Colors and Heart's Compromise [Episode 15] Connecting Thoughts, Continuing to Spin

*Read from the beginning of this story*

*Read Episode 14*

[Episode 15] Connecting Thoughts, Continuing to Spin

May arrived, and operations under the new structure began.

Basically, we started running things with Ritsuki-san in the kitchen, me handling the floor and accounting, and Rui-san assisting with serving and maintaining the garden.

And, occasionally, Rui-san becomes a teacher.

Although we haven't really advertised it, word of mouth about Souta-kun has spread, and sometimes parents and children come to the cafe asking for help with their studies.

I was worried that suddenly becoming a teacher might be too much of a burden for Rui-san, but by looking at the workbooks and occasionally utilizing the tablet we keep in the cafe, he has adopted a style of studying together quite skillfully.

Looking just at how he interacts with them, it might feel more like he's a classmate than a teacher.

It seems that taking on a role helps people grow significantly and leads to self-confidence.

Ayame stops by the cafe about three times a week, and every time she comes, she is surprised to see how happy Rui-san looks.

And, that day is coming again this year. May 25th, the anniversary of Haru-kun's passing.

I was worried about how to handle the shop's operations on this day.

First, I consulted with Ayame.

"Of course you should go! I'll work the shop during that time. Rui-san will be there too, so I'm sure it will be fine."

That was the same answer from both Ritsuki and Rui-san.

I contacted Professor Taniguchi and made plans to meet as we do every year. In addition, I invited him to [Cafe Colorful] for lunch after visiting the grave. The professor replied, "Of course."

Having my mentor see my workplace brings a mix of embarrassment, nervousness, and hesitation. My feelings are complicated, but I wanted him to see the form my life has taken now.

May 25th.
It was a day where a little sunlight was peeking through the gaps in the cloudy sky.

I met up with the professor at the meeting place and we headed to where Haru-kun rests. Haru-kun's parents welcomed us, and we finished our seventh visit to the grave.

We headed to [Cafe Colorful] with the professor.

As soon as we opened the door, Rui-san called out, "Welcome," and guided us to a seat.

In her hand, she had two glasses of water ready.

"Oh, I'm going back to work."

"Kokona-san, you are a customer today, too. This isn't from me, but from Ritsuki-san and Ayame-san. Please take your time. Call me when you've decided on your order."
Saying that, Rui-san walked away.

I was handed a familiar card.
It was the shop's mini-card that I usually give to customers. A message from the two of them was written on it.

Thank you for everything.

A card was also given to the professor, but I don't know what is written on it.

I asked the professor, "Is the lunch set okay?" and after confirming his after-meal drink, I called Rui-san over again.

After placing the order and taking a deep breath, Professor Taniguchi spoke to me.

"You don't usually see the shop from this perspective, so it's a bit nerve-wracking, isn't it?"

"Yes, quite a bit." I answer with a wry smile.

"I think it's a very important perspective to consider how the customer feels, so you'll have a good experience today. By the way, was the person who just came to take our order the same one who came to consult with you before?"

"Ah, yes, that's right."

The professor is quick to catch on. I think to myself that I really can't fool him.

"That's amazing. It's hard to believe you were closed off from people for so many years, given how smooth you were. You might have looked like you were standing still in terms of action, but your heart was definitely moving."

"I wonder. I still think my grandmother's presence is a big part of it."

"When a grandmother's presence, various circumstances, and timing all align, tremendous changes can occur. I'm sure it wasn't your grandmother who assisted that, but you. I think you did a good job."

"I didn't do anything. I just made sure to believe and wait."

"Isn't that a good job in itself? If it were the old you, you would have thought you had to do something to fix it, right?"
The professor laughed out loud and continued speaking.

"Saying you'll 'do something to fix it' can sometimes feel like you're pulling someone up. To use an analogy, it's like you're the one in front, saying 'come over here,' as if you're forcing them into your own field. 'Believing and waiting' is very frustrating, and because you understand, you want to reach out and help, but this time, you were involved as a cafe staff member, so you saw them as an individual and chose to wait, didn't you? I think that was a good sense of distance."

As I was organizing what the professor said in my mind, our meal was brought over.
Ritsuki brought the professor's meal, and Rui-san brought mine.

"Thank you for coming. I am the husband of Kokowa-san's sister. I am in charge of the kitchen at [Cafe Colorful]. Today's lunch is Napolitan, colorful vegetables baked with parsley breadcrumbs, tomato and egg soup, and salad. The dressing on the salad is a homemade grated onion dressing. I made it while trying to remember the taste of the previous owner. It's still not quite there, but please enjoy your meal at your leisure."

"Thank you for the meal," I murmur, and take a bite of the salad. I couldn't hide my surprise at how well the dressing had been recreated.

This is my first time eating Napolitan at this shop. It's delicious.
The professor also gave it his seal of approval, saying, "The food here is colorful, and everything you eat is delicious, isn't it?"

Savoring a delicious meal slowly and taking my time to eat it.
I realized that I want to cherish that feeling of being fulfilled just by doing that.

Just as I finished my meal, Rui-san brought over some coffee.

The professor suddenly spoke to Rui-san.
"This shop is truly wonderful, isn't it?"

Rui-san seemed surprised for a moment, but after nodding firmly, she continued to speak.
"Yes, it really is a wonderful place, and the time I've spent here has been irreplaceable to me. I was stagnant, but because of those days, and thanks to you not giving up and inviting me, I've come to believe that I am who I am today. I have never forgotten your kindness, and I want to keep thinking about what I can do as I am now."

"You are wonderful."

Perhaps embarrassed by the praise, Rui-san bowed and retreated to the back.

"I had a good time today, too. Thank you."
The professor finished paying and was about to leave the shop.

"Oh, I'll go see you off."

I told Rui-san and left the shop with the professor.

"Professor, thank you again for today. Um... about what you said earlier. Up until now, I've had this strong feeling that I had to do something about everything! But the other person has their own life and their own path, and there's nothing I, as an outsider, can really do. I'm reflecting on how I've approached work in the past, remembering times when I was so tied up in my job that I was exhausted to the point of being unable to move. I realized that it's not just about living a life that supports myself, but that a life where we support each other is also good. Perhaps this job is good for me because it allows me to maintain a moderate distance."

"You are very earnest, you know. You might be more lively when you aren't trapped by your work. I have a feeling this place is going to move beyond just being a cafe. Just make sure not to push yourself too hard."

The professor said, "Give my regards to everyone," waved his hand, and went on his way.

I returned to the shop and expressed my gratitude to the three of them.

I told them that by becoming a customer myself, I realized once again what a wonderful place this is, and that I want to think about what I can do to ensure this place continues, so that we can weave these thin threads together and become stronger.

I don't think of my current job as being a specialist in anything, nor do I think of myself as just a shop clerk.

Depending on the person,
I might be a source of healing, a cheerleader, or an outlet for their feelings.
It seems difficult to express in a single word.

But I would be happy if I could become a presence that is just there in their daily lives before they even realize it.

I, too, am moved, healed, and encouraged by the colorful moments that happen at [Cafe Colorful].

It seems a cycle of mutual support has been created.

Ayame and I have received the baton from Grandma's palms.
We are savoring the happiness that can only be felt at this stage.

I think various things will continue to happen, but I want us to overcome them while holding hands.

While healing the difficulties in life that each person carries, I dream of days where we can look forward, even if just a little, and live our lives.

The story of me and [Cafe Colorful] will likely continue, changing its shape through the time of each of our lives.

The End

Thank you so much
for reading until the final episode.
I will publish a bonus editor's note at a later date.

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