‘It’s all right,’ Shoji said. ‘I appreciate it.’

They waited for the traffic light to change colour. It was almost midnight, but Tokyo showed no sign of slowing down. Flashing billboards, traffic lights, and streetlamps made the city seem wide awake. An enthusiastic salesman spoke on a loudspeaker to advertise a closing-down sale.

‘Excuse me.’ A young girl in a bright happi coat greeted them energetically and offered two pocket tissues. ‘Thank you.’

The traffic lights changed colour. Yoshioka and Shoji crossed the road, blending in with the crowd.

Shoji thought of Mizuki and her gentle smile. If she had left Akakawa, perhaps she was in a better place now. Wherever she was, he hoped she was happy and safe. But could he leave it like this?

•

Shoji blew out his cigarette smoke, watching it drift and vanish. All around him, the evening crowds never let up. Teenage girls in short skirts and platform boots, office ladies in perfectly coordinated uniforms, and salarymen in black suits toting similar-looking briefcases — all of them in a hurry.

He stared at the Mild Seven between his fingers. He should cut down, but smoking was a perfect excuse whenever he wished to get out of a situation. No one paid any attention to him, even if he lingered for a long time.

Shoji took another puff. A few days ago, he had been looking at the calendar when he realised that 7 August was circled.

‘Do you want to go to Sendai Festival?’ he asked Liyun.

She gave him a puzzled look. ‘What’s that?’

‘You didn’t know? It’s probably the biggest Tanabata festival in Japan.’ Ah, that was right. In Tokyo, people held the star festival on 7 July. ‘Have you heard of it?’

She nodded. ‘It celebrates the reunion of Orihime and Hikoboshi, doesn’t it?’

‘Yes, that’s the one.’ According to the legend, the lovers could only see each other once a year during the Tanabata. ‘Isn’t that the reason you circled the date?’

‘No …’ Her words faltered. ‘It’s my birthday.’

‘Oh,’ Shoji mumbled, not expecting that. 7 August was only two days from now. He was quiet for a moment. ‘I know you probably have plans, but if you’re free, perhaps we could go for dinner or something.’

‘I’m free,’ Liyun said, a little too quickly. ‘Let’s do it.’

‘All right. Uhm. Is there anywhere you’d like to go? Or anything in particular you want to eat?’

‘I’ll leave it to you,’ she said, smiling.

‘Okay.’ He hadn’t taken any women for a proper dinner for years, except for business meetings. ‘No preference at all?’

Liyun thought for a moment. ‘Perhaps somewhere with a nice view? Doesn’t have to be too fancy. Anywhere is fine. Surprise me.’