Autumn brings this solemn yet sorrowful vibe to me. I tend to be melancholic as autumn approaches, I don't know maybe I just get influnced by my surroundings. But, I've got to admit that I quite like it. It is one of my favorite seasons even. These kind of thoughts occupy me as I do my morning jog in a nearby park. But more than for the view, I needed to jog to relieve my hang-over from last night's drinking. Me and my colleagues just finished a big project and we thought we deserved a celebration which ended at four in the morning. I just took a nap and decided to go for a morning run. I almost forgot that I had an appointment before noon, more reasons to gather my wits together. I have arrived at my apartment when a collegue of mine sent me a message.

"Awaya! Don't forget you lost a bet. 11 am at the Cosmic Cafe. See you there!"

He sure is quite something, treating this meet-up like a school project or an academic meeting.

"I know. Be there."

I simply replied. He quite pestered me for a while just to agree to this set-up. He even promised that we will be meeting the best and prettiest girls at our campus. Still, I thought that playing a game would add a little fun instead of agreeing easily. It was a just simply a luck game of pop-up pirates while we were drinking. He don't want any game that requires skill as he believe I have the upper hand. And obviously, I lost so I am now obligated to attend this meet-up. I actually don't mind set-up's like this. I just want to prolong his agony and besides I have nothing to lose in attending. I might even meet someone to play with or date with even. I quickly headed to the showers and had a nice quick bath. I chose comfortable clothes, I saw my dark blue polo and topped it with a white cotton knitted long sleeves. I grabbed my dark denim pants, wore my go-to grayish-blue sneakers and black leathered watch. I decided to drive there with my car and pick-up a friend who's also coming along the way. We arrived early at the shop, I told him to get-off early as I need to find a parking space. As I was walking toward the cafe's entrance, I saw a familiar silhouette. If I am right her built is similar, her above shoulder length dark purple hair tied in a half up ponytail, wearing a black leather jacket and red scarf, she is quite taller actually. She is walking away from the cafe when my friend suddenly called out my name.

"Mugi! Where are you going? The cafe is right here."

He looked at me confusingly and I was undecided whether to follow the lady or just head to my friend. But, I brushed off my thoughts. Thinking it must be just my imagination or simply beacuse of the autumn's effect. I headed towards the cafe, slipped my left hand to my pocket and my right hand to brush my hair and gave an absurd laugh. It is impossible, the gods know that I don't deserve that kind of chance. As expected, we were quite early so we we were the one to request to set-up a table for ten persons right by the cafe's window. The cafe wasn't too big nor small. We chose a place to sit by that can be easily spotted at the entrance. As the meeting time approaches the people was gathered one by one. My friend was right, it was really a group of pretty ladies. Naturally, we introduced ourselves to each other. The two of them were psychology majors, while one was a dance major and the other is an economics student. It was like a spring in the middle of the autumn and you are real lucky if there is whomever you might get a chance to date. There was a reason why my friend was so eager to do this. Five minutes after eleven, we are almost complete except there is still one empty chair at the opposite side.

"Are you sure that you invited for five persons?"

One in my group kiddingly asked. The girl in brown hair refuted that she was sure and maybe something came up as the girl is unusually late. Our chat continues for a few more minutes and we also have ordered our drinks and menu until the brown hair maiden, introduced herself as Suzuna stood up to greet someone over. There was a light atmosphere of teasing that she wasn't lying at all. Weirdly, I can hear her footsteps approaching the table as I was staring out the window with my arms folded over the table and my palms at the side of my face. She introduced herself politely.

"Hello. I sincerely apologize for my tardiness. I am Hanabi Yasuraoka, a 4th year student of Visual Arts and Psychology. Please to meet all of you"

And I came to see her full view. Her deep purple above shoulder length hair with her bangs swept aside, her pale skin, her amethyst colored eyes and her petite frame. Also, that low and velvety voice. She was beautiful as ever. It is her, all doubts and suspicion aside. Our eyes met, I bet we are both confounded and surprised by the situation. I thought she will just simply look away but instead she smiled. Yes, she did and I remembered that there were few times in the past that she used to.And I remembered the figure I saw earlier, it was her with the black jacket and red scarf. I am bewildered if she acknowledges that we knew each other, we used to. Then, the people surrounding us had suspicions if we knew each other. Of course, they asked.

"Did you knew each other?"

Both of us were taken aback, as I was just thinking of how should we answer. If she rather deny it and to pretend as complete strangers. 

"Yes, attended the same high school"

She answered in a heartbeat. If she acknowledges it, there is no reason for me to refute and just nodded my head in agreement and replied.

"Yes, we did."

There were still continuous question of how we met and how close we are. Even without words, I think that as much as we don't deny we knew each other, we anonymously agree that it is not to an extent to disclose the past. We just brushed off the inquiries as just schoolmates and acquaintances. The ordered menu arrived, the discussion persisted. I can atleast conclude that both parties are having a great time. She acted casually as possible and I for the same. Yet, from time to time I can't help myself but to catch a glimpse of her. I can see that she smiles frequently compared to the past but there this still calm and composed aura surrounding her. I noticed she added few piercings in both of her ear. She looks different and similar simultaneously. It is like the gods heard my woes and fulfilled my pleas to see with my own very eyes of how she is doing. Different emotions swell inside of me. As much as I pretend that I should act as normal as possible, a part of me is dying to talk to her. Did she really avoid me in spite of years passing by? I badly want to ask of how is she? Has she been eating well? Sleeping well? Doing well?

Then memories from the far-away past flashed back. I could still remember all those times I had with her, vividly and vaguely. I don't know of how she remembers me. Was it by our last conversation? The times when we saw each other but chose to ignore  and walk away? The moments we seek comfort to each other by intimate touches and kisses? The instances we"ve cried and betrayed each other? Or in spite our dark past the silly and funny little things we've shared together? Almost believing but scared that what we had that time is slowly becoming real but we knew it wasn't right. If you ask me of how I remember her, I can genuinely say.

"All of that."