Take Two
One would have thought that the bed would have been large enough for us not to have even noticed each other had we not wanted to.
That hadn’t been what I’d been thinking when we had gone to bed, but it soon was.
Rei turned out to be a very difficult person to have to sleep anywhere near. I would never admit such a thing, but I was amazed that someone like her was able to flail around as much as she did.
It wasn’t as if she was having bad dreams. Or any dreams as far as I could tell.
At one point I decided that I had to sneak out of the bed and dig through the various cupboards to find some extra blankets to construct a sort of wall between the two of us. It did mean that I had to give up the covers because she would have rolled straight under my defences had I not been on top of them.
To say that she was confused by what she discovered when we woke up in the morning was an understatement.
“What have you been doing?” She asks, looking at my makeshift shelter. “And why wasn’t I involved in any of it?”
“Because I didn’t need to see what you were capable of when you’re half awake,” I reply. “How do you put so much energy into claiming the entire bed when you’re fast asleep?”
“Ah,” she says. “I’m sorry about whatever that was. I’ve gotten used of having this massive thing to myself. Somehow, my body just knows when the edge is getting too close. Guess I haven’t had time to re-adjust to the company.”
“I managed to survive,” I reply. “It was close at one point, but I managed to finish construction just in time.”
“So it would seem,” Rei says as she topples my little defence line. “We should start getting ready. Don’t want to waste any time waiting around.”
“I thought you enjoyed a late and lazy breakfast?” I say, thinking back to yesterday.
“Not when there are things to do,” Rei replies, looking at me as if I’m insane. “I had nothing to do but wait then. Today, we’ve got places to me.”
It makes sense coming from Rei, but I’m sure most people would be puzzled by the way she understands things.
“You’re right,” I say. “Guide me through the schedule you must have ready in your head.”
“It’s nothing like that,” she replies. “We’ve got somewhere to be, so we need to get there. What happens after that comes later. We can figure that out once we’re there.”
I can’t really expect her to have any idea about what we might do once we get to my place, so I don’t continue with that conversation. The two of us get busy with getting dressed so that we can join the others who are probably already up if the occasional sound that reaches us is anything to go by.
We change quickly. Rei into her next colourful and eye-catching outfit and me back into yesterday’s clothes. Rei offers to lend me something, but I refuse. Her stuff doesn’t quite fit me, which was fine for the night, but I’d rather not spend the day in something that would attract attention even if it wasn’t so ill-fitting.
We then head out into the hall and see that Giichi and his parents are already eating. All of them seen to be wearing the same things as yesterday, though I put that down to their style choices rather than a lack of wardrobe options.
“Morning,” Kenichi says and Tomoko signs something that no-one bothers to translate. The situation doesn’t require it.
“I already ordered something for you,” he says to me. “Your diet means we don’t really have anything on hand for you. It’s nothing exotic or fancy because I didn’t want to wake you just to see what you wanted.”
“Thank you,” I say as we both head over to join them.
Sure enough, what’s on offer is very similar to what dad has been making for me. I didn’t expect them to do anything for me, so it’s a pleasant surprise.
“I’m guessing you’ll want to get back home,” he says to me. “Daisuke can take you, but you’ll have to wait until he gets back. I’m afraid that us getting to work on time will have to come first.”
“Of course,” I say. “You’ve already done plenty for me. I wouldn’t expect you to inconvenience yourself like that for me.”
“I could get you a taxi,” he says, half to himself. “Whatever would work best for you.”
“I’ll wait,” I say firmly. “We’ve got things to do anyway.”
“Yeah,” Rei interrupts. “I’m going to head over to her place for the day. Tonight, as well.”
“Oh,” he replies. “And will you be rejoining us tomorrow?”
He’s not at all thrown by her statement and is already trying to plan ahead. Giichi is now signing for his mother, and she seems equally level-headed.
“I think so,” Rei replies. “I wasn’t going to take all my stuff anyway, so I’d have to come back anyway.”
“It would be unpleasant hauling all of that around,” Kenichi agrees. “You could also head back to Yamaku with Giichi. You could also join them with a little detour.”
