-9:02PM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2016-
The scent of sizzling batter and soy sauce drifted through the late-night air of the food court as Jousuke, Leah, Miyazaki, Poku, and Abeno arrived at a humble takoyaki stand tucked between two vending machines. A line had just cleared, and Miyazaki wasted no time.
"Two orders with extra bonito flakes on both, please." Miyazaki said.
Jousuke raised a brow and asked "You sure you don't want to split one?"
Miyazaki glared and replied "Don't insult the art of midnight takoyaki."
Poku and Abeno chuckled from behind as she watched both of them.
He laughed and handed over the yen. Leah stood a step behind them, her penguin plush nestled against her chest like a shield. She smiled softly as she watched them. It was a comforting thing, like watching an old film she'd seen too many times.
They found a table at the far edge of the food court beneath a flickering overhead light. Miyazaki dug into her share immediately, hissing and fanning her mouth with every bite.
Then she expressed "Hot!"
"I told you to wait a bit." Poku said and chuckled.
"I'm not weak." she muttered, then took a grateful sip at her drink.
Jousuke turned to Leah.
He asked "Do you want some? They're fresh."
Leah shook her head gently and replied "No, thank you. I'm okay."
"Are you sure? There's plenty." Basaki said.
"You're too shy, Boutsuki-chan." said Poku.
She hesitated, then replied "Maybe... just one."
He picked the smallest one from his tray and offered it. Their fingers brushed. Her heart skipped, and she quickly looked down as she took the bite.
Miyazaki raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.
They sat like that for a while, just the five of them in their own small world. Around them, the food court buzzed with other groups, Basaki and the rest of them in another table, some strangers laughing loudly, others lounging tiredly in their booths. But their table felt quiet and warm.
Leah rested her arms on the table, plush in her lap. Miyazaki tapped her phone screen, scrolling mindlessly through old messages. Jousuke leaned back in his chair and looked up at the high glass ceiling of the mall. Stars twinkled faintly outside. Poku and Abeno just talking and being clingy to each other.
"You think we'll all still hang out like this next year?" Jousuke asked.
Leah glanced at him, surprised.
She replied "Of course. Why wouldn't we?"
Miyazaki scoffed and asked "Are you getting sentimental now?"
He shrugged and replied "Just wondering. Everything feels like it changes so fast lately."
Leah looked down at her hands. Her voice was quiet. She murmured "Maybe... but I hope some things stay the same."
-THEATER LOBBY-
-11:55PM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2016-
The cinema was nearly empty at this hour. Most families had gone home. The only ones left were clusters of teenagers and college students looking for one last thrill before Sunday began.
All of them stood in front of Theater 5, holding freshly torn tickets. The smell of buttered popcorn clung to the air, and the soft murmur of movie trailers echoed down the hallway.
Miyazaki looked at the poster for Dreamscape Chronicles.
She said "This better not be just another overhyped romance with sparkles and stars."
"It's a fantasy drama. With a bit of romance. And a galaxy-spanning plot." Jousuke said.
"Sounds fake." Miyazaki replied.
Leah laughed softly behind them and said "It's based on that novel we all saw in the library, remember? With the constellation map on the cover."
Miyazaki raised an eyebrow and asked "Wait. You read that?"
Leah nodded and replied "I liked it a lot. It was quiet, but... hopeful."
Basaki smiled and said "Sounds perfect for tonight."
They entered the darkened theater. The room was large but mostly empty, allowing them their pick of seats. As usual, Jousuke took the middle. Leah hesitated before sitting on his right. Miyazaki flopped down on his left.
The previews rolled, washing their faces in blue light.
About halfway through the movie, the characters in the film stood on a crumbling bridge suspended in space—surrounded by falling stars and the remains of forgotten dreams. It was the climax, soft music rising, dialogue building to confessions that defied time and gravity.
Leah's pinky trembled slightly on the shared armrest. Then she felt a brush, Jousuke's finger, barely touching hers. It could've been an accident. But then he didn't pull away.
Her breath hitched, and she dared not look at him. She felt warmth creep up her cheeks as she focused hard on the glowing screen. Jousuke remained calm, eyes on the story, but his finger stayed.
From the corner of her eye, Miyazaki saw it. She stiffened. But she didn't say a word. Her eyes never left the screen, but her hand curled tighter in her lap.
-OUTSIDE THE THEATER-
-2:07AM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016-
They exited into the echoing corridor, the sound of the credits music still lingering faintly behind them. The mall was almost eerily quiet now. The only lights came from cleaning staff and security guards doing rounds.
They found a bench just outside the theater entrance. Leah sat while hugging her penguin plush. Miyazaki leaned on the railing nearby, arms folded. Jousuke unzipped his backpack.
"Before we go..." he said, pulling out the bag with the penguin plush he bought at the mall earlier.
He handed it to Leah, and said "...Happy birthday."
Leah looked stunned and asked "How did you know...?"
"You told me about that." he said with a sheepish smile and continued "And I wanted to be the first."
Leah stared at the gift and said "I already have..."
"I know." Jousuke said, rubbing the back of his neck. He added "But this one's different. It's yours because I chose it for you earlier, when I saw you passionately looking at it."
Miyazaki glanced away. The silence was palpable.
Then, everyone greeted Leah "Happy birthday, Boutsuki-san!"
Leah hugged it to her chest and said "I love it. Thank you... everyone... really."
Jousuke smiled and said "You deserve to be noticed. Even if you never ask for it."
-TAXI BAY-
-2:23AM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016-
The mall's main doors slid open with a mechanical hiss as the three of them stepped out into the crisp night. The taxi line was short. The sky was dotted with stars.
Miyazaki stood a few feet apart, the red fox plush hanging loosely from her arm. She looked up at the moon, quiet.
Jousuke helped Leah with her bag, and she clutched both penguin plushies.
"Thank you... for everything today." Miyazaki said.
He nodded and said "I'm glad you came with us. It wouldn't have been the same without you."
As Leah and the rest of them stepped into two taxis, she looked at Miyazaki. "Thank you too, Miyazaki-san. You didn't have to... but I appreciate it."
Miyazaki didn't look at her, but she gave a slight nod and said "Happy birthday, Boutsuki-chan..."
Leah's eyes shimmered. She replied "Good night."
Everyone also greeted Jousuke and Miyazaki a goodbye.
"Good night everyone!"
"Good bye."
"Next time again!"
"I enjoyed a lot."
"Thank you, everyone."
Then, the taxis left.
As the taxi pulled away, Jousuke watched it until the lights faded into the distance. He stood there, hands in his pockets, until Miyazaki came up beside him.
"You did a good thing... I guess." she said.
He chuckled then turned to her and teasingly asked "Did I hurt you doing it?"
She paused.
Then, softly murmured "Not yet."
Their eyes met.
Then she turned away, walked toward the second taxi in the line, and got in without waiting.
Jousuke stood alone beneath the night sky, the stars watching in silence.
And the lines between hearts had never felt more fragile.