Photo Salon

Akio, do you know what makes one soul different from the other?

You don’t know? Ahaha! Of course, you wouldn’t.

They’ll show you.

The shape of their heart, and mind.

Those words appeared alongside strings of vivid pictures. I can hear Dad's words so clearly as my finger traces along the dust-covered photo album. One after another, they slide out ever so slowly as I turn to the next page, filling the basement floor with memories under the clear morning sun.

Despite saying that, the room was dark enough that I had to bring a lantern. I’ve already stopped with asking how or why the light doesn’t work. I don’t mind carrying one, after all, a lantern is more fitting to explore a dungeon.

The carpet is filled with footsteps, yet a faint red can be seen upon the dusty cracks. I told myself I should clean it, but I feel like I’d lose something in the process, so all I could do was look as it continues to decay.

But it’s alright. Sometimes it’s better to leave than stay, isn’t that right? I don’t know. I’m here, aren’t I? Turning pages to find old memories that I don’t even have, yet they’re here.

Heh... “Look at what we have here.. Dad and Mom. What a cute picture.”

When was this? They’re awfully close to each other, with one arm crossing another. This warm touch in my chest… I’ve never seen Mom like that before, what kind of face was she even making?

It’s a little blurry and the color has moderately faded, but it’s nice to see them like this. There are more lying on the shelves, and a few more in the album. I’m not sure how many have turned like this, but it’ll wear away if it stays here…

They deserve better. “Alright! I’ve got it.” As I pile the photos together, I couldn’t find another set of albums. “It’s odd, I could’ve sworn we have another one…”

Sigh. Can’t say I look forward to it, but if it’s not here, then there’s no way I’d ever find one in this house.

This bleak state of the hall, it’s even worse than upstairs with how dark some parts are… “Thank god you’re here, Koyomi.” He's been with me through shadows and dark. How many times have I changed his bulb, I wonder? Hmm. Who keeps count anyway, haha….

The smell of oak.. “Man, how long did I spend down there?” I said as my head peaked above the stairs.

It's definitely much better here, with the light and all, and seeing them spread out like this looks really good. “Maybe I should make a photo map, it’s not a bad idea… Maybe later.” But here comes the part where my head throbs, going out with this heat...

What happened to the chill of yesterday?!

So I thought...until my eyes met with the 5km from here to there.

Can’t complain now, can you, Akio?

“And you’re here now.. Miyu?” Sigh. I should go before I start hearing others. Even now, I can feel my phone vibrating despite it being off. It’s just like yesterday when Miyazaki-san texted.

I don’t know why, but I just want to see them again. “Woah, I didn’t realize she sent this many stickers...and these messages..”

My heart is beating. Even when the heat presses against my skin, I can’t stop yesterday’s scenes from playing. Ever since I woke up, her voice would take hold of my thoughts in fragments. It comes in an untimely manner, and more often I resulted to asking, ‘Why this one?’

Who could’ve forgotten? Aside from eating like crazy, she told me that she knew. I still can’t handle it. My face is getting hot… it’s more embarrassing thinking about it...

“Hahh..” I should think before acting…

Regardless, her words struck a chord in me. How would people respond if I speak to them? What should I say?

All this time, my reason has always been for myself. It’s draw, sculpt, draw, sculpt— to the point where I ask myself what I’m doing it for.

If it’s to simply ask for approval, then I’m deaf to even my own voice. I couldn’t hear it…. yet to think someone did. So I’m truly glad…to know that it meant something.

  “…What a light feeling…”

The wind blows by the cloud as birds flap their wings in the air, and passing cars gives life to this quiet town. How nice it is. Not a thought went by of the distance as if my soul is floating...

  “It seems I’m close now, but my legs…” I’m starting to feel it now when I stop.

Now that I think about it, we were too hungry to sense the pain yesterday. Miyazaki-san complained about it later though... It was fun. She agreed that we should hang out again, so I wonder where we’ll go. “It sounds exciting!” I whispered.

You have arrived at your destination

“Ah. So it’s here, huh.” It’s so fancy looking that I would’ve definitely mistaken it for a Beauty Salon.

The store clerk is nowhere to be seen..... “Um. Excuse me!” I yelled.

