When In Takabata, Pt. 2

They knocked on the door. I was in the middle of putting the cup of rice in the cooker. Guess I’m going to have to change speedily. No shower too. Please every Kami-sama around me, I pray that my hygiene is not too compromised. I swear I will be a better human being. At least an improvement by the end of graduation.

Kazumi-senpai screamed, dropping any resemblance to the refined lady persona she adorned at school.

“I’m coming in, Honzo! I know your parents aren’t here because they always work on a Sunday morning! Plus, I want to say hi to Yumi-nee and show everyone your great sister!”

Terrible. These guys have ruined the whole meaning of privacy. Thank God I’m a straightforward and sane man. I know a certain person… we’ll call him K. He enjoys his time in the morning. A burst of fun. But I am normal. No normal person has fun at this time. Except for the numerous exceptions. Of which, they don’t exist.

Then I heard the voice of reason, Sayako-tenshi, stop Kazumi from rushing in.

“I think Honzo is changing, let’s just wait for him.”

Aya-senpai also agreed. She said, “Let’s just give Honzo some time, the community event is only at 10:30 AM anyways.”

I agree, Sayako and Aya-senpai.

From the windowsill, I reported to the, honestly, large group of… I need to count.

There’s Kazumi-senpai, Aya-senpai, Saya-chan, St. Yusuke, Tateishi-sensei… oh yeah, those two first years. I forgot their names.

Alright… I reported to the disturbingly large group of seven people that I’m going to be done in five minutes. Honest to God.

I’ve got to survive.

Brilliance. Success. Sugar.

I’m so hungry…

I think I’m undergoing a precursor to an episode. What may come, will come sooner or later. I’m too tired to be going out.

I’ve already changed. All I have been doing was just standing, either staring at the mirror or frozen so far.

Yumi-nee, probably awoken by the commodious bunch, decided to open the door. I could hear her. Fuck. I really am going to have to go down.

Yumi-nee approached them all with a considerate gesture.

“Hello everyone. Kazumi-chan.”

She bowed to everyone. What a brilliant sister. Maybe that’s why she’ll be the matriarch of the family.

I could tell by the reactions of everyone that they didn’t expect my sister to… be my sister. Think Kazumi-senpai but genuinely formal and kind, but still with lightheartedness.

I stepped outside of the house. Immediately, I gravitated towards Yusuke and Sayako. Kazumi-senpai noticed and decided to go behind me. Perhaps to trap and tease me?

“I hope you all enjoy your community event. Sounds like a very noble cause, especially helping people with integrating into a society where even the Japanese struggle with.”

Nice thoughtful words, Nee.

“I’ll see you soon Nee.” I said out loud, maybe a bit bashful since it was in front of a lot of people. Prying eyes change everything.

Tateishi-sensei, the unusually quiet sensei, finally spoke.

“So, everyone, let me finally introduce myself. Although, the three 2nd years, Kazumi and Aya-kun should know me by now.

Yusuke quipped “Yeah, we do.” Sayako lightly smacked him on the back like a mother dishing out corporal punishment.

Tateishi-sensei gave a fraught chuckle.

“I’m Tateishi Reiko. A home economics teacher and school administrator. You don’t have to call me sensei all the time, Tateishi is fine. I’m not going to be hands-on or even at the club but I’m always there in events and if you need me. Just call me on my phone. I’ll be honest, I’m too old to be using LINE so just use the phone number from there instead of messaging me on that. I’ll be all in your care.”

“Same with us, Tateishi-sensei.” Aya-senpai added.

We all gave our bows and nods. Yusuke didn’t seem to fully participate. Then Yusuke made a comment.

“This is your house Honzo? It’s pretty big for the neighbourhood.”

Yes, Yusuke. I’ve recognized that for a while.

Whilst it’s a 3-bedroom home, it’s more like the size of a house you would see in a Western country. As such, it’s considered big. Especially out in the suburbs like Nakagawa Ward where a lot of the homes are… just a slight upgrade from slum housing. Kazumi-senpai responded for me.

“Honzo’s family are decently well off for the area, but they’ve lived in this house for decades.”

