It Starts With You: Part One

I seriously didn’t expect the atmosphere to be this tense.

Katsumi felt hot—in fact, he was almost sweating even though the building was being cooled.

Classes ended twenty minutes ago and Katsumi had invited Mayumi to a restaurant to discuss their plans for this weekend. The entire walk from campus was silent, with that atmosphere following them into the building.

Katsumi sat across from Mayumi with a goal of trying to avoid eye contact. He couldn’t shake the thought of why the atmosphere was so rigid even though they made up.

A waiter came and dropped off two ice-teas. She gave a small nervous smile before quickly leaving.

It feels like we’re ruining everyone’s vibe. Maybe some small talk first?

“...Uhm, Arata, how were classes this week?”

“If I’m being honest, it has been hard to pay attention.” Mayumi's reply came curtly as she stirred her drink with the straw.

“Yeah… It’s like that for me too.”

Mayumi stopped and met Katsumi’s eyes. “Is it not always like that for you?”

“Pff—” Katsumi stifled a laugh.

“Did I say something funny?”

“N-no… It’s just, you always speak your mind. I find it refreshing.” Katsumi wore a rare smile.

Mayumi shook her head as the corner of her lips slightly shifted upwards.

After a, still awkward, but friendly silence settled over the two, Katsumi decided that the small talk wasn’t getting them anywhere.

“I decided what we’re going to do this weekend.”

“Hm? What’s that?”

“I figured a trip would be best—” Katsumi got cut off.

“For real?” Mayumi sounded genuinely a little excited. “You planned it out and everything?”

“Actually yeah, I did. I stayed up all last night planning it. That’s why I couldn’t really pay attention during class today. I was barely able to stay awake.”

“Murakami, while I’m glad you did all that planning, you should never stay up all night like that. It’s bad for you.”

“Yes-yes you’re right, but I think it was worth it. I planned something good.”

Mayumi gave a look that asked, “Really?”

“We’ll be going to Takachiho, it’s a city in Northern Miyazaki.”

“Why there?”

It’s better to show her rather than explain what’s there. Plus it sounds like she doesn’t know anything about Takachiho. “I’ll just say it’s a good tourist spot. I have what we’d be doing for the weekend all planned out already and made the reservations.”

“You said for the weekend, that means we are staying there overnight?”

“Yes… Why? Is that not okay?”

“No, it's fine. I was wondering what kind of hotel or room you booked.”

“You’re sounding like I’d go for the cheapest and dirtiest room.”

Mayumi sipped her drink.

This girl… “I booked two rooms though, because there will be someone—well someones coming with us.”

“I’d like to know why, if you do not mind me asking.”

“To set the record straight, I got a very nice room. But to do that I had to get someone society sees as more trustable to be able to book it.”

“I don’t mind that, but may I ask who?”