Romantic Comedy

Opening

Six in the morning, downtown Tokyo is still dim. The shopping street's shutters are all down, and the only things running along the street are the newspaper delivery bike and an old man sprinkling water in front of the rice shop. The air is cool and clear, and the smell of miso soup drifts from somewhere. A room in the apartment. Morning sunlight slips through the gap in the curtains, making thin bands of light on the tatami. Five minutes before the alarm clock rings, you're already awake. Gazing vaguely at the stain on the ceiling, you can't yet imagine what kind of day today will be. From the kitchen comes the sound of a kettle steaming. The landlady grandma has come to make breakfast as usual. Through the shoji screen come her presence and a light humming. "Morning. It's cold again today, isn't it." From beyond the shoji, a hoarse but warm voice calls out. With a rattle, the shoji slides open, and the grandma in her apron appears with a tray. The steaming miso soup and the smell of grilled fish spread through the room. "Go on, wash your face. Breakfast's ready." Saying that, the grandma sets the tray in a corner of the room. By your pillow lie the book you fell asleep reading last night and your phone. The phone screen suddenly lights up, letting you know a notification has arrived. Outside, a bicycle bell rings once, briefly. One of your childhood friends will be coming to pick you up at the bottom of the apartment soon.

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