Tokyo Days Part III: Etching Myself Onto You For All Time

The Calamity’s reach was farther than initially anticipated. As scientists around the world studied its growth and size, panicked formulas were drafted to compare original predictions. Whispers of terror echoed through stale laboratories and research centers. Calls and emails were sent across the globe in desperate hope for contradiction. That contradiction did not come. Then the remnants of governments and world leaders were notified. In Tokyo, the young friends were unaware that anything was changing beyond their currently projected doom. At the moment, it did not matter.

Several days had been spent in full commitment to the fake jobs. Every morning, the group would wake up at dawn, be fed by Rin, go to work, have lunch delivered by Rin, work until overtime projects were finished, and then return to their suite for dinner that was cooked by Rin. Through it all, Rin found herself remembering how much she once loved cooking. Rin had never settled on a fake career she wanted to pursue, instead realizing she was happy running the makeshift home, cooking for her friends, and drawing once more.

“Man, remember two years ago when you would bring us random new dishes every week?” Shiona asked as they devoured dinner on the night before their last day.

Arata and Riku let out a sigh of remembrance. Kai and Kureha did not have memories of that scenario. By then, Kai had moved to Osaka, and Kureha’s depression had caused her to shun her friends for less savory company. That year saw her get into a half dozen fights and nearly get expelled. Only after being confronted by Riku and Shiona did she shake the haze of depression and slowly start to make amends with those who actually cared for her. By the time she was finally feeling close to them once more and receiving their love, The Calamity tore through the sky.

Kureha shook the regret from her mind and let her thoughts return to the compliments being showered on Rin for tending so well to the group over the last several days.

“Rin, you really have been truly incredible through this whole trip. You are such a wonderful, tentative, nurturing person. And, without you, we wouldn’t even have the van!” said Kureha.

“To the van! To Rin!” said Arata as he held up a glass to toast.

“Kanpai!” said the group.

“I cherish you all,” Rin said with a bow.

“And I’m so proud of you. Thank you for letting me rediscover how much I loved cooking and drawing. It’s been too long,” she added.

“Well, to that end, I have a surprise,” said Kai as he stood suddenly.

“What?” asked Rin.

“I have a tattoo appointment tonight! And Rin, I’m getting your drawing tattooed on my arm,” smiled Kai.

“Whatttt?!” said the group in unison.

“Yeah! There’s a tattoo and hair parlor right by my coffee shop. I always imagined having tattoos like a Westerner. And, with no societal pressure anymore, I figured, why not? I’m getting something on each arm. And I think I’m gonna get another ear piercing,” said Kai.

“What is happening?” laughed RIku.

“Are you sure?” asked Rin.

“I mean, tattoos are permanent,” she added bashfully.

“Rin, dear, we’re all going to be dead in eight months. I am totally hyped about it,” smiled Kai.

“Damn, now I want a tattoo,” said Riku.

“Me too,” added Arata.

“I’d get your art tattooed on my wrist. It’s so cute,” agreed Shiona.

“What IS happening?” snorted Rin.

“You’re right, I loved Rin’s drawing. I’ll get it tattooed on my wrist, or… actually, Rin, you love my stomach, so I’ll get it on my stomach!” agreed Kureha.

“Appointment’s in two hours! I’m sure they can get us all in together!” said Kai.

“What are you guys talking about?!” Rin laughed as she rolled on the ground.

“Oh, this is happening,” said Shiona as she crawled to Rin and pinned her down by her wrists and kissed her neck.

“I AM SO OVERSTIMULATED RIGHT NOW!!” screamed Rin as she kicked her feet and the group laughed together.

Thus, the friends were in the parlor lobby two hours later, showing the drawings to the artist, who eyed up Rin and then leaned over to whisper something in her ear. Rin let out a squeak, then thought over his offer before nodding with an excited grin.

“What was that?” Arata asked.

“Heeeeeee… asked if y’all would be down to let me do the tattoos? If I’d be down,” said Rin.

“Really?! Hell yeahhhhhh!” howled Arata.

The others joined in joyous howls and soon Rin was practicing on a latex dummy. A few forms were signed, new needles and ink packets were selected, and Rin began to inject her friends with permanent representations of her doodles.

“Owwww! Oh my god the stomach hurts like a bitch!” laughed Kureha as the needles stabbed into her soft skin.

“I’ll kiss it later,” whispered Rin.

“Yes please!” Kureha said with a thumbs up.

Rin worked on Kai’s right arm while the actual professional created minimalist linework up Kai’s left wrist, forearm, and bicep. Kureha and Shiona enjoyed watching Kai lay there shirtless as both arms were decorated. Arata’s design was integrated into his ring finger and covered the back of his hand. Riku’s selection was etched onto his ribs.

“HOOOOOOOOLLLLLLY SHITTTTT THIS HURTS!” Riku coughed.

“Yeah dude, y’all are like picking the most painful spots, but good for you,” the tattoo artist laughed as he walked by.

