11. Bromance In the Hotspring

We were headed back to the bus and on our way to school. My mind was blank except for the events that just transpired in front of me. What was that, virtual reality? What was my father talking about when he said connecting? Like connecting us together on a server? Like a video game or chat messenger? My head was heavy with questions and I had the idea that I was not going to receive any answers. Not anytime soon.

By the time we got to school Juliet had spent the entire ride in a stupor talking magically about all of the great rooms and attractions that were within Miya's magnificent household. Theater room, in-door pool, even a skydiving room, whatever that was. A windtunnel? It was hard to be surprised when it came to Miya. Whatever she and her family did was not normal.

Even Alice’s cronies were enamored at that point but Alice was huffing and puffing in resignation. There was no way Alice would allow them to go. Although, surprisingly Miya’s slumber party was open to all.

“We won’t be joining you losers,” Alice said, stepping off the bus. With that, she began to walk away as we exited but the twins began to whisper. When Alice realized they were not following her as per usual, she stopped. “Not you two as well!”

Natalie, the twin with short hair said, “Alice, come on, can’t we at least check it out?”

“You have got to be kidding me.”

Melanie, the one with long hair, sounded more modest, quieter. “Uhm, I just...it could be fun.”

“Why are you such a killjoy?” Taika pointed accusingly at Alice.

Then, straining to listen, I overheard Iki speak. “I would like to go as well.” It was such a shock that everyone went dead silent for a moment and looked at him.

Alice stared in disbelief. “You too...Iki?”

Iki nodded, adjusting his thin rimmed glasses with his middle finger.

Miya was smirking, and I could tell that she was relishing on Alice’s friends abandoning her. It was almost heartbreaking though, in my opinion. I felt bad. That being said, it was just a slumber party, but one at a giant mansion and we were all in some strange program together. It made sense to be a bit curious, didn’t it?

“And the electronic workshop?” Ayase said.

“For christ’s sake, yes, oh my god, Ayase. You sound like Juliet now!” Miya said exasperatedly.

“Fine! Go then! I can’t believe you guys,” Alice nearly shouted.

“We don't have to go Alice it’s just–” Melanie was cut off.

“I don’t want to hear it. I don’t care.” Alice stormed off after that.

“You’re more than welcome to come Alice. The more the merrier,” Miya offered but it sounded more like mockery.

“You’re just a parasite…” Alice said before she turned the corner and disappeared.

Miya smiled calmly then turned her attention to Shu. I had forgotten he was there. He was the odd one out. He seemed nice but I knew nothing about him. He was quiet, polite. I think he was a good student. Who wasn’t in our school? Except me.

“I don’t suppose I have to warn you about snooping around?” Miya glared at him. What the hell, Miya? We don’t know the guy.

“W...w...what? No I would never.” Shu looked defeated.

“Who are you, anyway?” Taika wondered.

“I’m in your class.”

“Say hello to your father, director Rossman, for me in the J. Edgar Hoover building,” Miya directed.

Shu’s face twisted into a mixture of shock and defeat. “So much for the stealthy approach, eh?”

I felt like a moron. What did that even mean? What was the J. Edgar Hoover building? I didn’t ask that. That would be embarrassing.

“I’m Shu Zhou-Rossman, my father is, as you know, someone that works in the FBI,” he said as he bowed.

My face probably displayed everything that I was feeling. What was this world? Miya had a mechanical arm. Juliet’s parents are diplomats, my dad’s an evil scientist for some weird program. Taika exists. Now this guy’s dad is part of the FBI. None of this could be real. It feels too orchestrated.

“Really, FBI?” Taika said enthusiastically, “Is it true they tap our phones?”

“I wouldn’t know, if I did I could neither confirm nor deny it.”

“I see, then you’d have to kill me, huh? Well that’s cool. It’s nice to meet you, Shu!”

“He’s Taika,” I said. “I’m Elias.”

“Not just Taika, The Taika. Like the Rock. Or The Awesome.”

“Right…” Shu smiled. But something in that smile rubbed me the wrong way. I mean he was friendly I supposed. But now I had my doubts. Miya warned him not to snoop. And, not only that was it really alright to just up and say you worked for the FBI? I mean, I guess if you just worked there, he could be doing normal desk jobs, if you’re not undercover I suppose your identity doesn’t matter. We do have public knowledge of who the director of the FBI is, afterall. I felt like I was going to have an aneurism, I knew too little about all this stuff. Why couldn’t anyone be normal?

“Right, well Ayase, Juliet, come we got to prepare stuff,” Miya said.

“Am I expected to go?” I asked, “Is it tonight?”

