The day's journey continued smoothly. After their peaceful lunch, the trio made their way through two more shrines, each one adding a new layer of nostalgia to Sakura and Reno's expressions. Eadlyn watched them closely—every smile, every soft glance between them was another piece of the love story he was beginning to admire more deeply.
Around late afternoon, they arrived at a wide, elegant shop with glass-front windows and polished wooden beams. Unlike the shrines, this place felt modern—almost luxurious. Sakura walked in without hesitation, and Reno followed with a familiar smile.
Eadlyn blinked. "You two know this place?"
Sakura and Reno exchanged a secretive look.
"Just come in," Reno said, waving him forward.
Inside, soft music played, and the faint scent of fresh tea drifted from the kitchen deeper inside. At the counter stood a young woman—pretty, poised, with a sharp, fox-like gaze. She bowed politely.
"Welcome. Table for three?"
Before she could continue her greeting, Sakura chuckled.
"We're not customers today, dear."
The girl blinked, confused at first—until her eyes widened slightly.
"My grandfather?" she guessed.
Reno nodded proudly.
The girl's expression shifted from polite professionalism to warm surprise.
"I'll get him immediately."
She hurried inside, and within moments, an older man stepped out—energetic, bright-eyed, and far livelier than his age suggested. The moment he saw Sakura and Reno, his face lit up.
"So you finally brought the boy," he said, scanning Eadlyn with a sharp gaze that felt both amused and approving.
"Eadlyn," Sakura said warmly, "this is Horikawa-san. We used to travel together in our younger days."
The old man laughed. "Ah, those were wild times. And this," he gestured to the girl behind the counter, "is my granddaughter, Sakuya."
The girl bowed again, her earlier confidence softening into politeness.
"Nice to meet you, Greyson-san."
Eadlyn returned the bow. "Likewise."
A Family Reunion in the Back Room
The group moved to the back of the shop, where a private seating area was arranged with traditional cushions and a low table. Tea was served, snacks were brought, and the conversation flowed effortlessly.
Sakura and Reno reminisced about festivals from twenty years ago, road trips to Kyoto, and the countless mischiefs they shared with Horikawa-san's family. There were stories of laughter, rivalry, and bonds that had outlasted decades of change.
Eadlyn listened in awe.
This was a side of his grandparents he had never truly seen—the youth, the fire, the history behind their calm maturity.
Meanwhile, Sakuya approached him quietly with a tray of cold drinks.
"It's your first time in Japan?" she asked.
He nodded. "Still getting used to everything."
She smiled lightly. "Your grandparents talk about you sometimes. They're proud."
This surprised him. "Really?"
"Really," she said, her eyes softening with sincerity.
Her presence felt easy—not intense like Sayaka, not teasing like Manami, not stern like Rin. Instead, Sakuya had a natural grace that made conversations flow without awkwardness.
For reasons he couldn't name, Eadlyn felt oddly comfortable around her.
The Unexpected Suggestion
After some time, Horikawa-san leaned back and stretched.
"There's a dance competition tonight," he said. "Sakuya, you'll join, yes?"
Sakuya rolled her eyes. "Grandpa…"
"You'll win the bear if you try. And you"—his finger pointed at Eadlyn—"should be her partner."
Eadlyn blinked. "M–me?"
Reno grinned. "He can dance. He took lessons years ago."
Sakuya looked at him for a moment, assessing.
"I don't mind. The prize is cute."
With no further room for refusal, the decision was made.
Practice Before the Storm
Sakuya finished her shift early. After changing out of her uniform, she approached Eadlyn.
"Ready?"
He nodded. The two stepped outside to an open area behind the shop, where soft evening light filtered through the trees.
They practiced—tentative steps at first, then smoother, as if rhythm itself was guiding them.
What shocked Eadlyn wasn't his own ability…but how naturally Sakuya matched him.
"You're good," she admitted, slightly breathless.
"You too," he replied.
She chuckled. "I've been doing ballet since middle school. So this is nothing."
Setting the Stage
By evening, they stood at the entrance of the dance hall dressed in tailored outfits chosen by Sakuya's grandfather.
The crowd quieted. Eyes widened.
Eadlyn and Sakuya stepped forward—two young dancers, poised like seasoned performers.
The music started.
And their story, even if only for tonight, began to move with it.