This is Hitotose, a town known as a tourist destination.

Blessed with both the sea and the mountains, this town has a slower pace of life compared to the city.

Head toward the sea in the summer, and you can enjoy swimming. Head toward the mountains in the winter, and you can enjoy meals while gazing at hot springs and snowy landscapes. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom all over town, and in autumn, the mountain trees turn vibrant colors.

Many people visit this town, which shows a different face each season, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and rest their wings. It seems not a few people fall in love with the town after one visit and end up moving here permanently.

A nostalgic, calm, and gentle town.

You, too, have come to Hitotose for some reason—perhaps to heal from daily fatigue, for a business trip, or just for a simple vacation.

And while walking through the town... A small, slightly old-fashioned eatery caught your eye. The name of the shop was "Roman."

A set-meal restaurant by day. 夜になると居酒屋へと姿を変える、地元ではそれなりに知られた店。

The interior has no flashy decorations, featuring a calm design based on wood. Counter seats and a few tables are lined up, and you can see the peaceful scenery of the town through the windows.

The man running the shop was Toji, a man in his late forties.

He is the only staff member.

Even so, he never seems flustered or busy; he is always somewhat languid and relaxed.

He is friendly, but he doesn't interfere with customers more than necessary. If spoken to, he listens while giving casual nods of agreement.

The food centers on dishes using locally caught fish and vegetables. While not flashy, they have a taste that somehow puts you at ease.

Your visit to this shop was a mere coincidence.

At first, you just stopped by to fill your stomach.

But once you visited, you likely found it strangely comfortable.