Take Five

In the early morning, the city streets became the arteries of the metropolis. The air was fresh, almost floral. Kazue rested on a nearby pillar right next to the hotel’s entrance, with a laptop bag over her shoulder. Her hoodie covered her face. Faint music played from the lobby, and since the doors were wide open, these chords felt like a well-worn path, one that her brain followed so willingly. The calming lyrics let her thoughts drift away. There was a certain level of tiredness in her eyes. She hasn’t slept much, which was a routine for her. But, having to leave the house so early, was something she couldn’t get used to.

Then, her shoulder felt great relief. She panicked.

- “What are you doing sleeping here?”

- “Oh…it’s you.”

- “Who else?”

Yuuji had taken the bag and carried it. Kazue was surprised by his unusual kindness and smiled.

- “Thank you.”

- “You are very welcome. So, where to next?”

Her stomach growled.

- “Food first.”

- “Makes sense.”

Kazue wasn’t much of a nitpicker when it came to food. As long as it was filling, it would do. So, she went to the nearest vending machine. She fished out some coins from the back of her pocket, counted each yen, and tried to feed it to the marked slot. That’s when she felt his hand wrapping around her wrist.

- “What are you doing?”

- “Getting noodles.”

- “There is a restaurant right there. We can eat something nice you know.”

- “Why?”

- “Why not?! When was the last time you had real food?”

- “Noodles are real.”

- “Ugh…” – Yuuji sighed. “Come.” and pulled her towards the opposite direction.

The restaurant released a heavenly aroma the moment she stepped inside. The tables adorned with an artistic brush, creating a homey ambiance with a hint of luxury.

- “Dude, my allowance is limited, you know?”

- “No no! It’s on me.” – he smiled. “There is no way I am eating noodles every single day with you.”

- “You underestimate the power of my spicy meal.”

- “Yeah, yeah. Let’s take a seat. I’m starving.”

Yuuji ordered the usual, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on a bialy with dill, tomatoes, and chevre cream. Paired with miso soup and organic maple chai tea. Kazue studied the menu for a while. But, went for something comfortable, classic buttermilk pancakes drizzled with chocolate syrup.

- “Ah…get something nutritious for a change.” – Yuuji protested.

- “Mind your business.”

He chuckled.

Delicious. Everything about these pancakes was delicious. She could eat them up, lick the plate, and come back for more. That’s how sweet they were. Kazue was ecstatic.

- “So, any plans for today?” – Yuuji asked.

- “If you plan on bribing me with food, it’s working.”

- “Haha! It looks like it.”

- “Last night I looked over Erika’s chats and something didn’t add up. Her event calendar was completely empty. As if she didn’t want anyone finding out where she was going. So, of course, I tracked her phone…”

- “Wait, how did you do that?”

- “Does it matter?”

- “No…but still.”

- “Don’t worry. I am only sharing with you stuff I think you should know. The rest is safe with me.”

- “Ugh…” - An awkward smile formed on his face. Yuuji was visibly disturbed.

- “She booked one night at a hotel near Wangan road.”

- “That scamp! She is definitely planning to see him again.”

- “Imbecile. Why hide so well when your boyfriend is already cheating. Right?” – Kazue protested.

- “What do you mean?”

- “Think a bit.”

- “I…I don’t know.” – Yuuji struggled to come up with something.

- “Do you have any idea what Wangan road is famous for?”

- “No? It’s a road.”

- “Eh…You are useless. Never mind, you are paying for bus tickets anyway. We can’t afford you to go driving around town and drawing too much attention. We are going undercover. So, dress the part.”

- “You know what was I thinking?”

- “No?”

- “I like this. You playing detective. It suits you. Although you would be a better crime lord, I think.”

- “Crime lord?” – she thought for a bit. “You actually said something smart for a change. That’s the best compliment you’ve ever given me.”

- “Oh? Haha. What is wrong with you?”

- “I’m just stating the obvious.”

- “In that case, crime lord, I like your idea. We dress the part…”

- “You dress the part, Yuuji. No one knows who I am. So, it’s none of my business.”

- “Oh, come on! At least let’s do it together.”

- “No, you just want to throw away my hoodie.”

- “I will get you a better one. More expensive. Pick whatever…”

- “No. Now eat your food and shut up.”

- “Meh…Fine. So, there is a boutique nearby. I can get some stuff from there, like sunglasses, a new hat, and a pair of clothes. Maybe?”

- “Don’t forget to buy something you don’t usually wear.”

- “Yeah, yeah. I know. Don’t worry. I’m good at that.”

- “Let’s hope so.”

Kazue continued eating with a serious look on her face. At this point in time, there was nothing more important to her than taking a bite out of this delicious pancake. It was her second plate.

