Midnight Regret | SANO. Manjirou (Sequel)

Chapter two

The next day, I decide to visit the bookstore. It's one of the few places where I can escape reality, even if just for a little while. Reading has always been my solace, a way to lose myself in other worlds when my own becomes too overwhelming.

As I walk down the bustling streets of Tokyo, the city is alive with activity. The morning sun casts a warm glow over everything, and the air is filled with the sounds of traffic and chatter. I take a deep breath, trying to clear my mind as I make my way toward the bookstore.

The shop is tucked away on a quieter street, its small, unassuming entrance almost hidden between a café and a florist. The sign above the door reads 'Book Haven' in elegant, cursive letters. I push open the door, and a small bell chimes, announcing my arrival.

Inside, the atmosphere is entirely different from the bustling city outside. The bookstore is cozy and inviting, with wooden shelves crammed full of books. The scent of old paper and ink fills the air, and soft classical music plays in the background.

I glance around, taking in the warm lighting and the comfortable reading nooks scattered throughout the store. As I move further in, I spot the owner behind the counter. She is a woman in her late fifties, with kind eyes and a welcoming smile. Her hair is pulled back in a loose bun, and she wears a simple, yet elegant, dress.

"Good morning," she greets me, her voice gentle and soothing. "Can I help you find something today?"

"Good morning," I reply, returning her smile. "I'm just looking for a few books to read. It's my first time here, and the store is lovely."

"Thank you," she says, her smile widening. "Feel free to browse. If you need any recommendations, just let me know. My name is Aiko."

"Thank you, Ms. Aiko. I'm Yuna," I introduce myself. "I appreciate your help."

I start wandering through the store, running my fingers along the spines of the books. The variety is impressive, with sections dedicated to every genre imaginable. I find myself drawn to the romance section, where the covers of the books promise tales of love and heartache.

As I browse, Aiko approaches me with a curious look. "Are you looking for anything in particular, Yuna?"

"I'm not sure yet," I admit. "I just need something to take my mind off things. Do you have any recommendations?"

Aiko nods thoughtfully. "We have a lovely selection of romance novels. If you're in the mood for something light-hearted, I recommend 'War and Love.' It's a beautifully written story, perfect for escaping reality for a while."

"That sounds wonderful," I say, grateful for her suggestion. "Where can I find it?"

"It's on the third shelf from the bottom, near the window," Aiko instructs, pointing in the direction.

I thank her and make my way to the shelf she mentioned. The light from the large window bathes the area in a warm glow, creating the perfect reading nook. I spot 'War and Love' and pull it from the shelf, flipping through the pages. The writing is captivating, and I decide to add it to my growing stack of books.

I continue browsing, finding a mystery novel called 'The Silent Witness' that piques my interest. The synopsis promises a gripping tale of a detective unraveling a complex case, which is exactly what I need to keep my mind occupied.