It's said that winter is the most beautiful season, especially in Japan. I couldn't agree more. It means I can wear gloves whenever and wherever I want, and I won't be questioned or judged. It's not like I like wearing them. It's just that I have this ability of 'looking' into the past of things I make physical contact with. These 'things' also include humans and animals. It may sound absurd, but it's true.

I stay away from people just to avoid prying. As such, making friends was, and still is, kind of hard for me. I do like the occasional karaoke meet-ups organised by our class, but in the end, it's just to look normal in the eyes of my peers.

But now, it's gotten cold, yet no snow. People are eagerly waiting for the first snowfall, though it's not like it'll just magically appear out of nowhere, especially not during November in Tokyo. Evidently, it's for the best, well, at least for me. Heh. Some privacy, to begin with.

For a 2nd year high school student like me, though, winter is just that. No romance, no fun. Nothing exciting, or amusing. We have studying to do during this time, and complete our homework before the holidays. Even right now, I'm thinking about my miserable life sitting in a classroom, while a lecture's going on.

"Yoshida...YOSHIDA RYOU!"

Mr. Matsuka, our homeroom teacher, started calling out to me. I spaced out again. Pretty sure he's going to yell at me for daydreaming. It's almost become a daily thing.

"He's done it again..."

"...He sure has it easy..."

Ah, the usual whispers. Gotten used to them already, anyway.

"Yoshida! Will you please answer this question on the board?"

I'm surprised he didn't get angry. His usual reaction would be to humiliate me in front of the class.

"Psst! The answer is 53 radians."

It was a loud whisper, by my one and only friend, Keisuke Hiro. Almost everyone heard it. Naturally, so did Matsuka.

"Keisuke! Yoshida! Both of you will be on cleaning duty for today!"

Good grief. It is bad enough that they make us come to school during such cold days, and now work? Ugh.

"Let's do it together, Ryou!"

"You sure are happy about it."

"It's been such a long time since the two of us were assigned cleaning duty. It's going to be fun!"

His eyes kept glimmering while talking, like a hungry puppy. Ah, it's such a drag. Honestly. Cleaning was not the kind of thing I was expecting to be doing on this lazy Friday.

A few minutes later, the bell rang. This marked the commencement of the final week of school, before the winter break. Others have already started making plans about ways to spend the holidays. Nothing in it for me.

For an entire hour of proper cleaning, it was really quiet. But I knew sooner or later someone had to break the ice. And that wasn't going to be me.

"Say, Ryou, you got yourself a girlfriend yet?"

Ah, the most popular question among high schoolers. Why is like this everywhere around the world? It's obvious that I don't have one.

"No."

"Don't lie, you sly bastard. You were ogling at the class rep, right?"

He sure loved to pull my leg. But I can clearly see that he's trying to create a conversation, just to get me to talk to him more. Although it's a bit annoying, I appreciate that he's actually trying. Others normally just talk to me for borrowing my homework or so.

"No, I wasn't."

Again, with the glimmering eyes, filled with expectations.

"What are you guys doing, other than cleaning?"

"AAAAHH! Class rep!"

"Hey Keisuke! And you too, Yoshida." She greeted.

It was the representative of our class, Shizuha Yui. Quite the silent approach. Typically, reps are always smart, good looking, and extroverted. That is the case here as well, except for the smartness part, but athletic, yes. She calls me 'a man of many secrets'. I wouldn't disagree, but she only assumed that from my demeanour.

"I think I'll be helping you boys out today, since I'm free."

"Really!? You'd do that? You're like a princess helping her subjects! I, Keisuke Hiro, am forever in your debt."

"Hahaha, you're funny as always, Keisuke."

She was definitely not supposed to be free. A popular class rep, and not busy? Nah.

Her eyes were wet, but not much. She seems to have cleaned her face thoroughly. But the slight redness under her eyes were obvious. She was crying---so much that she had to wash her face. This is not good. Keisuke's too dumb to realise it, and won't be able to read the atmosphere. She's obviously come here to get her mind off of the things troubling her. Hmm.

This has peeked my interest. I must know what's troubling her. Of course, normally, you'd directly ask the person. In my case, though, all I have to do is take this glove off of my hand, and touch her.

But touching a person abruptly isn't normal. They'd think I'm weird, or some sort of a pervert. And the worst part of this ability is that the more time I maintain contact, the clearer information I get. Therefore, touching for a split second will give me almost nothing. I need to signal Hiro. He needs to know that something's up with her.

I slightly started pointing my eyes towards her, all the while looking at Hiro, so as to give him a hint. He nodded back, so that must be a good sign.

"Say, Shizuha, did you know that Yoshida really wants to be your friend?"

What. An. Idiot. How can he be such a clueless moron? Why? Did he actually just assume that I was trying to ask him to set us up? Doesn't matter. This idiot just did it.

"Really, Yoshida? You mean it?"

