CHAPTER 2: Lemon-full fortune

A WEEK HAS gone by and it's been fun hanging out with Sayu and Nao. I do consider them as my friends as we do stuff altogether like walking home, hanging out at the shrine after school and them walking me to my home as Mom and I do live relatively close to the school. Sometimes, I find myself walking around with the two of them and discovering new places, realizing how much has changed of the place. After all, it's been so long ever since I have been here. 

“Any plans this Sunday, Angea?” Nao asked as the can of coffee dropped down the vending machine. I gave the question a bit of a thought but I couldn't think of anything important that I really needed to do. 

“Not really. Why? Do you guys have plans?” Sayu smiled widely with her eyes full of excitement as she rummaged through her bag and you'd think that's the widest smile you could see from her, but no. She brought out her notebook and flipped through the pages aggressively until she stopped to show us a list of ingredients along with the cute doodles that she did. 

“You guys are going on a picnic?” I reached for Sayu’s notebook that she handed me willingly. And I can’t help but smile being greeted by her adorable artworks.

Other than a notebook, I can actually call these as like an illustration diary. Sayu draws her ‘moment’ of the day as she calls it. Every notebook has a year pertaining to her grade level. There was an illustration when I first met them both. This is much like my photo album. Some of her illustrations, I have a printed picture in my album and Sayu would sometimes borrow them to use as references to add to her notebook of moments.

“Yep. We’ll be having a picnic at Mikasa Park. They’re opening a tour on Mikasa Historic Memorial Warship.” Excitement was all over Nao's voice as she announced their plans for the weekend. I let out a silent chuckle as I raised an eyebrow at her. 

“You’re interested in warships?” The girl only scoffed at me and looked at me as if disappointed. 

“Who isn’t?” She responded with no hesitation. I shrugged my shoulders and handed Sayu’s notebook back and immediately, she took out a pencil.

“So? Are you coming with us?” I scoffed back at Nao.

“Of course I am. I haven’t been around there too much myself. It’ll be a god collection to my photo album.” And without my permission, Nao opened my photo album and chuckled as she took a photo that was not attached to the pages.

I just printed out the photos and organized them in my photo album with dates and designs. If there’s anything, there is only one picture I wasn’t very sure if I should place it among the others so I ended up just placing between the pages.

Even though I’ve already reserved a spot for that picture.

Despite the panic I felt, I didn’t do anything. Instead it made me confused as to why I would even panic for this small ‘discovery’ of Nao. Even so, I ended up swallowing a whole piece of my sandwich I just took a bit of a few second before she pulled out the picture. She looked at me with suspicious eyes but was clearly entertained again.

To avoid choking, I calmly took a sip of my coffee and looked away from Nao’s gaze. “Even so, I thought meeting us was the first thing that happened to you in this school. But wasn’t this before the opening ceremony?” I clasped my lips together and tried to come up with an excuse. Although, why is there a need for an excuse? I can just explain it to her.

I can’t be mistaken from a creep now.

“I just accidentally took a picture of her that time. I met her while waiting for the crowd to pass.” I explained, trying to calm myself down and avoiding eye contact with Nao, I have a feeling I should avoid being read.

“Really? This doesn’t seem like a stolen shot though? Also, is it necessary to print it out?” Nao pointed. Actually, I don’t even know myself why I took that in the first place. What was it that she asked me? Memories.

“Ooohhh. Look, Nao.” With my album on sayu’s hands, she opened a blank page in between the filled pages. “There’s even a page reserved for the picture.” She said with a teasing giggle. I pouted at the both of them as they laughed at me. With my vulnerability in display, I snatched both items from them. I’m just a bit lucky it’s lunch and we’re not in the room. I don’t think anyone will be pleased with this picture. Especially if Watanabe herself doesn’t know I took it. Even printed it.

“Can you guys stop it? I just figured she might want the picture. Something like that.” I explained as I placed back the photo album in my bag. Nao, once again, lifted an eyebrow at me.

“Why?” Scoffing, I took my sandwich and ate it whole before standing up.

“Honestly, who doesn’t want a nice picture of them?” Sayu agreed with a nod. I was relieved that someone gets it but I was easily betrayed as she raised her notebook with a doodle of me blushing. I grabbed both Sayu’s mechanical pencil and notebook and drew myself frowning beyond jaw lines before giving it back to them. With that, I made my way to the classroom as I sip the last drop of my coffee.

