After finishing breakfast, we all said in unison:
"Gochisōsama deshita!"
A simple phrase, but one that felt rich with gratitude—like everything I had experienced that morning had a special flavor to it.
After helping to clear the dishes and saying goodbye to Mrs. Miyako, we headed toward the truck. The sun was already high in the sky, and the warm summer breeze made the air feel lighter. I climbed into the back of the truck next to Hikaru, while Mr. Kazuo took the wheel.
"Is this your first time at the town market?" Hikaru asked as the truck rolled along the dirt road.
"Yeah," I replied, watching the scenery drift by. "Actually, I think it's the first time I've done anything like this."
"Then get ready—small town or not, people here come alive when it's market day. Especially the old ladies... If they see you with that calm, nice-boy face, they'll be trying to marry you off to their granddaughters," he said with a teasing grin.
I laughed softly, but my thoughts wandered to Ailany. I wondered if she'd be coming too… though I hadn't seen her get in the truck. Maybe she stayed behind to help with something else.
The ride lasted maybe twenty or thirty minutes. When we arrived, the scene was a sharp contrast to the quiet calm of the farm. The village streets were lined with makeshift stalls, colorful tarps, and people bustling back and forth. The air buzzed with voices, laughter, vendors shouting over one another, and the scents of fresh fruit, traditional sweets, and crisp vegetables filled every corner with vibrant energy.
"Welcome to Ōhara," Hikaru said, jumping off the truck with ease. "Let's unload."
We helped Mr. Kazuo set up the crates at a small wooden stall that clearly had its regular spot among the others. It wasn't even five minutes before the first customers showed up—elderly women with wide-brimmed hats and cloth tote bags, inspecting the tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants with expert eyes.
"Kazuo-san! These tomatoes are even bigger than last year's!"
"And look at these eggplants—shiny like someone polished them!"
"All thanks to my new assistant," Mr. Kazuo said with a proud smile, gesturing toward me. "This young man came from far away to help us out."
"Oh my, and what's your name, young man?" one of the ladies asked playfully.
"Haruki… Haruki Kiryuu," I answered, a bit nervous.
"What a lovely name! And so polite too! Kazuo-san, if this boy sticks around, I'm bringing my granddaughter next time!"
"Haha! Sorry, ma'am," Hikaru chimed in with a sly tone and a glance my way. "I think his heart's already taken."
I choked on air for a second. What did he mean by that? Was he talking about Ailany?
The bustle of the market pulled my attention away, but his comment kept echoing in my mind. As we helped customers and I tried not to fumble with the change or trip over the bags, I kept glancing around—hoping, even just for a second, to see her.
Midmorning had just set in when Mr. Kazuo suddenly touched his forehead.
"Ah! I forgot something important," he said, setting down a crate. "The scale! I left it by the entrance to the house, next to the watermelons. Haruki, Hikaru, hold down the fort for a bit. I'll be right back."
"Are you sure you'll be okay driving alone?" I asked, a little concerned.
"Don't worry. I know this road like the back of my hand. It's not far," he said, already climbing into the truck.
Just a few minutes later, I heard soft footsteps approaching. When I turned my head, the sight before me left me speechless.
Ailany was walking toward me, calm and serene, with a gentle smile on her lips. She wore a white dress adorned with pastel floral patterns that stood out against her long chestnut hair. Her bangs were neatly styled, and a small braid held by a light blue ribbon framed one side of her face. It was a simple outfit, but it made her look completely different—brighter, more radiant, more...
"What? Why are you staring like that?" she asked, tilting her head with a little laugh.
"N-no, it's nothing," I said quickly, looking away. "You just… look really nice."
"Thanks," she said softly, her gaze dropping as if holding back a bigger smile.
Just then, Hikaru returned, carrying another box.
"Whoa, I thought you were just coming to help us sell, Ailany. Or are you planning to charm the entire town dressed like that?" he joked, though his tone had an edge to it.
"Oh? Jealous?" she shot back, amused. "Isn't it normal to want to look decent when you go out?"
The tension between them was subtle—so subtle that maybe no one else would've noticed. But I did. And I couldn't help wondering if there was something between them they weren't telling me.
An hour later, the market was in full swing. We were on a cobblestone street flanked by old wooden houses, paper lanterns swaying gently in the summer breeze. Children's laughter, the sizzle of takoyaki, and the hum of conversation filled the air.
Hikaru and Mr. Hanabira were sorting crates while Ailany and I manned the stall. People kept stopping by—some to shop, others… out of curiosity.
"Hey, are you new around here?" asked a girl with short hair and a flirty expression.
"Uh, yeah… I'm helping out at the farm for a few days."
"Wow, you're really handsome," chimed in another girl in a school uniform, staring into my eyes. "Are you really working in the fields? You don't look the type."
"Ha… well, I'm just starting out," I replied, a bit uncomfortable.
Then another girl approached—broad-brimmed hat, confident stride, and a direct voice.
"Wanna come with us later? We're grabbing coffee after the market."
"Sorry, I already have plans," I said quickly.
I noticed Ailany had stopped rearranging the table. She stood still, watching. Her expression wasn't as cheerful as before.
"Oh… I see," one of the girls said, and they left with soft giggles, whispering to each other as they walked away.
"Tch… so annoying," Ailany muttered, stacking boxes with more force than necessary.
"Huh?"
"Nothing," she said without looking at me, her brows still knit. Then she took a deep breath and her voice returned to normal. "By the way, Haruki… what do you say we walk around the town a bit before heading back?"
"Huh? Seriously?"
"Yeah. There's a famous ice cream shop near the shrine. I've always wanted to go, but never found someone to go with," she said, her eyes sparkling—completely ignoring Hikaru, who was watching us from the other end of the stall.
I didn't know what to say for a moment. I just nodded, feeling something inside my chest start to beat a little faster.
And just like that, between empty crates and unspoken promises, the market became the stage for a story that, without me realizing it, was only just beginning.