There Lies Love

Hayahiko and I take our seats in silence and look away from each other. Even after we place our food orders, neither of us has said anything. This is really uncomfortable; I need to do something, anything. That’s right. There was another topic that I really wanted to ask him.

“Do you mind if I ask about what your high life goals are? Sorry, I’m curious.” I try to break the ice.

Hayahiko takes a moment to collect his thoughts it seems. “I want to become a doctor. When I graduate high school, I’m going to try to get into Tokyo University.”

“That does sound difficult.” I’m a little stunned in the face of such a massive undertaking. I’ve never really had a life goal that required much struggle. All I ever wanted in life was to graduate normally and become a housewife. Live a simple life without much effort. Hayahiko is so cool.

“I don’t know if I can accomplish it myself. I’m a top student at our school but I’m not the best. That’s why I always go straight home after school to study.”

Hota speaks up from my bag. “He was all work and no play when I met him. He nearly wouldn’t make a contract with me. The thing that got him was the fact that you arrive back in your world the same second you left so no time is wasted.” Hayahiko gives an embarrassed laugh.

“I see. That’s why you wanted to try having some fun in this world.”

“Yeah. I don’t usually eat out at restaurants either. My family believes in me so much that they are trying to save every last coin for my tuition. They even want me to go to a fancy high school in downtown Tokyo, but I don’t want to be away from them for so long. Tokyo University is already going to be far from here.” That must be why he suggested we go eat out for dinner.

Our food arrives piping hot and fresh. You can see the steam rising from our dishes. I ordered an udon bowl while Hayahiko ordered some deep fried meat plate. It looks delicious as expected, but an idea hatches in my mind. I stop the waitress before she leaves and order some more side dishes. I should have enough in my wallet for all these extras.

“Tonight you should enjoy yourself then! Let’s have a small feast! This world is like a dream to you, so there’s no reason not to! My treat to celebrate all the hard work you’ve done so far.”

“What? No, I couldn’t! At least let me pay for half! It was my idea to go out to eat in the first place!” Hayahiko waves his hands by his face. He’s just not good at accepting compliments. It’s good to be humble but I want to treat him!

The waitress comes over with part of my order. “You kids are so cute. At least let him pay for half. You’ve got to protect his masculinity as part of being a proper lady, you know?” I relent but only because she’ll probably throw my money down my shirt if I try to pay for all of it.

Our table is covered in small dishes. Hayahiko looks really happy trying out all of the food. Of course, I help myself to some as well. I’m glad I get to share this moment with him. We take our time enjoying idle chatter along the noise of the other patrons.

I raise my glass of water. “A toast to Hayahiko and his future doctor job!”

“But I don’t know if I’m going to get there yet. I might not pass the entrance exams.”

“Don’t worry. I believe you can do it. I know you will. No matter how you get there.”

He smiles while looking down at his glass. His bashful face is nice as well. After a second, he raises his water and toasts mine. “To a bright future for both of us.”

We finished up our small feast and leave the restaurant. I managed to pay half the bill despite Hayahiko’s protests. It was already late evening when we stepped outside. The sky was turning purple. It seemed like there were less people on the streets as well.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been out this late in my school uniform before. I hope the police don’t arrest us.” He says while touching the sleeve of his jacket.

I don’t know if that’s a legitimate fear or him just being overly cautious. “Well we better hurry over to that café, then. How far is it from here?”

“Not very far. About a ten minute walk that way.” Hayahiko points down the road and starts leading me.

We walk down the main road and then turn into a narrow dirt path. There is more foliage on the side of the road but also less light. Hayahiko tells me we’re almost there. It really feels like an adventure. I’m kind of exicited to see the place. A few more steps and I can hear music coming from one of the shops. That’s probably it.

Hayahiko stops in front of a small storefront with a canopy lined with vines. The sign out front mentions being ‘a nice place to drink coffee while enjoying the latest music.’ It’s decorated with some music notes. “This is the place. I hope Keiko is there and we’re not too late.”

We step through the door but my eyes have to adjust. Inside, it’s dimly-lit and almost sepia colored. It’s cramped with people drinking or talking. There are only a few tables but all of them are occupied mostly by adults. In front of the large jukebox in the corner is a few tiles of flooring. It’s probably supposed to be a dance space though I don’t think it can fit more than two people. Currently the jukebox is playing a slower jazz song that I’ve never heard before. The sound quality is lower than I’m used to but it gives the place a quaint, nostalgic feel.

A young girl’s sudden burst of laughter catches my attention. I turn my head to find Keiko and her usual group of girls still in uniform crowding around a table full of various drinks. They are all smiling and look like they are having a great time. Yumiko abruptly notices the two of us and smiles.

She waves her hand inviting us over. “Runa! And Hayahiko, too! Come join us!” The girls make noises of greetings and shuffle to try to make room. They are all so friendly.

