Stepping out into the forecourt of the gargantuan transport interchange at Shibuya, Scarlet and Buttercup were introduced to the small statue of the “Hachiko Fluffy” that sat inconspicuously in a quieter corner of the forecourt. The eyes of the fluffy statue were steady and faithful, staring straight ahead, uncaring for the activity and busyness that surrounded it.

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“This statue was sculpted in memory of a fluffy named Hachiko that lived many years ago.” Haru said solemnly as he placed his hands on the smooth head of the worn statue, “Hachiko’s owner was a professor at the university. Everyday, the old man would ride the train to and from work and Hachiko would wait patiently for his master’s return like clockwork.”

Buttercup approached Hachiko and looked up at the metal fluffy who sat upon his pedestal.

“Fwiend?” Buttercup greeted the fluffy.

Haru smiled and lifted Buttercup off the ground and put him on top of the pedestal for a closer look.

“One day, the professor didn’t return from his work. He had died while giving a lesson to his students. But without fail, Hachiko would go to the same spot in the station and wait faithfully for his master’s return. Such was the love and dedication that had grown between man and fluffy. Hachiko would continue to wait for his master everyday until his own death a few years later.”

Scarlet put her hand on Haru’s shoulder, “Friends to the end?”

“Yes, friends to the end…” Haru nodded and helped Buttercup off the pedestal, “Come, let’s get some dinner. You guys must be starving.” He seemed to wipe something from his eyes, “What do you want to eat?” Haru asked the two.

“Sketties!” Buttercup exclaimed loudly.

“Spaghetti?? Ohhh…” Haru repeated with amusement, “I think there is an Olive Garden nearby, I suppose we can get some pasta there.”

“No way!” Scarlet interjected, “I did not fly halfway around the world to eat at Olive Garden! Take us somewhere good! It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it has to be good and it must be local!”

Haru took her demand seriously and glanced at the fluffy that looked expectantly at him.

“Good and local huh. Spaghetti huh…I think I know just the place for that….”