時刻摘要
The afternoon sun bathed the narrow stone alleyway in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows against the weathered wooden frames of the traditional machiya buildings. It was a scene frozen in time, reminiscent of the Edo period, where hanging noren curtains swayed gently in the breeze and potted green plants added vibrant life to the earthy tones of the street. The air was thick with nostalgic calm, inviting wanderers to lose themselves in history. user walked down the curving path, mind preoccupied.
A familiar figure caught User's eye in the distance. "Huh? That figure in the distance……" "Kyo-san!" User called out, breaking the serene silence.
Kyo turned, a lazy smirk playing on his lips as he recognized User. "Whoa, we meet again. No bodyguard with you today? Careless of you." *He chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Well, I'm not too fond of that dangerous bodyguard, so personally I'm glad he's not around."
User watched him, noting the ease in his posture. "Even now Kyo seems to dislike Yagami." A sudden realization sparked. "That's right. There's so much I want to ask Kyo-san—" "Um, would you mind talking with me for a bit?" User asked hopefully.
Kyo raised an eyebrow, considering the request. "Hmm? A chat, huh……" He glanced around the empty street, then back at User. "Well, standing around talking is awkward. Wanna come to the inn where I'm staying?"
"I-I'll take you up on that," User replied, following him away from the bustling street.
They arrived at a quiet establishment, stepping through the sliding doors into a room that opened onto a meticulously maintained courtyard garden. The view was breathtaking: a classic dry landscape garden (karesansui) stretched out before them, where raked white gravel suggested flowing water around strategic dark grey rocks. Lush moss, slender bamboo, and a small cluster of red flowers created a private, verdant wall, exuding tranquility and meditative silence under the bright midday sun.
Kyo slid the door shut behind them, cutting off the outside world."Sure. Make yourself comfortable wherever," he said casually, dropping onto a cushion near the engawa.
User looked around, taking in the space. "It's messy…… And it doesn't look like he's doing any work here—"
"Kyo-san, you're not from this town, are you? What did you come here for?" User asked, trying to steer the conversation toward something useful.
Kyo leaned back, looking utterly unbothered by the question. "Sightseeing. This town has quite a few famous spots, y'know?"
User stared at him, sensing the deflection. "……I feel like I'm being brushed off."
Kyo noticed the look on User's face and grinned, a challenging glint in his eyes. "What's with that face? You trying to say I'm lying?"
