1981:ch-6

Take Me Back

To The Year

1981

Chapter six:

"A Quiet Realization"

Haruto found himself staring at her again.

It was becoming a habit—one he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to break.

Souta moved around the shop with ease, her hands delicately arranging pastries in the display case, her lips curling into a small smile as she worked. She was always like this—kind, hardworking, effortlessly warm.

And yet, she didn't seem to realize the effect she had on people.

On him.

How can she be like this and not expect someone to fall for her?

The thought frustrated him. Did she even notice? Did she have any idea how much he—

Before he could finish that train of thought, his mood darkened slightly as a memory surfaced.

Ryuji.

Haruto clenched his jaw, recalling the interaction from yesterday.

He wasn't stupid—he saw the way Ryuji looked at Souta. The way he smiled at her, the way he always found a way to talk to her. And the worst part? She never seemed to notice.

Haruto sighed, forcing himself to shake off the irritation bubbling inside him.

There was no point in dwelling on it.

Instead, he turned back to his work, rolling up his sleeves and continuing to help around the bakery. He was here for Souta, and right now, that mattered more than anything else.

A Visit from the Aomis

Just as he was wiping his hands clean, the door to the bakery swung open, and a familiar pair stepped inside.

Mr. and Mrs. Aomi—Souta's parents.

They carried the same warm presence they always did, their eyes twinkling with kindness as they surveyed the shop. Haruto quickly straightened his posture, stepping forward with a polite nod.

"O-oh… Mr. and Mrs. Aomi," he greeted, bowing slightly in respect.

The couple smiled at him, their expressions gentle. They had always been welcoming toward him, treating him as part of the family rather than just Souta's best friend. Still, Haruto always made sure to be polite—he wasn't about to ruin his image in front of them.

Souta grinned and walked over to her parents. "You're back early!"

Her mother nodded. "We finished our errands quicker than expected. We figured we'd drop by and see how things were going."

Her father's eyes scanned the shop, his expression pleased. "It looks like you two had a busy morning. The shop was filled with customers earlier, wasn't it?"

Souta nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Haruto helped a lot today."

Haruto scratched the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "It wasn't much. Just doing what I can."

Mrs. Aomi chuckled, looking at him warmly. "You always say that, but you've been such a great help, Haruto. We appreciate it."

He felt his face grow a little warm at the praise. "I just don't want Souta overworking herself," he muttered.

At that, Mr. Aomi let out a deep chuckle. "You sound just like us. We always worry about that too."

Souta huffed playfully. "I'm not that fragile, you know!"

Her father patted her head affectionately. "Still, it's good to have someone looking out for you."

Haruto glanced at Souta, who was pouting at her father's words.

If only they knew just how much he really cared.

Finishing Up for the Day

After chatting with Souta's parents for a little while, Haruto excused himself and went back to work, cleaning up the counters and organizing supplies.

Souta's mother helped as well, moving around the bakery with practiced ease. Meanwhile, her father leaned against the counter, watching his daughter with amusement.

"You two make a good team," Mr. Aomi remarked casually.

Haruto nearly dropped the tray he was holding.

Souta, who had been reaching for a bag of flour, froze slightly before shaking her head. "Dad—"

"What?" Mr. Aomi smirked. "I'm just saying. The customers seemed to enjoy seeing you two work together."

Souta sighed. "That's because we were working hard, not because of anything else."

Haruto cleared his throat, trying not to look flustered. "R-right, exactly."

Mrs. Aomi chuckled softly but didn't say anything, her knowing eyes glancing between the two of them.

Haruto quickly busied himself with cleaning, not wanting to dwell on Mr. Aomi's words.

A good team.

It wasn't the first time someone had said something like that. But why did it feel different now?

By the time they had finished up for the day, the sun was already beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Souta stretched her arms above her head. "Ahh, finally done!"

Haruto placed the last tray back in its spot, exhaling as he leaned against the counter. "That was a long day."

"But it was fun, right?" Souta grinned at him.

He glanced at her, taking in her bright expression. Despite all the work, she still looked as energetic as ever.

Haruto sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. "Yeah… I guess it was."

