There wasn't a happy end

Chapter 6: Returning home

Fumiko woke up the next morning with the sun kissing her eyes. She yawned and stretched her limbs before getting up and letting her freshly woken gaze fall on the nightstand. Atop the dark wooden furniture, there was a pouch and a letter. Reaching her hand she took the letter which read:

"Miss Fumiko,

We've gotten up early to finish the business that brought us here and we thought best to leave you rest.

I have already paid for the rooms so whenever you are ready you may leave and walk around the city.

Our meeting point is the train station at midday.

Makoto.

Ps. The coins in the pouch are for our lunch, you can buy whatever you want. The rest are for your own needs and pleasures."

The sun was shining brightly, warming up Fumiko as she walked through the market. Now it was filled with smells and spices making her empty belly complain. She stopped in front of a dumpling place and bought a bunch for Rorin and herself. With a hot steamy dumpling in her mouth, Fumiko started walking towards the sea. When it came into her line of vision she stopped. It looked so beautiful as the rays of the sun kissed its surface and the waves hit rhythmically the golden sand. As if under a spell she took a few steps into the cold sand and sat down looking at the waves and letting her mind be at peace. She got up only when the clock struck eleven thirty.

Fumiko walked as fast as she could with her high shoes. Just before turning the corner for the train station she stopped to steady her breath and walked confident towards them.

"I bought dumplings for lunch," she announced excitedly and raised the fabric pouch which contained them.

"You are the best," exclaimed Daiksuke, making her smile.

Not long after, they found themselves testing those dumplings inside the train compartment, sitting just like they were before. Yet, the atmosphere was different; Ed was not wearing his hat and his mask, Daiksuke was telling more jokes and Makoto was not looking outside the window instead his eyes travelled to his companions paying attention to them. When Daiksuke finished a story about his childhood, Jeho who had been eating, got the chance to ask a question that had been bugging him.

"Boss, don't get me wrong but why did you bring Fumiko with us?"

"She actually came voluntarily."

The surprise of the Rorin was evident.

"Please, you should come with us again," Jeho pleaded, "You are making the group more beautiful."

To that, she blushed.

"You told me that I made the group more beautiful," Ed snapped teasingly.

"It's true but it is only from my perspective. Fumiko's presence makes the Ryū beautiful from all perspectives."

There was an intense stare between them for a few seconds which broke with their laughter.

Daiksuke, still caught up on the previous subject, asked interested, "And how did you like the sea?"

"Oh, it was beautiful, better than I had imagined." Her eyes lit up with happiness.

"Very nice. Yet, I cannot help but be surprised that Makoto made you an offer to join us."

"Why is that?"

"Because I never offer anything." Was Makoto's answer making the Rorin nod in agreement.

"We should get some sleep. We all have business to attend to at night," he added and placed his head on the window, closing his eyes. After a while everyone fell asleep.