Chapter One: A Voice from the Past
"Aki, pass me that water bottle," Kate said in a low voice, almost a whisper.
Without shifting my gaze from the glowing screen, I reached for the bottle resting near the edge of my table and handed it to her. My mind was entirely wrapped around the presentation~the one that could shape the course of our upcoming project in England.
"Thanks," she murmured, removing the cap.
"No worries," I replied, adjusting my spectacles that had slipped down the bridge of my nose.
My eyes ached, and my shoulders were stiff. But just a little more, and I'd earn myself a break.
A faint smile formed on my lips as I finally completed the first draft. With a few swift clicks, I made sure the file was saved securely on my laptop. The task was done. Time to breathe. I stood up and walked out for a smoke.
"It's cold outside. Better wear your coat, Aki," Kate called out, her eyes still on her screen.
I grabbed the coat hanging on the chair and stepped into the evening chill. My usual smoking spot, just by the edge of the lot, greeted me with its familiar silence. I slipped a cigarette between my lips and flicked the lighter. The flame danced briefly before I took the first drag.
She was right. It was cold.
Just as I prepared for a second puff, my phone buzzed in my pocket, slicing through the quiet. I glanced at the screen.
A number from Japan?
I exhaled the smoke slowly and picked up the call.
"Hello?"
"Aki. It's me, Haru."
Silence.
"Aki... it's Haru. From junior high? We were together till college. You haven't forgotten me, have you?"
Forgotten?
How could I ever forget you, Haru?
"What is it?" I asked, my voice firmer than I intended.
"Woahhh—Aki, I heard you're in England now!"
"I am." I took another puff, the smoke curling into the frosty air.
"I'm in England too," he said, voice lighter now. "Let's hang out sometime!"
What a twist. Years without a single call, and now he knows everything about me. I stared into the distance, weighing the sudden shift.
Maybe... maybe I needed this. A pause. A change of pace.
"Alright," I said after a moment. "Let's meet today. 8 p.m. At the bridge."
"Sure! I'll call you once I get there," he replied quickly.
I hung up and tucked the phone back into my pocket.
A cold breeze swept by.
It's been too long.
Let's see what excuse he has waiting for me.