Rendered in Code and Color

Chapter 4: Shadows and Silhouettes

"Leave it to Kaori to know the perfect spot." Ayaka said proudly.

"Here it is!" Kaori showed them her phone. "The Komorebi Coffeehouse!"

Having decided on a location, the group happily started walking. It was only about fifteen minutes away from campus, too. Not close enough to go there during the day, but close enough to be a candidate for a regular spot. Along the way, they all talked about various things, mainly their respective classes. There excitement and anticipation for the coming days, starkly evident.

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The Komorebi Coffeehouse stood in contrast to the surrounding cityscape. Located a few blocks from main roads, it looked like a forest cabin— warm and welcoming.

The first thing that any visitor would notice after walking inside was the play of light. The sun filtered through specially crafted windows which were artfully designed to refract its light in mesmerizing ways. But it was the cloth drapes, waving softly in front of the windows, that really made an impact. Cut in patterns resembling the delicate silhouette of leaves, they danced gently in a conditioned breeze, casting a dance of light and shadow on the floor, like the sun's rays piercing through a leafy canopy. A display capturing the essence of komorebi— sunlight filtering through trees — that made the cafe feel like it was nestled deep in a serene forest rather than a bustling city.

Though the name of the cafe certainly points towards the light being its showpiece, it was difficult to determine the cafe's best feature. To draw a comparison, one might reference a certain hidden realm in a popular fantasy book — an enclave of ageless beings with pointed ears. Potted plants and flowerbeds were scattered about. Leaves were preserved just under the floors surface. Vines weaved themselves through lattice dividers. The entire establishment had the ambiance of a royal garden from a fantasy realm. There were even fountains, adding the soft sound of rushing water to ambiance.

"I saw the pictures, but this..." Miyuki trailed off in awe.

"It's breathtaking," Kaori finished, eyes sparkling.

"I could lose myself in a book here," Kazuki mused.

"Come on, no going solo. We're here together," Ayaka teased, pouting slightly.

"You know that's not what he meant, Ayaka," Hiroshi said with a hint of exasperation.

The group let out a few chuckles at the exchanges, which seemed to break them from the initial reaction that held them captive.

"Well, I heard their menu is just as amazing, let's get a table and check it out!" Kaori urged.

Kaori looked around, like she was trying to find a specific spot, then led the group, insisting they grab available seats first. Where she led them was a corner of the cafe which seemed to be dedicated to displaying art and photographs that capture the essence of komorebi.

"Oh! Look at that! This artwork is amazing! It's hard to tell which are paintings and which are photographs." Miyuki quickly walked over to the wall displaying the art as the rest of the group sat down at a nearby table.

"I thought you might like that." Kaori mused.

Though seated with the others, Kazuki was also looking at the wall. Or, more specifically, he was watching Miyuki's reaction to it. He had never seen her so uninhibited, her usual poise momentarily overshadowed by pure, childlike wonder. It was a stark contrast to the composed demeanor she typically wore, one that was undoubtedly influenced by her family's status and the accompanying expectations. The sight was endearing, revealing a side of Miyuki that seemed so genuine and untouched by societal pressures. It was as if, for a brief moment, the weight of her lineage and prestige had fallen away, leaving behind only unbridled joy and curiosity.