That’s kind of rude to assume my social positioning. There’s no real way she would know. Unless Kazumi has an Excel spreadsheet full of socioeconomic statistics… of which I would not be surprised if she did. Matter of fact, scrap that, she's literally my next door neighbour.

Sayako’s already seen my house. We walked together once when she wanted to go to the city centre, via Takabata, and I decided to tag along. Aya-senpai was explained a while ago. So it’s really just Yusuke’s shock plus those two… I’ve still forgotten their names.

I also forgot Tateishi-sensei, but she shouldn’t know where I live unless she was a stalker and read my details.

The bunny-like girl looked at me. She must’ve realized that I’m staring at her and her cousin since I forgot their names.

After deliberating, the words finally escaped her mouth.

“It’s Suzuki Sakura. That’s Kimura Sora.”

Trying to hide my embarrassment from forgetting people, whom I had only met two days ago, I enunciated “Oh I was… looking at you… because you looked distinct.”

Kazumi-senpai laughed. “Stop lying Honzo-kun, we all know you forgot. But I guess Sakura-chan is cute, no? So is Sora-tan!”

I told her “Sora-tan?”

“Yes. I really mean the suffix.” Kazumi said.

I didn’t even need to look at the two first-years. One could easily feel their embarrassment and awkwardness. Clearly, whatever conception they had of Kazumi, the role model student president, who is also a professional model, was gone. The true Kazumi-senpai. A crass jokester.

“Shall we go, everyone?” Said Aya-senpai. We all agreed. The group was already splintering into three distinct conversations. Third-years, with Tateishi-sensei, presumably talking about future plans, the two cousins who were basically siblings, and that left Class 2B. Sayako didn’t seem to say much at all. She was seemingly either guarded or tired. Knowing that it was a Sunday morning, when we should all be resting, suggested the latter. Maybe she’s self-conscious of herself.

We walked past the old homes, with the background of slightly cloudy skies but sunlight was still penetrating my horrendously weak eyes.

What a contest. The loudness of each conversation was different. You could hear what the third-years and first-years were saying. Come to think of it, Yusuke, Sayako and I were not really all together as a trio too often. Our conversations seemed to be the most formal in register.

Then, I decided to do a fashion check. Yusuke’s style was closer to mine. Just a dark buttoned long sleeve with some jeans. His style was kinda tough and hard considering his blonde hair. He passes. He was going to pass anyways since it’s Yusuke.

I gave a glance at Aya and Kazumi. Kazumi looked like an office lady. She wore a sleek black blazer, with a lilac-like tunic dress. Wait… it appears she had jewellery on as well and… is that a pearl necklace? I hope that’s not real because I feel like anyone could run up on us, and snatch that. Aya was wearing a patterned dress with frills and fluffs. One at the ends of her sleeves and the other around her chest. She wore a hat too. They both passed. I’m surprised Kazumi was going for that style, to be honest.

Sensei looked like she was wearing joggers. She passes due to its utility and, hell, they're just comfy to wear. I’d wear them all the time if I wasn’t embarrassed, every half a second, over someone looking at me. Plus, with her small circular frame glasses, it’s kinda cute. Wow. I don’t think I should say that about a teacher.

Meanwhile, the excellently chic Sayako was wearing a knitted dress. I don’t know how she could wear something so stylish when the weather was likely to be iffy today. Who was she trying to impress? I noticed that she was wearing heavy makeup today too. She was flashier than a lighter. Her dress was tight, hugging all her curves. Fair enough. I could see why people like Sayako. Oh, who am I lying to, I think Saya-chan was the best-looking person in our class. People can disagree. However, I don’t really find myself attracted to her. Honest. For one, I like Shibuya. Next, Mai was just more interesting to speak with, and Sayako must have some mother complex with me. You might think it’s getting repetitive repeating that (get it) but I’m genuinely concerned at this point. Does she like me?

For making me overthink, Sayako fails. The actual quality of the dress itself is good. Might have unlocked a new… fixation to say the least. The twins dressed normally, nothing much to really say about them. Did I just say twins? You know what I’m just going to mentally refer to them as twins, for now. Sakura and Sora. Cute names actually.

