Let's celebrate

Golden Week has poked its head out for us. I completely forgot about the holiday week, as I was absorbed in my studies. I was frequently told that Golden Week is the best time of year to experience everything in Japan. Hiroshi, Yuta and Misako wanted to show me around town during the festive season. Hiroshi wanted to go and visit a karaoke bar. I was worried that Yuta would not be allowed inside, but Hiroshi informed me that we were going to a karaoke place that his father owned. I envied his father’s powerful grip on the business world. I was most excited to try the variety of foods offered for Golden Week, I’d made sure to save my allowance. The first day of Golden Week was sombre, we awaited Hiroshi’s return with Yuta as they had gone grocery shopping. I sat with Misako in her room, we challenged one another to a rematch of Home-Brawler, I wanted a rematch. I came prepared, I memorized combos for my character from online videos, I would not go down without a fight.

‘BATTLE OVER. JASON WINS.’

“I won?” I questioned.

I could not believe it.

“I won!” I screamed.

I tuned to Misako, she looked at me with an uncertain smile. She did not seem as though she was in a light-hearted mood.

“Are you okay, Misako?” I asked her.

“I’m good, you won.” She replied.

I cocked my head, something did not sit right with me.

“Wanna fight again?” I asked her.

She set her controller on her bed. I took her notion as a no. I did the same, I wondered what to say to her.

“David, how is your hand?” She asked me.

“That’s a weird question to ask. I mean… it’s fine.”

“The last time we played your hand was hurting.”

I looked down at my hand.

“It just happens sometimes; it’s just been happening to me more and more these days.”

“I didn’t like it happening to you.”

I looked at Misako, she was sad. Perhaps she was sad because the thought of playing games together reminded her of the last time my hand shook. That she was afraid my tremors would return if we played again. I propped myself off the floor and sat on her bed.

“It wasn’t your fault. Stop thinking everything that happens is because of you.”

“I know. Its just hard to not think about it being my fault somehow.”

I turned to face her again, dead on in the eyes.

“Let’s battle again. Put your all in. If you lose I’m going to make you sing karaoke with me.”

“I refuse to ever sing.”

“Then you better not lose.”

We both picked up our controllers. Ready to fight one another once again.

‘BATTLE OVER. CHEN WINS.’

Before I could blink my eyes, she had already won.

“You’re like a newborn baby.” Misako said to me with a sharp tongue.

“Thanks for the confidence boost.” I replied.

I monitored my hands, inspecting if they would tremor again. But no sign appeared.

“Listen, Misako. If my hands do shake…maybe, we could try that thing again.” I said.

“What thing?”

“Remember? My hands stopped immediately when you held them.”

She scoffed, clearing her throat. Her face turning pink-red.

“Ah-I-I see. I g-guess I could do that for you.” She replied.

“Thanks, it’s just a hypothesis, but maybe you are like a magical being or something. With the ability to heal the sick.”

“Then I would have healed my legs already, if I were a goddess.” She retorted.

“Oh-yeah. Sorry, it’s just my brain overthinking again.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Another question…” I began.

“You have a lot of questions recently.”

“Who’s Lawrence?” I asked.

“Huh, Lawrence?” She questioned.

“Yeah, Lawrence. You called me Lawrence the other day. When you were asleep in my bed.”

“Lawrence…” She trailed off.

I could see her debate on telling me something. I wondered if it were true, that she used to date a man called Lawrence. My brain was overthinking too much, I would have to ask her directly to get the truth.

“Was he an ex-boyfriend?” I blurted.

I did not mean to say it, but I did. In fact, I wanted to know the truth. Misako recoiled, her face blushed.

“N-No! He wasn’t a b-b-boyfriend.” She yelled.

She was embarrassed. My brain was right, perhaps they never dated, but it was clear she liked him. I could see Misako sigh. Her shoulders slumped as she tried to explain this Lawrence person.

“H-He was a guy I used to play games with. We played games for hours and hours.” She began.

A knock against Misako’s door disturbed us before our next battle. I walked over to answer it. There appeared Mister Takahashi with a brown package in hand.

“Hey Mister Taka.” I greeted.

“Delivery for you, David,” He replied, “It says it’s from your father.”

“Jeez, that package came quick.” I said, thanking Mister Takahashi.

“Are you kids going to out today, it’s not productive to spend your first day of Golden Week indoors.” He asked.

“We will, Uncle. We are waiting for Yuta to arrive.” Misako said.

“Good, also remember that you are a boy and girl, making a noise in a bedroom could give listeners the wrong impression of what goes on inside.” Mister Takahashi giggled.

He left with that note of embarrassment plastering my insides. I could not face Misako.

“I-I’m going to put this box in my room.” I said to her.

“Y-yes, go ahead.” She replied.