The Way to South Nagoya

That was scary.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. Certainly, a familiar grip. It was none other than my handsome senpai. Yep. I called a girl handsome. Kazumi-senpai has returned! I hadn’t seen her in a while.

“You left Sayako-chan alone for 20 minutes.” She disciplined me.

Teehee.

“Sorry about that, but why are you reprimanding me instead of her?”

“Because, Honzo-kun, she’s not the type to do that. In fact, I think she’s borderline smitten with you. I’m the student council president, remember? I especially need to discipline troublemakers like you.”

My mind must be in another place because that was both a serious rebuke and also slightly seductive. It doesn’t help that Kazumi seems to be smiling. A lot of smilers in this part of the world, huh.

“I apologize again, student council president.”

Kazumi seemed proud of herself. She pouted her lips and raised her chest.

“Although, you may be a bit too full of yourself Kazu-nee.”

Kazumi’s smile opened. It also started moving.

“Kazu-nee! I haven’t heard that since you were ten! You’re really trying to soften me up, aren’t you, Honzo-chan?”

Next, she playfully brushed my hair. Kazumi-senpai was not that far off in height from me. She was around 172cm. Certainly tall for anyone. It’s no wonder why she’s a professional model… albeit part-time.

As soon as an adult-like presence entered, Kazumi would drastically change her stance. But, I’m sure to the teachers, Kazumi’s the true captain of this ship. I’d sure hate to wonder what happens if this ship goes down. Maybe our ward implodes? A domino effect that leads to Aichi Prefecture declaring independence? Back to daimyos and samurais… but with guns. Not as cool.

But the engineering behind guns is definitely interesting. Although, I feel like I should self-censor my own thoughts. I agree with me. Thank you. I’m saying this as Kazumi returned to playing with scuffing my hair.

“You can stop now, Kazumi. Where’s Saya-chan?”

A familiar voice arrived.

“Behind you.”

Sayako immediately stood there. I may have been much taller than her, but right now I feel like a mouse fighting a cat.

Her face showed no emotion. But one could easily tell that she was upset. Sayako’s pupil size betrayed that. Although, I’m not sure there’s much of a correspondence. Doesn’t matter. I think anyone could tell she was a little bit displeased.

Kazumi-senpai stopped. This is all playing a little bit too stereotypically. She started whistling and looked away from Sayako’s eyes. Every angle, she dodged it. Who made my life turn into a comedy? In my next reincarnation, can I be the main character in an action manga? The plot armour would be crazy.

Speaking of reincarnation, I’m more on the Shinto side than Buddhist, but I’m sure you won't be surprised to find out that I’m not particularly big on both. But I do some temple visits, there and then.

After that brief respite, Sayako spoke in an uncharacteristic tone of spite.

“So, Honzo, how was Mai and Yamaki? Did you enjoy it? What about Kazumi now?”

Is she… jealous? No way!

Kazumi-senpai, noticing perhaps a tad bit of jealousy from Sayako, decided to tease both her and me. I did not want to hear her next words.

“Honzo-kun especially enjoys it with his favourite senpai! Right, Honzo-kun?”

Why was it so seductive and slow? Her tone just made everything sound worse. This was weird. Sayako was now a cherry. Ignoring the fact that she was also a cherry in another sense. Cherry.

What a devilish senpai. You’d think she’d be the kouhai since a lot of manga seem to have that archetype, but Kazumi-senpai fits no typical character mould. Okay. Maybe she does. Actually, despite being reality, a lot of what Kazumi does fits all these tropes to a point, where it’s just frightening. Couldn’t she just be a slouch in school, instead?

To answer Kazumi’s prompt, all I needed was one word. No. Which is what I said, in a standard tone.

Kazumi pouted. Then her eyes began to water and widen. She must’ve learned this skill from her actress friends in her modelling career. Manipulator! Although, I wouldn’t mind being manipulated by her.

And as if Sayako could hear my thoughts, she gave a prowl towards me.

“Honzo. Stop what you are thinking.”

Is what I think really obviously reflected in how I look? This is not the first time, either. Damn. I’m an easy person to read, aren’t I? Too sincere. This is the problem with having too much candour.

Kazumi-senpai then put her hands on her hips and scolded me. My cheeks were so warm, they could warm the whole lobby up by a few degrees. Sayako joined in. Heaven or hell? Eh, both.