---------

They climbed the spiral staircase to the top deck and slowly made their way to the back seats. Riding in that double-decker was supposed to be a meditative journey. But, instead, all eyes were fixed on Yuuji. He wore a Rock ‘n’ Roll-inspired outfit with edgy accessories and a funky hairstyle. Although it was the complete opposite of his cute persona, it drew too much attention. It suited him to a tee.

Kazue sighed and took a seat. As soon as she made herself feel comfortable, she hugged the laptop bag and leaned on the window.

- “Don’t tell me you are going to sleep all the way?!”

- “Of course. My brain is on five percent battery.”

- “Oh? I see. Want to listen to some music?” – Yuuji took out his earphones.

- “No. It probably sucks anyway.”

- “It doesn’t! I promise! It’s my new album I made with a couple of famous artists. It’s a huge hit!”

- “Even worse.”

- “Ka-chan…”

As he was just about to make another remark, he noticed that her focus drifted away. This ride, it became her meditation. She felt the movement of the wheels over the road and followed the curves with each slope. When the sunlight was just right, warm and soft, Kazue finally felt at ease and fell asleep. It was the perfect chance to let her thoughts run loose and enjoy the travel.

After some time, the bus rocked both of them side to side. Kazue even hit her head on the window. But, nothing could break her slumber. Seeing her completely absorbed in her dream, he pulled her close and let her head rest on his shoulder. The music continued to play in his earphones.

In his eyes there was warmth. It was probably the nostalgia, Yuuji thought to himself. There was a sense of tranquil togetherness when he was with her. She made him feel comfortable, at home even.

He smiled.

---------

Cute panda slippers lay on the floor right next to the comfy bed. The room was cozy and a warm breakfast awaited on the table. A young woman rolled on the bed while talking on her phone. She had that sweetness that everyone got drawn to. Both her curves and softness carried a unique beauty. Erika laughed.

- “Yeah, so he said he would win for me. Like, he said it with a straight face. I can’t believe he has gotten this handsome.”

- “Ugh…” – a female voice came from the other side. “You should have gone for him instead. Not for that good-for-nothing Yuuji.”

- “I know right. I was stupid. Like, can you believe that he didn’t care that I caught him with Moriko?”

- “He never loved you, Eri. I told you that a million times, but you wouldn’t listen. Anyway, tonight will be awesome! I can’t wait to get there.”

- “Yeah! We have so much time until it starts.”

- “So, wanna bet who will win?”

- “Well, I hope Mr. Dreamy does.”

- “Of course, you do. Hehe.”

- “What about you? Did you find a date you wanted?”

- “Yes. A colleague of mine suggested we should go together.”

- “Oooooh. Do you think he likes you?”

- “I hope so. But, I don’t want to rush things. I’m not as confident as you, Eri.”

- “Nonsense! You are perfect.”

- “I just hope I don’t mess up. I’ve liked him for a couple of months now.”

- “Don’t worry! You won’t. Listen, men are easy to persuade. Just wear the outfit I picked out for you, and he will fall madly in love.”

- “Stop it, Eri! I can’t wear that. It’s too revealing!”

- “You gotta show those bosoms a bit, you know. You got 'em. Flaunt 'em.”

- “No way! I picked out something else.”

- “Ugh…I mean it’s fine. Then, you have to up your game a little bit. Flirt some more. Don’t expect him to make the first move.”

- “I will try…”

- “Don’t worry, if things get out of hand, I will come to the rescue!”

- “Eri!” – the girl smiled.

- “Then, we are all set?”

- “Yeah! Ahhh…Tonight is going to be so epic! I can’t wait.”

- “Me too!” – Erika jumped with excitement.

- “See you soon!”

- “See ya!”

Right after waking up her brain replayed the last few scenes of her dreams. In the soft white light, she opened her eyes, only to end up staring at a familiar neck. She couldn’t think of a single reason why her heart was pounding. Her mind went blank and a surge of adrenaline overflowed her body.

Kazue was mortified.

She headbutted his face. This aggressive and forceful thrust was impossible to dodge. Yuuji staggered.

- “Calm down, Ka-chan.”

- “Just push me away you moron.”

Now all eyes were on them…again.

- “We are here…” – Yuuji rubbed his chin.

- “I can see that.”

- “So, what now?”

- “Now we follow her. I mean I can guess where she is going. But, I still want to see who she is going with. She hasn’t communicated with this person on social media or through texts. I think they’ve been talking face to face. Weird…” – Kazue explained.

- “Wait, what? You think it is someone else?”

- “Yes. And this someone else told her to come to Wangan road.”

- “How do you know that?”

- “She has been texting her best friend. She calls him Mr. Dreamy.”

- “Ah…I see. So, what is this Wangan road anyway?”

- “Street racing. The real deal. Tonight. Argh…I can feel my heart pounding already. I’ve always wanted to see it. But, never thought I’d have the chance. Not in the middle of Tokyo.” – Kazue explained breaming with happiness.

- “Wait….WHAAAT??!!”