Yoshio's encounter with the past

While walking on the street, all three talked about some random things. Sora's hands were very articulate while she recreated the plot of one movie she recently saw. Maki frowned, imagining it. Yoshio looked at them with a smile. He turned away momentarily, and his gaze landed on a face. She stood on the other side of the street, drinking a coffee. Yoshi felt a sharp pain in his chest after noticing her. He stopped, still unable to look away.

The woman was very tall and thin. The wind threw her long black hair all around her figure, creating a mysterious aura. She was dressed in some type of cute dress with flowers. She almost sparked with innocence, and her face… it was so beautiful. Her eyes were pitch black, and narrow. She was her, his heart said to him. She seemed so familiar to him, yet he could not quite grasp it. However, he was certain that she was from his past - the pain was immense. He remained still, not to show it, as well as to subdue the overwhelming storm of feelings.

He turned to Maki and said: "You two should go without me, I need to talk to that woman."

Maki bowed, looking at Sora "Let's go."

"W-wait!" Sora noticed Yoshi's staring, she didn't want to give him up so easily. But Maki tugged her sleeve, not letting her stay.

"Let's go, Sora-san, we need to help you friend. He decided, so there is no chance of persuading him otherwise."

"Okay..." She looked down, complying.

Meanwhile, the woman on the other side of the street smiled at Yoshio, put her empty cup down, and started walking. He felt awkward all of a sudden, unsure how he should explain his staring if she confronted him. Looking away was not an option, as he was afraid to lose her. He wanted to run towards her, but his legs wouldn’t move.

She crossed the street, while his head was about to explode, when she came very close, she bowed, and said, sincerely.

"Sir, do we know each other?"

His head felt as heavy as a building. He made himself answer.

"I am sorry, you look like someone I knew in the past."

"Oh really? That sounds romantic. Do you want to talk about it?" She smiled.

"There is not much to tell, I am afraid. It's just a feeling that I had. I should apologize for staring..."

"It's okay. You seemed genuinely surprised to see me. Maybe we should talk for a bit... I feel like you wanted to talk?"

"Um, yes. But I don't want to impose..."

"Please don't worry, I shall take your elbow. You are extremely pale, I am afraid you might fall on the ground."

Yoshio reacted to the touch, feeling the warmth inside. He let her take him to the nearest cafe. They walked in silence, yet it wasn't uncomfortable. He glanced at her sometimes, trying not to stare anymore. Her expression did not change, as she walked next to him. She seemed to look his age, perhaps several years younger (around twenty-five-ish that is). When they entered a cafe, she let him go. Then she chose the furthest table, letting him sit so he could see the entrance. He noted that mentally, raising an eyebrow.

As he sat, she remained standing up, "I haven't introduced myself! My name is Ito Kinu." She bowed, "Please call me Kinu, I am used to being called by my given name."

"Nice to meet you. I am Adachi Yoshio."

"Adachi-san, nice meeting you. Would you like some tea? I love jasmine tea. I just had coffee though, so maybe I can order some for you?" As she smiled, her narrow eyes made two symmetrical waves on her face, she was so charming when she smiled.

"Khm, thank you, K-Kinu-san, I would appreciate that." He felt so strange. The lack of memories made this whole situation confusing. However, he could not understand why he couldn't let it go. He had to learn more. His heart wouldn't just react like this to anyone, he thought.

As she brushed her hair with her delicate hand, he couldn't help but notice how gracefully she moved. She went to the counter to order tea and glanced back at him. He felt his cheeks burning up.

Stupid. This was such a silly idea. What was I thinking, clinging to a random woman like that?

Soon she returned with the kettle, sat down, and looked at him, "Please, Adachi-san, let me pour the tea for you. It has been 5 minutes, so it should be ready to drink." Without waiting for his reply, she arranged the small cup, and the kettle in front of him, carefully pouring the tea.

He picked up the cup, bowed slightly, and took a sip. The tea was superb. It felt like this cafe was not a regular, but a tea-specialized one. He looked at Kinu. He wanted to talk but had no idea how to start.

It would have been easy if she was like the red hair.

"Adachi-san?" Her head was slightly tilted to the left, as she looked at him. "You seem preoccupied."

"Oh, I am sorry."

"Nothing to apologize for. It's just that I thought you wanted to ask me some questions?"

"Well, " he put the cup on the table, "I just wondered where have I seen you before, that's it."

"I don't recall ever seeing you, Adachi-san, even though you are pretty memorable. If I had ever seen you, I am sure I would've remembered you."

"You think?"

She looked at him for a moment, then switched a topic, "You are a genuine person, it seems. I am glad we have met today. Adachi-san, what do you say we meet again, to talk?" She paused again, looking him in the eyes,serious: "Maybe we've met each other in the other life?"

His head was spinning. She continued,

"I think I have to run now, but here is my phone card, please write me an SMS or give me a call. I would love to walk with you soon, okay?" Her eyes, pitch black glistened with the light of anticipation. As she bowed and left, the surrounding whispering subsided, the heads stopped turning.

Adachi was shook, card in hand. He held it firmly, afraid to lose it.