Seriously though? What’s the big deal with Watanabe?

As I passed by the first building, I noticed three of the girls in my class came running from the back of the place. Two of them had flustered expressions in their face. While the other one had a more gloomy expression. And just as the girls pass by, five other boys came walking from behind the building. They were laughing and looked bewildered yet mocking.

“You really think Watanabe will date him?”

“Who knows? Nobody really knows what her type is.”

“If she ends up dating him, I’d be super jealous!”

I stopped at my tracks and decided to take a look. But before I can even arrive at the scene, the guy who looked destroyed passed by me fast.

He got rejected, huh?

Arriving at the back of the building, I didn’t expect to see a sad and lonely expression of the person who rejected someone else. Naturally, it wouldn’t affect you. But the expression on Watanabe’s face said otherwise. Similar to the first time I met her, she did not look just as proud like she did back at the classroom. It’s like looking at the girl in the picture.

Watanabe looked up and was shocked to see me standing there. “Suzuki? Were you eavesdropping?” The alarmed tone in her voice froze me there. My mind completely went blank as I tried not to panic.

I did plan to eavesdrop but why am I so visible?!

“I..uhh…I didn’t know you were here? I was just here to throw this can in the garbage.” I swallowed my words as I saw the doubt in her eyes. I’m pretty sure she’s annoyed as well.

“The garbage bin is behind you.” Looking behind me, I knew pretty well how much of a liar I looked.

“Ah…you’re right.” Without even a word back, Watanabe walked away. Unlike any other day at the classroom, is it right to say that today she looked like herself?

I sighed at myself. “I don’t even know the first thing about her.” At the corner of my eyes, I saw Sayu waving at me. I smiled and waved back before I dropped the can on the garbage bin.

“What were you doing there?” Nao asked as soon as I got near them.

“Garbage bin. I just threw my can.” Sayu gave me a confused look.

“But there’s a closer garbage bin?” She pointed at the one garbage bin located just a few steps away from us. With that, I pinched the edge of my nose with an internal groan.

Am I an idiot?

TODAY IS PRETTY much a good day when I saw the clock strike at 5 o’ clock am and I know that I will pretty much need to rush. I quickly ran down the stairs and I saw Mom enjoying her morning tea. She looked at me, shocked as I was making such a ruckus running to the laundry room to get my towel.

“Hold up. Why are you in such a rush?” I walked to her in such a panic and too some of her French toast to stuff in my mouth.

“I’m supposed to meet Nao and Sayu today at the station. Didn’t I tell you yesterday? You’re supposed to drop me at the station.” Mother nodded as she remembered our agreement. And as I swallowed the whole bread, I went straight to the bathroom.

“What about breakfast?”

“I’ll buy some there” With no time to waste I simply drizzled my hair in warm water as I washed my whole body and got out of the bathroom as quickly as possible to get myself ready. I can’t believe I woke up late just because I was excited. Stayed up too late making candied lemon slices and lemon loaf. She wanted me to bring some for today’s picnic.

Mom bought a lot of lemon and didn’t know what to do with them.

“Angea! Make sure you eat breakfast first, okay?” Mother said as soon as she saw me running down the stairs. Nodding, I grabbed a basket from the kitchen and placed all the treats I’ll be taking with me for today. I also added two canned coffee for me and Nao while I packed Matcha for Sayu.

“Do you need anything else?” She asked and grabbed a handful of my hair to tie it in a bun. “There. It will be hot outside today, so best make sure you don’t tire yourselves out.”

I smiled and grabbed my things. “I will. Let’s go then?”

The ride did not take long since our apartment is a bit close to the train station. Me waking up late is just one of the major problems that made it hard. But Sayu sitting on a bench near the station with impatience scribbled on her face is harder. I’m making Nao’s baby girl wait.

Sayu had her own baggage to bring as we equally planned what to bring ourselves. Mother accidentally buying a lot of lemons and making them as snacks has earned me the nickname of ‘lemon flower’ in our group chat. Obviously plotted by the two. I was never a fan of lemons since they’re sour but somehow to Nao, I am very acquainted with lemons.

“Sayu!” I shouted as I got out from mother’s scooter. Sayu shot up and her impatience was easily wiped from her face when she saw me.

