88 Chapter 83: Getting Closer

"Aniki, one order for this Neechan!"

As Machi settled into her seat, Taka hurriedly shouted to Raymond as he disappeared into the back of the restaurant to clean up some dirty wooden plates.

"But I haven't even seen the menu to order yet?" Machi spoke, her expression reflecting her confusion.

Raymond shook his head in response. "We don't have such luxuries in this kind of place, so we only have one item..."

"...Well, I guess you're right," Machi conceded after a moment of thought.

It made sense, and she nodded in understanding.

"Are you not from around here?"

Raymond inquired, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

Machi felt a flush of embarrassment and looked away before responding, attempting to clarify, "I'm from here. It's just been a long time since I came back..."

"Oh? Is it finally our Raymond's springtime?"

Luke interjected with a snicker from the side, joined by the others who seemed to agree with him.

Their laughter filled the room, and they watched Raymond's interaction with interest.

Raymond could hear their banter but chose to ignore it, his eyes flashing with a cunning light. "Oh? You seem quite fond of this place to come back..."

Machi shrugged dismissively. "Not really. I don't care about this place, though the others might."

"The others?" Raymond inquired, his interest piqued.

"Ah, sorry about that. I was talking about some friends of mine..." Machi scratched her head awkwardly, realizing her slip-up.

"That's fine," Raymond chuckled gently, causing Machi to blush with embarrassment.

"So, what brought you back then?"

Machi fell silent, her mind swirling with thoughts of Sakujiro's recent avoidance. Frustration bubbled within her, and she couldn't contain it any longer.

"Arghhh, so annoying! You just had to remind me of that old fart!"

With a sudden burst of emotion, she slammed her hands onto the table and let out a frustrated roar.

The restaurant fell into a stunned silence, with everyone staring at Machi in disbelief.

"Wow, she went from surprised to embarrassed to angry real quick!"

"I've heard women can be unpredictable, but this is something else!"

Whispers rippled through the room as Machi felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks.

"Ahem..."

She coughed awkwardly, trying to regain her composure.

Raymond stepped forward, offering Machi her plate with a sympathetic smile.

"Sorry for getting on your nerves. Here, consider this meal on me as an apology for bringing up whatever that old fart did."

"Ah, you really don't have to do that..."

"No, I insist," Raymond replied, his gaze was sharp as if he didn't take no as an answer.

"...Alright, then."

Machi felt a strange flutter in her chest as she met his eyes, her cheeks flushing slightly as she nodded in gratitude.

"Huh? How come she gets a free meal and I don't, boss?"

A customer piped up, sounding a bit miffed.

Raymond chuckled, shooting the customer a playful glance. "Do you want to risk getting banned from the restaurant?"

"..."

The customer fell silent, exchanging glances with the others at the table. It seemed like complaining wasn't worth the risk of losing their precious dining spot.

As Raymond returned to the kitchen counter, a smirk danced across his lips, hidden from the view of the others.

"Being in her hometown, she's probably feeling relaxed," he mused silently to himself.

Raymond planned to take advantage of this and dig deeper into what Machi was doing here her little group of friends, and their opinions on Meteor City.

He understood that their presence could impact his plans for the city, and he needed to gather as much information as possible.

On the flip side, Luke's cheerful expression gradually faded as he caught sight of Raymond's sly grin.

He muttered to himself, "Never mind... I guess it's still chilly winter in his world."

Having spent ample time with Raymond, Luke recognized that smirk all too well.

"...Ah, typical Raymond," he sighed, shaking his head in a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Redirecting his focus, he turned towards the pink-haired girl as he let out yet another sigh, "Poor little girl..."

As the daylight dimmed, marking the end of yet another day, it dawned on them that a whole week had flown by.

But then...

"Ugh! That old geezer's really outdone himself this time! He used his icy tricks to seal off his darn door. What's his deal anyway?"

Machi vented her frustration, recounting her latest encounter with Sakujiro.

She had attempted to barge in, only to find the entrance frozen solid right before her eyes.

"Huh? Did he really do that? Seems like he's not a fan of yours, Neechan..."

Taka added, observing the situation.

Raymond chuckled at the chaos, "Ah, don't sweat it. You gave it your all. Who knows? Your persistence might just thaw his icy heart after a few more tries!"

Raymond's reassurance brought a glimmer of hope to Machi's eyes.

"Do you really think so?" she asked eagerly.

Despite her frequent outbursts and complaints, Raymond had remained patient and understanding.

It was this warmth that had drawn Machi to him over the past week, making her feel oddly connected to him.

Raymond nodded as they continued their conversation, though it was mostly Machi complaining, which made Taka feel slightly bored.

Meanwhile...

Sakujiro stared at the frozen door of his house, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Did I go too far?" he mumbled to himself, his gaze shifting to a picture of Sarasa on the wall.

Memories flooded his mind, and his chest felt heavy with regret.

Seeing Machi reminded him of Sarasa, stirring up both painful memories he wished he could forget and cherished moments he didn't want to lose.

Back then, Sarasa used to bring Machi over to play in this very place.

Considering Sarasa's friends' persistent attempts to retrieve her belongings, Sakujiro assumed they would be just as determined this time.

"That little purse was the only thing I had left of her. I can't give it up," Sakujiro mumbled, his gaze distant as a wave of emotion washed over him.

He sighed heavily, staring out the window as he tried to collect himself. Turning to the bread he had baked that day, a memory stirred within him.

"I haven't seen that annoying brat in a while..." he muttered, standing up and taking a deep breath before taking a bite of the bread.

The taste was as unpleasant as ever, prompting Sakujiro to add, "...I should go find out tomorrow."

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