Aoba:

Damn–where did he go? I went after him immediately but I lost sight of him…I left Ren too. I’ve been calling him and mailing him but there’s no reply. I don’t know this area at all. Ngaah! I don’t know! What should I do? Hah–(he takes off running) Geez, seriously! Where did he go?! Hah–Noiz! Huh? That’s…this is…the cafe where I came for lunch before. Noiz?

Theo:

Oh–

Aoba:

Ah–

Theo:

Excuse me. Um, it’s Aoba-san, isn’t it?

Aoba:

Ah–um–Noiz’s little brother?

Theo:

Yes, it’s Theo. I saw you over there and I thought that I would try calling out to you. It’s quite a coincidence, isn’t it? Previously I was in a hurry so I could only introduce myself. I truly am sorry for that time.

Aoba:

No, that’s not–

Theo:

No, truly. But to think that I’d meet you in a place like this. I’m sorry for stopping you so suddenly. Were you on your way somewhere?

Aoba:

Ah…

Theo:

My brother isn’t with you, is he?

Aoba:

Ah–well–that is…

Theo:

Did something happen?

Aoba:

Um…to get right to it, I don’t know where Noiz is…

Theo:

Huh? What do you mean?

Aoba:

Ah…um…just–a lot happened. It wasn’t really a fight but in the end somehow it felt like one. That’s why I’m looking for Noiz. I…just got here. I don’t know this area so I don’t know what to do.

Theo:

So that’s what happened.

Aoba:

I can’t get in touch with him at all.

Theo:

Should I try to contact him as well?

Aoba:

You’d do that?

Theo:

Yes. (he dials Noiz, there’s no answer) It seems it’s no good, he won’t answer.

Aoba:

I see…

Theo:

For now I’ll send him an e-mail. But you don’t need to be so flustered. There’s no way that my brother could get lost in this town. What’s more, I think I have a rough idea of where he is.

Aoba:

Eh–Really?!

Theo:

Yes. I think it would be best to allow him some time before going to see him.

Aoba:

Time? Why?

Theo:

Aoba-san, are you aware of my brother’s past?

Aoba:

Ah, yeah…

Theo:

My brother’s physical condition was a little different from that of normal people. As a result he would often get into fights and quarrels. Whenever trouble would arise, there’s a place where he would always go to, alone. During that time even if we tried to contact him he wouldn’t answer. It’s likely that he was sorting through matters by himself. That’s why for now we should leave him alone.

Aoba:

Ah…I see. I’ve got it.

Theo:

By the way, what were you fighting over?

Aoba:

Ah–well…today Noiz came home with his cheek all swollen. I asked if someone had hit him but he was in a bad mood and got really avoidant. He left the house.

Theo:

I see.

Aoba:

Do you know something? Like if someone hit him or something.

Theo:

It seems that today, my brother was not called to the office but rather to our family home.

Aoba:

To your home?

Theo:

Yes. I don’t know the details, but it seems he quarreled with our father.

Aoba:

With his father?

Theo:

Yes. My father is a little overbearing when it comes to my brother. Aoba-san, I’m very sorry to trouble you with our family matters.

Aoba:

No, that’s not…it’s fine.

Theo:

Um–I’d like to offer you an apology for troubling you–or rather, while we’re waiting for my brother, if it’s all right with you, would you allow me to treat you to a coffee?

Aoba:

Eh?

Theo:

Just now I was thinking of having coffee at this cafe before returning home from work. I wouldn’t want for you to spend this entire time standing around.

Aoba:

Ah…that’s right. It doesn’t seem like I can head off right away. Plus I’ve got to cool my head a little too. You don’t have to treat me, but let’s wait inside.

Theo:

No, please let me treat you. I won’t allow anything less.

Aoba:

Eh–ah…then, excuse me. I’ll accept your offer.

Theo:

Yes! Then, let’s go inside.

Aoba:

Yeah.