It's Always Sunny in Kashiwa: Part Five

“Hey, Arata… I also have a question.”

“Hm?”

“It’s about you and Nara… I get we all went to high school together, but I don’t remember you having any relations with Nara. So why does she act like she hates you?”

“I guess I haven’t been fully honest with you… Takagi and I do have history together.”

It makes sense now hearing that, but I seriously never would’ve guessed… “Does that relate to why she treats you like she does?”

“When she first transferred in I noticed how she behaved, and I think you know well how she did too.” Mayumi side-eyed Katsumi.

“That’s besides the point,” Katsumi retorted.

“Anyways, I wanted to talk to Takagi about her behavior, so one day after school let out I confronted her. She told me the same things that you heard her tell me.”

“Nara had an issue with you from way back then?”

“Yes, apparently.”

“Do you know why?”

Words almost came out of Mayumi’s mouth, but she shut it before they could.

Katsumi looked on, anticipating some sort of answer—but none came.

“Maybe tell me later?” Katsumi awkwardly smiled.

Mayumi nodded.

They came to an intersection where the two would normally go straight, however, Mayumi directed Katsumi to take a right.

“Why this way?”

“I wanted to make dinner for us tonight. Is that alright?”

Do I have a say in this? I mean I should say no… But if it’s just dinner, it doesn’t sound terrible. Arata’s actually a really good cook. “Yeah. That’d be fine.”

She lowered her eyebrows, “And you’re not messing with me?”

“No. I haven’t eaten good in a while, so this’ll be nice.”

“Then will you stop at the supermarket with me?”

It’s kind of a pain, but I shouldn’t take her for granted while I do nothing but dwell on its meaning. At least not anymore… “Yeah, let’s stop on the way back.”

The two were deep into the city away from the campus now. Unlike most days recently, the sky was cloudless and blue. The windows of the massive towers catching the sun and reflecting it across their windows.

Groups of high school students who just got let out laughed and chatted on the sidewalks. An older couple strolled past the two, along with a traffic-guard who smiled at Katsumi as they crossed the street.

Mayumi and Katsumi shortly entered the supermarket—the ladder picking up a basket as they went in.

“What’re you thinking of making tonight?” Katsumi asked.

“Hm~ I don’t know.”

What’d you mean you don’t know!? You’re the one that suggested dinner!

“I guess I was planning to walk around here for a little while until I got an idea.”

We’re already here… I can’t leave now.

“Is there anything you wanted?”

“Some cigarettes and a cup of coffee?”

“That doesn’t really have the flavor I was looking for.”

Katsumi smiled. “I’m fine with whatever. You can decide.”

The two found themselves in an aisle of refrigerated meats.

“Murakami, do you like pork?”

“It’s alright. I guess I never really had it much.”

“I could do a simple Shogayaki… or maybe Katsudon…” Mayumi was leaning forward inspecting some of the packaged meat.

“Arata, is it maybe that you like pork?”

“No, not particularly. I just thought maybe you would like it,” She said in her usual flat tone.

However, Katsumi was led to think otherwise, as the area right under her eyes turned a little red.

I wouldn’t think it’s something to really get embarrassed about. Maybe she thinks it makes her seem like a guy?

The two continued walking through the market. Mayumi every-so-often stopping and placing something in the basket.

What does that even mean? She can’t like pork? Maybe she thinks it’s childish…? It’s kinda funny. I feel like a lot of guys in this situation would feel like they’re out with their girlfriend. In reality, it feels nothing like that. It’s more like I’m with my mom.

“Murakami, are you listening?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry.”

“Are you alright with red onions?”

“Oh. Yeah, of course.”

Mayumi set one in the basket and the two carried on.

Back at the apartment, Mayumi put the few bags of groceries on the kitchen island. She rolled up her sleeves and began unpacking them.

“Alright, Murakami, I’ll start preparing dinner. You should work on some of your assignments.”

“O-okay. Are you sure you don’t want any help?” I’ll feel bad having her do everything.

“Have you suddenly learned how to cook since the last time I made dinner?”

Wow, I suddenly don’t feel bad anymore. “I’ll start on my homework.”

Katsumi sat at the living room table, silently making progress on the work that was assigned today. The background was filled with the sounds of clattering dishes, running water, and sizzling—an effect that would be calming on anyone.

After a bit longer, Mayumi called out from the kitchen, “I forgot the flour… I’m going to run out and get some.”

“H-hold on,” Katsumi got up. “You’re already doing more than enough. Let me go get it. Just take a second and relax.”

Mayumi looked back at him with an unsure look.

“Seriously, it’s fine. I’m not that incapable.”

She conceded and Katsumi stepped out of the apartment.

The evening air had become much cooler than it was when they got out of class. The sun was still out but it rested much lower on the horizon.

I really needed to step out for a bit… I was starting to feel like a complacent husband. I don’t like that… Is that what it would be like if we were together? I don’t know if I could handle that for years on end… It’d make me feel useless.

Katsumi was already out of the elevator and on the sidewalk.

If we were together that would also probably mean I couldn’t smoke anymore… Not that I need to, but it’s just… calming… Yeah.

He passed the convenience store that he usually bought cigarettes at.

Why am I imagining Arata and I together? Isn’t that weird? No… I just think I’m so bored I have nothing else to think about… I haven’t thought about being in a relationship since when? My second year of high school? That was the last time I was with a girl.

“A pack of Mevius please.”

We didn’t even go far. I think we kissed a few times and then I ended things with her… I was too concerned with my grades.

Katsumi left the convenience store through the automatic sliding doors. He looked down at the pack of cigarettes he just bought.

I didn’t even realize I did that… He put them in his pocket and continued on. What was her name again? She was really cute… I wonder if she’s been doing well.