“Angea!” She exclaimed as she grabbed her backpack and ran towards us to hug me and greet my mother.

“Good morning, Mrs. Suzuki. I’m Miyamoto, Sayuri. A friend of Angea.” With no hesitation at all, Mother patted Sayu’s head with a smile on both her eyes and mouth. Clearly, it is a new victim of her charm. She wouldn’t stop patting Sayu’s head so I had to drag Sayu away from her so we can go on our way. I grabbed my basket and headed our way as mother bid her goodbyes.

“You sure are carrying a lot, Angea.” Sayu said as she peeked unto the basket.

“Mother bought a lot of lemons and didn’t know what to do with them. It would be a waste if they rotted away.” I shouldn’t be surprised as well that Sayu will give me a wide grin at the mention of ‘lemons’. This could be the influence of Nao on our sweet innocent Sayu.

“Lemon-flower.” She whispered as we entered the train. I pressed my lips together to avoid talking back at her like I normally would with Nao.

Sayu is different from Nao.

“Well anyway, Nao lives near the place right? She’ll pick us up at the station?” Sayu hummed in response as she takes a piece of the candied lemon slices I made last night. I smiled at the chirpy look on her face and watched as the train doors closed.

“Also, Nao bets that Watanabe will show up today. If she’s right, we have to treat her to GeiDonalds.”

We?

Arriving at the Yokosuka-Chou station, Nao waved from afar along with her mother. Sayu ran before me and directly gave Nao a hug. She earned a pat from Nao’s mother and a sweet smile. They clearly have known each other for a long while. Her mom looked up to me and smiled. I bowed my head as respect.

“Good Morning, Mrs. Sugawara. My name’s Suzuki, Ajisai. It’s nice meeting you and thank you for giving us a ride.” Nao’s mom giggled and patted my head.

“Hmm, so this is the uptight adventurous lemon flower?” I forced a smile trying not to glare at Nao in the corner. Her mom giggled more as she took the basket from me. “Always a lemon, huh? I’ll take one of these if you don’t mind.” She said as she took a piece of candied lemon slices.

She smiled “It’s so sweet. You made it just right for today.”

For today?

“Ah. Mom, please don’t eat it all up. It’s for the picnic.” Nao said as she took the basket from her mom. The older woman gazed at me once again. She looked at me as if she was reading me. It’s nice to know that Nao inherited the same habit. They do have the same intense sharp look on their face. This is kind of making me self-conscious all of a sudden.

“Lemonade day, huh? Sour…and sweet at the same time. Confusion will build up so it’s best you don’t think of it that much okay, Suzuki?” Chills ran through my spine as she patted my shoulders. I was both worried and scared for my life today. Should we have postponed today’s picnic? I wish it’s only just a bad weather.

“Mom. Stop teasing her, please.” Nao’s mom giggled again as she walked back to her car. Sayu followed her afterwards and claimed the passenger seat. Nobody really can defy Sayu’s cuteness.

I looked at Nao with a questioning look. “Mom has a side-hobby for fortunes other than being a store manager and most of the times her predictions are quite on-point.” I wasn’t sure how to respond so I just simply nodded. But Nao chuckled teasingly.

“So be ready to treat me today as well, okay?” I crunched my eyebrows together and pinched her on her shoulder.

“On something like that? I’m sure you invited Watanabe and make us bet for it so you could have some GeiDonalds.” I scoffed. “I don’t want any part in your bet with Sayu.” With that, I made my way to the car and excused myself as I went in.

“I admire you being denial but why don’t we just see how the day gos, Lemon flower?” Nao asked with a wide grin on her face as she entered the car, sitting beside me. I frowned at her and snatched my basket from her lap.

“Fine. But I’ll only treat you both to pocky.” From the front seat, Sayu clapped and even said ‘hurray’. She earned a pat from Nao’s mom, that Nao only tapped away with a displeased look on her face. Another giggle came from her mother as she started to drive.

“Youth is so interesting.” She whisphered in between the silence. Not knowing what to talk about, I rested my head on the head rest and let my mind wander about the lines Nao’s mom had said.

I couldn’t understand her one bit. The mysteriousness of her lines gave me curiosity of what’s to come. But also fear of the unknown. I shook my head to get rid of the thought. After all, everyday is an unknown thing. It’s what I consider the ‘adventure’ I would like to experience.

