The Café Between Worlds

It was late—well, as late as it ever got in a place where time didn’t really exist—and the café had finally settled into a calm rhythm. After the earlier mishap with the ghostly violinist, things had thankfully gone more smoothly.

Ai sat at one of the tables, her eyes closed as she softly sang the lullaby again, her voice filled with all the love she had never gotten to express to her children. The café glowed with a soft, ethereal light, as if it was responding to her emotions.

Ren and Kazuha watched quietly, not wanting to disturb the moment. The air seemed to hum with a gentle warmth, and for a brief moment, it felt like they were standing in a space that transcended both life and death.

As Ai finished the lullaby, the light in the café pulsed softly, then gradually faded. She opened her eyes, and though her expression was calm, there were tears glistening on her cheeks.

Ren walked over, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Do you think it worked?"

Ai nodded, wiping away the tears. "I… I believe it did. I could feel them… my children. It was as if they were right there with me. I hope… I hope they know now that I love them, that I never wanted to leave them."

Kazuha smiled gently, taking a seat beside Ai. "I’m sure they felt it. Love like that… it doesn’t just disappear. It lingers, even in the hardest times."

Ai took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing for the first time since she had arrived at the café. "Thank you… both of you. I don’t know how I could ever repay you for this."

Ren chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, we’re just doing our job. Besides, helping a famous idol is a pretty cool story to add to the list."

Kazuha grinned. "Yeah! And if you ever get bored of the afterlife, you could always come back and help out around here. We could use some more star power."

Ai laughed softly, the sound light and free, as if a great weight had been lifted from her. "I might just take you up on that offer. But for now… I think I’m ready to move on. I can feel that it’s time."

Ren and Kazuha both stood, watching as a soft, glowing light began to envelop Ai. It was warm and welcoming, a sign that she was finally at peace.

"Goodbye, Ai," Ren said, his voice filled with warmth. "I hope you find happiness, wherever you’re headed next."

Ai smiled, the glow around her growing brighter. "Thank you… for giving me the chance to say goodbye. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me."

With those final words, the light around Ai intensified, then slowly faded away, taking her with it. The café returned to its usual quiet, though the warmth she had brought lingered in the air.

Ren and Kazuha stood in silence for a moment, both feeling the bittersweet emotions that always came with helping a lost soul find peace.

Kazuha finally broke the silence with a soft chuckle. "Well, that was one heck of a night."

Ren nodded, smiling. "Yeah… but we did it. Another soul at peace."

Kazuha stretched, yawning. "I think we deserve a break after that. How about we close up shop and get some rest?"

Ren grinned, already heading toward the door to flip the sign. "Sounds like a plan. Let’s call it a night."

As they prepared to leave, Ren couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. The afterlife was full of challenges and mysteries, but with Kazuha by his side, he knew they could face anything—even the most tragic of stories.

And as they locked up the café and stepped out into the peaceful night, Ren found himself looking forward to whatever—or whoever—came through their door next.