Chapter Ten: The Last Day

“Shizuku-chan, you okay?”

“Yeah…”

Inside the shuttle bus, an overwhelming wave of sleepiness crashed over me. Maybe because it was just me and Reiko-san, I let my guard down, my body sinking into the seat.

“You look exhausted,” Reiko-san said, her voice gentle but tinged with concern. “Hardly surprising. Four straight days of shooting from morning till night.”

“I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a smile. “It’s the last day, so just one final push!”

My words carried more bravado than I felt. My body burned with a feverish ache, my head fogged over, and the relentless action scenes had left every muscle screaming in protest. The producer had demanded a flashy finale, packing it with intense action that drained me to my core.

But the grueling shoot was finally nearing its end. Once we filmed the scene where my assistant character, Tachikawa-san, and I talked on the bridge, it would all be over.

It felt like these past three months had dragged on forever yet passed in a flash. Had I done well enough? As the end loomed, regrets flooded in. If only I’d done this or that differently. Maybe it was the fatigue, but my mind swirled with pointless thoughts.

“I think you did an amazing job, Shizuku-chan.”

Reiko-san’s words snapped me back to reality.

“You stuck it out through a brutal schedule. If I were a newbie, I definitely couldn’t have done what you did.”

“What’s with the sudden praise?” I teased, forcing a light tone. “Wait, are you messing with me again?”

“Hehe, who knows?”

I knew she meant it sincerely, but I brushed it off with a joke. If I let her kind words sink in, I might crumble and cry. Something inside me felt fragile, ready to break.

Still, Reiko-san was incredible. As a regular character, her schedule was just as punishing as mine, and she likely juggled other jobs too. Yet she still had the composure to worry about me.

Could I ever become like her?

That’s up to me, isn’t it?

I’d decided to balance modeling and acting from now on. I swore it to Juntaro, after all. If I’d made that promise, I had to follow through.

“SHIZUKU-san! It’s your scene!”

A staff member’s voice called from outside. This was it—my final scene.

“Here I go,” I said, steadying myself.

“Go get ’em,” Reiko-san replied with a warm smile.

With her encouragement, I stepped out of the shuttle bus. Once this was over, I’d head to the café. A drink after wrapping up work would taste better than anything.

◇ ◆ ◇

While working my shift, I glanced outside. The sun had set, and rush hour was in full swing, crowds of people streaming toward the station. Summer meant later sunsets, and when I was focused on work, I often didn’t notice. Only in moments like these, stealing a glance outside, made me realize.

“I wonder if Shizuku-chan’s shoot is done,” Utahara-san murmured, wiping a freshly washed plate.

“Hard to say,” I replied. “Probably around now, I think.”

It was nearly eight o’clock. Shizuku had mentioned she’d likely finish around this time and stop by the shop afterward. Even though she had to be exhausted, she was adamant about grabbing a coffee before heading home.

For now, all I could do during my shift was wait for her to show up.

Just then, the shop’s phone rang.

“Hello, Café Mellow,” Utahara-san answered, picking up the receiver instantly.

A call to the shop was rare. We didn’t take reservations, and Utahara-san had said most supplier dealings were handled via email. A strange unease stirred in my chest as she held out the receiver.

“It’s for you, Jun-kun.”

“For me…?”

I pressed the receiver to my ear and spoke. “Hello, this is Inamori.”

“Inamori-san? What’s up?”

It was Inamori Reiko. Her calling the shop directly sharpened my vague unease into a piercing sense of dread.

“We just wrapped the final shoot, but Shizuku-chan said she wanted to stop by somewhere and left on her own,” Inamori-san explained, her voice tight with worry. “She was really unsteady, though… I tried calling her, but she’s not picking up. I’m worried she might’ve collapsed somewhere…”

“What…?”

What are you doing, Shizuku? Even if she wanted to come to the café, couldn’t she have had her manager or a staff member drive her?

“If that ‘somewhere’ is your shop, I thought it’d be faster for you to meet her at the station, so I called.”

“Thanks for letting me know,” I said, my mind racing.

What a mess. I was about to hang up to go look for her, but Inamori-san stopped me.

“I’m sorry, Juntaro-kun, for worrying you like this.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“There’s a lot going on. You’ll understand everything later, so for now, please take care of Shizuku-chan.”

With that, the call ended.

“Tch! Master, sorry, I need to—”

“Go to her,” Utahara-san cut in.

“Huh?”

