Softness

Mayu sat across from Takao in one of Heart Harmony’s meeting rooms. Takao, ever methodical, had his own tools: a laptop and a sketch pad full of potential familiar designs.

“Hana is so full of life,” Mayu began, her tone soft. “She’s imaginative, nurturing, and loves to explore. She needs a familiar who can keep up with her curiosity but also keep her grounded when she gets too carried away. Dr. Yamashita and I thought that a fox-type familiar would be the perfect fit.”

Takao nodded, his pen moving swiftly across a design sheet. “A fox sounds pretty good. Energetic, uplifting… touch of stability, and a little cunning to give a definitive personality.”

Mayu smiled. “Exactly. She mentioned loving stories about magical creatures, so maybe something a little whimsical in design. It should feel like a character from one of her dreams, but not so outlandish that it feels distant.”

Takao tapped his pen against the table, thinking. “This fox model looks interesting, and might be a good fit—loyal, playful, and intuitive. But let’s give it a unique twist. How about a periwinkle-colored coat? It’ll stand out, just like Hana’s imagination.”

Mayu nodded eagerly. “Perfect.”

Takao typed up the description, refining the details as he spoke. “We’ll program it to have a natural instinct for play therapy—small games and gestures to help her decompress. And a confident presence when she needs reassurance.”

Mayu leaned forward, her excitement palpable. “This feels just right for her. Yukari will be her anchor and her spark of joy.”

Three Months Later

The sudden news of Hana’s accident hit Heart Harmony unexpectedly. She’d been playing in the park when a self-driving car lost control, striking her. Her survival was a miracle of the current medical field advancements, combined with the fast emergency services system activation buttons on all street corners. Now, she was undergoing advanced surgery that could fully heal her leg. But for now, she was confined to a hospital bed, facing a long recovery.

When Mayu and Takao arrived at the hospital, the sterile scent of antiseptic lingered in the air. Hana lay propped up by pillows, her small frame dwarfed by the clinical whiteness of the room. Her eyes lit up when she saw them, though her smile was tinged with fatigue.

“Mayu! Takao!” she exclaimed weakly, her voice weakened but eager.

Takao, typically composed, stepped forward first. His usual sharp tone softened as he crouched beside her bed. “Hey, champ. How’s my favorite future adventurer?”

Hana giggled softly. “I’m okay. They said I’m going to have a cool scar, like a warrior.”

Takao grinned. “A warrior, huh? Well, every great warrior needs a loyal companion. Yukari’s already excited to meet you, you know.”

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

“Really,” Takao said, his voice warm. “She’s probably dreaming about all the adventures you’ll go on together. You just have to focus on getting stronger so you can keep up with her.”

Mayu stood back, observing quietly. Takao’s usual stoic demeanor had melted away, replaced by a gentle kindness that surprised her. He spoke to Hana with such ease, weaving little stories and encouragements that had the girl smiling, even laughing.

When they finally left the room, Mayu couldn’t resist teasing him. “You’ve got quite a talent for storytelling, Takao. Who knew you could be so…heartwarming?”

Takao raised an eyebrow, though a faint blush crept up his neck. “Just doing my job,” he said gruffly.

Mayu smirked. “Oh, sure. That was definitely ‘cool guy Takao’ in there, right?”

He glanced at her, caught off guard but not entirely annoyed. “You’re imagining things,” he muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

As they exited the hospital, Mayu felt a bittersweet ache in her chest. Life had thrown Hana an unexpected challenge, but with Yukari to look forward to, she knew the little girl would rise above it. And she had to admit—seeing Takao’s softer side was a small, unexpected joy of its own.

The train ride back home was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of a newspaper or Luma‘s gentle purrs. She leaned against the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks of gold and white. Her thoughts, however, weren’t on the bustling world outside—they were on Takao.

She’d known him for years, but today had revealed a side of him she hadn’t expected. His usually composed demeanor had melted away in Hana’s hospital room, replaced by a warmth and gentleness that even Mayu hadn’t seen before.

“Figured she could keep you company,” he’d said, his voice soft as Hana hugged a pillow to her chest. His story about the brave girl and her magical dog had been simple, yet it carried a sincerity that resonated deeply with the young patient—and with Mayu.

She smiled faintly, recalling how he’d leaned against the wall, arms crossed but tone light, as if trying to balance his usual aloofness with the tender moment. It wasn’t forced. It wasn’t calculated. It was simply Takao, letting his guard down.

As the train slowed to a stop at her station, Mayu grabbed her bag and stepped onto the platform. The crisp evening air nipped at her cheeks as she made her way home, her thoughts still swirling.

Once back at the her apartment, Mayu shrugged off her coat, setting her bag on the counter. Her mind replayed the moment Takao had said goodbye to Hana. His usual stoic expression had returned, but his lingering gaze on the little girl spoke volumes. “Someone who hides their softness but lets it peek through when it matters,” she thought. 

There was care there—something deeply genuine.

“Maybe he’s more complex than I thought,” Mayu said aloud as she poured herself a cup of herbal tea. She settled into her chair, the warmth of the mug comforting her as her mind wandered.

She found herself imagining Takao as a child—had he ever needed someone to comfort him the way he had comforted Hana? Had he learned to be so guarded because no one had been there for him?

Her thoughts turned to work. In many ways, her job required her to see beneath the surface of people’s behavior, to understand the deeper truths they sometimes hid even from themselves. Takao, it seemed, wasn’t so different from the clients she helped every day.

Sipping her tea, Mayu chuckled softly. “Cool guy Takao,” she muttered, shaking her head.

Luma lowered herself onto her lap, curling into a ball, and Mayu let her hand rest on the familiar’s soft fur. She allowed herself to linger in the warmth of today’s unexpected revelations, knowing tomorrow would bring a different kind of joy, as she had made plans to visit her grandmother.