This Is The Way It Has To Be

As I continue reading the night turns into morning and then around noon I decide to check up on Yoko and Peter.

Their things should be arriving soon anyway.

I fast travel to the apartment and see Yoko already opening boxes and putting her things away.

I see Peter next to his cage.

“Well, Peter, it looks like you’re settling in just fine.”

“I’m just glad my master didn’t change things for me to much.”

“You’re so silly. Anyway, she looks like she’s about all settled in as well.”

“Yeah, she apparently has today off to prepare our hole to live in.”

It seems she set things up mostly like she had it in her old place just as Peter said.

I wonder if it a Feng Sui thing or just a familiarity thing?

It looks like the head of the bed is facing north so, maybe it is.

Once she’s finished putting her kitchen items away, she goes to the living room holding some small saucers and a container of salt.

Oh! I know what she’s doing.

It won’t work on me though.

I’m not an evil spirit.

Or, at least it shouldn’t work on me.

I guess I will find out.

She goes over to the sliding door that leads to the balcony and in the corner places one of the saucers.

After placing the saucer, she pours the salt in the shape of a mound.

Hmm, I don’t feel anything different.

She goes over to the front door and does the same thing again.

I go over to the one by the balcony door and put my hand near it.

Nope, nothing at all.

I guess it’s for evil spirits after all, if it works at all.

Is she just doing this as a precaution or does she know something?

What is she gonna do next, start burning some sage as well?

I do like her style though.

I think we have a lot more in common than I thought.

If things were different, we probably could have been friends.

“Alright all done!” she says after putting the last saucer down by the entrance.

“Now to work on dinner for tonight and pack the leftovers for lunch.”

She goes back into the kitchen and takes some items from the refrigerator.

It looks like some various vegetables and mushrooms.

She grabs some cooking oil as well as some dry and wet ingredients.

Oh, she’s making some tempura.

I haven’t had that in a while.

Mom always made the best tempura I thought.

Then one day Shinichi made some from some recipe one time and it was so good I was so amazed.

Come to think of it, all these ingredients look exactly like what he used and he measured them carefully just like she’s doing now.

Hmm, what to do.

I got it, I think.

“Hey, Peter, was Yoko out sweeping the front area earlier?”

“I believe so. Why do you ask?”

“I had a feeling. She seems like a very tidy person.”

I look around for the broom and notice it sitting next to the laundry area by the bathroom.

It’s gonna take a bit of timing but I’ll wait for her to be looking away and then fast travel this outside.

Just as I have that thought I see her starting to put some items back into the refrigerator.

OK, here’s my chance.

I grab the broom and bring it outside the apartment and sit it by the door to Yoko’s apartment.

Alright, prep work done.

All that’s left is to wait for Shinichi to come home.

I know he will be returning with more junk.

After setting up the broom, I return back inside Yoko’s apartment and watch her cook.

Sorry Yoko, this may seem mean but it’s for both of your own good.

You both need a fateful encounter to start things along.

She begins to cook the tempura vegetables.

“Oh, Peter, does this smell as good as I think it does?”

“I don’t know about any of that. I just prefer food the way it always was. Maybe in small bits.”

“Well yeah, you are a rabbit after all. I guess that makes sense.”

“My master sometimes gives me the scraps of the vegetables she cooks.”

“Oh, that must be nice for you and her.”

“Yeah, I get really a delicious variety of vegetable scraps but, I really love it when she gives me carrots and sweet potatoes.”

“Who doesn’t like sweet things.”

“Those are the best.”

“She really does take good care of you, doesn’t she?”

“Yes, I have the best life. Not worrying about what to eat and being hunted by strange animals.”

“You really hit the jackpot, didn’t you?”

“I guess so, if that’s a good thing.”

“Oh, it is for sure. You’re one lucky rabbit indeed.”

“I think so as well.”

As I finish my conversation with Peter I wander over to Yoko to see what else she is cooking.

Nothing too out of the ordinary just her putting some rice in the cooker and some instant miso soup.

She takes the tempura out and lets the oil sink into the paper towels sitting on a plate.

Shinichi should be getting home any minute now.

I go outside and wait for him to arrive and sure enough he starts to make his way up the stairs.

He’s carrying his usual convenience store dinner.

As he gets past Yoko’s door, I reach for the broom, push it down and hold it out so that it catches his legs.

He falls down face first with a loud thud.

His bag containing his dinner goes flying over the edge of the guard rail and plummets to the first floor and lands strewn on to grass below.

Wow it went better than planned.