“These types of things usually last all week. No real beginning or end. Come and go as you please.”

“All week! Don’t your parents…” I paused, “Never mind.”

We all split off from there. I went home to try and tackle the world in my head. I had no control over what was happening and my stress levels were advanced. Where were we? Some alternate reality? When did any of this ever make sense?

***

Elias's house, later that night.

I was slumped over my backpack, filled with all the essentials I’d need for a sleepover, as well as my pillow and felt ridiculous. She probably had pillows. But it always feels better to sleep on your own. Was I really going to go?

Naturally, the universe answered for me once again. As I heard a tap on my window. Taika was waving from behind the blinds when I looked. I raised my eyebrow and told him to go to the door. I opened it for him and he smiled, “Ready to go!?”

“How do you know where I live?”

“I only had a guess, got it wrong twice before this. Boy were they upset!”

“Why not use the door? What’s wrong with you? Also, you have my number!”

“I’m a vampire, you have to invite me.” Taika shrugged.

“Shut up!”

“Anyway, you coming?”

I sighed, “Well…”

“You packed but you’re not sure?”

“I just...it’s weird. Why is she offering for us to stay there?”

“Don’t trust her?”

“Why would I?”

“She’s just a girl.”

I shook my head. “No, she’s not just a girl, she–”

“Oh my god! You’re in love with Miya!” Taika outbursts and proceeded to shake me violently.

“Wh...what?” I was still in shock, “No! Not at all!”

“Then what do you mean she’s not just a girl? She’s the girl that stole your heart? Your Super Queen? Your...your, Green Meanie!”

“My what?”

Taika leaned in and stared intently. “You. Heard. Me.”

“What the hell is a green meanie?”

Taika slapped me. “Kyle! Focus, you’re getting off topic.”

What the hell! I rubbed my cheek. “Why’d you slap me!?”

“Your attention span is low, isn’t it?” Taika sighed and then started dragging me.

“Where are we going!”

“To get your woman!”

***

When we arrived at the palace of Her Royal Excellency, oh Miya Manslayer, the first of her name. I was… apprehensive. I had no clue as to who actually showed up and the idea of being stuck there with Miya and Taika was a real threat that burned into my soul. In the back of my mind I knew that sweet, beautiful, caring, and normal Juliet would be there as well, but what if she wasn’t? It would turn into a nightmare.

Taika rang the doorbell violently, cheering playfully, “MIYA, MIYA, MIYA!”

Taika...you’re going to be the first person murdered when Miya snaps, no doubt about it. The second a servant answered the door I peered into the foyer and found Juliet in all her glory standing around with Iki, the twins, Shu, and Ayase. Luckily, Miya was absent. I failed to hold onto that excitement; however, considering that I realized there was a small orchestra up on a stage set-up by the staircase and they were playing softly. My immediate reaction was easily guessed. Why are you so extra, Miya? Why is this all so excessive? It’s a damn slumber party!

I voiced my concern to Taika, “Isn’t this all a bit much…”

“Speaf frm yursef,” Taika had made his way to a table of food and was scarfing down some ribs.

“It’s been five seconds, Taika! Five!”

Taika swallowed. “I’m hungry!”

Miya stood on the upper level, on top of the staircase, peering down at us from above. You know, like always. As if we were insects, probably.

Miya cleared her throat. “Good afternoon everyone. I would like to inform you that there is currently another party being held at the east wing, but they will be out of our hair shortly. Please pay it no mind. Now then—” Miya flipped her hair.

The orchestra members then took off their suits and were wearing normal clothing underneath, they then began to play covers of popular songs.

“Let the party...begin!” With that, Miya came down from her ivory tower to join us in epic fashion, by sliding down the bannister.

What a show off.

The twins were the first to move as the doors opened and servants began making their way throughout the house. Probably because the house was incredibly busy with two parties going on at once. The twins were texting, glanced at one another, then put their phones away heading to the dancefloor and began to dance with each-other. I took note of it and tried not to stare. But Shu stood, mouth agape. Not that you could blame him. The twins were, by most accounts, hot. They were tall, with thick thighs, long legs, small waists, and held that blonde girl beauty. The kind you see at the beach, like the girls that play volleyball.

Taika stared momentarily and then tapped my shoulder and nudged me to look to my left, where Iki was headed towards Miya with a small box.

Miya looked at Iki, then glanced at the box. “Oh, what is this?”

Iki bowed humbly and presented the box to her. “For you.”

“You shouldn’t have.”

“I insist, thank you for inviting me.”

“Oh no, there’s really no reason, you’re my guest.”

“It would be improper for me to not show my gratitude, please.”