This last part is addressed to me, and I now feel a bit of pressure with all their eyes on me.
“That would be a great idea,” Rei says. “Get us all back together for a road trip across the country.”
“I’d have to see about that,” I reply. “I’ve already made enough sudden decisions this holiday that I think my parents should hear about any others before I make them.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Kenichi replies. “Don’t feel as if I’m pushing you into something. I just suggest these things as they come to mind. The final decision is up to you.”
He really seems to be a nice man. Where does his fearsome reputation come from?
“I hope the two of you have fun with whatever plans you’ve concocted,” Giichi says. “Will anyone else be getting involved in your adventures?”
“Yes,” I reply. “Rei can meet some of my friends while she’s around at my place.”
I don’t want to go into too much detail and involve his parents in a conversation they don’t need to be part of, so I’m keeping it as vague as possible.
“That’s great to hear,” he says. “Won’t that be fun, Rei. I’m sure you’ll have a great time getting to know them.”
Rei has clearly put it together that Giichi knows a lot more than he should about what’s been going on between the two of us, but she’s also resolved not to share more than necessary.
“Of course,” she replies. “If only you could be there to see it. I’m sure it would be wonderful to involve you.”
“Don’t you want to go with them?” Kenichi asks. “Or is it not really possible?”
“I doubt they really need to have me tag along,” he replies. “I’m sure they want to do whatever it is they do when I’m not around.”
“I’m sure,” his father responds. “You don’t always want to have a boss hanging around all the time, even if you are on good terms.”
A very interesting way to put that. Apparently, the work environment is never far from his mind if that’s the conclusion he reaches. I would have expected him to turn to the idea of a boy having to put up with being overwhelmed by a bunch of girls.
Then again, he could be just as serious about life as Giichi is. Personal feelings may not be his highest priority.
“The two of us should get out of your hair,” he continues. “I don’t want to hold you back just so that I can pick your brains. You should get ready, and Daisuke will be back in no time.”
The two of them keep to their word and leave soon after.
“You won’t have too much time to get your things together,” Giichi says. “He’ll be back for you in about half an hour.”
“Give us a moment,” Rei says. “We’ll have everything we need long before that.”
“Are you sure?” Giichi says sarcastically. “I’m sure you’ll end up taking far more that you need to. I saw how heavy those suitcases were when you arrived.”
“I’ll only need the essentials,” Rei replies. “And a few extra outfits in case anything happens while I’m gone.”
I should approve of her preparedness for any accidents, but I’m more worried about the idea that several changes of clothes may be needed.
“We’re not doing anything crazy,” I interrupt. “So, you don’t need to be too well prepared.”
“I’ll take your advice into consideration,” Rei responds, and I have to accept that I’m not going to get anything more from her.
When Daisuke does return, it’s Giichi that lets us know. He’s really mastered the art of communicating with the driver without me seeing how he does it.
“I’ll let you two out,” he says. “I sort of have to.”
He leads us to the elevator and waits for us to board with Rei’s small, but bulging, bag. Once we’re on, he swipes his card, presses the button and steps back out of the elevator before it has time to close.
I’m about to say something before he cuts in.
“See you both again.”
The door then slides shut and we set off on our downwards journey.
“He got us there,” Rei says. “Should have seen it coming though.”
“And I’d almost forgotten how abrupt he can be,” I reply. “He’d been almost normal the entire time we were there.”
“Maybe he just had to remind you to stay on your toes?” she suggests. “Don’t get comfortable and all that?”
It’s possible, but I think Giichi just wanted to get a prank in on us as we left. I wonder what happens if the elevator has to make a stop on its journey.
Luckily, we don’t have to find out as we reach the carpark without picking up anyone else. The doors slide open, and I can see Daisuke waiting in the exact same place as he had been yesterday.
The doors are already open as he steps forward.
“Let me take those for you,” he says as he reaches for our things.
“Thank you,” Rei says as she hands over her bag and heads for the closest seat.
“Dibs on this one,” she calls back. “Around you go.”
