, her silhouette was etched into the blackness.

“It’s nothing special,” she said hesitantly.

“If you don’t want to show me, it’s fine,” I replied.

“It’s not that I don’t want to,” she said after hesitating for a moment.

“Okay, I’ll show you. But I don’t think it’s very good.”

As she pulled out a white cloth, I could tell she was giving a warning. Suddenly, the space was filled with colors, and I found myself staring at a beautiful spring scene.

The gentle flow of water looked just like the real thing, and the night sky above was painted with a large blue full moon and countless stars shining brightly.

As I looked closer, I noticed the blue full moon’s reflection on the surface of the water, which added to the picture’s beauty. And standing beside the spring was a little girl gazing up at the full moon floating in the night sky.

The world depicted in the painting was surprisingly blue and breathtakingly beautiful. It felt as if I knew the little girl in the world and the picture. I stood up and approached the painting, completely captivated by it.

“Is this you in the painting?” I asked.

Saki confirmed with a nod. “Yeah, you figured it out.”

I examined the figure closely. “Did you draw the person too?”

Saki shook her head. “I usually stick to landscapes. Drawing people is not my forte. I don’t have the skill for it.”

I nodded in understanding.

“I’ve never tried drawing people before. But after saying goodbye to you yesterday, I decided to give it a shot for the first time and worked on this painting from last night until this morning.”

Saki’s level of concentration was truly remarkable. As I gazed at the painting, I couldn’t help but feel she had infused it with her very essence. It was as if her power was imbued in every stroke of the brush. I had heard somewhere that creating art was a form of self-sacrifice, and that the soul of the artist was embedded in the work itself, able to captivate and move people.

It was clear that Saki had poured all her emotions into this painting. I could feel the depth of her feelings as I studied the intricate details and colors of the world she had created. It was a world I had never known, and its delicate and transient beauty left me in awe.

In the painting, Saki stood beside a serene fountain, depicted as a much younger version of herself. Despite her diminutive size, her presence was palpable, and I couldn’t help but feel drawn to her image. This was a painting I would want to keep looking at for a long time to come.

Had Saki always lived there, since she was young? All alone, for a long time?

“Keiichi, you’re staring too much.” She laughed shyly. “Let’s stop now. I’m bad at it, and it’s embarrassing.” She tried to recover the painting with the cloth, but I reflexively grabbed her thin hand.

“Huh?”

“I still want to see it.”

“…”

“Is that okay?” If it was not okay, I’d give up. I didn’t want to do something Saki didn’t like.

But I really wanted to keep looking at this painting. It felt like I had found something important, like a landscape I had known long ago. I wanted to keep this painting vividly in my mind.

“I understand. But I… I think I’m thirsty,” she spoke haltingly, moving away from me and sitting in front of a small table.

She opened the cap of the plastic bottle she had brought earlier. As she lowered her head and sipped her tea, I returned my gaze to the painting. I was immediately drawn into it. Her painting moved people’s hearts. A piece of art created with the soul moves the soul of the viewer. My heart, which had always been said to be distant, was now so hot.

I wondered if it was because Saki had painted it. Or was it the power of the painting itself?

As I thought about it, I realized that even if I hadn’t known Saki had made the painting, I would have been captivated by it. If I could get my hands on it, I would want to keep it with me forever. As I immersed myself in the delicate use of colors, I found solace and healing. However, amidst the beauty, I couldn’t help but sympathize with the underlying sadness captured within the painting. The artwork evoked a mix of emotions, blending tranquility and melancholy in a way that resonated deeply with me.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder and looked to my right. Saki was handing me the bottle she had put on the table. “Keiichi-kun, you should drink it. The mountain road was quite tough, right?”

Realizing how thirsty I was, I accepted it, opened the lid, and chugged down half the contents in one go.

Saki smiled and said, “Whoa. I’ve never seen someone drink that much at once.

“Is that enough?” she asked, pointing toward her creation.

“Yes, thank you,” I replied gratefully.

A sense of relief washed over Saki as she smiled. She then gently covered the painting with a white cloth, enveloping us once again in the colorless night.