My older sister seemed to make the best of the unknown while she’s in high school. She met a lot of people, made friends with them and is still enjoying even the most smallest source of happiness. With that much carefree personality, she made the best story with her taken pictures. And my album as a high school student is just starting. It’s a good thing I brought my album today. I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures at the tour.

And try out a lot of things in life.

Time passed and we arrived at the Mikasa Park. Sayu got out of the car fast and went inside. We bid our goodbyes to Nao’s mom so she can also go to her job. I hope she’s not late. Nao and I chased after Sayu who’s now standing in front of a warship. The tour doesn’t start until after lunch, so our picnic would be at a nearby open garden.

“Alright, let’s not wander far from here. There’s an area we can set our picnic near the monument square.” Nao suggested with excitement written all over her face. Makes me wonder why she wants to see the warship tour so much. So when we found a spot a few walk away from the ship, I asked her.

“She wants to be a navy!” Sayu answered instead with much enthusiasm in her words and smile. Nao didn’t deny it though. She smiled awkwardly at me and asked to hold my camera. She adjusted the focus and took a shot of the sea in front of us.

“It’s because just like how you love going on adventures and taking records of them, I also love the idea of being in the navy and learn about all kinds of war vehicles.” Nao turned to me with the camera in her eyes and took a shot of me. “The only difference is that this particular thing is the adventure I want.” She handed me my camera with a determined look on her eyes. I couldn’t help but just be amazed.

Nao put it into more simple words, but I know she’s talking about ‘careers’ and what we want to be. Just like how my sister attended college to pursue her ideal career.

“I also have a particular adventure.” Sayu started while she rummages through her bag. She pulled out her notebook that she uses to illustrate moments in her life and smiled widely. “I want to be able to illustrate stories. Make lots and lots of them to make people smile.” I smiled at the both of them as I took a picture of their determined faces. The picture captured just the right expression and their determination and enthusiasm showed in their eyes.

“What about you, Angea?” I simply gave them an awkward smile.

“Right now, all I want is to enjoy my high school and capture those moments. Create an album filled with countless of them. I don’t have a specific adventure just yet, but I hope I find it along the way.” The two giggled as if they expected to hear that from me. After all, that’s all that I’ve been talking about since I got here.

“You have the same expression you did when we did class introductions.” Sayu said and opened a page of her notebook. An illustration of me in front of class with a smile on my face. Below, she wrote ‘Now that’s enthusiasm. I need to be more like her’. I chuckled at the adorable gesture.

“You showed so much enthusiasm and it inspired me to be more enthusiastic towards my goal. And both of you had the same expression that day.”

Both?

Sayu turned the page and showed me the illustration she did of Watanabe. And she was right, we had the same expression. How did I not notice it like Sayu did? I only noticed the difference from when I first met Watanabe from how she is in class. To me, she didn’t look like she’s enthusiastic at all.

“You both want t enjoy the present time.” Nao commented but I didn’t respond. I’m always getting Watanabe involved with myself. She’s always popping in and out of the conversation and it’s really confusing me. Why is she always within the day but not around? I sighed and glared at Nao.

“This illustration does not count of Watanabe showing up today, got it? Don’t be cheap.” Both of them laughed.

“Well, we tried.” Sayu said jokingly. The three of us spent the time talking and just jumping from one topic to another. Afterwards, we walked around the park and went to see the musical fountain, the sazanami terrace, and the statue of Togo Heihachiro. I took a bunch of stolen shots of Sayu and Nao. Posed with them so we could print the picture and keep it as our ‘first adventure: Nao’s warship tour’.

We were near to the warship so we just got back in time as the tour started. Nao couldn’t really wait for the guide to let us in. She immediately borrowed my camera and took pictures of everything we passed by. Sayu kept posing in front of Nao just to tease her, but I guess they were both enjoying it. Seeing the warship was an experience I never thought I’d get to do. But here I am, inside a warship and being tempted to touch just about everything. Especially the large bullets they use to fire on the big canon.

I clearly have no knowledge of warships but it is interesting.

Nearing the end of the tour, I excused myself to use the public bathroom outside. I left my basket with Sayu and went on my way. This is an experience I actually want to rant about. The distance between the tour is making me cry. I should not have drank coffee.