“Ow ow ow.”

The door to Yoko’s apartment opens and she notices Shinichi.

“Oh my! Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

“Oh no! What happened exactly?”

“Somehow I tripped on something.”

“Something? Oh no! My broom! I swore I put it away! I’m so sorry! Please, let me help you up. Are you ok?”

“Thanks, I’ll be ok just a few scratches. Can’t say the same for my dinner. I’ll just have to go back to the convenience store for another one.”

“Oh no! I’m so sorry! Why don’t you go and clean up and I’ll be by with some food I just finished making.”

“No, I can’t let you do that. It’s your dinner.”

“It’s not a problem at all. I made extra for my lunch tomorrow, so it’s not a problem at all.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am, so go and I’ll be by in ten minutes.”

“Uh…ok.”

She rushes back inside and Shinichi goes down to pick up the remains of his “dinner”.

Once he finishes, he goes into his apartment, drops the spoiled food into his garbage and takes his clothes off to go into the shower.

It never gets old looking at him like that.

He finishes up and puts on some sweats.

Just as he finishes putting on his top there is a knock at his door.

“Coming!” he yells as he heads to the door.

Her opens the door and Yoko is standing there with a cloth covered box and some disposable chopsticks tucked in the knot.

“Thanks for waiting. Oh no! Your lip is bleeding!”

“Eh? I guess it is.”

“Are you bleeding anywhere else?”

“Probably but, not too bad if I am.”

“Here, use this.” She says as she takes a handkerchief from her pocket.

“Thanks, please come in.”

“I don’t want to intrude, but you should sit down.”

“Yeah, I should. Come in.”

She enters with the usual greeting and takes her shoes off.

He leads her to the living room and sits down while still holding his lip with the handkerchief.

She sets the box in front of him and unwraps the box.

“Thank you very much.”

She opens the box and it’s some of her tempura and some rice.

He takes the handkerchief from his mouth and says, “it looks great. Thanks for the food.”

As he takes a bite into the carrot, she begins to look around the room and stops at my picture.

“Was this your sister?”

“That…that was my fiancé. She passed away four years ago.”

“I am sorry to hear that.”

“This taste is familiar…it is very similar to what I made for her that one time.”

“It’s a recipe I’ve been using for quite a while.”

“Oh! Was it from that famous recipe website?”

“Actually, yes it was. I saw it about two years ago. It said it was a popular one so, I tried it out and liked how it turned out.”

Oh my god, no way!

No wonder it looked so similar!

“Yeah, I lost a bet to her one time and she said I had to make her some tempura.”

“That sounds like quite the punishment.”

“Eh, not really. I was the better cook out of the two of us.”

“Wow, sounds like something out of a shoujo manga.”

“Ha ha. Yeah, it was kind of but, her stuff was at least edible and had flavor.”

Hey! It wasn’t that bad!

My pride as a woman is being hurt here.

He takes another bite and then tears fall from his eyes.

Oh! What’s this?

Where’d these tears come from.

He reaches up with the handkerchief acting like he’s dabbing his lip but, subtly wipes his tears away.

He returns back to eating.

Yoko doesn’t seem to notice since she seems like something caught her eye.

“Wow a desktop. You don’t see to many that aren’t used for business nowadays.”

“Yeah, I put it together so I could play my online game.”

“Wow! Really? That’s awesome that you know how to make a computer.”

“It wasn’t too difficult really. I mostly just matched parts that fit the specs and watched a couple tech videos online. The software gave me more trouble. Just dealing with drivers and OS conflicts was a pain.”

“Yeah, I bet.”

“Oh? You’re familiar with those issues?”

“Um…somewhat. I just started work as a network analyst at Midorikawa Network Security.”

“Oh, I saw that place while I was walking to my previous job at the pharmacy.”

“Yeah, I was just hired by them and moved here from the south.”

“Oh, how are you enjoying the city so far? I know it can be difficult adjusting to a new town.”

“I really haven’t seen much time to see the area but, Mrs. Nagahama told me about a park nearby I can take P-Chan to.”

“P-Chan?”

“Peter, he’s my pet rabbit. He’s just so cute I have to call him P-Chan.”

“Oh, I see. I remember you carrying a cage with you when we met.”

“I think your rabbit will enjoy that park. The cherry blossoms should be ready about now as well.”

“Oh, that will be nice. By the way, Mr. Kitaji, do you also work in the IT field?”

“No, not at all. I’m as far away as IT as you can get. I much like you have started a new job but, as a Bio-Tech researcher.”

