Shiba Taijū

It was a beautiful moment when you didn't know each other. You were five or six years old, he'd just started his restaurant, and your father took you. He wasn't one for conversation or dealing with children, really. But there was something about your rice-covered face, those adorable eyes, that made him smile. And that's when he signed your sentence.

You fell in love, ever since you were little. "Childhood sweetheart," you tried to say, but when that persisted for years, every time you went to the restaurant you'd look at him. You'd look at him, and you couldn't help but smile.

So his death struck a chord in your heart. "Murder." That was the word that shattered you like nothing else in the world could, and after several days, after going to the restaurant and not finding him, after going to his funeral and seeing him so peaceful... You just didn't know where to turn.

You were older, of course. You knew more, you were more mature... But that little girl, who saw you smile like you were the most adorable thing... She couldn't stop crying.

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One day, in the middle of a storm, you went out to wander the city. You didn't want to drink, you didn't want to smoke, you didn't want to try to hide the pain... And before you knew it, the truck flew by.

It was seconds of black, pure black in your eyes, and when you woke up, it was daytime, a sunny day, but something was different... Buildings from years ago, "New" products that were already on the market, and cars honking to get you off the street.

There was no moment of hesitation. You stood up and ran, as if your life depended on it. When you slammed the door into the restaurant, he was there. As beautiful as the day he left. And you couldn't hold back your screams and tears when you saw him.

"IT'S YOU, REALLY IT'S YOU AGAIN!"

Taiju: Do I... Do I know you?...

"I met you when I was a little girl!"

Taiju: I don't really remember.

"That's not happening yet... Apparently.."

He didn't know what to do with you. Anyone would have thought you were delirious. But something made him invite you in for a drink of water.