As I entered the restroom, I could hear the drops from the roof. Even though, I wasn’t worried since I packed an umbrella in my bag. I just hope Sayu and Nao did. It’s really pouring.

I got out of the restroom but couldn’t leave immediately with the heavy rain. I planned to wait it out or just until it settled down but in the corner of my eyes, I saw a familiar figure. There in the heavy rain, she sat in one of the benches covered by the trees. Her head faced the ground as if she was sulking.

She’s not getting soaked that much although she’s still wet. Even so, it seems that I’ve already opened my umbrella and made my way to her. I held the umbrella on top of her as she looked up to me. Her face expressionless but her eyes filled with sadness. Just like how I found her when I saw her behind the building.

Trying to avert my gaze, I said “Don’t you have an umbrella?” Then, she giggled. I gave her a puzzled look as she smiled at me.

“No, I don’t.” Her face melted with the smile and her whole expression changed drastically. She looked more cheery now than earlier but not like how she is in class. All I can see again is the girl I first met at the opening ceremony. I cleared my throat as I realized I was staring at her so much.

“You look like you’ve been waiting for someone. Did he stood you up?” I almost smacked myself for the audacity I had for asking that. Why did I assume she was meeting a guy?

And why do I even care?

“I-I didn’t mean to ask. But can we please go to a more dry place?” Watanabe nodded and stood up. Both of us walked around the area while sharing an umbrella and found a nearby small park shelter with tables and seats. We ran towards the place and for some reason, I felt uneasy.

When we reached the shelter, I immediately took out the extra sweater I had in my bag and handed it to her. I’m actually grateful that my mother reminded me to bring an extra just in case it rains.

“Here. So you don’t catch a cold.” She didn’t say anything but smiled at me as she took the sweater. I turned my back to give her the privacy to change.

“If he stood you up, you know you could have just gone home. There’s no point getting sick for it.” I whispered in a low voice, enough for her to hear. Once again, Watanabe chuckled.

“It’s actually the other way around. I stood him up.” I turned to face her.

“You stood him up?” Watanabe pressed her lips together looking hesitant to share the details. She just nodded and smiled at me.

“I didn’t want to go home yet so I thought I should take a walk around here. Sat on the bench and spaced out until you snapped me out of it.” I nodded back to her as I averted my gaze on the pouring, quietly asking myself various questions.

If she stood up someone, that means she’s supposed to be on a date right now. If she’s on a date, I wonder if it’s the guy she just recently rejected or is it a new guy that she actually like enough to agree on the date. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since she’s the popular kind of girl. A lot of guys probably confessed to her already. She also probably rejected most of them.

Watanabe chuckled again as she sat on one of the chairs. She lifted her knees and clasped them together for a hug. Her eyes focused on me with amusement. Somehow, I started feeling nervous. I took a deep breath and sat on the chairs as well.

“You look like you’re wondering a lot of things.” She said, her amusement showing in her voice. Shrugging my shoulders, I remembered something.

“Hey, Watanabe. You like lemons, right?” Basing on the shock of her face, I was right. Right now, I probably look like a creep to her for even knowing that. So without an answer, I took out a small bag of candied lemon slices left from earlier. I was actually going to save this for snack later on the way home, but since I ran into Watanabe I might as well give it to her.

Inside my bag, I was also reminded of the photo I printed of her. This was the chance to ask her so I gave her the candied lemon along with her photo.

“Here, have some candied lemons and uhh…something else.” I swear I couldn’t look straight in her eyes as she received them and noticed the photo.

“So you did take a picture of me back then!” She exclaimed. Her face lit up with a wide smile and looked straight at me.

“I was wondering if you actually did took the shot. You even printed it, but why?” I immediately swallowed my own words as she asked me that with a smile on her face. How are you even supposed to respond to a stranger printing out your photo. Certainly, nobody knows.

I looked away feeling even more nervous to answer the question. “Y-You looked nice in that photo. I f-figured you might want it.” Glancing at her, Watanabe raised an eyebrow.

“Nice?” She asked with a disappointed tone.

“I-I mean you look…you’re pretty.” I stopped when I saw her eyes slightly opened wide and immediately I couldn’t get a hold of myself that I had raised my voice. “PRETTY on the picture.”

What?

Watanabe smiled. “You’re pretty too, Suzuki.”

WHAT….