{“A Wonderful Promise Between Us“ 2}

Someday, I might also be walking hurriedly in a suit like the people around me.

As I sipped my cold coffee, I found myself lost in that thought.

But it’s not really a “someday” anymore—there’s less than two years until that future. The starting line of job hunting is close enough to see, and I can’t just think of it as someone else’s problem. I understand that.

Yet, the people walking by in front of me are striding confidently, without hesitation. I’ve walked this far without losing my way, but what about the road ahead? Sometimes, I can’t help but feel a baseless anxiety.

While I was drinking my coffee and thinking about random things that had no real purpose, my phone finally rang.

Of course, it was Miu.

“Can you come over here, Atsushi? I’ll buy lunch and drinks.”

As soon as she said that, I responded immediately.

“Sure. Actually, I’m already at the station.”

My reply seemed to reassure her, and her voice sounded noticeably brighter.

“That’s great! Then we’ll have a little more time to relax.”

She then gave me directions over the phone, planning for us to meet directly at the park. According to her, it was about a 10-minute walk from the station.

“I’ll be waiting for you there. If you get lost, just call.”

“Thanks. See you soon.”

I thanked her and ended the call, quickly leaving the coffee stand.

I wanted to thank her even more—for going along with such a last-minute plan, and for spending her precious lunch break with me. But I’d save those words for when we met face-to-face. For now, I had to hurry so we could make the most of our time together.

I walked down the street, lined with tall buildings, keeping pace with the people in suits around me.

The buildings all looked like they were painted in dull colors, but their shiny windows reflected the spring sky, and I thought it looked kind of beautiful.

The park, my destination, appeared like a patch of grass sprouting at the base of those towering buildings. There were a few trees providing shade, some grassy areas, and benches. Under the arch at the park’s entrance, I could easily recognize her figure.

“Atsushi-kun!”

In a slightly quieter voice than usual, Miu called out to me.

As I got closer, I noticed her shy expression.

It was probably because of what she was wearing.

She had on a faded green jumper skirt over a white polka-dot blouse, which I knew was her work uniform. She had brought it home once to wash it, so I recognized it.

But this was the first time I’d seen her wearing it, and honestly, it felt surprisingly fresh.

It was the first time I had truly seen Miu as a “working adult” with my own eyes.

“That uniform looks great on you.”

As soon as I said that while running up to her, she looked even more embarrassed and tugged at the collar of the cardigan she was wearing.

“Really? This blouse actually has the store’s logo on it.”

Looking closer, I realized the polka dots were actually the store’s logo. No wonder she looked a bit self-conscious.

“Sorry for asking you out so suddenly. Was it okay with your schedule?”

“No problem! I was really happy, actually.”

Miu smiled softly as she said that.

“I was thinking of asking you out soon, too. Did you maybe remember what I mentioned before?”

“Of course I did. That’s why I asked you today.”

I could never forget anything involving her.

But this promise felt less like something unforgettable and more like something I had to remember.

It was a hurdle I had to overcome—visiting her while she was at work.

“So, shall we eat?”

Miu smiled in her uniform.

Her carefree expression was just like always, but today, she looked a bit more grown-up.