  “Hmm? Welcome, welcome. Let me just put on my glasses.” He said.

Wow… his tattoos look cool. “Wha..!” He’s rolling down his sleeves... With a quick swift of air, he ties his hair back. “What brings you here today?”

  “Ah! Right. Do you sell photo Albums?” I asked.

He reaches behind the counter and pulls out three sets. “I recommend the light blue one. It’s durable, the fabric is nice to the touch, and it’s not too expensive.”

  “Can I touch it?”

He laughs. “Sure, go ahead.”

Wow, he’s right. The fabric is soft, it’s not as scratchy as the ones at home, but the yellow one gives me a better feeling. It’s not as soft, but the color is a gentle reminder of the sun. Though I see Miyazaki-san in the blue one, she’ll love it.

  “I’ll take the red one.” I pointed.

His eyes widen as his head lifts. “Good choice. That’d be 1780 yen.”

  “1780, got it. Let’s see.”

Hmm.. That’s not right, I have 2000 yen. Let me just recheck. No... It’s not here.. Oh right… The sweet buns..

  “I’m sorry…. I don’t have enough. I’ll have to come back later.” What a wasted trip…

He’s looking with those widened eyes. “How much are you of—”

“Rin! Have you seen my hat?” A voice followed by soft steps

We both turn to the stairs. I could’ve sworn—

“Ah— you’ve got a customer, my bad. And good morning to you.”

Hmm! Fumiko? That hair, and that figure... Wait, hold on. Where’s her red hairpin? and why is the bracelet worn on the left instead of the right? Let’s take a step back.. She also greeted me as though we… Ah, I see.

I try to put on my best smile. “Good morning to you, too, Miss.”

She nods. “Sorry to bother. I’ll come back when you finish up, Rin.”

  “Miyo, check the drawer again. If you still can’t find it then use mine,” he said with a calm voice.

So her name is Miyo. “Um, Amari-san. I’d like to ask you something if you don’t mind. Are you perhaps Fumiko-san’s sister?”

Eh… Why are they both looking at me? Oh…. No way, it’s right in front of me...

“Hmm? You know Fumi? Who are you?” she asked as her gaze pierces into me.

I seem to have also piqued his interest, seeing him surprised and all. “Mhm, all checked. Are you Ryusei Akio?” Wha?

“Ah, yes, I am. Please to meet you, Amari-sans??”

Her eyes are resting, but she’s coming closer to me. “Welcome, Akio! Please, call us by our given names. I’m Miyoko, and that’s my brother, Rin.” Woahh, so energetic.

“Miyo! Keep it down!” He told her. “Excuse her, Akio-san. She’s just thrilled to see her sister’s friend, but by all means, call us by our given name.”

“No worries, Rin-san. And Miyoko-san, thank you.” I wave both my hands.

How unexpected. Who would’ve thought…

“Ah! Sorry Akio, I’d love to talk, but I’ve gotta run. Rin, I’ll be back by 5:00. Don’t keep a portion for me, I’ll eat out.” She said, rushing upstairs.

“Call or text if anything happens, okay!” How is he so calm? His face remains unchanged despite the chaotic sound, but he looks happy.

“Let’s get back to it, Akio-san. As I was saying, how much are you off by?”

Wha… Oh, I totally forgot why I was here.

“Right. 50 yen, Rin-san.”

He reaches for a bag..? Woah, woah.. 50 yen or not, I can’t!

“Hold it, Rin-san. I’ll come back for it, so there’s no—”

“Don’t sweat it. I won’t charge you now; you can come back later.” As he hands me the bag.

“…Is that right? I guess I’m fine with that, thank you, Rin-san.”

He puts on a calm smile that reminds me of Miyazaki-san. “In exchange, stay for some tea, Akio. It’s some of the best.”

“Tea? Um. Won’t you have customers, Rin-san?”

Hmm, what is he doing?

“Temporarily closed. What do you say?” as he’s midway through turning the sign.

There’s nothing much going on at home, and I’m not in much of a hurry. He’s kind enough to offer some tea, and he’s Fuimiko-san’s brother… Hmm, I can rearrange the picture later this afternoon, sure.

“Excuse me for intruding then, Rin-san.”