Short-Short: "Heartbreak Hair Salon"

"Do you know about the Heartbreak Hair Salon?"

Exactly one year into our relationship, contrary to my feelings, I was dumped with just three characters: "I'm bored." When I asked why, he said, "You're heavy." Three more characters. No matter what else I asked, I got no reply. No answer. I didn't even get the effort of him typing three characters anymore.
On top of that, the rainy season started right at this moment. Both outside the window and inside my heart, everything is damp, and I have no motivation for anything. My days off with no plans are passing by without any meaning. In short, I'm just lazing around.

I was moping around so much that my childhood friend booked an appointment for me, half-forcing me, saying, "It's perfect for you right now! Go on!" and I'm reluctantly taking trains to go get my hair cut.
It's a common story to cut your hair when you're heartbroken. But I didn't know there was a salon specifically for it.
The exterior is just a typical white, stylish hair salon, though.

"Welcome!"
"Um, I have an 11 o'clock appointment, referred by a friend..."
"Okay! Let's see... ah, you're Nami's referral, right? Thank you for coming. Please, come this way!"

Everything up to here is completely normal.

"What would you like to do today?"
"Um... is this a salon for when you've had your heart broken?"
"...Oh! Somehow, at some point, that's how people started remembering it."

Originally, it was a salon that specialized in short cuts, she laughed. The way one corner of her mouth lifted in her smile was really cute. She was the manager here.

"You know how there are lottery ticket booths that are said to be lucky? It's like that—because everyone goes there thinking they'll win, they end up winning more often. I guess it's a case of rumors breeding rumors."
"I see."
"Alright then, are we going for a big chop today?"

Yes! I answered somewhat energetically, and while flipping through magazines, I decided on a look. She asked about my usual styling, hair care, and what I do on my days off—it's a completely normal salon, but she's easy to talk to and it's fun. It's fun, but when I suddenly look in the mirror, I see locks of hair falling in time with the rhythmic sound of the scissors.
Ah, why did I fall for someone like that? The people I fall for are usually all like him.

"Your hair is so beautiful! I'm almost jealous."
"...My boyfriend—no, my ex—was someone who really cared about his hair. We even used the same shampoo."
"...I see."
"If he had just directed even half, no, even a tenth of his attention toward me, that would have been nice."

Oh, this is bad. The "why? why? why?" won't stop. I was having so much fun just a moment ago, but I feel like crying. Where did my composure go? This is no time to be wavering.

"It's going to take a little longer, so let's take a break! Would you like something warm to drink? I have herbal teas and all sorts of organic-looking things. I even have some with honey!"

+

The herbal tea with honey was delicious. The cup I held in both hands was warm, and my tears just barely retreated.

"Now then, let's finish up."
"Please do."

The scissors clicked rhythmically again, and more hair fell away. My shoulders gradually felt lighter. I feel like I'll be okay now.

"Does Nami come here often?"
"Yes, she's a regular. I think the last time was a little over a year ago."
"...I see."
"Nami is such a good girl, isn't she? So devoted and straightforward. Yup, all done! Please take a look!"

Come to think of it, Nami has always had short hair. I've always been the one having her listen to me, and I realized I'd never really heard Nami's stories.

"How is it? Should I go a little shorter?"
"No, this is fine."

The large mirror in front, the mirror reflecting the back. The me reflected in all of them looks very light. Somehow, I really do feel like I'll be okay now.

“Yep, perfect!”

＋

“Since it’s that kind of rumored hair salon, I didn’t ask for a next appointment. If anything happens again, we look forward to seeing you again!”
“Thank you.”

The manager, who smiled mischievously, saw me off with a truly wonderful smile.
When I stepped out the door, the rain had stopped for the first time in a while.

“I got my hair cut.”
“Oh, that place was good, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, it was really good.”
“Hmm, hmm. I thought so.”
“Hey, I’m feeling better now, so let’s go eat something delicious. Like yakiniku.”

＋

Since then, our hair has grown out, and thanks to that, we haven’t needed the manager’s services.
But I think I’ll go and report my marriage to them next time.