Walk towards home

In the short span of our life, we come by many people. People who have little to no effects and people who greatly influence it. They change the trajectory we're headed to. Sometimes they come as family, friends or even as loved ones. And before we know it, they take up so much space in our heart. 

I walked side by side matching the pace of the delicate girl walking beside me. Her long smooth hair swaying from the wind that's blowing. 

You can tell it's spring without knowing the month. Mild warm day, winds playing, greenery everywhere. It's one of the liveliest seasons to experience. 

Though it's getting awkward as we both walk silently. What can I say, how are your studies going? No no that's too vague and the year just only started. What's your hobby? That's so random. I can't ask that. 

“So, how are you finding Kamakura?” Yoshino finally breaks the ice. 

“It's great. The city is less crowded. I've looked at some locations online. But I didn't get to visit yet.”

“Oh, it's only been two weeks since you came here. The golden week's soon…if you don't have any plans for the week, we all can go somewhere together. It…it's just that Kaori and I were thinking about it.”

“Yyyeah sure. I'd love to. I wanted to know the places here anyway. It would be fun if we all went there together.”

“How about we decide the place with everyone.”

“Yeah that would work.”

As we walked further. During my search for topics, a question popped up. 

“So, you've lived here since childhood?”

“Uhh, No. I used to live in Fujisawa…then moved here to my grandma's house.” She said hesitantly. 

“The commute isn't far. Especially on the train.”

“Yeah, it's just…uhh…”

Right when she was about to say something, she paused. Like her voice wouldn't come out. She looked away to find her words. Shit, I touched a subject that wasn't supposed to be opened. 

“I'm sorry, I pried unnecessarily.”

“No, that isn't the case. It's not-”

Before she could say anything, I talked back,

“Nah, it's okay.” Instantly taking a short breath I continued, 

“I am kind of an unsociable person. My schedule before high school was kind of lame. I went and studied, talked with some classmates and went home and studied again. I didn't go outside much, so the friendship never built. When they invited me, I couldn't make it. Therefore, sometimes I falter with my words when I get nervous. Though I can curse at Hideo with any given mood, that's an exception.”

Yoshino, after looking gloomy throughout my talk, gave a small laugh at the end statement. 

“Huh, that just means you two are good friends. I can kinda relate to you. I can talk more freely to Kaori than my other friends. It's just what differentiates between a friend and a best friend.

“Yeah.”

I didn't wanna talk about those things. I don't think I even said this to Hideo. Though he somewhat understands that without telling. I wanted to diverge the topic so badly that I just blurted anything that comes to mind. 

We reached the Kamakurakohan area. I can go to my house while crossing her street but that would be highly suspicious. Like I'm clinging to her or something. So instead I should take the usual straight road. 

“Uhh, we're here, I'll be goi-”

As I was about to say my regards, my phone rang. I took out my phone from my pocket and received the call, which was Hideo. Seeing that Yoshino also stopped in her tracks. 

“Yes?”

“You still haven't reached home, right?”

“Yeah, I'm in the area.”

“Can you buy some Dorayaki and Dango along the way? Mom expects me to come home early. But it seems like I'll be late. Kaori will show her piano skills to everyone.” “He's being lazy.” Ichikawa interjects.

“Alright I'll get it.” Do I have enough money? Well I'll figure something out.

“You remember the shop, don't you?”

“Yeah…9th street. Bye.”

“You have work there?” Yoshino asked as I hung up the call. 

“Yeah, you know a bakery there? I know it's on 9th street but haven't actually gone there.”

“It's just beside my home. I even know the owner. Their Dorayakis are the best.”

“Mhm. Uncle brought it one time. It was delicious. Couldn't guess that your house would be so near it.”

The taste is still lingering in my mouth. 

“Haha. Then let's go.” 

We reached outside of her home. It was a Kominka style house. Beaming with a traditional but rejuvenated feel. The bakery was just beside it. 

We went inside the bakery. The sweet aroma filled the lungs of mine. The display had colourful sweets and snacks. There was a boy standing at the cash register. 

“Hey sister. Father went home a while back. What can I get for you?”

“Not for me. But for a friend of mine.”

“Friend huh…” 

The boy stared at me for at least straight 5 seconds before I spoke up. 

“A box of Dorayaki and Dango.” 

Oh right, the money. So much for figuring something out. Though I can ask my uncle to pay online. Uhh, let's see how much I have first. I reached the left pocket of my school pants. There was only enough for one item alone. Yoshino noticed the issue I was having and offered, 

“I'll help some.”

“No, I don't wanna trouble you with this.”

“It's nothing. You can pay me tomorrow.”

“But still…”

“Mister, if you're a friend of hers then you can pay the rest tomorrow or online when you get home.” The boy cuts in. 

“Then thank you. I'll pay the rest online.”

After picking the sweets and taking a picture of the barcode, we left the shop. From here, my destination is straight ahead. 

“Thank you for accompanying me today.” I handed out a small box, which contained two Dorayaki. I secretly told the boy to pack two extra separately. Although that cost me another funky glare from him. 

“You didn't have to…Thank you.” She said as she accepted it doubtfully. 

“Well, I'm off then. I'll see you tomorrow.” 

“Yeah. Bye.” 

I waved my hand in front of my chest and started walking towards home. 

After a long sigh, I increased my pace and reached home in no time. 

“I'm home.”

“Welcome back. Oh you've brought these? Thank you.” Aunt's voice sounded weak and raspy.

“It's no biggie.”

While taking the small boxes from me, aunt asked,

“Where's Hideo?”

“He…is visiting a club. So he'll be late, that's why he sent me. Oh before I forget, uhm, I had only paid half. I told the shopkeeper that I would pay the rest online.”

“Don't worry, just tell the amount to your uncle, he'll pay it. You should also take the money from Hideo, I gave him this morning for this.”

“I will.”

“Go fresh up. Dinner's not ready yet. So help yourself with these sweets.”

“Thank you.”

After putting the shoes in the rack, I head to my room and wash my face, changing into my casual clothes. 

So uncle took leave today huh, Aunt is probably not feeling well. I went down, saw uncle in the kitchen helping in making dinner. I don't know much about cooking so I stayed away from it. 

After devouring two scrumptious chocolate Dorayaki, I went to the living room to watch some series on my phone. Shortly after, Hideo also arrived. Together we had dinner, cooked by Hideo's dear parents. 

Over the couple of days, I got used to the city and mostly school. Yoshino, Ichikawa and Hideo, we tend to eat lunch together after that day. Today was one of them. 

“There's a new cafe that opened yesterday near our school.” Hideo said. 

“Yeah. I heard the owner is a former student here.” Ichikawa replied. 

“Does that automatically guarantee us a discount?” I remarked. 

“Then he can just lower the prices for everything as most of the customers are students from here.” Yoshino responded.

“Well if it boosts his cafe then he might as well give us a coupon of sorts.” I said while closing my bento.

“Then let's go today.” Hideo suggested, stuffing the rest of the food in his mouth.

“Leave the discount to me. I'll persuade the owner with my charm.” Ichikawa said with a smirk.

“Hope it isn't some grandma who'll beat you seeing your overacting.” Yoshino said in a sophisticated manner. 

“Sun Tzu's advice might help.” I added.

For a moment everyone wondered my words then laughed in unison. 

“You're keeping the reference alive.” Ichikawa said laughingly. 

The bell rang as soon as she finished her laughter. After finishing the school hour we left the classroom together. The cafe was 5 minutes walk away from school. As we got outside the cafe, the name bewildered us. 

“What kind of name is this??”