I do as she suggests and we’re soon buckling ourselves in place as Daisuke takes his place behind the wheel.
“It should be another pleasant journey,” he says to us. “Not much traffic heading in this direction.”
He knows so much about his destinations and the routes he’s going to take. There must be something up there that clues him in on all of it.
“Doesn’t mean we should waste any time,” Rei calls back. “Floor it.”
“I’ll do no such thing,” he replies. “I may be your driver, but I work for Mr Nakamura.”
“That’s no fun,” Rei says with a mock pout. “I thought he might have been the kind of guy who’d bend the rules.”
I have no idea where she got that idea from but, if you try it with everyone, maybe you’ll get lucky eventually.
Now that does seem to be a plausible explanation for Rei’s attempt.
We make our way out of the underground parking and along the road at a much more sensible speed than Rei might have wished for. Even so, the journey goes by swiftly and I start to recognize things as we get closer and closer to home.
Soon enough, we pull to a stop at home, and I clamber out before turning to see if Rei needs any help.
It looks like she doesn’t, as she’s already pulled herself along the back seat and is swinging her legs out of the car. With her hand on the car body, she pulls herself upright and out of the car.
While I watch this, Daisuke has already gone around the car and pulled Rei’s bag out and is now standing next to us.
“Would you like any more help with this?” He asks.
“I don’t think so,” Rei says, reaching out towards the bag. “You can just hand it over.”
He does just that, and I can’t help but feel that Rei should have accepted his help. The bag is clearly heavy enough that holding it in one hand is difficult. I suppose that I can’t expect Rei to give up all her less helpful quirks just because I’ve convinced her to let me choose who I associate with.
The two of us watch as Daisuke gets back in his car and heads off out of sight before we turn to each other.
“Here we are,” I say. “Not quite what Giichi has to offer, but it’s home.”
“Don’t even try to compare something like that,” Rei replies. “Nobody can match that kind of living. We’re back in the realm of normality now.”
At least Rei is admitting that. She just seemed to find it rather amusing when we were there.
“I cleared it all with my parents,” I say. “But they won’t be here to meet you, so you’ll have to wait till evening for that.”
“The tragedy of work,” Rei replies, more to herself than to me. “How long until that’s us as well?”
“Don’t start on that,” I say. “Now let’s get inside.”
Once I’ve got Rei up to my Room, I offer her some space in my cupboard in case she wants to stop anything she has in that bag from creasing.
She quickly takes me up on my offer and I’m soon faced with a two sets of clothes that anyone would be able to see did not belong to the same person.
“I think I might have to find somewhere else to sleep though,” I say, looking at my bed.
It’s much smaller than the one we shared last night.
“You worry to much,” Rei says. “I’ll be fine in a new bed. That one was just out of the ordinary.”
I’m sceptical about that, but I’ll have to wait and see. Whatever happens, I’ll still have some extra bedding on hand in case I need to make a run for it.
“I suppose I’ll give you the grand tour,” I say. “Though it’s not going to be as good as yours.”
“Lead the way,” Rei says. “I still need to know where everything is.”
I take Rei around and show her where my parent’s room, bathroom, and spare room are. Downstairs, I show her the kitchen, dining room, family room, and toilet.
“That’s it,” I say. “Now you know where everything is.”
“Great,” she replies. “Now I won’t wander where I’m not supposed to.”
I’m not entirely sure how she plans to wander in here anyway.
“Can we get things moving though,” she continues. “I know that you’ve got plans in mind and goals that you want to achieve, so let’s get to it. I’ve got someone to make up with.”
“I’m glad you’re so willing to get to that,” I say smiling, though it’s less at her willingness to do this and more at the idea that she wants to get through it as soon as possible. “I’ll just have to check in with her first. Don’t want to surprise her by just showing up unannounced. She might throw something at you.”
“I thought the two of you worked through this?” She says hesitantly. “That seems like a rather extreme line to take.”
“I’m sure she’ll be just as unimpressed by my idea as you are,” I say. “And don’t try to argue with me on it. I can tell that you’re only doing this for my sake.”