Shizuha seemed really happy hearing that. Now's my chance! I have to grab her hand... or so I thought. She charged at me and tightly grasped mine.

"Aww, you're such a sweet guy, Yoshida."

I could barely hear those words. I was able to remove my right glove in the nick of time. In a matter of seconds, loads of information of the past two hours travelled to my brain. It won't be good if she keeps maintaining contact. I have to have her stop clinging onto my hand.

"Shizuha, if you keep doing that to Ryou, he'll die of embarrassment. Hahaha!"

"I'm so sorry, Yoshida! I didn't know you were the shy type."

She's finally let go. Thank goodness. 'Shy type'? What is she getting at? Although, Hiro's actions actually seem like he might know about my ability. He's scary, sometimes. But that is impossible. He's a dumbass.

"...PLEASE! BELIEVE ME! I WANT YOU BACK IN MY LIFE..."

"No, I'm sorry, I can't. I have to move on. I want you to do the same. It's for the best..."

Ah, the voices. Can't stand them much. The info I've collected is... Not so interesting. She was confronted by her ex-boyfriend, the captain of the basketball team, and was asked out again, and she had to turn him down---several times. So apparently, they both still like each other, but she doesn't want to be with him? Good grief, she actually cried for this? Maybe. Who am I to judge?

Another problem is that I can only 'see' what she was seeing, that is, from her point-of-view. Plus, considering the amount of time we were in contact, I only vividly saw some images. But I also get additional information, such as sounds, and her emotions during that time. She was feeling bitter, but it gave off an it-is-for-the-best kind of vibe. That means she isn't regretting her decision. Good. Not a particularly interesting deduction, though. I don't know what I was expecting. I guess I like to pry into people's personal lives.

This is what I basically do---look into people's pasts, just for my amusement. I am smart enough to know that helping them too much will make matters worse in the long run. I have to let things run their natural course. For example, I can only act according to what the situation demands. I will have to go along with Hiro for now.

"I don't want to ask, but you don't seem okay. Are you?"

I said it. Crap. I know the answer, yet this is all I can come up with, like a normal person would.

"So, I'm really that easy to tell, huh? I thought I could act normal, but I just can't. I just went through a bad experience a while ago, and am still trying to clear my head.

It'd have been funny if she lied about it. I would've certainly been amused. Poor Hiro, on the other hand...eh, not so much.

"Just tell me what is it, and I, Keisuke Hiro, shall help you go through it!"

"No, it's nothing, really. But I appreciate the concern. You two are really nice, you know. I'm just regretting now that even though we've known each other since middle school, we've never talked that much. Plus, you and I are neighbours, aren't we, Yoshida?"

She had relocated next to my house a year back. I never bothered to visit her, due to my busy schedule, but I'm sure my dad loves to flirt with her ridiculously hot mother. Mommy and daughter---both alike, I guess.

"You and Shizuha are NEIGHBOURS!? HOW!? WHEN!? Is that why you rarely let me into your house?" Hiro shrieked.

That isn't the reason, but it's something I can go with. I never invite people much, thanks to this power of mine. But the main reason is because I work at our bakery shop after school. We have a small setup, so it's not much, but it's enough for two people to fend off of. My mom passed away when I was a kid, and so I've been supporting the two of us by working here almost every day. Her mom is actually a regular at our store, but she rarely visits during my shift.

After talking about our middle school days for thirty minutes while cleaning, it seems she's fine. I always get this sense of satisfaction when I see people smile after experiencing something bitter, because I am the only one who'd know the things they would have gone through. Although this power has mostly given me trouble, I sometimes am grateful for it. It's a sad and mysterious world, and we need to look out for each other.

Finally, the work is done. It seemed like ages, but only felt like minutes while talking to the two. Who knew that chatting with an acquaintance would prove to be not boring? It's already 7:30 PM. Ah, I'm late.

"See you boys later! Take care!" She waved us good-bye.

There she went. She might be happy right now, or perhaps trying to put on a mask. Either way, she's more stable than before. I wonder if she's looking for a relationship at this point? Heh. What am I even thinking? Even if the goddess of luck shines upon me, it's impossible. Hiro has a far better chance.

"She's really cute, isn't she? A bit of a klutz, yes, but also pretty reliable. No wonder she's the class representative." Hiro said.

He actually said that with a straight face. He admires her quite a lot. I should respect that. Wonder if I'll ever admire a person the way he does?

I have to get to the shop. Dad must be having his hands full... Is what going on in my mind the whole time while returning back home.

The best thing about my school is that it is very close to my residence, hence my choice of this academy. No need to constantly be in contact with strangers in trains. Just plain old walking.

Finally made it. And it only took me 12 minutes.

"Where the hell have you been!?"

"A-Akane... Hey there. Sorry, got caught up in cleaning duty."

Harumi Akane, our employee, and another neighbour. A 23-year old woman who's been working for us since the past 6 months. She's the probably the closest to what I can say as 'a person I admire' in my life---a final-year college student, earning money to cover her living expenses. Her parents live in Osaka, and she's here by herself. She's got a lot on her plate, yet finds the time to complete her work, without any complaints. Truly, a remarkable woman.