“It’s written all over your face—you need to find Shizuku! I’ll be fine here, so go meet her. She’s probably heading this way, right?”

“Thank you,” I said, gratitude swelling in my chest. Utahara-san really was unbeatable.

I tore off my apron and bolted out of the shop, running straight toward the station. Weaving through the after-work salarymen, I scanned my surroundings frantically.

Shizuku had told me where the final shoot was. It was too far to walk, so she’d definitely taken a train or a taxi. If she’d taken a taxi, she’d already be at the café, so it had to be the train.

Unless she’d passed out on the train, Shizuku had to be somewhere along the route to the shop.

“Shizuku!”

Before I knew it, her name tore from my throat as I called out for her.

As I neared the station, I froze mid-step. There, in a small park, a girl sat alone on a bench, her head bowed. A hat and sunglasses hid her face, but her silhouette was unmistakable.

“…Shizuku.”

“…Juntaro.”

She looked up, her face pale yet somehow radiant, like a faint glow piercing through her exhaustion.

“I didn’t think you’d find me this fast,” she said softly.

“…Inamori-san put you up to something, didn’t she?”

Shizuku sheepishly scratched her cheek, confirming my suspicions. Something had felt off. There was no way anyone would let an exhausted, wobbling Shizuku wander off alone. And Inamori-san’s apology hadn’t added up—she had no reason to apologize.

“When I got to Jimbocho Station, I was told to rest at a nearby park, that someone would come for me… I knew right away it was you.”

Later, Inamori-san would explain with a mischievous grin: “Didn’t it feel more dramatic and romantic that way?”

It was exactly the kind of playful scheme that woman would cook up. Her apology was for pulling us into her little script.

“For a setup, it was a pretty kind prank,” I said.

“Haha… It’s pretty much a straight shot from the café to the station, right?” Shizuku replied, her voice light despite her fatigue.

In her own way, Inamori-san had kept things reasonable. It felt strange to say she “gave” us anything, but she’d ensured her meddling didn’t go too far.

“Still, sorry about this. You were in the middle of work, weren’t you?”

“Utahara-san covered for me, so it’s fine.”

“I see… Well, then—”

Shizuku tried to stand, but her body swayed heavily. I caught her instinctively, and she let out a wry chuckle.

“You okay?”

“I’m fine… Just lost my strength for a second.”

Her warmth lingered where our bodies touched. She felt unusually hot—not feverish enough to seem seriously ill, but with her exhaustion, a slight fever wouldn’t be surprising.

“Coffee’s gonna have to wait for another day.”

“Aww…”

“No ‘aww.’ You need to rest. If I brought you to the shop like this, Utahara-san would have my head.”

“Guess you’re right…”

Now, what to do? I needed to get Shizuku to bed as soon as possible, but first, I had to figure out how to get her home. Putting her back on a train in this state wasn’t an option. A taxi was the only choice, though I worried about the fare since I didn’t have much cash. But there didn’t seem to be any other way.

A taxi waited just outside the park, its engine humming softly in the evening air. As I guided Shizuku toward it, the driver stepped out and, for reasons unclear, approached us directly.

“Excuse me, are you Kamisaka-san?” he asked, his tone polite but professional.

“That’s her,” I replied hesitantly, nudging towards Shizuku ,caught off guard.

“Great, thank you for your reservation. Please, get in.”

“Huh?” I blinked, confused.

Shizuku and I exchanged a glance, her expression shifting as if a realization had dawned. “It might be Reiko-san,” she murmured. “She’s the only one who’d know I’m here.”

“Ah, makes sense,” I nodded, the pieces clicking into place.

Either way, a prearranged taxi was a godsend. I helped Shizuku into the backseat, her steps unsteady from exhaustion. “Get home and rest,” I said gently. “We’ll talk another time—”

“…You’re leaving?” Her voice trembled, cutting me off.

I froze. Shizuku’s hand gripped mine, her eyes wide and pleading, like a frightened child’s. They held me in place, tugging at something deep inside. I wanted nothing more than to stay by her side, even just a little longer. But ditching my shift wasn’t an option—not without Utahara-san’s approval.

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. A message from Utahara-san lit up the screen: Did you find Shizuku-chan? If you did, take her home. You’re done with your shift for today~

That woman was unbeatable, always one step ahead.

“Alright,” I said, sliding into the taxi beside Shizuku. “I’ll come with you.”

Her face softened, a relieved smile breaking through her weariness. As we settled into the backseat, I glanced at her, her features pale under the dim streetlights. “You can sleep if you want,” I offered. “I’ll wake you when we get there.”

