Chapter 1
Ito
Fuyu longed for the day he'd become an adult . . . But little did he know just how dull and tedious his life would be.
He used to think becoming an adult would be a huge upgrade, like leveling up in a game, but that couldn't be further from the truth. He often found himself wishing things were as simple as they were when he was a kid—
Like how he could simply run away from unpleasant things, or didn't have the need to manage expectations of himself or others.
He even wished he could make friends as easily as he could back then.
If their relationship had been as innocent and straightforward as in their youth, they could have become respectable people.
Had they set up the right boundaries, they could have built a beautiful relationship.
They could have complained about their bosses, played co-op video games, and discussed movies they wanted to see together.
They could have celebrated their romantic relationship and marriage.
That was the kind of relationship Fuyu and Ito should have had.
***
Fuyu believed that it was all over the moment meals had started becoming an afterthought.
With that in mind, he began buying lunch from food trucks at least once a week during weekdays.
Beneath his company’s office building were several food trucks lined up along the street, which attracted small queues by lunchtime. Since the building housed other companies, the lines had people in a variety of attire.
Some wore crisp suits, while others dressed casually, as if they were taking the day off and heading to the aquarium for a date.
Most of the latter were from the same company, recognizable at a glance by the employee badges around their necks. Adorning them were characters from a particular gaming company.
Fuyu was one such employee, though his clothes gave the impression he was popping over to a convenience store rather than going on a romantic excursion.
Standing at the end of the line for a roast-beef bowl with a somewhat refreshed expression, he sensed someone standing behind him—likely a woman.
With a slight turn, he snuck a quick glance at her face.
Then he froze.
Ito?
Fuyu?
The woman looking up from her phone was indeed Ito.
Her eyes were wide with surprise. They glanced at each other's employee badges simultaneously.
Her badge bore the logo of an architectural consulting firm, the same company she had mentioned during their last drink together before graduation.
You work here too?
I do . . . I hadn't noticed that you did as well.
Yeah, we moved to this building in April.
Oh, no wonder I've been seeing more people in casual attire!
Despite their complicated past, Ito's face showed genuine happiness. Her beautiful, nostalgic smile almost brought a tear to Fuyu's eye. He couldn't help but smile back.
Ito was dressed in a blouse, a checkered vest, and a skirt—your standard office attire. Her brown hair was secured with a barrette, and her makeup gave her a mature look.
Before he knew it, he had reached the front of the line.
He placed his order. While waiting for the food to be prepared, he gathered his courage and asked Ito if she'd like to join him for lunch.
Want to eat together? There's a bench over there.
Oh, I'm with someone from work. Sorry . . .
Ito glanced at another food truck, where her colleague was lined up.
Fuyu kept a cheerful facade to hide his disappointment. He was about to say it was fine, but Ito spoke before he could.
But if you're feeling it, why don't we go out for drinks tonight?
Um, sure . . .
He stammered, then immediately retracted his answer.
Wait, actually . . . I have to work overtime today. Maybe another time?
No problem. Then how about . . .
They made plans to go out for drinks.
As they parted ways, Fuyu noticed Ito was still smiling, even when she waved goodbye and left.
Once he was inside the elevator, relief and joy washed over him.
Going out for drinks with your ex while wearing something you threw on haphazardly wasn't ideal, but for Fuyu, it all worked out in the end.
***
Fuyu Yamase broke up with Ito Minase three years ago, just before the summer of their senior year at university.
They were together since the summer of their freshman year as members of the Science Fiction Club.
Ito herself was a reminder of those carefree days, and of the intimate relationship they had shared.
Job hunting and differences in values lead to their eventual breakup. Fuyu, however, never grew to dislike her. In fact, he broke up with her because he didn't want to start disliking her.
Thus, he was over the moon with this chance reunion. The lack of awkwardness suggested that Ito was just as happy to see him again.
It had been three years since he and Ito had drinks together. Now at the age of twenty-four, they were both working adults.
And that meant there was more to expect from one another, as well as the possibility for ulterior motives.
They may have been exes, but things were different now. Still, it was only natural for hm to consider all the possibilities for this outing.
Regardless, Fuyu waited for Ito in front of the station.
Sorry to keep you waiting, Fuyu!
Ito weaved her way through the crowd. She was in a white, knitted top and a leaf-green, flared skirt. It's no surprise her style and color sense had matured since they were college students.
This seafood place is a good choice. I heard it has great sake.
Hopefully it's to your liking?
If you chose it, then I have no doubt it'll be great.