What did I even show in my face to deserve a response? Maybe I whispered what I was saying? No use asking questions. It seems like that’s all I do, it’s time to be confident and firm in your thoughts, Honzo! Wow. I will never refer to myself in the third person ever again… or at least for a few days.

“Hey, isn’t Yumi-nee leaving back for Tokyo tomorrow?” asked a rather concerned Kazumi.

I’m not sure why she was seemingly interested… Actually, I can answer that. Yumi also loves her like a little sister. Imouto. The sheer word makes me shudder. It’s a character type that’s used to justify some horrible things. Regretfully, I’m also going to self-censor my thoughts.

I answered it in a more neutral tone. Matter of fact.

“Yes, she is. She leaves at around 19:00, if you want to know.”

Sayako then smiled and asked “Hanzo! Is it okay if I can come to your house and see your sister?”

“Sure,” I replied to Sayako. “But, I’m not sure why you really want to go, fair enough I suppose.”

I could speculate. In fact, that’s what I’ll do. Saya-chan just wants to be closer to me and know my sister. As for who my sister knows in my year? It’s just Nishi-chan, Mai, and Kazumi. Oh! Kenji too, she knows him from going to our middle school sports festivals. Sadly, St. Yusuke was not notable for her. That’s why we are not close anymore. The sheer disrespect for not remembering Yusuke.

Also, I’m sure you’ve noticed, but I don’t call ‘Erina Takanishi’ by her first name. She’s obviously told me to call her Erina or Erina-chan… but Nishi-chan is just better. Rolls off the tongue better. I think it's a good nickname. Better than what her parents chose. Sorry, auntie and uncle. Maybe your next child?

I gave a look at Kazumi.

“I don’t even need to ask whether you want to see my sister, then.”

“Duh, Honzo! I love your sister.” Kazumi said in almost a comedic-like tone.

Sayako, clearly remembering what we were here for, started to interrupt our conversation.

“Hanzo! We have to go to Minoru’s house! The Kikuchi household is missing schoolwork! Let’s go!”

She dragged me by the collar. Literally, my legs left a clean trail as my shoes collected the dust. Shoes as a broom? Wow.

Kazumi shouted at us both.

“See you two lovebirds tomorrow! Honzo, say hi to your sister for me.”

Will do. I gave her two big nods, and off we went outside. It was slightly overcast, but that didn’t stop the utterly beautiful scenery. Pink sakura fighting the grey clouds as the pleasant warmth reminded me of the strokes of paint in an impressionist-style artwork. Otherwise, it was just a normal spring. Is this the essence of spring?

Suddenly, a core memory was unlocked. Cue the chest opening. My sister was arguing with my father about consumerism. Probably, because my dad was purchasing random garbage that no one really seemed to need and my onee-san was struggling in university. I think she was living off pure bread or rice only meals for two weeks.

She was an avid reader. I’m sure some of my thoughts are really just copied from what she says out loud. Yeah, I’d argue she’s really a big influence on my thinking. You know, what? Honest to god, I have no responsibility over my actions and thoughts. It’s her! Yumi-nee! And a lot of what she said was just straight-up provocative. My dad bought, god knows, I think it was an automated massage chair. Shiatsu. They’re actually comfortable. A nearly backbreaking start, but yeah I can see why this is a popular product that people purchase. Surprisingly, my dad was one of those people.

Then, my sister went on an almost unhinged rant about anti-consumerism. She said something about… as a matter of fact I could remember it verbatim. Although, her voice is going to be slightly higher pitched than it really is. Whatever. I’m playing it in my head.

“This is the problem with the Spectacle. It makes society worse whilst making certain people profit whilst everyone else is left looking for the next superficial thing. It’s terrible! Look at you, Dad! You’ve purchased junk! All it does is slightly relax you. That’s not worth 300,000 yen! I had to eat like I’m the Buddha in uni whilst you fetishize another random commodity. It’ll be massage chairs today, tomorrow it will be a robot vacuum.”

I don’t know what fetishizing a commodity, nor what a ‘Spectacle’ was, and certainly my dad didn’t. When he asked her what that meant, she went “Go read a book”. Despite saying that, she did actually describe it. I just forgot. Something about the superficiality of media and advertisements. That it makes a world full of vapid illusions that people chase. Next, she called out Shibuya, for some reason. It’s only a few advertisements.