“Are you sure? There’s really no need.”

“I’m positive you’ll enjoy it.”

Miya took the box, “Thank you very much.”

Iki stood straight after that and then turned to look at Ayase, he then headed towards her and bowed again with another small gift. “...and for you.”

What the hell was this? I have never heard Iki say anything since I started school. Then yesterday he expresses interest in coming to Miya’s and gives her and Ayase a gift. Though, being this close to Iki was something. He was incredibly thin, slender, but impeccably tall. Easily six ft two inches. Seeing him bow was almost comedic.

Taika was smiling smugly, amused by something. I leaned over, “Hey…”

“Yeah?” he replied.

“Is giving gifts customary in Japan or something?”

Taika thought for a moment. “Depends...it’s customary to bow and thank your host for sure. Gifts are up to preference. However, how would I know?”

“Sorry, I just have no basis.”

Taika laughed. “This is interesting though, don’t you think?”

“Yeah.”

Ayase was staring at Iki. “No.”

Iki peered up a bit timidly. “You’ll like it.”

Another first, Ayase, was stoic, calm, more calculating than even Miya who was more of a wild card. For the first time, I noticed Ayase appeared nervous. She seemed to break her form, her face was different. It was a bit unnerving to speak to Iki. Not only was he just the quiet nerd on his computer all the time. But he was one of the most intelligent kids in the school. He scored top ten on the boards consecutively, under Miya, but right above Ayase. Which was strange because if you ask me, I swear I’ve never once seen Iki pay attention in class.

Ayase looked at the gift in his hands. “I have no desire to be indebted to you over a gift.”

“No debt.”

“I said no.”

Iki looked down at the floor. Then he pulled up and stood straight retracting the package. There was no emotion on his face. However, I felt, in my heart that something was bothering him. It was as if Ayase declining his gift hurt him deeply. It was just a guess. I wouldn’t have thought that if he had then proceeded to give everyone a gift. I confirmed it only when Iki turned and walked over to the other side of the room and found a seat. He opened up his laptop and started tapping away. There it was, he had only brought a gift for Miya and Ayase. Ayase then turned and sat on the other side of the room on a laptop of her own. Talk about fate.

“Ah, Omoshiroi!” Taika snickered.

“What?” I shot back.

Taika looked at me. “Man, you need to learn Japanese already, like all of your friends speak it!”

I grimaced. “Look, I can barely keep up with math.”

“It means interesting or amusing. Juliet, you see that?” Taika said to her.

Juliet giggled and nodded.

“Think he likes her?” Taika thought out loud.

“Do you know anything about him?” I asked.

“I think maybe he does,” Juliet answered Taika, “I just know that he’s the quiet guy that hangs with Alice and is on his computer.”

“Where is she anyway?” I guessed Alice wasn’t going to come after all.

“That’s what I was wondering! Guess her friends mutinied!” Taika decided.

I frowned. “She’s not a pirate.”

“But she is their captain, and they tossed her overboard!”

“You think? I wonder, is it that tragic? Kind of sad…”

“At least it isn’t keelhauling.” Miya must have overheard us.

“What?”

“What’s that?”

I googled it. Don’t google it. It’s bad. Just know it’s a terrible thing to do to someone.

“What the hell…”

“Indeed, what a terrible way to enforce discipline.” Miya feigned her disapproval with a hand resting on her face. Don’t lie Miya, you’d do it! Wouldn’t you!?

I walked up to her. “By the way, why showboating, and fancy music? Isn’t this expensive?” Though, maybe I shouldn’t have asked.

“Miya enjoys a little bit of expression.” Juliet smiled.

“That’s kind of her niche,” Taika agreed. Then he chuckled. “So where’s the hot tub!”

“Six doors down, on the left.” Miya answered.

Taika shot off like a lightning strike. “Sweet!”

“Or was it right?” Miya looked up in thought, then shrugged.

Seriously, Miya…

“I should go check on him… before he dies.”

I wandered down the hallway looking for wherever Taika wandered off to and nearly passed it when I heard a splash. Taika, did you dive into a hot tub? You idiot.

I opened the door and noticed the floor was tiled, I peered up to a room full of steam that was funneled through massive fans on the ceiling. The hot tub was like a natural spring. It had walls lined with bamboo, some rocks for display, a wholesome and calming atmosphere around the spa itself. The tile led up to where the rocks started but before that was a shower. It looked like a Japanese hot spring, I think. Not that I had much to compare to. But movies and such. Taika shot out of the water.

“AHHH, so nice!”

“This isn’t a hot tub, it’s the entire damn room.”

