Markus woke up early the next day. He sat up in bed, expecting to see his computer desk, but was momentarily confused, as he only saw stark white walls and a simple bedside table with an old alarm clock that had to have been preserved from the mid-80’s.
As the sleep fog left his brain, he remembered that he was still in Japan. He picked up his phone, checking for messages and saw one from Akane.
Kuma-kun, I want you to know that I had an amazing time tonight getting to know you and your friends.
Would you be interested in spending more time together? We’re free on Thursday.
Well that was unexpected. Before he went crazy and messaged back, he figured it would be beneficial to chat with Atsuki, first.
Hey man. I just got a message from Ikeda-san, asking if I wanted to spend more time together. What should I do? I know things are a little different here than they are in the US, so I wanted to ask someone I can trust how I should proceed.
He didn’t have anything else to do, so he got a shower, dressed, and wandered out to take in the local sights.
Heading down the street, he found a convenience store, and walked in, hoping to get a snack.
“Huh. Lawson’s? Sounds English. I wonder what they have,” Markus mused quietly.
As he walked in, the shopkeep greeted him politely, and Markus smiled and nodded, wandering the aisles. He selected several items that looked like they might be tasty, and a couple that he could actually read the hiragana for without using a translator app plus an umbrella and went up to pay.
“That will be 47,500 yen, please.”
Markus pulled out his wallet and placed the payment on the provided tray. The shopkeep took his money and processed it, placing a few coins in the tray which Markus scooped up and tossed into his pocket. He bagged his treasures and went back to his room.
On the way, he got a reply from Atsuki.
Hey. You should definitely take her up on it! Just be prepared to spend all day with her doing all kinds of different things. It’s definitely not like what you’re used to. Don’t disappoint us! Also, our mother has requested Gen and I to see her today. She lives way out on Okinawa. Don’t think we will be able to hang out today. Some other time, yeah?
Markus gave a wry smile and sent Akane a positive reply, to which she told him to meet her at Friend Mart Umezu at 9:00 AM on Thursday. He responded, and went about his day.
He ate some of his little collection of goodies, then checked his phone for places to eat, and things to do. He learned more about the public transit system and decided to change out some bills for several thousand yen coins to ride the bus later that afternoon.
He wandered around the area for the rest of the day, stopping and eating here and there, sampling the local food, and meeting people nearby. Folks were obviously interested in this big, oddly dressed foreigner, and he was only too happy to address concerns and questions.
In this way, he spent the remainder of his day. Talking to the various locals, playing checkers, and generally enjoying his time out and about. As the cold didn’t bother him too much, he stayed outside until it began to grow dark, then went back to Lawson’s for more simple groceries, and back to his room.
Once there, he relaxed a bit, ate and then got a shower. Upon his exit, he saw Lucifer waiting for him in the single chair.
“Holy fuck! Dude. Call me or something, would you? I nearly dropped the towel,” Markus said, rather startled.
“My apologies, Markus. Something has come up, and I am afraid you need to be ready to leave on Friday,” Lucifer stated apologetically.
Markus laid a hand over his hammering heart, trying in vain to calm himself. Taking two deep breaths, he looked over at his new manager and took a seat on his bed.
“Alright. Talk. I’m all ears, Lucifer.”
“Excellent. Thank you, Markus. You simply need to go back home by next Friday. You are needed there. You cannot take Miss Akane with you,” -he gave Markus a sly grin- “so don’t even try. I hope that’s not too much of an imposition,” Lucifer said.
Markus thought for a moment. “No, I don’t think so. I’m going out with Akane tomorrow. I just hope she understands, is all,” he said with a sigh.
“I wouldn’t worry overmuch about that. Akane is a smart, resourceful woman, and I’m sure she will be okay with it. In the meantime, try to get some rest. You’ll need it for tomorrow, my boy,” Lucifer said with a grin as he stood.
Markus watched as his manager walked to the door, opened it, revealing a place that was definitely not Japan, and left.
He walked over to the door, opening it just a crack, and saw (and felt!) the cold night air of Kyoto.
Locking the door, he went back to his bed, and pondered the situation. Since he didn’t bring much with him beyond a couple changes of clothes, he wouldn’t need to worry about packing. Spending the day with Akane would be a most welcome way to occupy his last day in Japan.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
He sighed softly. He was enjoying himself in Japan. He knew that he could always return, but it still sucked. He was just beginning to cultivate a relationship with a lovely woman, and had just made two friends that he was sure were for real.
But, he knew that life did what life does, and that we were all powerless to stop it. So why not just roll with it? Just take his enjoyment when and where he could, and do his best to inject more joy into the world than he got out of it.
As it was already nine at night, he decided to go ahead and sleep, and hopefully wake up early enough to make himself presentable for Akane.
