‘A lot of things in life are ironic,’ Shoji said, recalling that he’d moved to Akakawa to be with Yoko, only to end up losing her. ‘Why did you return to Akakawa?’

‘I couldn’t stay in New York indefinitely. It was supposed to be temporary. I needed to carry on the family traditions.’

‘Marrying for business.’

‘You could say that, but it’s a duty that women in a lot of families like mine have been fulfilling for generations. It’s not a bad idea. If not for my parents’ intervention, I would’ve remained unmarried my entire life.’

Shoji shook his head. ‘There is nothing wrong with being single. Having an abusive partner is much worse.’

‘My parents didn’t know that. As far as they were concerned, they married off their only daughter to a successful man from an established family. My wellbeing was guaranteed for life.’

‘Your misery was guaranteed for life,’ he corrected.

‘Then what do you suggest? Marrying for love?’ She shook her head. ‘Not everyone has that option.’

Shoji sighed. ‘I don’t know, Mizuki. I’ve never been married. But if I do marry, I hope it’s to someone I love.’

‘Do you even know what love is?’

‘I can’t say a hundred per cent for now, but I intend to find out.’

‘Good for you.’ She looked at him. ‘You’re always so earnest, aren’t you?’

Shoji took another sip of his coffee. Mizuki always saw the best in him, but who was he kidding? He’d tried to reassure her, but his own life was a mess. He glanced at the clock on the wall. An hour and a half had passed. He’d asked for some urgent time off, but he should probably return to the office soon.

‘I have to go now,’ he said. ‘Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.’

She stood. ‘Don’t mention it. I should be the one thanking you for making your way down here. You have no idea how glad I am to see you well.’

‘Me too. It’s good to see you again.’

Mizuki offered to escort Shoji off campus, but he told her not to bother. She did, however, follow him out of the office building. While she walked him down the staircase, she pointed out a shrub near the entrance. It was familiar, but not yet in bloom.

‘Do you know what kind of plant that is?’ she asked.

Shoji looked at the green leaves. ‘I don’t think so. Tell me.’

‘They’re hydrangeas,’ she said.

He nodded. ‘They change colour depending on the soil they grow in.’ He remembered his mother saying that.