“Why are you questioning everything, just enjoy it? What else would you do with money?”

“I...I don’t know…”

“Exactly. Come in, nothing like bonding with your bros!”

“Let me change…”

“Eh? Why? There’s towels there,” Taika pointed to towels.

“What?”

“Just shower, then wrap the towel around you and hop in.”

“With just a towel, why not a bathing suit?”

“Dude, can you please watch anime or something, you’re so uncultured. We could be naked you know? But since you’re a white boy I used the towel.”

“What? Aren’t you also white?”

Taika pulled himself out of the water. “Take off your clothes.”

“Ah! Get off of me!”

“Take it off!”

“Fine, Fine!” I defended myself from his attack but felt like my heart was going to explode from embarrassment.

“Jeeze. Baby.” Taika hopped back into the spa.

I took off my shirt and shorts and stood in my underwear. It was a bit nerve wracking. I whispered to myself, “When in Rome.” I grabbed the towel, wrapped it around me then took off my underwear. I then showered and hopped into the spa. I immediately felt wrapped up in the greatest sensation of warmth imaginable. As if my mother hugged me with a blanket as we drank hot chocolate and watched a christmas movie. It was amazing.

“And you doubted coming…” Taika said disappointedly.

“I’m just glad the noise is out there.” We both sighed in relief. But that relief was short-lived.

A maid appeared from seemingly out of nowhere. “That water is also infused with many different herbs and other natural calming measures.” She began to sweep.

Where did she come from? I sank lower into the calming water. I was nervous about a girl being there when I was just in a towel. I was covering my shame and trying to hide as best I could without drowning.

Taika looked at me, then at the maid, “Who are you?”

I examined the woman in her french maid outfit, she would be wearing something so cliche, I had to bet it was Miya’s decision. I couldn’t help but faintly remember her from somewhere.

“Couldn’t you tell, I’m the Queen of England!”

“You certainly look like it.” Taika shot back. Then whistled haughtily.

She continued to sweep silently for a moment.

“Isn’t this awkward for you?” I whispered to Taika.

“Why? We got towels. She’s just doing her job.”

“Let alone, there’s nothing impressive for me to look at,” the maid stated calmly. I felt heavily attacked in my manly pride. I looked away. Older women were scary.

“Him maybe!” Taika pointed at me and stood, “I’m an all-star!”

“I’ve been more impressed by sea-lions…”

“That’s just weird.”

She then leaned on her broom, with a melancholic expression, reminiscing about something. “I miss my sea slugs.”

Taika coughed awkwardly, and looked at me, then got quiet.

“Oh, do you feel awkward now?” The maid said, “Now you understand how I feel when two boys jump into the bleach water I’m using to clean the hot tub.”

“Wait what?” Taika slowly moved his eyes to stare at the water we were soaking in. I did the same. Suddenly I felt incredibly itchy.

“You’re...joking?” Taika said slowly.

“Am I?” She smiled menacingly. “Do you feel the tingling?”

Taika stood up and raised himself out of the spa, he looked at his legs and arms, recognition finally registering on his all-star face.

I felt the sensation crawling up my body.

Slowly, creepingly, “ah...AHH!” Taika and I shouted in unison as I shot out of the water.

“Shower! Shower, Kyle!” Taika shouted as we skitted to the shower to turn it on. However, it was just water. “Where’s the soap!”

“Must have run out…” Maid shrugged.

“Bathroom, bathroom!” I cried. We began to feel the itching all over our body, desperately as we rinsed our skin.

“There’s one down the hall that way.” The maid pointed.

We yelled and ran through the hall, nearly losing our towels and opened every door until we found the bathroom. Taika turned on the water to the shower head that hung overhead in a massive shower room. “Soap!”

“I got you bro!” Taika squeezed soap onto my back and started scrubbing me.

“Eh! Get off, Taika, I can do it myself!”

“A friend never leaves a man behind!” Taika protested as I tried to push him off.

There was a flash, and a clicking noise. We both paused and turned our heads to the view of the maid standing with a camera.

“What was that!” I called out.

She chuckled heartily.

“Who are you?” I paused. “Wait, you’re that lady I met a while back. When Miya gave you some paper!”

“Am I?” She smiled, “I’m just a maid, who saw an opportunity and took it. Miya will enjoy this blackmail, you lovers.”

“Wait, was there no bleach?” Taika was confused.

She wandered off.

Damn it. “Ugh…our skin is fine. Look at it. It was in our head. She tricked us.”

“Oh...yeah, guess you’re right…”

“Stop scrubbing my back!” I shouted as Taika absent minded kept rubbing his hands all over me.