We took our seats in front of a small table and engaged in conversation. Saki shared a range of stories with me, from tales about her roommate at the dormitory to anecdotes about the teacher at the facility she relied on. There were moments when she became exceptionally talkative. Although she tended to be reserved, once immersed in a topic, she couldn’t help but keep talking. I found great joy in listening to her stories, as our time together was truly delightful.

Saki suddenly spoke up. “Keiichi-kun, you’re a good listener, aren’t you?”

“Do you think so?” I replied.

“I do. Usually, I’m the one who listens rather than talks. I’m more comfortable in that role. But sometimes, I have this strong urge to express myself,” she said, her smile mirroring the attentiveness she usually showed her friends.

“That’s how you feel, huh?” I responded, feeling a similar sentiment.

“But is it okay? Am I bothering you?” she questioned, concerned.

“Not at all,” I reassured her. I had never once considered her voice or her stories a bother.

“Keiichi-kun, do you ever feel like doing something completely opposite of what you’re expected to do? Something that goes against people’s expectations?” she asked.

“I think so,” I admitted, somewhat surprised by my answer. The words flowed naturally from my chest.

“Maybe it’s because you’re aware of those expectations. Sometimes, you want to break free from them, but it’s not always easy, right?” she empathized.

Does the night have the power to draw out my honesty, or is it Saki who possesses that ability?

Emotions that had long been confined within me overflowed, filling my heart to the brim. “I’m the responsible older brother, the understanding one, the future captain of the soccer team. At times, the weight of these expectations feels overwhelming,” I confessed. Yet, I’ve always concealed it, quietly navigating through life, suppressing my own emotions. …Why did you ask that?” I asked, my voice soft.

“Because you’re usually the one listening to me. I wanted to hear your story, too,” she replied.

“Oh, I understand,” I responded.

Countless thoughts lay hidden within me, but I realized everyone carried their own unspoken, concealed thoughts. These were battles I could conquer on my own.

In that moment, a tender sensation graced my hair. Something was touching me. Intrigued, I glanced up and discovered her petite hand caressing my head. Her delicate touch moved back and forth, soothingly stroking my hair. As she did, I listened intently to the sound of her voice.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Hmm… Good boy, good boy,” she replied.

“What do you mean?” I inquired, curious.

“Isn’t this is what an older sister does?” she pondered.

“We’re the same age, you know,” I pointed out.

“Oh, right,” she acknowledged.

We continued our conversation, and memories of our past discussions resurfaced. A smile formed on my lips as I gently closed my eyes.

A rush of childhood memories came flooding back to me. I recalled my mother saying, “Keiichi, you’re already in first grade, so you’re like a big brother, right? Since Mom can’t come home due to work, please unlock the door, turn on the lights, and wait at home when you return from the daycare center. If Akane cries, give her a snack. You can do it because you’re her big brother.”

My response to my mother’s expectations was always a resolute yes. Deep down, I wanted to utter no but couldn’t. It became a minor trauma nestled within me. Well, perhaps it wasn’t truly traumatic. I felt a sense of fulfillment in being relied upon, yet there were moments when I longed to reach out for help. However, I kept those feelings to myself, never sharing them with anyone.

My grandmother was the only person who ever praised me for being a good and gentle child. I could vividly recall the touch of her wrinkled hand as it lovingly stroked my head.

As Saki’s tender touches reached me, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminiscent of my grandma’s gentle caresses. It were as if Saki’s actions were unraveling the knots within my soul and loosening my guarded heart.

Behind my closed eyelids, I noticed that one of the lights had dimmed. Startled, I opened my eyes to find Saki right beside me. I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Ah!” Her hand quickly retreated, and she appeared flustered.

If it embarrassed her to the point of blushing, she shouldn’t have initiated it in the first place. I was sure my own face was turning red as well. Nevertheless, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Thanks to Saki, my heart felt revitalized and refreshed.

“Thank you, Saki,” I expressed my gratitude.

“If you ever want to talk, just let me know,” she offered.

“Because that’s what an older sister does?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“But you don’t really look like an older sister,” I remarked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

We shared a laugh, breaking through the initial awkwardness. I glanced in the direction of the big window and noticed the light had gone out. In fact, all the lights in the dormitory, which resembled a house from the outside, had been extinguished. The surroundings were enveloped in complete darkness.