“Yeah,” she says slowly. “I suppose I can’t really hide that after everything we went over yesterday. But you wouldn’t be doing this if you didn’t think there was at least a chance of it working out.”
“Exactly,” I reply heading towards the phone. “The two of you are going to play nice and by the end of it, I’m sure you’ll at least be able to stand each other.”
“Sounds wonderful,” Rei mutters as I start to dial Ritsuko.
I laid everything out to Ritsuko over the phone and she was finally forced to hesitantly accept what was going to happen. It seems like she had hoped to avoid actually having to go through with this, but my determination was something that could not be stopped.
With that, we’re off to her house. I’m determined not to waste a moment.
Once we’re standing at Ritsuko’s front door waiting for her to answer, I turn to Rei.
“She’s just like anyone else at Yamaku,” I say. “You don’t judge them by their disabilities, so it doesn’t even matter that she doesn’t have one.”
Rei doesn’t have time to answer as Ritsuko opens the door.
“Morning Hatsumi,” she says. “Morning Rei.”
Definitely less excitement in the later greeting.
“Morning Ritsuko,” Rei replies.
“See,” I say. “We’re off to a good start already. Now let’s get going. I’m not going to keep the two of you couped up in anyone’s house. We’re going to get moving.”
“Where to?” They both ask in unison.
“I’m not sure yet,” I reply. “We’ll see where things take us and what the mood calls for.”
I want things to evolve as they go. Having anything set in stone won’t help me adapt to whatever might happen as the day goes on.”
“Then I guess we’ll have to follow you,” Ritsuko says. “Can’t take the lead if even you don’t know what you want to happen.”
I set off away from the house and the two of them fall in either side of me. It really is the truth that I haven’t thought about where we might go. We’ll have to stop somewhere for lunch, but that’s still a while away. Until then I’ll be happy with leading them to the occasional shop or small park until something catches my eye.
“I might as well get started as I’m sure the two of you don’t know where to begin,” I say. “Both of you have equally reasonable, but unfair, problems with each other. I’ve also had the same talk with both of you to get past those issues. Now that I’ve had you both alone, it’s time for you to make up.”
There’s a moment of silence.
“I’ll choose one of you to start,” I say. “So, get moving.”
Ritsuko decides to be the one to speak up first.
“Rei,” she begins. “I don’t know your full story, but I may have overstepped with my beliefs about who you are. I wasn’t thinking as well as I should have, and I held things against you that I shouldn’t have.”
“And now you,” I say.
“I based my views of you on someone else,” Rei says. “It was unfair for me to treat you as if you were them, so I’ll try not to fall back into that trap.”
“See,” I say. “Both of you misunderstood each other. Which is stupid, because I think that you’re actually quite similar.”
I can feel them both looking at me.
“You’re also very different,” I admit. “But you wouldn’t both be here if I didn’t see at least some of the same qualities in both of you.”
“Thanks,” Rei says. “But I think you should stop being the therapist. I don’t need one of my friends knowing more about my feelings than I do.”
“Same,” Ritsuko says. “Can we stop with the digging into peoples minds and just act like what we are? Kids on holiday.”
“If you think my analyses aren’t needed any more,” I reply.
“I think they aren’t,” Rei says, and Ritsuko nods.
“Great,” I reply. “Then let’s do just that.”
The two of them definitely seem to be in agreement over this point. It’s wonderful to see them united on something for the first time.
“Are you really interested in law?” Rei asks as she decides to be the one to move the conversation along. “Or has Giichi turned you away from that path?”
“No, he hasn’t,” Ritsuko replies. “Though he has left me with some interesting moral questions to ponder. Do you have any idea what firm his father is involved in? I’d really like to know what experience he was talking from.”
Rei doesn’t speak up to answer this and I assume that she’s just as clueless about it as I am.
“I don’t think either of us knows that,” I reply. “Though, I know his name if that helps? Kenichi Nakamura?”
“What?” Ritsuko asks, stunned.
“You know him then?” I ask. “Guess you might have come across him at some point if you were looking into law, but I didn’t expect that response. Is he famous?”
