章節 15: Yes! I Do! I'm Looking For Your Friend!

'I think... it's in this way.'

Even though Hisaki doubted she could meet her old man today, she at least wanted to see the place where he was currently living. It might look newer right now.

Heisuke and Mrs. Saeki rented an apartment unit from Shuuya. Shuuya's family owned several two-story traditional apartment and commercial buildings in this town.

"I think the river is on the left..." Hisaki murmured quietly.

The apartment faced a river with a vast grass field between them. Hisaki had always loved the view from Heisuke's apartment balcony. She had visited it a few times before.

Heisuke's apartment unit was vacant after his mother started living in the nursing home but, Shuuya didn't rent it to anyone else. After Heisuke left the prison, he continued living there until the two of them got married.

As the sun poured its lights on the gentle stream, glitters twinkled all over the surface. There were times when she and he had a picnic under a tree there. They just brought some food from his apartment and spent many hours chatting opposite the river.

'Ah! Here is it!'

Hisaki spotted a gray-painted building not far away. She also saw a few children playing nearby the river bank. It was common for them to swim in the river if they didn't go to the beach.

This place was just as she remembered, Hisaki silently thought. She couldn't help but wonder when did this building was first built? She never inquired about it before.

'Would he be at home? Or at work?'

The calmness of the surrounding area gently helped to dispel her uneasiness. With every blow of the breeze, the weeds swayed at the roadside while the leaves of the shady trees fluttered in the air.

As Hisaki stared at the two-story building from the gate, she didn't notice someone was looking at her from behind. That person stood under one of the trees. The intertwined lights and shadows obscured him from being seen in just one glance.

"Miss, could I help you with anything?"

Hisaki was startled by the male voice. She quickly turned around and looked up from under the umbrella. Her eyes widened in shock.

'This... isn't he Shuuya?'

A young man walked up to her. He was eyeing her with confusion yet a gentle smile was put on his face, clearly showing him being polite.

This man appeared to be around her age or just a few years older. The familiarity of his face reminded Hisaki of Heisuke's best friend, Kawata Shuuya.

"Shuu... Ah, sorry, I'm just looking around this place."

Hisaki quickly stopped herself from blurting out his name. She timidly stared at Shuuya. From his look, it didn't seem like he realized her mistake.

Shuuya silently thought this young lady acted a bit suspiciously but, he didn't dwell on the subject. He asked her politely, "I think I haven't seen you before, miss. Are you looking for someone?"

'Yes! I do! I'm looking for your friend!'

Hisaki really wanted to answer that but, she knew she would just creep Shuuya out. Instead, she replied, "I've just arrived here yesterday. I'm staying at someone's house right now but, if possible I wanna find a place to rent."

Shuuya raised up his brows. He asked again, "Where are you staying? I know almost all the people in this town."

Hisaki easily answered, "Do you know Mrs. Ikeda? I stay with her family."

"Oh? Of course, I know her family so well," Shuuya smiled lightly. He gestured at the building, "Actually, my family runs this apartment. We have two vacant units right now. If you'd like, should we talk more in detail?"

Hisaki was shocked. She almost squealed in delight.

She could move in here!

"Sure. But, are you here for another business?"

Shuuya quickly shook his head even though he indeed had a matter to be attended to. Like any businessman, he didn't let go of this chance of securing a potential customer. Moreover, the original business could wait.

"I'm just passing by. If you have spare time, we can discuss it now."

"That's fine with me," Hisaki agreed.

Shuuya brought Hisaki to a small annex beside the two-story building. This place served as an office for him although he rarely used it. Both of them sat down for a discussion.

After explaining to Hisaki about the rent, Shuuya brought her to visit the vacant units. One of them was in the middle of the first floor while the other was at the right end of the building on the second floor.

This apartment building had five units on each floor. The staircase that led upstairs was built at the furthermost right and left of the building. Even though this place didn't have any guards, there was a concrete and tall fence surrounding the entire yard.

"This apartment is perfectly suitable for you since you'd be living alone. Each unit has one living room, one bedroom, a washroom together with a small kitchen."

Hisaki walked inside the unit on the second floor. Although she had to walk up and down the staircase, it was rewarding because the view was peaceful. She could easily see the river from there.

Besides, Heisuke's unit is on the second floor too although his place was at the furthermost unit on the left. A total opposite from hers.

"I do think this place is nice," Hisaki agreed with what Shuuya said. She glanced at him who stood at a respectable distance from her, "Could you let me think further? I need to discuss this with Mrs. Ikeda too. I'm interested in this unit."

"Sure, you could do that," Shuuya smiled. He handed something to Hisaki, "Then, please take my business card. Can I have your contact information too? You can reach out to me once you've made your decision."

"That sounds good."

After exchanging their contacts, Hisaki followed Shuuya down the stairs. The man escorted her to the gate.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Kawata," Hisaki gave Shuuya a polite nod, "I'll contact you as soon as possible."

"The pleasure is mine," Shuuya returned her greeting with a bow, "Have a good day, Miss Chisaka."

"Yes, you too."

Hisaki reopened the yellow umbrella, filtering the direct heat of the scorching sun. She slowly walked away from the apartment building. Because Shuuya was still there, she didn't dare to take one last look at Heisuke's apartment unit.

'Hehe.'

Hisaki wanted to laugh at herself.

Despite her actual goal being to find her old man, she had yet to encounter him. Instead, she met her old or new acquaintances.

'It's okay. We'll meet soon.'

With a happy heart, Hisaki walked with spring in her steps. Not long after she reached the next block of the neighborhood, her long-anticipated old man appeared without her realizing it.