“Huh?” I exclaimed, caught off guard by the sudden darkness.

“High school students have lights out at eleven, so it seems they’ve turned off,” Saki explained.

“Eleven o’clock?” I was taken aback and quickly glanced at the clock.

Wow, I hadn’t realized it was already eleven o’clock. How long had I been lost in thought while Saki stroked my hair?

Disappointed with my obliviousness, I slumped my shoulders and said, “I should head home,” as I stood up.

“Okay,” Saki agreed, rising to her feet as well.

Saki walked alongside me as we finished putting on our shoes in front of the shoebox. When we stood side by side again, I realized she was not much taller than me. Looking up at me, Saki expressed her gratitude, saying, “Keiichi, thank you for today.”

“No, thank you,” I replied sincerely.

“You know, today was the first time I brought a friend here.”

The word “friend” pricked my heart like a needle.

“I had fun,” she continued.

“Yeah, me too,” I responded, feeling a sense of fulfillment despite the fleeting nature of our time together. Being by Saki’s side felt incredibly comfortable.

“Yeah,” I murmured, lost in my thoughts.

“Well then, see you,” Saki said, attempting to leave the entrance. However, she followed me with a flashlight in her hand.

“What?” I turned around and asked curiously.

“Shall I walk you home?” she offered.

“No way. I’m not in the habit of being escorted by a girl,” I retorted, trying to dismiss her concern.

“You’ll definitely get lost in the woods,” she insisted.

“I’ll manage,” I asserted.

“No, you won’t.”

“Saki…”

“Oh, right. I have to go get my umbrella,” she remembered, diverting the conversation.

Her last line was delivered so stiffly that I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Saki definitely came across as a model student. She was the kind of person who couldn’t simply ignore a troubled child. In Saki’s eyes, I’d been labeled as a “troubled child,” like some kind of class representative for all misfits.

I’m in deep trouble. I never imagined finding myself being escorted by a girl.

Are you sure it’s alright? It’s lights out, right?” I inquired, glancing at the dormitory engulfed in darkness, resembling a house with all its lights turned off.

There was no longer any source of light to illuminate the area. When the lights were gone, the world took on a blue hue. The only glimmers of light were the flashlight in Saki’s possession and the pale blue moon glowing above.

“It’s fine. I’m trusted,” she reassured me.

“Trusted?”

“By Sasaki-sensei. She’s my supervisor and explicitly told me not to have anyone come to check on me so I can focus on my artwork until morning.”

“I see,” I responded, comprehending the situation.

“Therefore, even if it’s past lights out, nobody will come to inspect us. We’re in the clear,” she declared with confidence.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her self-assuredness.

“That’s quite impressive,” I playfully teased her like a mischievous child.

“I know,” she responded, equally confident. Her response only made me laugh harder.

“That’s why I'll walk you to the spring. I brought you here without asking, so let me at least do this much. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep from worrying,” Saki insisted, her concern evident in her words.

Just go to sleep, I thought, but deep down, I knew if tried to go home alone, she would follow me in secret.

“Okay, let’s go to the spring,” I conceded, realizing arguing was futile.

Saki answered with a simple “Yeah,” and we embarked on our journey together. Walking alongside Saki, the distance to the spring felt much shorter, perhaps because we didn’t pass by any scenic spots along the way.

We found ourselves in a familiar area, nearing the spring. Amid the forest, I couldn’t help but worry if it was right for her to accompany me this far.

“Who needs an umbrella anyway? We can get one tomorrow, right?” I silently regretted not suggesting this earlier. However, as I glanced at Saki walking by my side, she seemed happy.

“Thanks, Saki,” I expressed my gratitude, the cool breeze brushing against my skin.

“What’s wrong? Suddenly thanking me?” she asked.

“No, I was just thinking that I wouldn’t have been able to do it alone,” I said, realizing her support throughout the night.

Various thoughts raced through my mind, but in the end, I chose to trust Saki’s kindness. Maybe it was the sight of her joyful expression that influenced my decision.

The path leading to the spring was dimly lit and had treacherous slopes. If I were alone, I doubt I would have been able to navigate it safely. I felt a sense of relief knowing Saki was with me.

