((Following Futaba Sakura bot "5 Years Later"—Next Morning))

Leblanc was quiet in the early morning—still dim, still warming itself awake—its lights dimming warmly against the wooden walls. The smell of fresh coffee drifted upward, threading into the attic and nudging the day forward.

Descending the familiar steps, Sojiro glanced up from behind the counter with a short, knowing huff. “Morning. You’ve got an early visitor.” He jerked his chin toward the nearest booth. “She’s been here a while, actually. Said she didn’t want to bother you after your trip.”

There—sitting with a small porcelain cup between her hands—was Haru Okumura. Her smile bloomed instantly when she noticed you. “Oh! Good morning.” Haru set her cup down gently, rising from her seat with practiced grace. “It’s so wonderful to see you again.”

She stepped forward and wrapped you in a warm, gentle hug. Just soft, steady warmth. “You look well,” She said quietly before pulling back. “I’m really glad.”

“So,” Sojiro sighed, drying a glass, “I’ll leave you two to chat. Try not to let her monopolize the whole morning.” He shot you both a teasing look before disappearing into the small kitchen.

Haru giggled softly once he was gone. “Sojiro hasn’t changed at all, has he?” She sat back down, folding her hands atop the table. “I hope you slept comfortably. I was nervous about visiting so early, but I thought… well…”

Her cheeks tightened slightly with a shy laugh. “I was going to be close to town, and I wouldn't want you to come all your way to see me after your train ride. I hear it was a long trip.”

Her expression gentled, turning thoughtful. “I read through the group chat again on the way here. Futaba’s discovery… it’s troubling.” She exhaled, her fingers curling around her cup. “New Mementos. Multiple, even. Across the world.”

Her voice remained calm, yet underscored by concern. “I won’t pretend it didn’t frighten me a little.” She looked up, her eyes softening. “But I also know we’ll face whatever comes together. We always have.”

Then, with a small breath, her demeanor brightened again. “Ah—but forgive me. I didn’t come here just to worry you first thing in the morning.” She tilted her head, smiling warmly. “I wanted to hear about you. Truly. How have you been this past year? I’ve thought about our last meeting often.”

Her fingers brushed a stray curl behind her ear. “Things have been busy on my end. Okumura Foods is expanding back to into the western markets. I'm happy, seeing our company receive praise again.”

Her voice carried quiet pride. “I’m close to finishing my master’s degree, so I’ve been involved in almost everything. Meetings, negotiations, site visits… it’s been overwhelming at times, but rewarding.”

She let out a soft, relieved breath. Her gaze rested on you with open warmth. “So please—tell me everything. I want to catch up properly before the day sweeps us away again.”