“Son of a-” Riku groaned.

Kai did decide to add to his ear piercings, and Kureha found herself fascinated by another tattoo artist’s crimson hair. So she decided to dye her hair. By the time Kai’s arm was done and Rin finished with Riku’s tattoo, dye paste was being painted into Kureha’s hair.

“I’ll join!” said Shiona, who then selected a light auburn color.

“That’ll look really pretty with your skin tone,” said Arata as he sat beside Rin.

“So, you’re up,” he said.

“Me?” Rin asked in surprise.

“You have to join us. You need to get something done, too!” said Arata.

“Oh, yes!” agreed Kureha.

The tattoo artist rolled over in his chair and nodded in agreement.

“I’ll do it for free. You’re a cool kid,” he said.

The friends let out another howl of approval.

“Rin! Rin! Rin!” they chanted.

“Okay!” she agreed to their cheers.

It took her a moment to decide what she wanted, but eventually, she scrolled through her phone and found a reference photo. Her brow furrowed with focus as she sketched an idea onto a piece of paper and handed it to the artist.

“Got it. Where at?” he asked.

“Over my heart,” she replied.

The friends all leaned in close to see the reveal of her creation, but Rin shooed them away.

“It’s a surprise!” she said.

Minutes passed with Rin laying on her back in the chair as the needle went to work on her chest. Then it was done. Kureha and Shiona couldn’t leave their seats due to their hair, so Rin stood and faced them all. On her chest, over her heart, was a small, simple representation of the van. Their van.

Cheers broke out once more and Rin hugged the tattoo artist, who seemed surprised.

“It’s perfect!” she replied.

Hair color was changed and rinsed for final approval. Kureha and Shiona unveiled their new looks to the group to more cheers.

“Wow! I’ve always wanted to be with a redhead,” smiled Riku.

“Well, now you have two!” Shiona said as she jokingly cupped Kureha’s chin seductively.

“Yeah, we need to get back to the hotel. Quickly,” Riku replied with moderate seriousness.

“Agreed!” said Arata as his fingers ran along Rin’s back.

“Well if you do anything like that, keep the saran wrap on your tattoos. Don’t want infection,” said the tattoo artist as he rolled by in his chair.

“Rinse twice a day with unscented soap and apply unscented lotion. No scrubbing just use fingers. Keep it wrapped for a few days. Don’t pick at it as it peels. Use the aftercare she’s about to give you when you leave.” he rolled on and disappeared behind a door.

“Thaaaanks?...” laughed Kai.

“Well, that was a hell of a night!” said Arata as he admired his hand.

“We got tattoos?!” laughed Riku.

“We are so damn cool. I’m so proud of us,” cheered Kai.

That night, the six of them tended to one another’s art to make sure everything was done as immaculately as possible. The next morning, it was their last day at their fake jobs. Shiona had a mock presentation against a mock competitor to win marketing rights for a new tower. The friends had helped her prepare every night that week, and now that they were leaving for their final day, everyone cheered Shiona as she stepped out for work in a black pencil skirt and matching jacket.

“Good lord girl. It’s really not fair,” Rin laughed as she admired Shiona’s figure.

“I am no better than a man,” agreed Kureha.

“Neither am I,” seconded Riku.

‘Hurry home so I can see you in this again,” Rin purred as she handed Shiona her bag.

“Yes, ma’am,” said Shiona.

With that, the group set out for the train station. Minutes later, their phones all pinged alerts that they had a message from Rin. Arata opened his phone first and let out a shocked laugh and moan.

“Oh, my!” he blushed.

“What?” asked Kai as he checked his phone.

“God!!!” he snorted.

“What?” asked the other three, who immediately understood as soon as their message unlocked.

Rin had sent them a series of very much not safe for work photos to motivate them to work.

“Good luck on your last day of work, my bosses. XOXO” was the message.

Shiona drooled over the photo for a moment before responding.

“You are mine tonight. I’m going to consume you,” she replied.

“I want to join!” typed Kureha.

“Will join or watch! Preferably join!” said Arata, to which Riku and Kai responded with emphatic reactions.

“Wait for us tonight just like that. We’re all going to thank you for everything you’ve done this week,” typed Arata, who found his clothes feeling rather tight as he stood there with his friends.

“At the same time?” Rin typed.

“If that’s how you want it, of course,” replied Shiona.

“Deal, :)” replied Rin.

Arata and Shiona high-fived one another.

“Is anyone else suddenly incredibly thirsty?” Kai asked as he loosened his tie with a bewildered grin.

“Well, this day can’t end soon enough,” moaned Kureha.

“I will not be able to focus on anything else,” said Shiona as she continued to stare at her phone with ravenous eyes.

"Eyes on the prize! Win your pitch!" said Kai.

“I love Tokyo,” sighed Riku.

Their trains arrived, and the five of them were whisked away for one final day of make-believe.