“Is that okay?” Shizuku’s voice was faint, her eyes already heavy with apology.

Her place was a fair distance away, and staying awake would be a struggle in her state. She needed rest, even if it’s just a brief reprieve. “If it’s hard to sleep, you can use my shoulder,” I added, half-joking. “Though, it might not be comfy…”

“No, I want your shoulder,” she replied softly.

“Huh?”

Before I could process her words, Shizuku leaned in, resting her head against me. Exhaustion must have overtaken her completely, because within moments, her breathing grew soft and steady, a quiet rhythm of sleep. A faint, familiar scent of roses—her usual perfume—drifted from her, mingling with the warmth of her body pressed lightly against mine. The gentle weight of her reassured me she was really here, safe.

When Inamori-san’s call had come earlier, it felt like the ground had crumbled beneath me. The thought of Shizuku disappearing, of something happening to her, had sent my heart into chaos. Finding her brought a relief so overwhelming it nearly drowned out everything else. It turned out to be mostly a setup, which was fine, but the mere possibility of what could’ve happened still sent chills down my spine.

Thank goodness she’s safe.

I brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, careful not to disturb her. Then, I pulled out my phone to message Inamori-san and Utahara-san, letting them know Shizuku was okay.

“We’re here, sir,” the driver announced, pulling me from my thoughts.

I looked up, the taxi now parked outside Shizuku’s place, the night quiet around us.

We stood in a quiet residential neighborhood, the faint glow of streetlights casting long shadows. A nameplate reading “Kamisaka” caught my eye near the gate of a modest house.

“Thank you,” I said to the taxi driver. “By the way, the fare…”

“It’s been paid by credit, so you’re good to go,” he replied with a nod.

I’d have to thank Inamori-san again later, even if she was the one who dragged us into this mess.

Turning to the backseat, I softened my voice. “Shizuku, we’re here. Can you get out?”

“Mm…” Shizuku’s eyes fluttered open, barely focused, her gaze hazy as she looked at me. Still half-asleep, she let me guide her out of the taxi, her movements sluggish.

“Um, thank you,” I called to the driver, managing a quick bow as he pulled away with a polite, “We look forward to your next ride.”

Shizuku’s house was an unassuming single-family home, its dark windows staring blankly into the night. Not a single light glowed from within.

“Is anyone home today?” I asked, glancing at her.

“No one’s back until tomorrow night…” Her voice was faint, almost lost in the evening air.

“Got it. Do you have your keys?”

“Side pocket of my bag…” she murmured, swaying slightly.

“Alright.” Careful not to disturb her things, I reached into the side pocket of her bag, found the house keys, and unlocked the door. Supporting her, I led Shizuku inside.

Now what? The first floor held just a living room and a bathroom, the dim outlines of furniture barely visible in the dark. Shizuku’s room was likely upstairs, but in her dazed state, letting her climb alone seemed like a recipe for disaster. If she tripped, she could get seriously hurt.

With no one else here, I had little choice. “Shizuku, I’ll take you to your room,” I said gently.

“Okay…” Her reply was soft, almost automatic, as she leaned into me.

Supporting her weight, I carefully guided her up the stairs to the second floor. A few doors lined the hallway, but one stood out with a plate clearly marked “SHIZUKU.” My first time in a girl’s room, I thought, a little nervous. As we stepped inside, Shizuku’s faint, familiar scent filled the air—not that I’d say that out loud. That’d sound way too creepy.

“I’m putting you in bed,” I said, keeping my tone steady.

“Mm…” she mumbled, barely responsive.

Her legs wobbled as I helped her onto the bed, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of flustered embarrassment as I tucked her in and draped a light blanket over her. This should let her sleep comfortably, at least. The moment her head hit the pillow, Shizuku’s breathing softened into quiet snores, her face relaxed in the dim light.

Relieved, I watched her for a moment, but a sudden wave of self-consciousness made me avert my gaze. My job here was done. Time to head home.

As I turned to leave the bedside—

“Juntaro…”

“Huh?” Her soft voice stopped me in my tracks. I glanced back and saw Shizuku’s hand loosely grasping mine. I tried speaking to her, but her eyes remained closed, her breathing steady.

Sleep-talking, huh?

Gently, I freed my hand and stepped back. “Don’t go…” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

I froze, scratching my cheek as I turned back to her. Even if it was just sleep-talking, those words tugged at me, making it impossible to just walk away.