So yeah, that’s the type I’m with. Despite holding opinions like that, she seems to vote for establishment-type politicians? I’m not sure I understand why, but I’m not my sister and I never will be.

Why did I think of that, out of nowhere? I don’t know. Get it. I don’t- whatever.

As we walked in stow, I realized that Sayako did not know where Minoru-san lived. Neither did I.

So I spoke up about my concerns.

“Sayako. Do you actually know where Minoru-san lives?”

“I thought you knew? Don’t you speak to him from time to time? Kikuchi’s certainly a cagey guy, huh.”

Then I answered “Well, where’s Tateishi-sensei? Why don’t we ask her?

“I think she left early, since the last period she’s free.”

“Sayako-san, do you have any idea how to contact her?” I said, in a really formal tone.

“Hey! Don’t add the -san!”, she countered angrily.

Next, she made a drooping face. I didn’t mean to say it like that, I just said it. Guess she thought we were super close. Personally? I just call people by the first name that comes to mind. Sayako-san just came out at that random moment.

“Sorry… Saya-chan? Better? Also, we can just go on the LINE group chat from the Culture Club, no? I think she put her phone number there.”

Sayako literally switched to a gleaming smile. Then she patted me on the back. I wouldn’t say it was affectionate, but maybe I’m starting to get used to people touching me now. On second thought, the patting is annoying. Please stop.

“Good job, Hanzo!” she said in a joyful manner. “I’m going to call her now!”

Wow. No second thoughts or doubt. She just added the number to her contacts. Not even putting it in her number pad, or anything. Then she called her in a few seconds. Look, if I called a teacher - I think there would be an internal investigation in school and my suspension. Or at least that’s what I think.

Tateishi-sensei answered.

“Who’s this?”

“This is the 2-B student rep, Nakanami Sayako! I’m with Honzo. I don’t remember where Kikuchi lives! Can you remind me?”

“Oh hi, Sayako, although I can’t recall giving you my phone number… never mind, I must’ve given it to you during that visit to the community centre. Anyways, he lives in Hoshocho. The school should’ve mailed him the work, you guys don’t have to go to his place… I don’t really think he’ll do it either.”

In a merry mood, Sayako was still oddly determined to give the work to him.

“I already have it in my hands. Don’t worry sensei! We’ll be there and it’s my duty as student rep, remember?”

Thanks for reminding me, class representative Sayako, that you stole my position! Although, I was almost immediately rejected. Irrelevant. Betrayal cuts deep in my heart.

It was only a short walk to Takabata Station. The sun finally pierced through holes into the paper-like sky. It was a patchy light. If I was a bird, I think I could easily see some areas with no light and others fully shone. God rays.

Certainly, it was a nice background for a walk. Although… I don’t think Sayako realises how long it will be in the trains. In addition to that, it’s basically peak time. 15:40. I called my sister to let her know I’d probably be home late. She said it must be nice being a high schooler. You’re 21, it’s not like you’re an old man reminiscing about the past. Whatever.

Do you remember the trip to the community centre? It’s the same lines and everything, just two stops longer, ending at Oe Station. Can you commit plagiarism with your thoughts? Because everything from that experience will still apply to this ridiculous network. There is no sense of order. You still have to connect at the maze of Nagoya Station. Honestly, if someone thought the old maze complex is bad? Think about that station. It’s like Block ABC is a simple tourist hedge maze whilst Nagoya Station is straight from The Maze Runner.

It does make sense, one would suppose. Nagoya Station is apparently the biggest train station by floor area. I’m not sure if that includes the Japan Railway-owned one or all three combined.

As I was about to enter the subway stairs, I noticed Nishi with her friends looking at me from the opposite side of the boulevard. She smiled and winked at me. I didn’t reciprocate equally. All I did was a simple wave. I think it’s a nice gesture, no? Next, I noticed her eyes had drifted towards Sayako and gave me a thumbs up. I don’t know how I could tell.

Onwards, for the same disgustingly long journey. God, I hate the urban planners of this city. They need to die! Although, they’ve probably long passed away by now. You could look at one random commuter and you could easily see the forlorn expression. Almost all of them have that same dull expression. I might be making that up.

As expected by the tardiness of the subway, the Higashiyama train arrived. What a quaint, cute train. Totally, not a random thought. Anywho, we both entered it. An hour of my life is about to be wasted. Wait, more like two.

We sat as the train cycled through its five languages. It left the platform.