We arrived back at the spring, greeted by a serene atmosphere. The surroundings were enveloped in silence, interrupted only by occasional whispers of leaves dancing in the wind. The chorus of cicadas, once echoing through the summer mountains, had now faded away, leaving behind undisturbed tranquility.

A faint image of the full blue moon adorned the surface of the spring, a reflection of the nocturnal scenery. As I gazed quietly at the night sky, a moon of the same deep blue hue hung directly above the spring, mirroring the one in Saki’s painting.

Without wanting to interrupt my contemplation, Saki stepped away, heading toward where the umbrella had been left by the spring. I couldn’t help but feel apologetic for the trouble I was causing her. As I observed her figure receding, an unfamiliar sensation tugged at my heart. We had only just met, yet there was an unexplainable ache within me.

Why was this happening? Why did being around her stir up such emotions? I questioned myself, struggling to fully comprehend the unfolding feelings.

Saki retrieved the umbrella and returned to my side, breaking through the perplexity that had gripped me. As she uttered, “Sorry to keep you waiting,” a gentle warmth embraced my heart. The sensation was incomparable, unlike anything I had experienced before.

“I’m home,” she said, and in that moment, I realized that being in her presence felt like finding a place I truly belonged. Was it our shared age? Our common interests? The answers eluded me, leaving me puzzled and uncertain about the depths of my emotions.

“Shall we head home?” she asked, and at that instant, a sense of unease washed over me. It seemed that I had yet to fully grasp the complexities of the emotions blossoming within me, leaving me in a state of confusion.

“Shall we head back?” Saki’s voice lacked its usual energy, and it was then that I noticed her trembling brown eyes, brimming with sadness.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, concern evident in my voice. Saki, who had returned from the spring, seemed visibly distressed.

“It’s nothing,” she replied, forcing a smile and shaking her head. But it was clear that her smile was not genuine, and something weighed heavily on her. It was as if she had left a part of herself behind at the spring, and only her empty shell remained.

“Saki?” I approached her, realizing that it wasn’t just my imagination. She was truly feeling down, and it was reflected in her expression.

Unable to find the right words, I reassured her, “If it’s alright with you, I’m here to listen. Whatever you have to say, I’ll be here for you.”

“Really… it’s nothing,” she replied weakly, attempting to be strong like I often did. In that moment, I realized how similar we were, both trying to bear our burdens alone.

I struggled to find the right words of comfort for Saki, who seemed different from her usual self. As I heard a faint rustling from Saki’s hand, my gaze lowered to discover a small white piece of paper. It was the note she had written earlier and tucked under the umbrella before we left the spring. Was this the reason for her melancholy?

My intuition, which was usually bad, sprang to life. I wanted to be there for Saki without any preconceived notions.

“I’m here until the blue moon ends.” Her words echoed in my mind. Her voice had carried a sense of loneliness as if a story she had been reading had abruptly come to an end.

What significance did the white paper under the umbrella hold? Was she waiting for someone in this very place? Was that white paper intended for someone other than Saki?

“That’s… a letter?” I managed to utter, my voice strained and barely recognizable.

Saki’s delicate shoulders quivered as she nodded, her gaze meeting mine. “Yeah… that’s right.”

A searing pain gripped my chest. At that moment, I realized that Saki’s trembling eyes, strained voice, and presence at the spring were not because of me. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I mustered the courage to ask, “Who are you waiting for?”

My curiosity about her deepened, intertwined with an inexplicable desire to remain by her side indefinitely. Then, I recognized the dormant emotions within me for what they truly were… love.

“Isn’t this what an older sister does?”

“I’m… a child of the Hinata Dormitory,” she said.

“Hmm… Good boy, good boy.”

A quiet silence filled the air on a summer night with just the two of us. Saki took a small breath and looked at me.

“I’m waiting for… my first love,” she said, revealing her answer.

The feelings that lay dormant inside me were surely… love. I was in love with her.

About the Author

Mii Hirose, born in January under the sign of Capricorn, currently resides in Shiga Prefecture.

Her recent works include It Was Definitely Love and I Realized It Was Love, published by Shueisha’s Pinky Bunko.

She enjoys tea and gardening.

September 2016

Thank you for reading!

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