Her mother stepped forward, wiping her hands on a towel. "Souta, why don't you walk Haruto home? You two have been working all day—you should take a break."

Haruto blinked in surprise. "Oh, it's fine. I can walk back alone."

But Souta was already untying her apron. "Nope! I want some fresh air too. Let's go!"

Before he could protest further, she grabbed his wrist and started pulling him toward the door.

Mrs. Aomi laughed. "Be safe, you two!"

Haruto could only sigh in defeat as he let Souta drag him outside.

The Walk Home

The cool evening air was refreshing after the long hours spent inside the bakery. The streets were quieter now, the rush of the day settling into a peaceful rhythm.

Souta walked beside him, her hands swinging freely at her sides.

Haruto glanced at her, the words from earlier still lingering in his mind.

"You two make a good team."

He sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Your dad says weird things sometimes."

Souta laughed. "He's just teasing. Don't take him too seriously."

Haruto hesitated. "Do you think… we really look like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like a… team."

She tilted her head, considering it. "Well… we are a team, aren't we?"

He blinked. "Huh?"

Souta turned to him with a small smile. "We've always been together, Haruto. Whether it's school, the bakery, or just walking home like this. Of course we make a good team."

Haruto felt his chest tighten slightly.

For her, it was simple. Just like that.

But for him… it was different.

It was everything.

He looked away, hiding the faint blush on his cheeks. "Yeah… I guess you're right."

Souta grinned, nudging him playfully. "See? My dad does say smart things sometimes."

Haruto groaned. "Ugh, don't make me agree with him."

She laughed, and the sound was enough to make his heart race.

As they continued walking, Haruto found himself thinking…

Maybe Mr. Aomi was right after all.

———

The idea of the festival lingered in my mind long after we parted ways that evening.

Even as I walked home, even as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, I could still hear her voice.

"No backing out now, Shiranami."

I groaned and rolled onto my side, pulling the blanket over my face.

Why did she always say things like that so effortlessly?

She had no idea what she was doing to me.

I sighed and checked the time—10:23 PM. The bakery would be closing soon. She was probably finishing up, laughing with her parents about how the day went.

A small part of me wished I was still there.

I shook my head, forcing myself to close my eyes. There was no point in thinking about it too much. The festival was still a few days away.

And yet…

The thought of it made my chest feel strangely light.

---

The Day Before the Festival

The next few days passed in a blur of school, bakery shifts, and stolen glances.

Souta had been unusually excited, bringing up the festival whenever she could.

"Haruto, did you find a yukata yet?" she asked during lunch, leaning over the table with eager eyes.

I glanced at my untouched food and sighed. "No, I don't even know where to look for one."

She gasped dramatically. "You haven't started looking?! The festival is tomorrow!"

I smirked at her reaction. "Relax. It's just a festival."

"Just a festival?" she repeated, looking personally offended. "Haruto, this is a summer festival. With fireworks! And food! And—"

I chuckled. "Alright, alright. I get it."

She huffed and crossed her arms. "I don't think you do. You better not show up in your usual boring clothes."

I raised an eyebrow. "What, you'd rather I show up in something ridiculous?"

"Ridiculously good-looking, yes," she said without hesitation, grinning.

I nearly choked on my drink.

She laughed at my reaction, eyes twinkling with amusement.

"You should at least try to match mine," she continued. "Light blue with white flowers, remember?"

I swallowed, trying to ignore the sudden warmth creeping up my neck. "Yeah, I remember."

Her smile softened. "Good."

---

That Evening

After my shift at the bakery, I wandered around the shopping district, scanning the stalls for a yukata.

I wasn't used to shopping for traditional clothes, and honestly, I wasn't sure what I was looking for. But then, in the corner of a small shop, I spotted it—

A deep navy yukata, simple but elegant, with faint white patterns that resembled falling petals.

It wasn't exactly light blue, but it was close enough.

As I paid for it, I caught my reflection in the store window.

Souta's going to be wearing a yukata tomorrow…

The thought sent a strange thrill through me.

What would she look like under the festival lights?

I shook the thought away quickly and focused on the walk home.

The festival was tomorrow.

I had no idea what would happen—

But I knew I wanted to be there.

With her.