“I suppose lawyers aren’t really famous. Outside of the legal world anyway. But yes, I’ve heard of him. His firm is one of the biggest in Japan,” she says.
I guess that shouldn’t really be a surprise given what I’ve seen and heard of him.
“I mean, he’s in the running for being the richest lawyer in the world,” Ritsuko continues. “He’s something of a legend.”
“Really?” Rei asks. “He seems pretty normal to me. What makes him so special?”
“He’s very good at his job,” Ritsuko replies. “Most people who get that wealthy off of law do it with massive class action lawsuits. One of those can set you up for life. He’s a defence attorney though, which makes him an abnormality. The investments he must make, along with his fees and retainers, are monumental.”
“But what can you tell us about him?” I ask. “I get that there’s plenty of money involved, but what do you actually know about him?”
“He isn’t a very public figure,” she admits. “But his name comes up very quickly when you start looking a bit. He’s a role model for anyone who wants to follow in his footsteps.”
“What is strange is that he has a nickname that I’ve never really understood,” Ritsuko continues.”
“Oh,” Rei says. “Maybe we can enlighten you since we’ve met the man.”
“It’s got something to do with how he won’t let go of any thread he can find that might tear a prosecutor’s case apart. He’s called the terrier, but I don’t think it’s a very good name.”
“I think it’s excellent!” Rei says with a laugh. “Don’t you?”
She’s looking at me and I can definitely see what she loves about it.
“What’s so funny?” Ritsuko asks.
“Kenichi must have an excellent PR team if, in all your research, you’ve never seen how short he is,” Rei answers. “The man is tiny.”
“What?” she replies. “I’ve never seen that. He looks perfectly normal in any picture I’ve seen.”
“Well, my point stands then,” Rei says. “Right Hatsumi?”
“He is short,” I admit. “Although I don’t know how that can be snuck past anyone.”
“That’s so cruel,” Ritsuko says. “So, they’re just making fun of him with that name?”
“I’m sure some people are,” Rei replies. “But he must be fine with it, otherwise I’m sure it would have stopped long ago. You say he’s quite special. There are ways to squash things like that.”
“Yes,” Ritsuko replies. “But I don’t think it’s usually that successful.”
“Then he’s just being practical,” I say. “He also seems like someone who would enjoy the joke.”
“It really is unfair that you’re the one who gets to know him,” Ritsuko laments. “You really don’t seem interested in going anywhere near the profession.”
“I’m sure things will work out for you,” I say. “I doubt he’d just take a friend of his son’s friend on as an apprentice anyway. There must be a process for things like that.”
“I’d say so,” Rei agrees. “I’m sure you’ll find someone to help you on your way.”
Ritsuko does look hopeful and it’s good to see that Kenichi is a topic that seems to have brought them together a little.
“How about we make a stop over there?” I suggest.
The two of them look over and see the park I’m pointing at. It’s nothing like the ones I’ve been to these past few days, more like your traditional neighbourhood park with swings and a climbing frame.
I’ve suggested it because it seems to be less busy that the few we’ve passed so far. Maybe there aren’t many kids around here?
“I’ll be taking one of the swings,” Rei says. “And don’t call it childish. There’s no reason anyone should stop enjoying a good set of swings. Even when they’re old.
“Why not,” Ritsuko says, shrugging. “You willing to give both of us a push?”
“I better get a turn if you’re both going to do it,” I say.
“You will,” Ritsuko replies. “You’ll just have to wait because you were to slow on the uptake.”
That’s fair. With only two swings it should be first come, first serve.
We all head over into the park and soon the two of them are swinging with the occasional push from me. I’m pretty sure that Rei was looking to get into a competition over how high they could go, but Ritsuko doesn’t rise to the bait, so she calms down.
“I should petition the Student Council to get a few of these back at Yamaku,” Rei says. “It would be a great addition.”
Somehow, I can actually see those two agreeing to something like that. Even if it might not be the most logical idea. It’s the kind of fun they seem to like.
