Afterimage

Afterimage [Amber 3]

Amber Amber 2

I unlock the auto-lock with my fingerprint and open the door quietly. Passing through the entrance, a workspace opens up. Maho walks into the back. A corner of the room, which is about 20 tatami mats in size, is a bar space. It was far from the room one would imagine when hearing it's an apartment unit.

"Narumi, good work today."
I take off my coat and place my bag on the sofa by the wall. Then, Maho sits on a stool at the counter.
"You're late today. Were you busy?"
"I took tomorrow off, so I was finishing up the handover. You're done for the day, right, Narumi?"
"Yeah. So take your time and relax."

"The cookies, the ones from LES ANGES. They were delicious. Thank you."
"Well, it's a thank you gift. I didn't know your preferences, but I'm glad you liked them."
"It's the first time I've had something that wasn't sweet taste that good."
"Maho, did you fall in love with me all over again?"
"I fall in love with you all over again every day."
That's terrible, Maho murmurs.
She is sweeter than usual.

Maho picks up a lemon placed on the counter.
"Is it okay if I peel this?"
Narumi hands her a knife from behind the counter.
"Sure."
Maho peels the lemon with a serious expression. Watching her hands, Narumi takes out a glass.
"A Brandy Crusta, then."

Having finished peeling, Maho cuts the lemon in half. She traces the rim of the glass with the lemon, then places it upside down on a plate containing sugar.
Narumi squeezes the lemon, pours in the brandy, bitters, and liqueur, and shakes the shaker. Maho places the lemon spiral onto the glass.
The beautifully decorated glass waits quietly for its moment.


As he pours the amber liquid, Narumi is captivated by the cocktail.
The ripples of brandy trembled.
The shaker Narumi tilted was empty.

"Narumi... it's beautiful."

Maho takes the glass as she always does and gently brings it to her lips.

©Kyokuya

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