It Starts With You: Part Two

The group stood in front of Kashiwa station. It was a nearly cloudless Saturday apart from a few lazily drifting to the east. The clear sky let the hot morning sun beat down on the city. Unlike the last few weeks of rainy and cloudy weather, today was like one right from the middle of summer.

“Mayumi, this is gonna be so much fun! I haven’t been on a vacation in so long!” Kaede Hirano said while stretching. She was wearing a large straw hat accompanied by a shoulderless white-blouse and black jean short-shorts.

The girl she was greeting was similarly dressed—wearing white jean short-shorts and a grey cardigan.

I’m actually lucky for once… It’s been raining for what feels like weeks but it’s actually beautiful weather today. Perfectly timed for our trip. A few clouds in the sky, but besides that, it’s just a sea of blue.

Mayumi gave Katsumi a look saying that she was more than displeased with who he brought along. She leaned into Katsumi’s ear and whispered, “Her? Really? I know we need someone “trustable” but isn’t there someone else? And when did you start getting close to my Aunt?”

Katsumi whispered back, “It’s kinda a long story I guess, but we’re not that close.”

Mayumi continued to give him a disapproving glare. “And who is that?”

She was referring to the fourth member of their group, Makoto. Who was currently rummaging through his bag making sure he had everything he needed for the trip.

Out of the four of them, he was probably the candidate for most stylish. Having spent extra time on his hair that morning, he wore an oversized T-shirt with English writing on it and loose-fitting slacks. It looked like an outfit from a fashion magazine Katsumi would never read.

“That’s… he’s— my older brother.”

“Why didn’t you just invite him? Hirano didn’t have to come.”

I can’t tell her he’s only here to hit on Hirano… I need to think quick. “Uhm— I thought you’d feel uncomfortable going on a trip with two guys you don’t really know.”

“Oh… Thank you…”

Thank god she didn’t recognize Makoto from that night we were in her apartment.

“Hi, Hirano, right? I’m Matsushita Makoto, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Katsumi’s older brother.” He gave a slight bow.

Kaede’s excited tone she used while talking to Mayumi was quickly dropped. “Yes, it’s nice to meet you too. I’m married by the way.”

The smile Makoto had on quickly faded. “Oh… you are?”

“Yes, and happily so.”

“I’m sorry, Hirano, but I don’t see a ring on your finger. Are you maybe trying to turn me down right away?”

Kaede fell silent. Her confidence turned into a nervous look as she got caught in her lie.

“I’m not hitting on you, I was just trying to introduce myself.” Makoto tried to affirm—he was also lying.

After a moment of silence from Kaede, a small smile formed and spoke up. “Oh? Is that so? When I said I’m married at first it looked like your heart dropped out of your chest. To me that makes it seem like you introduced yourself to try and start something.”
“Don’t think you’re a big shot because you can make basic observations. Even then, you’re wrong about that part.”

“You’re the one that wanted me—”

Oh my god… This trip is going south already and we only just met up. I pray these two won’t act like children the entire time. “I think we should board our train to Tokyo. We have a tight schedule of trains to catch today.” Katsumi interrupted.

“Yes, that’s a good idea.” Mayumi agreed.

“We’ll finish this talk on the train,” Kaede said before swiftly walking away.

“But I don’t want to finish this talk!” Makoto called out.

The two chaperons got onto the train first with Mayumi and Katsumi trailing behind them.

“Murakami, you look nice today.” Mayumi’s voice came from behind Katsumi.

Does she really mean that? Is Arata complimenting me? Or is she just trying to be nice…

Katsumi’s face heated up a little. “Yeah, thanks.” He didn’t turn around to acknowledge her complement.

From behind, Katsumi could hear Mayumi audibly sigh.