*************
Markus awoke to the screeching of his alarm. Groggily, he fumbled around for his phone, and shut it off.
“Seven-thirty. Ugh. Let’s freshen up and get on the bus,” he said aloud.
Fifteen minutes later, with a well-managed beard and clean clothes, Markus stepped out into the chilly morning air. He caught the bus, and was soon on his way. He rode in silence, trying desperately to calm himself. It didn’t work too well.
All he could think about was her calling him “Kuma-kun”, and what that meant in Japan. From what he had read, pet names weren’t really a ‘thing’ until a couple had been established for a while. And he, in a moment of inspired boldness, had called her “Usagi-chan”. He was understandably concerned with how today would pan out.
Was she going to chastise him for calling her that? Was she bothered by it, but too shy or reserved to say anything about it?
These questions and more roiled through his mind, causing him to nearly miss his stop. Markus signaled the bus to stop, and checked his phone. He still had ten minutes.
Once he disembarked, he found a bench and took a seat, deciding to play on his phone for a bit. He checked his Facebook and Twitter, scrolled through a few videos and then decided to simply put his phone away and wait for Akane to show up.
As he sat there, waiting, he watched the slowly rousing city come to life. People left their homes, bundled up in heavy coats and hats, hurrying to their jobs and daily errands. In truth, there was little that made Japan’s people any different from the folks he grew up with.
But that ‘little bit’ made all the difference in the world to him.
These people were laser focused on their tasks. While most of his friends would get things done as they could, with plenty of downtime between, Markus noted that the people of Japan didn’t so much hurry, as they simply did things efficiently.
All around him flowed people completing several tasks one after another after another. They simply moved from one to the next without pause or even thought, it seemed. They were unhurried, but effective at whatever they did.
Few cast an eye toward him, but it didn’t appear to be done from malice, but from simple focus on their tasks. Those that did either quickly averted their eyes, or gave a timid nod of the head. Markus made a point to politely greet them in return, and let them go on about their business. He wasn’t certain how his Southern Hospitality would be received here, so he kept his teeth firmly together.
As he sat there, watching the people walk by, he felt someone sit down beside him. Turning his head, he saw a shyly smiling Akane.
“Hello, Ikeda-san. I trust you slept well?” Markus asked.
Akane dipped her head, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I did, thank you, Barton-san.” she replied.
“Excellent. I am pleased to hear that.” he said, smiling. “So, what did you have in mind for us today? This is your city. I know nearly nothing about it.”
A flush crept up her neck, into her cheeks. Markus smiled. “W-well.. I had hoped that you might like the Aquarium?” she asked.
“Like it? I absolutely love that idea! I’ve adored the sea and all her forms of life since I was a tiny child.” Markus said enthusiastically.
Akane beamed a bright smile at Markus. She hadn’t expected him to agree so readily or happily. “Excellent. The next bus is in ten minutes. I’ve not been to the Aquarium in years. I’m excited to go!” she said.
Markus could see that there was much more that Akane wanted to say, but for some reason, she kept herself quiet. He sat back and relaxed, his hands folded peacefully in his lap.
“So… do you want to talk about Tuesday night? You said something to me that seemed a little out of character, and I was wondering what you meant by it?” Markus said quietly.
Akane’s breath caught in her throat. He must have remembered her calling him ‘Kuma-kun’. “Ah…well. About that,” Akane began, but was cut off by the sound of the bus approaching. “Oh look! It’s our bus! We should get on,” she said nervously.
Markus smiled and nodded. Standing, he offered his hand with a gentle smile, and she took it hesitantly. He put the slightest pressure on her hand as she pulled herself up. She had the softest hands he had felt in quite some time.
“After you, Ikeda-san,” he said, motioning toward the doors.
************
Akane took the proffered hand gingerly. He was so much larger than her, and his smile was so disarming that she was momentarily lost in his face. His hand was rock-steady as she pulled herself up, and his grip seemed to last for a moment longer than was proper.
She felt her face grow warm as she tucked that damn lock of hair back behind her ear.
************
Akane led them to a pair of seats near the rear of the bus, and Markus seemed to struggle with the smaller size of the seats, but seemed to wedge himself in, and did so with only a couple of grumbles.
Akane giggled at him, hiding her mouth behind her hand. Markus stuck his tongue out at her playfully, and grinned.
“Oh stop. You’re not that big, Barton-san,” she said, laughing.
“You try having a butt that’s half again as large as most people. Especially you Japanese! I can’t help that I was ‘blessed’ with my mother’s hips.” he said wryly.
Akane laughed again, a little louder this time, attracting attention from the other side of the bus. Markus grinned, feeling that this date was off to a great start.