We squeeze in to take a seat and Yumiko immediately starts questioning us. She leans over to me. “Wow, I didn’t know you and Hayahiko were dating, Runa! Are you trying to make him let loose a little or was this his idea?”

“No, we’re not dating! Um…”

“She was on the way here and I ran into her. I wanted to check this place out so I asked if I could come along too. I hope I’m not being a bother.” Hayahiko cleverly leaves out certain details like our dinner together. That would really make it seem like we’re dating. So he does know what he’s doing. A question starts burning in the back of my mind. What does he really think of me?

Keiko speaks up. “I didn’t know you had a bad streak in you, man. You always seemed stuck-up since you barely talk to anyone but it turns out you’re actually pretty cool.”

“Aw, he isn’t stuck-up. He’s just really hard-working! It’s good to take a break every now and again. It’s good that you’re here.” Yumiko says as she pours some tea for him. She defends him as she is in the same class as him after all. Looks like Hayahiko had a bit of a mixed reputation in school. He has a flustered smile on his face. I bet it must be a little awkward being the only boy in a large group of girls.

The girls start talking about the latest gossip around school. It’s not long before a boy in a smart looking turtleneck pops in behind Keiko. “I reserved the next song just for you, Keiko. It’s that English one we both like. Will you dance with me for it?” This must be Makoto. Keiko is not amused and doesn’t even look at him.

“I’ve never danced with you and I never will, Makoto.” Keiko scowls. She would probably kick him if we were outside.

“I love that wild streak about you. No other girl has the same fire you do. I’m not giving up that easily, I hope you know.” Keiko still pays him no attention but her face is looking a little blushed.

Another girl raises her hand. “I’ll dance you with, Makoto! It would be a waste of a song.”

“What kind of man would I be to turn down a girl’s sincere request? Sure, I’ll be waiting for you.” Instead of leaving, he pulls up another chair next to Keiko. He tries to put his hand on hers and she punches his arm rather hard. He rubs his arm but his smile to her never falters.

“I wanted to ask you if you wanted to go to the festival with me tomorrow.”

“I’m going to the festival, but not to be with you. I was going to go with my friends.”

“Great! I’ll meet you there. I have something special in store for us. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I promise that I want nothing more than to make you happy. You don’t want a stereotypical man who takes you for granted. You want someone that will really listen and respect you. That’s the kind of man I am. ” Keiko is clearly blushing at this point and I want to laugh. What kind of smooth lines is this middle schooler trying to pull here? Where did he learn this? This is the kind of cringe that a real fourteen year old would think sounds suave.

A faster paced English song comes on the jukebox. It’s one that I’ve heard many times before; it’s still pretty popular in my time. Makoto and the girl get up to the small dance floor. Keiko is tapping her hand on the table while drinking. It seems like she really did like this song.

Yumiko motions to me again. “Runa, I reserved the song after this. Do you want to dance with me?”

“Sure, I’d love to.”

She turns to Hayahiko. “You dance with us too! I’ll drag you up there myself if you say no!”

Hayahiko chokes on his drink. “No, really I’m ok. I don’t dance.”

But Yumiko is a strong girl. When the next song starts playing she gets up and starts pulling on his arm, practically lifting him out of his seat. He follows her reluctantly, probably not wanting to make a scene. I follow close behind. I can’t believe this is happening.

The song is another popular jazzy English song that I recognize. We are crammed into a space such that we can’t even make a step. Yumiko seems like she’s used to this though and starts grooving. Hayahiko looks completely out of his element and barely moves his arms. He’s so stiff he looks like a robot. I giggle and try to dance in the limited space. I’m having a great time and hope he is, too, even if he doesn’t look like it.

After the song Hayahiko looks like he’s just ran a mile. It must have taken a lot out of him. Another boy in plain clothing and glasses is suddenly by our table, when did he get here? He’s breathing heavily like he ran here but his posture is straight. He must be trying to look composed. I notice it’s Minoru!

“Keiko, will you go to the festival with me?” He states with no warning.

Makoto smirks at him. “Too late, man. I already asked her out first.” Minoru stiffens and his eyes grow wider. His fists are closed. He must be feeling such strong emotions.

“I didn’t say I’m going with you! I just said I’m going to the festival with friends already!” Keiko yells. Her face is red.

Minoru softens up. “I was worried I’d be too late. I didn’t think you’d say yes but I’m happy to hear you’re going with your friends already. I’ll try to meet you there.” He’s totally ignoring Makoto now.

“Hey, man, didn’t you hear me? I asked her first so you don’t have a chance. I won’t let you talk to her so easily.”

Minoru turns to leave, still ignoring hm. “I have to get home before my parents know I snuck out. I just ran outside wanting to talk to you. I’m glad I was right in thinking you were here.” Then he’s gone just as fast as he came in.

Keiko bangs her head on the table and the drinks clatter. The girls are in a flurry of emotion as well. Makoto looks rather annoyed still looking towards the door. Tonight was quite the night.