Now that I think about it, I wonder how they get on with Rei? She seems to have just as much energy as Misha while being equally sharp and mischievous as Shizune. It’s honestly strange that they don’t spend more time together. Maybe Giichi and Shizune’s ‘feud’ gets in the way of things?
“I think I’ll let you have a turn,” Ritsuko says. “It’s fun to re-live the past, but it’s not quite what it used to be. Have a go and see what you think.”
Once we’ve swapped places, I agree that it’s not exciting to be swinging backwards and forwards. That doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying it. They motion is quite peaceful. It almost feels like its time to reflect on things as I sway there.
“It has it’s appeal,” I say. “Just different to how it used to be.”
“Good enough for me,” Rei replies.
Shall we head somewhere to get something to eat?” Ritsuko asks. “We might have to do a bit of walking though. We’re a bit out of the way. I think?”
We do indeed spend some time walking before we arrive at the closest mall. I know that there will be several restaurants in there even if I’m not exactly sure what they are.
As we head past the various stores and the occasional restaurant, I spot one that might work. It will be a nice treat to try some Yakiniku.
“Maybe we can try that place,” I say. “I’m sure it’s been a while since any of us went somewhere like it.”
“You’re right about that,” Ritsuko says. “But it might be a bit pricey. I don’t know if I brought that much money.”
“Let’s at least check out the menu before we skip it,” Rei says. “I’d like to have some as well.”
Going over to the window and looking in at what’s on offer, I can see that it is a bit pricey. It’s not overly expensive, but the price is to be expected when so much meat is on the table.
“I think we can manage that,” Rei says. “I think I’ll be eating the most anyway, so I’ll be responsible for most of the bill.”
I’m not sure whether that’s true or if she’s simply displaying her typical lack of care about the cost of things. Whichever it is, it seems to encourage Ritsuko to agree on heading inside.
The place is very much what you’d expect when it comes to Yakiniku. Plenty of tables, each with their own little grill in the middle. The place stretches back much further than I expected so there’s far more space than I would have guessed from the outside.
A waiter comes over to us and leads us towards a table about halfway through the room, before handing us our menus and retreating to give us time to look through them.
“I think we can avoid all the extras and sides,” Rei says. “I come to places like this for one reason.”
She flips her menu away from the various salads and seafoods so that she can focus on the page that is covered in various slices of meat. They come in all kinds of cuts and qualities. Some of them I recognise, others are cuts that I’d have no hope of explaining where they came from.
“Obviously we have to get some of this wagyu,” she says. “I mean look at it. Some of this as well. I’d like to see if we can all tell the difference.”
“I think I’ll stick to choosing one thing,” Ritsuko says, clearly not wanting to blow everything she has on one meal.
“Very well,” Rei replies. “The two of you can decide which one you want to order. The whole point is to share though, so get something different to me.”
We do all settle on what we want to order before the waiter returns. We give him our drinks order as well as the meats we want. It’s upped to five dishes as Rei adds another to it.
“I couldn’t resist,” she says as the waiter walks away.
“It’s a bit much though?” Ritsuko says. “Don’t you think?”
“Frankly, I could have chosen some more,” she replies. “But then I’d be wasting food.”
Ritsuko gives her a funny look and I’m suddenly worried about where this might go.
“Why do you say it like that?” She asks. “You don’t need to burn through money just because it’s there. Why don’t you save it until you need it?”
“I know it might come across as spoiled,” Rei replies. “But that will never happen. My parents have got too much money to throw at me and, when the time comes, I’ll be taking over from them. I’ll make full use of the freedom while I have it.”
I find Rei’s views on everything so fascinating. Most people would be relieved to know that there was a safety net waiting for them. With Ritsuko looking for a helping hand for the future, it’s a complete turn-about to hear someone who almost dislikes the idea that there’s a career waiting for her.
Rei can clearly see what Ritsuko is about to say, because she cuts her off.
“Don’t be too quick to judge me,” she says. “Getting a say in what you’ll do for the rest of your life is an amazing thing. I appreciate what my parents have done for me, but I can’t help but wonder where I could end up if I wasn’t destined to follow in their footsteps.”