Sighing softly, I sat on the edge of the bed and peered at her sleeping face. “Good night, Shizuku. You did great,” I said, the words spilling out with nothing but the urge to comfort her. My hand moved almost on its own, gently stroking her hair.

Her expression seemed to soften, just a little—or maybe that was just my imagination playing tricks in the quiet of her room.

◇◆◇

I woke to the familiar ceiling of my room stretching above me, a sight that left me momentarily disoriented. The last thing I remembered was Juntaro picking me up at the park in Jinbocho, the two of us climbing into a taxi together… How did I end up back home?

I was still in yesterday’s clothes, my makeup untouched. I must have stumbled through the door, collapsed onto the bed, and passed out as is. Groaning, I clutched my head. The recording session had barely ended before this mess unfolded. Did yesterday’s me have any clue how much today’s me would struggle to recover from that single moment of letting my guard down?

“It’s over,” I murmured, gazing at the morning sunlight slipping through a gap in the curtains.

My body didn’t feel terrible. Some muscle soreness lingered, but the sluggishness and feverish haze were gone. I must have slept for nearly ten hours. After days of feeling under the weather, I’d come to appreciate just how vital sleep was.

“Hm…?” Something unfamiliar caught my eye, and I glanced toward the side of the bed.

There, slumped with his head slightly bowed, was a boy. I nearly yelped, but recognition stopped me short.

“Juntaro?” I called softly, but he didn’t stir.

Listening closely, I caught the sound of his soft, steady breathing. He was fast asleep. Slipping out of bed, I crouched beside him.

“Hey, Juntaro,” I whispered again, keeping my voice low.

No response. I’d never seen him this defenseless before. Usually, I was the one clinging to him, so this gave me a tiny, triumphant sense of superiority.

“Juntaro’s the one who carried me here,” I realized, a grin spreading across my face.

He’d left his part-time job to come for me and stayed by my side all night. How could I not be thrilled? “Thank you, Juntaro,” I said softly, the words spilling out naturally, even though he couldn’t hear me.

Then a thought struck—if he was asleep and couldn’t hear me, maybe this was the perfect chance to rehearse. My heart raced as I leaned closer, voice barely above a whisper. “I love you.”

The words ignited a flush across my face, heat rising like a furnace. This was embarrassing—beyond embarrassing. What was I even doing, confessing to a sleeping Juntaro?

He continued to breathe softly, oblivious. Good practice, I told myself. If I could manage this, maybe I’d actually pull off a confession on our date.

◇◆◇

“Ngh…” My hazy consciousness began to clear, the fog of sleep lifting slowly.

I must have dozed off at some point. Let’s see—I went to pick up Shizuku, we took a taxi to her place… My thoughts snapped into focus as a voice broke through.

“Oh, you’re awake?”

I jolted upright, blinking. “Shizuku…”

“Morning! Sleep well?” She flashed a bright smile from a chair nearby, her complexion noticeably healthier than the night before.

“Morning. Sorry about that, I dozed off…” I noticed the blanket I’d draped over her now resting on me. “Oh, thanks for this.”

“No, no, thank you,” she replied, her tone warm.

I folded the blanket carefully and placed it on her bed. “Looks like you slept well last night.”

“Thanks to you. And, well… thank you again for coming to get me,” she said, her voice softening.

“No big deal, happy to help.” Feeling a bit shy, I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m just glad you’re okay. When Inamori called me, I was seriously freaking out.”

“Haha… sorry for dragging you into all this,” she said with a sheepish laugh.

Whatever. As long as Shizuku was safe, that was what mattered. I stood, stretching my stiff, aching body. Every muscle protested, but I brushed it off.

“Alright, I should head home. You seem to be doing better than yesterday.”

“Huh, you’re leaving already? You could hang out a bit longer,” she said, pouting slightly.

“Nah… I haven’t even showered. I’ll take it easy another day.”

“Hmph… fine, I guess.” Her pout lingered for a moment before her face brightened again. “Well, I’m not exactly at my best either, so I’ll let it slide for today.”

She stood beside me, her presence light and familiar. “Hey, Juntaro.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m off tomorrow. Wanna meet up again?” Her question came hesitantly, almost shy.

“Tomorrow, huh? I’ve got a shift, but… how about our usual time?”

“Got it. See you tomorrow, then.”

“Yeah, I’ll be waiting. Don’t push yourself, okay? Take care.”

With that, I left Shizuku’s place behind, the morning light guiding my steps home.