Translated by Jyzciel

If you'd like to support my work and help me create more chapters, I've opened Ko-fi memberships!

Your support helps fund future chapters and commissions, and lets me spend more time creating new content.

No pressure—reading and enjoying the story is already a huge support. Read for free, support if you can, and thank you for being here.

Momoyama Sai was twenty-four years old and worked as a secretary for a major corporation. At present, she was in Kyoto on the company's annual employee trip.

The autumn air was crisp and cool as she wandered from temple to temple with a few colleagues she considered close friends.

For once, there would be no overtime.

No endless schedule adjustments.

And, most importantly, no troublesome company president demanding her attention every few minutes.

It was shaping up to be a very good day. At least, that was what she had been thinking.

Then her phone rang.

Sai stopped mid-step. The name displayed on the screen made her shoulders sag.

Speak of the devil.

It was her president. To be perfectly honest, she had no desire whatsoever to answer. Still, years of professional discipline won out.

Drawing a quiet breath, she slipped effortlessly into her work voice and accepted the call.

"Hello, this is Momoyama speaking. How may I help you?"

The cheerful voice that answered immediately made her regret picking up.

"Ah, Momoyama-kun! Why aren't you here?"

Sai closed her eyes. Slowly. Patiently.

"Because I'm on the company trip today, sir. I'm not scheduled to be at work."

"Oh? Then perhaps I should come too."

A pause.

"...You do have work to do, don't you?"

"Mmm."

"If you need assistance, please speak with the Secretarial Department. Excuse me."

Before he could object, she ended the call.

The silence that followed felt heavenly. With a sigh of relief, she slipped her phone back into her bag and lifted her gaze.

Above her stretched a flawless blue sky.

Beneath it, the maple leaves blazed in shades of crimson and gold.

The colors were so vivid that she found herself standing still, simply admiring them.

The beauty of it seeped gently into the weary corners of her heart.

"Saai!"

A familiar voice broke through her reverie.

Turning, she spotted Satoko hurrying toward her, waving energetically.

"There you are! You're so slow!"

The younger woman caught hold of Sai's arm and immediately began tugging her along.

"We're heading to the temple for love blessings next!"

Sai laughed.

"You make it sound like we're on a mission."

"We are on a mission."

Satoko nodded with complete seriousness.

As they walked, Sai noticed something dangling precariously from around her friend's neck.

"Hold still."

"Huh?"

"Your scarf."

Reaching out, she straightened it before it could slip loose completely.

Satoko blinked. Then grinned.

"As expected of our secretary."

She leaned closer.

"Actually, scratch that."

A mischievous smile spread across her face.

"You're basically everyone's mother."

Sai sighed.

"What does that even mean?"

But she couldn't help laughing. She had always been this way. If she noticed something, she couldn't simply ignore it.

Together they continued on their way, chatting and laughing as they hurried toward the next temple.

The shrine dedicated to matters of the heart proved just as crowded as expected.

Young couples.

Groups of friends.

Countless visitors hoping for a fortunate encounter.

Satoko eagerly purchased a charm said to bring success in love. After watching for a moment, Sai bought one as well.

Not because she particularly believed in it. More as a keepsake.

As she tucked the charm safely into her bag, a thought crossed her mind.

If finding one's destined love were truly as simple as buying a charm, nobody would struggle with romance.

The thought amused her enough to smile.

A little later, while Satoko stepped away to find the restroom, Sai wandered toward a small pond nestled within the temple grounds.

The water reflected the autumn sky like polished glass. She stood quietly beside it, watching crimson leaves drift upon its surface.

For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful.

Unhurried.

Far away from deadlines and schedules.

Then, from somewhere behind her, Satoko's voice echoed across the grounds.

"Saaai! Where are you?"

Sai turned instinctively.

"I'm over—"

Before the words could leave her lips, her foot slipped.

The world tilted violently.

The edge of the pond rushed toward her.

Instinctively, she squeezed her eyes shut.

At that moment, she still knew nothing.

Nothing of the distant age awaiting her.

Nothing of the small restaurant she would one day build.

Nothing of the people whose lives would become intertwined with her own.

All she knew was the sensation of falling.