He didn’t bother to correct Yoshioka that, technically, it was already Tuesday since it was past midnight.

‘Say, Shoji. Are you going to the end-of-year reunion?’

‘Reunion?’

‘It’s tomorrow in the Hotel Fountaine. You probably didn’t get the invitation because you were out of town.’

Shoji tried to think of an excuse not to come. He needed to find Yoko.

‘Our senior editor will be there. I can introduce you to him. He’s an alumnus too.’ Yoshioka opened the door to his cubicle. An empty cup of instant noodles stood next to the keyboard. ‘Some of the current students will be there as volunteers, including a few of our juniors from the journalism club.’

Wait. Could this be an opportunity to find out Yoko’s whereabouts? If she were in Tokyo, she would probably be staying with a friend, most likely a current student at the university. She had dropped out mid-year, but her friends would still be studying there. Someone ought to know her, or at least might know someone else who might know her, and an event with a strict guestlist should be safe.

Yoshioka handed Shoji his business card. Shoji didn’t recognise the company name, but he wasn’t in a position to be picky.

‘The party starts at eight. Shall I meet you in the lobby around that time?’

‘All right,’ Shoji said. ‘I’ll see you there.’

CHAPTER 13

NAMELESS SEASON

At the reunion, Shoji’s introduction to the senior editor — a small man in his fifties — went well. Or rather, it didn’t go particularly badly. The man gave Shoji a cursory glance, then nodded. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow in the office,’ was the only thing he said.

Yoshioka patted Shoji’s back. ‘Good job, Arai.’

Shoji stayed with him for a while, but when Yoshioka went to greet some friends, he used the opportunity to slip away. He approached girls who looked like they could be current students and asked whether they knew Yoko Sasaki. None of them did. A few were unsure. Why hadn’t he brought a photograph of her? Most people probably wouldn’t remember Yoko just by her name, but if he had a picture to show, it might jog their memory. Resigned, Shoji went to the bar and ordered an Asahi Super Dry.

‘Rough night?’ the bartender asked.

His face must have shown it. Shoji gave the bartender a weary smile and thanked him for the beer. Gulping it, he felt slightly refreshed.

Putting down his glass, he listened to a quartet belting out a rendition of ‘Every Breath You Take’. The female vocalist was good. Her voice wasn’t unique, but it was pleasant enough.

‘You’re Shoji Arai, aren’t you?’

Shoji looked up.

A young woman smiled at him. ‘Do you remember me? We both took Professor Sakamoto’s accounting class.’

He stared at her. Sharp, bright eyes, a strong jawline, and a slightly tanned complexion, the girl wore a simple grey dress paired with black tights. He didn’t remember her. ‘I’m sorry, my memory isn’t great.’