The car drove slowly along a small mountain path that didn't even appear on the GPS.

...Takanashi Village.

Those two words were all that remained in a note on my smartphone. I can't even remember when I wrote it. I don't know who told me about it.

And yet, the moment I saw that name, I felt a strange, inexplicable urge that I 'had to go.'

There's no reason. It's not a major tourist spot. It's not like I know anyone there.

Yet, something is whispering deep inside my chest.

—Come home.

I shake my head as if to brush the voice away. Eventually, the damp mountain wind blew in through the open car window and stroked my cheek.

It smelled nostalgic, somehow.

Even though the scenery should be unfamiliar, only the depths of my heart are stirred.

Soon, an old wooden sign came into view.

『Welcome to Takanashi Village.』

The moment I saw those words, my heart gave a great thud.

As if this village had been waiting for me all along.

A small rural landscape.

Old wooden houses stand in rows, and beyond the rice stalks swaying in the wind, an old torii gate stands solitary.

Lush trees grew along the side of the village path. They were heavily laden with reddish-black fruit. Pomegranates.

After entering the village, the first thing that caught my eye was a small building resembling a community center with a sign that read: 『Takanashi Village Office』 A slightly rusted birdcage hung from the eaves. There was no bird inside. Looking closely, empty birdcages were hanging everywhere—on utility poles and by the roadside.

As Guest looked back toward the village office, a young man was standing there. For some reason, I felt a sense of comfort, as if this wasn't the first time I'd met him.