“Can’t you make your own choices though?” I ask. “You seem very good at it.
“The business stays in the family,” she replies. “That’s the most important thing. Even I can understand that. With no-one else around, I’m the one who can carry that torch.”
It’s one of the most responsible things I’ve ever heard her say. I have to respect the loyalty to her family.
Ritsuko seems to feel the same way.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not going to have as much fun as I can along the way,” Rei concludes. “Which is why I’ll spend as much as I like when we get together for Yakiniku.”
I don’t think either of us can really argue with that sentiment, so we don’t try to. We instead sink into a moment of silence as we each contemplate the positions, we’re in and where we might end up.
I seem to have the most thinking to do. Both of my friends have a path that they intend to follow. Unlike me.
When the food arrives, I can see that we’re definitely going to be full once we’re done with it. Rei is going to need a lot of help with finishing what she ordered. The portions here are very generous.
“It’s meant to be shared,” is all she says as we begin to grill slices of meat from the plates that now surround out grill.
She’s true to her word on that and I’m somewhat certain that Rei ends up having the least of any of us. It does take some time for Ritsuko to get comfortable with what Rei has done, but she’s eventually taking whatever she wants from the plates sitting between us.
Once we finish our food and have had enough of sitting around in the restaurant, we head to the front to pay. Rei forces us to stick to our original plan of paying for what we ordered before we head out and begin to make our way back home.
The pace is somewhat slower than it was earlier thanks to us having eaten more than we should have. The conversation suffers due to the same thing. All of us feel the need to take some time to recover from what we put ourselves through.
This is another reason why you don’t try something like this too often. I’m not sure I’d be able to handle such a rich, and meat heavy meal as anything more than the occasional treat.
When we’re almost home, it’s time to say goodbye to Ritsuko as we’re about to pass her house.
“I’d suggest you come over for dinner,” I say. “But we’ll be the ones doing that tomorrow.”
“It’ll be good to have all of you over,” Ritsuko replies. “My parents have been talking about how they should have stayed in contact with yours.”
“I’m sure they’ll have a great time catching up,” I say. “We might have to find something to entertain us though.”
“I don’t know when we’ll be seeing each other again,” Rei adds on to our farewell. “But I’m glad we didn’t leave it at our Tuesday meeting. You’re not as bad as I first thought you were.”
“I’ll try to take that as a compliment,” Ritsuko says, smiling. “But I’ll say the same. It will probably take more time than the two of us have together to get used to everything about you. You’re very good at throwing me off when it comes to almost anything you’re involved in.”
“I’d say that’s part of my charm,” Rei replies. “Even if it’s not immediately apparent.”
It’s good to see that the two of them are getting on as well as could be expected. I wonder if what Rei says is a hint at how she deals with everyone. Do they need to be willing to put up with the oddities for her to put any effort into building a relationship? I’m sure it helps weed out plenty of people who might not be that serious about it, but how much complication does it cause?
Friendships are hard enough to make without you purposefully planting obstacles along the way. That’s not for me to judge though. It seems to work for Rei and whatever issues she does have seem to be manageable for the most part.
I’m pulled away from my musings as I realize that both of them are looking at me.
I should really be paying attention to what they’ve been saying.
“I’m fine,” I say. “Just thinking about how well today went.”
“Give it up already,” Ritsuko replies. “You managed to pull off your plan. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
With that she heads into her house, and I’m left standing with Rei in the street.
“You haven’t got time to reminisce yet,” she adds. “We’ve still got some things to do. We’ve got to see if I can make as good an impression on your parents as I’ve managed to do with Ritsuko.”
“You’ll be fine with them,” I reply. “And stop acting as if you’re the one who pulled everything together with Ritsuko. If I hadn’t spent half my holiday working on getting the two of you together, it never would have happened.”
“Don’t pretend that it was work,” she replied. “I’m sure you had just as much fun as everyone else around the occasional serious conversation.”
“Maybe,” I say. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to hold it over you for as long as I can.”
“Hatsumi,” she says. “You clearly don’t know me if you think you’ll be able to do anything of the sort.”
