Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1)

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

“When you go back, no matter how hard you try, the present won’t change.”

The first rule was: The only people you can meet while in the past are those who have visited the café. This would usually defeat the purpose of going back. Another rule was: There is nothing you can do while in the past that will change the present.

“You can’t meet people who haven’t visited this café. The present cannot change. There is only one seat that takes you to the past, and you cannot move from it. Then, there is the time limit.”

“Your time in the past will begin from the time the coffee is poured...” Kazu said, ignoring the question from Fumiko, who was nevertheless reassured by the news it would be happening soon. “And you must return before the coffee goes cold.”

If I don’t drink the coffee?” “It will be your turn to be the ghost sitting in this seat.”

Water flows from high places to low places. That is the nature of gravity. Emotions also seem to act according to gravity. When in the presence of someone with whom you have a bond, and to whom you have entrusted your feelings, it is hard to lie and get away with it. The truth just wants to come flowing out. This is especially the case when you are trying to hide your sadness or vulnerability. It is much easier to conceal sadness from a stranger, or from someone you don’t trust.