"Now that my shift's over, you better meet your dad. He's been waiting for your arrival for quite some time now. He's at the back. And besides, I had to cover for you while you were absent. You owe me three bowls of ramen. Got it?"

"Y-yes. I understand. Thank you very much."

"Don't sweat it. All right, I'm off. See you later, kiddo."

I still don't get how she converts debts to ramen, but whatever. I need to see dad. He's never the type to get angry, but he definitely isn't the sweet type either, and he won't be pleased by my punctuality.

"You’re awfully late. Cleaning duty, I'm assuming?" My dad asked.

"Yes, dad. Sorry for the delay. Had unexpected company."

"That's all right. There weren't many customers today. Plus, I had Akane helping me out in your stead, so don't sweat it. The cold weather sure makes people lazy, though. I'm going to head back to my room, so close the shop by nine."

"Understood."

Our house is just beside the shop, so it's super convenient to change shifts. Thanks to this, we have enough time to work, as well as take breaks.

The clock struck nine, and god, was it cold. I'd be surprised if there was no snow piled up by morning. I was just about to finish up, when a customer entered.

"Excuse me, but are you closing?"

It was a middle-aged man, probably around in his late forties, and was definitely not from this country, yet somehow perfectly uttered that sentence in Japanese. He was even dressed in a suit, and a trench coat, with a hat on.

"About to. What do you need?"

"I'd like two croissants, thank you."

"I'm sorry, but we're out. Anything else?"

"That's too bad. Then what about yakisoba bread?"

A foreigner who knows about yakisoba? That is impressive. I believe most non-Japanese people aren't aware of it. He must have been in Japan for a while, or perhaps learnt it from watching anime? Nah, not possible.

"Yes, here you go."

"Oh, thank you. Do you mind if I eat here? It's really cold outside, after all."

"Sure, sir. Suit yourself."

This is probably the first time a foreigner has visited our shop. I'm curious to know where he's from.

"Say, young man, are you a high school student?"

"Yes."

"Oh, a part-timer, then?"

"No, this shop is run by my family. I help out, that is all."

"Oh, that's impressive. Students in this country really work hard."

Judging by what he said, he's definitely a tourist, but his clothing makes it seem like he's come here as part of some business, and not for the view.

"Which country are you from, if I may ask?"

"England. Beautiful place, I tell you."

"How come you know Japanese? You've lived here before, haven't you?"

"Ah yes, way back in the Showa period. I was still a young man then." He replied, with a nostalgic expression on his face.

That explains his fluency. Impressive, nevertheless. He's even got the accent right.

"I'm Henry Turnwallace. Pleased to make your acquaintance, young man."

"Yoshida Ryou. Nice to meet you, sir."

"Ah, no honorifics please, just Henry will suffice."

He seems to be a friendly man. He's clearly used to travelling, and meeting new people. He doesn't waver while talking to a stranger like me at all.

"So, what brings you here? Business? Holiday?"

"Business, actually. Tiring, as you can see. I wouldn't mind a nice holiday, though."

"Don't mind me, but what business, exactly?" I asked.

Daring question, if I say so myself. I won't be surprised if he ignores it.

"Ah, sorry, can't really talk about it. It'd take a good while to explain. May be some other day.

Some other day, he says? Is he planning on being a regular here? That'd be killing two birds with one stone. He seems interesting enough. Shall I use my powers? Maybe not. It's the first in a long time that I'm having a perfectly normal conversation without them. Some other day, I will.

"It's gotten late, boy. I better get going. Thank you for the delicious bread. I'm sure we'll meet again."

"You're welcome, Mr. Henry"

As he left, it suddenly got colder. Or maybe it's just that I didn't notice it until after he left. Perhaps such aspects aren't noticeable when you're having a decent conversation.

*Phone ringing*

CALLER: DAD

"Ryou, need a hand closing up?"

"Sorry, I delayed. A customer came in at the last minute. "

"Delayed? What are you talking about? It's only 9:01 PM."

"Have you been drinking excessively again?"

"Ah, maybe. Just get home."

"Okay, I'll be there in a while."

9:01 PM? How drunk is the man? Let me check the time anywa---WHAT? No, that can't be right. 9:01 PM? Really? Impossible. Is my phone broken? It must be some sort of a glitch. No, chances of it are slim. I have to check the internet.

I did, and surprisingly, it also showed '9:01 PM' as the right time. What is going on? We were conversing for at least ten minutes or so, I'm sure. Or were we? No, I'm positive that I wasn't dreaming. The smell of the yakisoba bread is still lingering around, but faint. I can even remember our conversation very well. But then how come only a minute? Was I hallucinating? Was it all going on in my head? There's even a possibility that I might've been drugged. Nah, that is absurd.

I guess we'll have a lot to talk about next time.