A Warm Place

VII Nostalgia

Two people are walking along the street which is lined up with stores. As I walk, I can see that the vestiges of the past have changed from the scenery that I remember.

That......... makes me feel a bit lonely.

(There was a cafe around here which served delicious roll cakes.)

It was a place where my childhood friend and I went to, but it has turned into a coin laundry now. I can no longer eat at the same cafe which had a good ambience and also served delicious cakes. It makes me feel blue. After all, it's also one of the few places of memories with my childhood friend.

That said, I didn't expect that this town would have changed so much. In the end, it's good that she is here as my guide. I think I would've gotten lost (and panicked) if I was here by myself.

"Hinata-san, what kind of book are you going to buy?"
"I'm thinking of buying a new confectionery recipe book today."
"Fufu, you really like making them, don't you?"
"Yup. It's fun wondering about what I should make next. Looking at the process in books is interesting, too."

Besides, reading new recipes draws out my creativity, so I'll be making them as soon as I get home. Hngg, I'm already getting excited.

"Oh yeah, Tsubaki, do you have a favorite kind?"
"Eh? Let's see... I love custard pudding."
"I see~"

I carve it deep in my brain so that I will never forget it. I'm going to make some for her as a gratitude for her help yesterday and today, too. I've made many varieties of pudding, so I can consider myself an expert in making it.

"After turning right around that corner, we just have to go straight to find the place."
"Ro-ger."

With Tsubaki's directions, we've finally arrived at our destination. It's the bookstore where I had frequented. But perhaps because it has thriving business, it looks neater now. On the other hand, I can see some traces of the past still remain.

"I'll be right back, can you wait here for me?"
"Yes."

I enter the store in order to complete my objective, and I return to her side not long after.

"......Sorry for the wait-"
"Hm? You didn't buy anything?"

Noticing how I'm not holding anything as I exit the store, Tsubaki tilts her head.

"The books will only arrive here in two days. This town is far from the city, so naturally the books will reach here a bit latter. I totally forgot about it."

Unable to get the recipe book, I heave a sigh. There's nothing I can do about since they haven't got the book here yet, I'll just return another time.

"That's regrettable... ah, that's it."
"?"

It looks like she just remembers something.

"We have several books about confectionery at home. Would you like to borrow them?"
"Eh? Really?!"
"Although, it's possible that you have already read the books before, Hinata-san."
"No problem! I'd love to take a look if it's okay."
"In that case, I'll search for the books and bring them to you tomorrow."
"Ah, I'll carry them myself. Just contact me when you're ready and I'll go."
"Fufu, all right."

It's regrettable that I can't buy the book that I want, but knowing that I can borrow some books from Tsubaki brings my tension up.

"Still, you have guided me all the way here. Sorry that it ends up a fool's errand. I got to know where the bookstore is, though."

"Not at all, it's fun being with Hinata-san."
"I-Is that so?"
"Yes."

She smiles as she tells me that it's fun to be with me. It makes me feel bashful. I'm happy even if it's just a flattery from her part.