As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over Osaka, the trio found themselves immersed in the city's vibrant tapestry.
Maria's Afternoon at the Café
Maria wiped her hands on her apron, surveying the now-organized shelves of the quaint café. The manager approached, offering a warm smile.
"Thank you, Maria. The place hasn't looked this good in years."
Maria chuckled, "Happy to help. It's nice to do something... normal."
Stepping outside, she took a moment to appreciate the bustling street. The aroma of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the distant hum of city life.
Roko's Floral Endeavors
At the flower shop, Roko carefully arranged a bouquet, his brow furrowed in concentration. The elderly shop owner watched with amusement.
"You're a natural, Roko. Ever considered a career in floristry?"
He laughed, "Not until today. But there's something calming about it."
He stepped outside, the vibrant colors of the flowers contrasting with the urban backdrop. The city's energy was infectious, and he found himself smiling.
Kisimoto's Bookstore Reflections
Kisimoto stood atop a ladder, replacing a flickering light bulb in the bookstore. The owner nodded in approval.
"Much better. Thank you, Kisimoto."
He descended, glancing around at the towering shelves filled with stories. A sense of peace settled over him.
Exiting the store, he took a deep breath, the crisp evening air filling his lungs. The city's lights began to twinkle, mirroring the stars above.
Evening Reunion
The trio reconvened at a small park, the city's skyline serving as a picturesque backdrop. They shared their day's experiences, laughter echoing into the night.
"I never thought arranging flowers could be so... therapeutic," Roko mused.
Maria nodded, "There's something fulfilling about helping others, even in small ways."
Kisimoto added, "It's a different kind of adventure, but one worth pursuing."
As they sat in comfortable silence, the city's rhythm pulsed around them, a symphony of life and possibility.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The early afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows of the park café, and the scent of butter and coffee lingered like a second skin on Maria's apron.
She wiped her brow with her wrist, leaning on the counter after restocking another shelf of croissants. Her mind wandered — not to monsters or weapons, but to the polished wood under her hands and the low murmur of customers chatting softly.
"Not bad," she muttered to herself.
Across the café, the manager was wiping a glass. "You're a fast learner, Maria. Ever worked in a kitchen before?"
Maria shrugged. "Only the kind that explodes if you mess up an ingredient."
The manager laughed, not knowing if it was a joke or not.
"And, you can also call me "Serena" sometimes..." she said, looking at the warm sunset, preparing to leave after a day's work...
Roko's Afternoon – Floral Chaos
Meanwhile, Roko had become a local hero at the flower shop.
Well, not exactly — he had broken three vases and accidentally watered a plastic plant.
Still, the elderly shop owner loved him.
"You remind me of my grandson," she said with a smile, watching him struggle to tie a bouquet ribbon without squashing the stems.
"You have excellent taste in grandsons," Roko declared, then jabbed his thumb with a rose thorn. "Ow!"
"You also have his sense of coordination."
They both laughed heartily.
Kisimoto's Corner – Dust, Books, and Silence
Kisimoto sat cross-legged on the bookstore floor, replacing a broken wire behind a shelf while a book balanced precariously on his head — forgotten from a minute earlier.
The owner was reading quietly nearby, sipping tea.
"You're good with your hands," the old man said after a long silence.
Kisimoto didn't respond immediately. He tightened the last screw, then looked up. "I've had... practice."
"You're young," the man said. "Plenty of time to figure out where those hands belong."
Kisimoto gave a small smile, not sure whether that was meant to be comforting or cryptic.
Evening Lights – Reunion at Dotonbori
Later, the three of them met near the Dotonbori Bridge, where neon signs glowed bright above the canal and the air was thick with the smell of street food.
Maria was already halfway through a agedashi tofu when they arrived.
"Any explosions?" she asked, licking sauce from her thumb.
"Only in my heart," Roko said dramatically. "This old woman — she offered me tea and told me about her dead cat."
Kisimoto raised a brow. "What's the cat's name?"
"Dynamite."
Maria laughed, choked on a bit of the tofu, and waved her hands like she was under attack.
Kisimoto handed her a bottle of water. "You alright?"
"Fine," she wheezed. "Just emotionally struck by Roko's tragic new backstory."
Quiet Reflection – A Stroll Before Night
As the city lights flickered on and Osaka's heartbeat picked up, they wandered aimlessly, letting their feet take them somewhere less crowded.
They ended up on a quiet slope overlooking the skyline.
Maria kicked off her shoes and sat in the grass.
"I didn't think I'd actually enjoy this," she said.
Kisimoto lay back beside her. "Helping people?"
"Living normal."
Roko dropped down next to them, arms spread wide. "Normal's underrated. Did you see the way the sun hit the vending machines today?"
Kisimoto snorted. "Poetic."
Maria leaned back on her elbows. "Did we talk about Boruko today?"
"No," Roko said. "You wanna?"
Maria shrugged off, with a flushed face... "Nah. Maybe later."
Final Notes of the Day
As the stars began to poke through the fading blue sky, the trio just... existed. No plans. No threats. No fear.
The wind was gentle. The city was calm. For once, the world didn't feel like it was demanding something from them.
"I vote we do this again tomorrow," Roko murmured.
"Agreed," Kisimoto said.
Maria didn't respond — she just smiled, eyes closed, letting the moment last a little longer.
TO BE CONTINUED...