The cool moon hung like an eyebrow over the bay of willows, and the Yue Mountains reflected like a mirror in the night sky.
The light that Friday was exceptionally bright, and the breeze blowing on Natsukawa Kanade's face dispelled the pain still lingering in his chest.
Since then, whenever someone looks at the starry sky and sees the crescent moon, thoughts inevitably arise.
Whether one forces themselves to write sad poems or truly feels something deep, the atmosphere created is often tinged with melancholy.
But Kanade didn't think so.
The moon is elegant and serene, but also all-encompassing.
It hovers high above, yet it illuminates hearts.
Its ability to soothe the soul is what moves him most.
No matter how intense the emotions—nostalgia, longing, indignation—just looking at it is enough to calm them.
All that remains is respect and love for it.
That night, Kanade wandered alone through the streets of Tokyo, aimlessly, enjoying the scenery under the moon's white frost.
Bustling izakayas, crowded bars, office workers rushing after overtime…
Every corner had its own culture.
If he wanted to describe it all, he'd need to write a thesis.
Just as he was thinking about what to eat for dinner, a cheerful voice interrupted him.
—President? What are you doing here?
Turning around, he saw a girl with pink hair and a dog.
The black ribbon on her head was unmistakable.
It was Fujiwara Chika.
She wasn't wearing her school uniform, but a green dress with a white butterfly on the neckline.
She looked more lively than ever.
—Good evening, Fujiwara.
Kanade nodded.
He had wanted to enjoy the night alone, but gave up.
After all, he had run into the unpredictable Fujiwara, and escaping wouldn't be easy.
—It's so late, why are you still out and not home?
He remembered that the Fujiwara family had strict rules.
Curfews included.
Finding her there was pure coincidence.
—Pace wants to go out and play!
Fujiwara shook the dog's leash with a radiant smile.
Kanade looked at the golden retriever.
It was lying down, paws crossed, eyes half-closed, yawning.
"…"
Are you sure it wasn't you who wanted to go out?
—Ahem… Anyway, it's getting late. At the very least…
—President, wait a moment. I need to talk to Pace first.
Fujiwara crouched down and whispered something to the dog.
It stood up, looked at both of them, and walked away biting the leash.
"…"
Was that golden retriever… watching them?
Did Fujiwara really talk to it?
Are all dogs this smart now? Or do animals become spirits in Japan?
The amount of information left him stunned.
—Fuji… Fujiwara… what did you just say to him?
—Nothing. I just asked him to go home alone.
Then I went out for a walk.
—You can really understand him…
Kanade curled his lips, incredulous.
But if girls like Fujiwara exist, it's not strange that dogs seem human.
Even when a magical girl like her appears, Kanade manages to suppress his emotions and accept it.
—President, have you had dinner?
She always looks happy.
She rarely stops smiling.
Compared to her, Kanade felt his life was much more bitter.
—Not yet. And you?
—I haven't either!
Today I ran into the president, so let me take you to a great place.
Without giving him time to refuse, Fujiwara grabbed his hand and dragged him along.
Handsome men and beautiful women, one in front and one behind, wearing Shuchiin school uniforms…
The breath of youth suddenly struck.
The office workers around them burst into tears.
—Wow… I remember there was a girl who used to hold my hand like that…
—Don't brag. At most, I'd stop you and say: "Aibo, ramen thief!" That's all.
—…So it's not that?
—Huh?... What the heck? No, no, you, don't scare me!
What's going on? In my heart, I've always thought of you…
—You, you, you, don't come over here!
"…"
Kanade could no longer bear the tragicomedy unfolding in the middle of the street.
Fujiwara took him to a ramen restaurant.
Deserted, remote, deep in an alley.
The shop was named after its owner.
The decor was old-fashioned, but the place was clean.
There weren't many people.
Scattered groups of three or four.
Besides them, only a few office workers just off work.
—Ramen…
Kanade murmured.
Fujiwara thought he didn't like it and got nervous.
—Does the president hate ramen?
—Not really. I've just never tried it.
I prefer rice over noodles.
In neither his past life nor his current one did he remember eating many noodles.
Although he had always been curious about ramen, he had never tried it.
—So this is your first time? Awesome! I, Fujiwara Chika, will be your first!
—Pfft…
Kanade nearly spat out his saliva.
It was surprising that Fujiwara wasn't embarrassed to tell such dirty jokes in public.
Turning to look, he saw she was excited.
She wasn't affected by others' stares.
As expected of you, Fujiwara Chika.
—Since the president hasn't tried it, I'll recommend one!
—Alright.
He knew Fujiwara loved delicious food, especially ramen.
He didn't ask why she brought him there.
Although it's uncommon for girls to enter such greasy ramen shops, there are always exceptions.
They found a place to sit.
Fujiwara began negotiating with the chef.
—Pork bone with soy sauce, light, and the noodles must be super firm! I also want North Pole ramen, just a bit firmer!
Kanade, beside her, nodded nonstop.
Turns out Fujiwara was an expert.
From the terminology, it was clear she knew how to eat.
—The pork bone with soy sauce is for me, right?
He had heard it was the most famous.
Cooking methods vary, but it's ideal for beginners.
—No, that one's mine.
—…What?