Beyond a Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter (Part 2)

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The black cat that led me here is resting inside the shop, where the aroma of coffee beans drifts through the air.

Perhaps because I was tired from walking, I sat at the table I was shown to, staring blankly at a single point.

"Miss. May I ask you something? Are you in the mood for a drink? Or are you in the mood for something non-alcoholic?"

…!

Suddenly spoken to, I snapped back to reality.

"Oh… let's see. Today, I think I might be in the mood for something non-alcoholic."

"Understood. Please wait just a little longer."

Actually, I had been thinking it might be okay to have a drink, but I don't know how I got here in the first place. It would be a problem if I couldn't make it back home.

After a while, something surprisingly stylish was brought out.

"Thank you very much for waiting. This is the 'Little Detour Set.' Three types of pintxos and two types of baked goods. Since you requested non-alcoholic, I have prepared a warm, sangria-style tea."

Saying "Please enjoy," the owner walked away.

I was surprised it wasn't coffee, but perhaps they were being considerate of the time of day.

The pintxos were bite-sized, which is great because there's no guilt in eating them at night. Above all, they used cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, ham, and the like, and the colors were beautiful.

For the baked goods, a meringue cookie was tucked neatly next to the pound cake.

“Itadakimasu.”

Usually, I ate my meals in a rush.

As long as I could get something into my body, that was enough. Because I ate with that mindset, I never really savored a single dish properly.

First, I put the pintxos into my mouth.

“Delicious...”

The acidity of the pickles was a wonderful accent. The cherry tomato burst in my mouth. It might have been a long time since I last ate raw vegetables. The ham had a kick of black pepper, giving it a sophisticated flavor.

Even while savoring it, I polished it off in no time.

The warm tea had a lovely aroma, perhaps blended with grape juice. If I had mentioned that I drank alcohol, it might have been red wine instead.

The sweets were also undeniably delicious.

“How was the ‘Detour Set’? Your complexion has improved quite a bit.” The shopkeeper had such a gentle smile.

“Oh. Was my complexion that bad?”

“Yes. That is why I suspect this little one brought you here.”

The shopkeeper looked toward the black cat as he said this.

It seems this black cat doesn't just bring anyone to this shop.

“Is this shop open every day? I just followed the black cat here today, but I would love to come back again sometime.”

Well, that's true. It would be nice if we could do this every day. But if you ever need to, you can just wish for it. Just wish that you could return to that place.

I didn't quite understand what the shopkeeper meant by that answer, but regardless, this was a mysterious encounter.

Since I don't know when I'll be able to see them again, I have no choice but to enjoy the present moment.

I savored the sangria-style hot tea, paid the bill, and left the shop.

I'll be waiting for your return.

The shopkeeper greeted me. I replied with a quiet yes, gave a slight bow, and started walking.

For some reason, I feel like my heart is full.

I'd love to go back again.

Thinking that, I turned around to look, but it seems this shop has neither a sign nor any landmarks.

I hope I can come back someday.

(Beyond a Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter - End)