“Wow, that’s incredible!”

“I guess so. I am doing what I know the best and what I was working toward in college.”

With that understated statement he finishes the last of the dinner.

“Thanks for the meal. It was really great.”

“I’m glad you liked it and I’m glad you aren’t hurt.”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine, thank you.”

“Well, it was nice talking to you.”

“Yes, it was nice of you to keep me company. I’ll wash this handkerchief and get it back to you. I’ll probably need it a little longer tonight.”

She grabs the box the meal was in and wraps it back up in the cloth and starts to make her way to the exit.

“I’ll see you out.”

“Thank you.”

“I should go and give P-Chan his banana. Have a good night.”

“Thank you for everything. Have a good night as well.”

She bows and walks back next door.

As she heads back inside Shinichi finally closes the door and heaves a large sigh.

He heads back over to the living room and looks at the handkerchief on the table.

Finally, he goes to his computer and starts it up.

Once it starts up, he opens the browser to the cooking website they were talking about.

He starts looking at different recipes.

Some of them are really elaborate.

What is he really thinking.

Yoko only made tempura not a Michelin star meal.

He heaves a sigh, closes the website and loads up his game.

Once he logs in he changes to that green outfit I like so much and goes out to fight monsters.

After some time he gets a message.

Yamashi> Hello friend.

Yamashi< Hey there. How’d Alternys go?

Yamashi> It wasn’t the same without you. We did wipe a couple of times.

Yamashi< Well the Dalmakus zone was always a pain so it’s not really a surprise.

Yamashi> So what are you up to now?

Yamashi< Eh? I’m just gathering crafting materials. Before I logged in, I was looking at recipes to make for my neighbor.

Yamashi> Why’s that?

Yamashi< There was an accident and she ended up giving me some of her dinner. So, I was thinking of making something for her in return.

Yamashi> That sounds nice. What did you decide on?

Yamashi< I didn’t. Everything I looked at was way too complicated or easy and unappealing.

Yamashi> That’s unfortunate.

Yamashi< Yeah, I’ll try to look around for one later tomorrow.

Yamashi> Hmm, I think I might have one for you. It’s my go to when I want to make something quick and filling.

Yamashi< Really? That’d be great.

Yamashi> I’ll text it to you.

Yamashi< Thanks a bunch.

Yamashi> No problem. I hope you like it. Well, I’m off to bed. I got an early day tomorrow.

Yamashi< Thanks again and have a good night.

With that Shinichi continues what he’s doing until he gets the text from Yamashi.

He picks up his phone to see what Yamashi sent.

I glance over and look at it with him.

Hmm, Shephard’s Pie, this looks pretty tasty.

It does look pretty simple too.

Just a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, 500g of ground beef and some various spices.

That’s not a lot of ingredients either.

“Hmm, that could work.”

It looks like he approves.

It seems like it’s still a little much to me but, that’s really up to him, I guess.

“OK, I’ll go with that then.”

He puts his phone away and finishes up what he is doing in game.

I wonder how this will turn out.

Once he’s back in his house in game he crafts a few things and then logs out for the night.

As he gets ready for bed I go through the wall to talk to Peter.

“Hey Peter! I think I did it.”

“Oh? What did you do. My master rushed outside and then came back inside in a huge panic.”

“I used that broom to make a little accident to get rid of that food he was going to have for dinner.”

“Oh, so that was what that loud noise was.”

“Yeah, now he’s going to make Yoko a repayment meal. I hope she likes it.”

“As long as it has vegetables in it, she will eat it.”

“She’s not a vegetarian, is she?”

“If that means all she eats is vegetables, nah I’ve seen her have plenty of meat from time to time. It’s not my thing but you humans seem to like it.”

“That’s reassuring. Well, I’ll let you get some sleep. Sleep well Peter.”

“Thanks, I’d say the same to you but you don’t sleep do you?”

“Sorta, I just close my eyes and then open them and time has passed, like time traveling more than sleeping.”

“I see. So, what are going to do for now?”

“I’m just going to go read this book series I’ve been hooked on.”

“Ok, well, I’ll let you do that. I don’t know how much longer I can keep my eyes open.”

“Haha, it’s ok you get some sleep.”

“Good night, miss ghost.”

“Good night, Peter.”

Ah more downtime.

Well back to my new base of operations, the manga café.

I continue reading as night turns to day and then day gives way to the evening.

He should be coming home about now.

I head back to his apartment to see him just get to his door carrying a bag full of what I assume the ingredients.