We reached the entrance of Takabata Station. It was on the corner of a busy intersection. By the way, the first thing one would notice is the stench of gasoline. It’s really bad. Horrendous. Imagine you fall asleep on the Higashiyama Line and wake up, stranded in Takabata. Picture it, please. You’re literally greeted with a gas smell, ugly buildings, and advertisements. But wait! There’s more. Your ears are assaulted by traffic, rowdy drunk elderly people, who might physically assault you. Japanese culture’s real stronghold. More than Meijo and Nagoya Castle, at least.

Sensei decided to let us know that she’d rather us go in a less crowded carriage. I wholeheartedly agree with cute sensei. That’s right. I’m not afraid anymore. I will call her cute… just not audibly to her face, otherwise, I suspect I will get suspended for harassment. Alas, I just wish I never thought of that idea at all.

Speaking of which, is it better to have never thought a bad idea or to have had a bad idea - and reject it later on? I think the second one is more favourable than the former. It suggests growth. So yeah, whilst I might wish I never thought Tateishi-sensei as being cute as long as I stop mentally being a womanizer or objectifying women - it’ll be alright in the end?

Right? Someone agree with me, please.

Oh. It’s been a while since I’ve had these thoughts. I kind of wish life was like this all the time. Just chilling by.

Come to think of it, we were still at the entrance just talking. It was 9:20 now. Let’s keep it moving! Punctuality is key.

I swiped my manaca card through the gates. No one followed through. I had to let my mind reach the physical world.

“Umm, why are we not going inside?” I pointed out.

Aya-senpai said “Uhh… Honzo, we’re not sure if it’s quicker to go here… or on the bus.”

“Let’s take the bus!” Kazumi called out.

“No. I want to take the subway and train. Not the bus.” I replied.

I noticed Tateishi-sensei proposing something.

“Let’s have a democratic vote then. Might as well have power to the people, no?” Tateishi-sensei confidently said.

I don’t want mob rule, I want things to go my way! This is ridiculous. I hate inconveniences! Even if I am a big inconvenience to everybody. Plus I was late. In addition to that, I think people know I’m toxic but they feel bad about me so they hang out with me. Thirdly, my only real friend is myself.

I said, “Anyone want to take the subway, raise your hands.”

Sayako, Yusuke, Sora-kun, and I held our hands. Kazumi, Aya-senpai, Tateishi-sensei, and Sakura-chan abstained.

“It appears we split into two. How about we go both?” I remarked.

Kazumi then said, both remorseful and teasingly “Actually Honzo, I didn’t vote to annoy you but forgot you hate large vehicles. I’m sorry for suggesting we take the bus. I’ll vote for the subway.”

I won? On sympathy points, nevertheless. A victory is a victory at the end of the day. Clearly a lot of glory in this one. It’s nice to see that Kazumi-senpai still cared for me. If she deeply cared, however, she would stop posing in stylish magazines.

Finally, everyone entered through the gates. The station was borderline abandoned if you were to go by passenger numbers. I’m sure that request by sensei would be fulfilled by the first train that entered.

The old but consistent train arrived. It was empty, anyway, because this was the end of the line. Sensei said it with a sense of urgency that I forgot about that. Maybe Tateishi-sensei is not originally from Aichi? Come to think of it… I think she’s from Tokyo actually. What an upgrade from a major global city to Nagoya. Totally.

Matter of fact, no one seemed to have the heart to tell her Takabata is the origin point. Come what may, come rain or shine, I’ll tell her… or not. The train arrived empty. Duh.

“Shall we enter, everyone?” Aya-senpai asked.

The out-of-character cheekiness came from Yusuke. “Obviously!”

Another swift minor assault on Yusuke’s back occurred. He actually said ‘ow’ this time. Begrudgingly, he apologised to Aya-senpai. Rudeness is not tolerated unless you are handsome. The polite Aya told him it was ok. Sayako just kept chastising him… like he’s her son, wait hold up! Does she just enjoy being a mother to all of us?

We entered the carriage. The announcer's heavenly, yet strange voice droned throughout the train.

"This train is bound for Fujigaoka via Sakae and Imaike."

The doors closed.