When we get back to my house, we’ve got some time to kill before my parents get home.
When they finally do, they’re happy to see that I’m back.
“I thought you might still be off having fun,” Dad says. “Glad that you’re back though.”
“And I’m guessing that this must be Rei?” Mom adds. “I’m glad to finally meet you. We’ve heard so much about you.”
“I’m guessing that not all of it has been good,” Rei says cheekily.
That throws the two of them for a moment, but Dad recovers soon enough.
“I guess things must have worked out then,” he says. “Is my daughter any good at conflict resolution?”
“I think so,” Rei replies. “Though it does come with some tense moments.”
“At least the two of you pulled through it alright,” he says.
“We saw Ritsuko today,” I add. “Everything went just fine between all of us.”
“That’s wonderful,” Mom says. “Looks like all the effort paid off. How was your stay at Giichi’s?”
“Very fun,” I answer. “Though I think that it might would take a while to get used to living like that.”
“I could imagine so,” Dad says. “It’s quite the area.”
“You need to find time to meet them,” Rei says, jumping into the conversation. They’re nothing like you’re imagining. Far more down-to-earth than most people in that position.”
“I’m sure it’s true,” Mom replies. “I can’t see Hatsumi befriending some spoiled, rich kid.”
“Mom. I’m right here,” I say.
“And I need to make sure that your friends are deserving of approval,” she answers. “From what I can see you’ve developed a rather interesting circle, though I don’t think I can really fault them.”
“I can assure you that we mean nothing but the best for her,” Rei replies. “She’s in good hands.”
“I really think that I’ve been left out of the conversation for long enough now,” I say. “Maybe we can move on from trying to judge how my life is going?”
“Of course,” Dad replies. “But don’t be surprised if it comes up again. We’ve got plenty of time to talk before the two of you go off to your room, so I’m sure we’ll swing round to it eventually.”
“I think the two of us will do that right now, while you start getting that dinner ready,” I say. “That way, I won’t have to deal with that for too long.”
“Come on,” Rei says. “I’m sure it will be fun.”
“No,” I say, heading towards the stairs. “You’re coming with me.”
“That’ll just give us more time to think about what we want to ask,” Dad calls after me.
I kind of wish that they hadn’t taken to Rei so quickly, and that she didn’t seem so ready to help them in dig into my life at Yamaku.
They might want to know about everything that’s going on in my life, but can’t they see that I must be doing well enough. Though, I suppose they can’t help it. They are my parents after all.
“They’re nice,” Rei says once we’re up in my room. “I think I could get on well with them.”
“Isn’t it convenient that your hesitancy to make friends with people doesn’t extend to my parents,” I say.
“They’re in a totally different category,” Rei replies. “If I can’t win their approval than being friends with you could become difficult.”
“And why does that only apply to them?” I ask.
“Because they’ll always be there,” she replies. “Friends come and go. Family never changes. It’s best to stay on the good side of your own, and of anyone you intend to be around.”
“So do you actually think you’d get on with them, or is it just that you’ll have to act like you do?” I ask her.
“Maybe I’ll let you in on that one day,” she replies. “Either way, you won’t be able to tell the difference. I treat anyone’s parents as well as they’ll let me.”
“I’ll have to put that to the test,” I say. “We’ll see if you can keep that up if I can get you in a room with a certain foreign couple.”
“The problem there is definitely on their side,” Rei says.
She clearly knows who I’m referring to.
“I think you might be surprised about that,” I say. “They were okay when I last met them. You just need to give them a chance.”
“Okay, okay. I get the message,” she says. “Don’t form opinions on people that you hardly know. Why do you have to be so noble about these things. Rivalries and grudges are just as big a part of school as friendships and romances.”
“You might say that, but the former isn’t nearly as good for you,” I say. “Things would go much smoother if we didn’t have them.”
“You can try that then,” Rei replies. “I think I’ll stick to the way I’ve been doing things until now. For the most part.”
Oh well. We’ll have to see how things go from here. Maybe I’ll spot some changes in her once we’re back at Yamaku.”