Once he’s inside he goes right away to the kitchen to begin cooking.

Man, it has been too long since he’s cooked.

I hope his skills are still good.

It doesn’t seem so.

He’s browning the meat, chopping the potatoes and getting the oven ready for the final assembly.

I watch him finish up and put the dish into the oven.

He lets out a sigh.

“Man, it’s been a while.”

Yes, it has.

He sets a timer and then goes to his computer to browse some scientific news articles.

A lot of articles that really don’t make much sense to me.

Hold on, what’s this?

A new planet with earth like atmosphere discovered.

New planet is approximately 2.7 times the size of earth.

Wow that’s pretty cool.

I wonder if there’s anything living there.

What would it actually be like?

Is it some peaceful planet in tune with nature or is it under the control of some oppressive galactic empire.

OH! You know what, I should be able to go there.

I mean I did go to places here on earth I never been to before just by thinking about it.

But this is outer space though.

Just as I’m lost in my thoughts, I’m startled by the timer going off.

He gets up, goes over to the stove and takes the pie out.

It’s odd that it’s called a pie but there’s no crust.

I wonder why that is.

It does look delicious though.

Once he sets it out to cool a bit, he goes back to his computer to shut things down.

Darn, I was hoping he would click on that article so I could read it.

He leaves the desk, grabs the pie and goes next door to see Yoko.

She answers the door.

“Oh! Mr. Kitaji, what a surprise to see you.”

“Uh…yeah….uh, I hope you haven’t eaten yet. I made something as a thank you for yesterday.”

“Huh? Nonono. It was my fault you got hurt and lost your dinner.”

“True but I could have been more careful as well and you gave me your lunch.”

“Well, I was about to make my dinner so I guess we can eat this together if you don’t mind.”

“Sure.”

“Please, come inside.”

She opens the door fully and he walks in.

Once he takes his shoes off, she escorts him to the living room.

“Please have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

He sets the pie on the table and sits down.

“Oh my. That looks so delicious.”

“Yeah, it does. This is my first time trying this recipe. I hope it’s as good as it looks.”

“What’s it called?”

“It’s an English dish called Shepard’s Pie.”

“It doesn’t look like a pie.”

“Yeah, I was worried my friend sent me the wrong recipe at first but I looked it up online and yup that’s the real name.”

“I see. Well, was there anything you would like to drink? I have mostly different teas though.”

“I’ll just have water.”

“Ok, I’ll get the drinks and dishes.”

“Do you need a hand?”

“No, I’ll be fine. Just sit.”

It takes a couple of trips but she comes back with a couple of plates, a couple of forks, a serving spoon and two glasses of water.

“Please, let me serve it for you.” Shinichi says as he grabs the serving spoon and her plate.

“Th... thank you very much. Thank you for the food.”

She digs in.

“Oh my! This is great! Is there cheese in here as well?”

“Yeah, I wanted to add a little bit of saltiness without using extra salt. It’s definitely not traditional but, I’ve been known to make changes to recipes to change the flavor profile a bit.”

“Wow! Did you ever think of being a chef?”

“Nah, there’s a bunch of things I don’t really care to eat. If I was a chef I’d have to eat those and I’d rather enjoy my food especially with good company.”

Was that a flirt?

Did he really flirt with her?

“A…am I good company?”

She’s definitely blushing.

“Well, I hope so.”

I think things are going well but, I can’t watch this much longer.

As much as I want them to be together, I can’t help but feel that I miss doing this with him.

It should be me sitting with him having shepherd’s pie.

I tried to put on a brave front to move things forward for him but, the last two days has hit me pretty hard.

It was one thing to just find her and get her here but, now that they’re together the reality is setting in on me again.

Why can’t I be that good company?

I walk through the sliding glass door to the balcony.

What do I even have left to do anyway?

I let out a deep sigh and then look up into the near cloudless yet starry night sky.

I feel like a girl who’s seen her ex-boyfriend with a new girlfriend.

It hurts me just to see him flirting with her.

It’s not her fault.

She was just chosen to take my place.

OK, that’s really harsh.

She’s her own person, she’s not me.

I know I’m supposed to be here to get the flow of events back on track but, this part of the journey feels more like torture.

Why do I have to do this?

He was my fiancé.

I continue looking out at the stars.

Does anyone else have to go through this?

I bet they don’t have this problem on that newly discovered planet.

You what, only one way to find out.

Besides I can take my mind off of things here for a while.

I close my eyes and think of the planet mentioned in the article.