Ozaki stared down at the newspaper article in shock. It was Harumi on the front cover, holding hands with some boy. The grainy image had smeared under the assault of the rain, but there was no question it was her. Her face was unmistakable as was her smile.
She looked happy, sitting on some dumpster. He could almost imagine her legs kicking as she talked to her boyfriend whoever he was.
Ozaki's heart began to pound faster. There was nothing in her fan newsletter about a boyfriend, or even other friends. She was untouchable, she was perfect. His lips tightened into a thin line and he gripped the page so tightly that it ripped.
He peered over at the words, but the rain had smeared it beyond comprehension. He glanced back over at the picture. He avoided looking into Harumi's face and focused on the background. It was an alley next to an arcade. He knew it, it was only a quick train ride away.
“Ozaki!”
He looked up. It was one of his coworkers, an older man who cleaned the streets.
“Get to work,” came the order.
Ozaki looked down at the newspaper once more time. He crumpled it up and slammed it into the garbage can next to him. Leaning his broom against the can, he walked away. His boots splattered in the puddles.
“Ozaki! Where are you going!?”
He turned back. “I have to check on something.”
As if that was enough to explain the sudden hole in his chest and the despair that filled him. He had worshiped Harumi with all his heart. She was the most perfect woman in the world, a fantasy that was untouchable.
And some guy had ruined her for him.
He didn't know what he was going to do, but he had to do something. Anything.