the one who fell from the heavens_The Falling Petals

It was a quiet evening save for a few cats meowing in the alleys. Majority of the houses on the Iwasaki-doori were dimly lit, some with curtains covering most of the light inside while some were simply empty. One empty house looked plain as though the owner never had time to decorate or plant flowers. Then suddenly a man could be seen walking up to the door of the house and reaching for the doorbell.

Before his finger touched the bell, the door opened and a young woman appeared. She had short black bobbed hair with red framed eyeglasses. She was sporting a light blue blouse and a white knee length skirt. The young woman walked out a few steps and gave the man a warm hug before disengaging.

“I’m so glad you could come….” The young woman said softly.

The man’s expression could not be seen but one could only imagine he was smiling.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, please come on inside,” the young woman said, stepping to the side to allow the man in.

*****

Morning arrived at 3 Chome for the citizens of Kashiwa. Students and employees were scrambling to grab breakfast before heading to the rail. In one house, a young boy with messy black hair named Orion walked around the living room packing things into his backpack. His parrot occasionally chirped from her cage in the corner by the settee, watching her master.

“I wonder if this is enough for the field trip….” Orion pondered to himself. He stopped in front of the parrot’s cage. “I’m sorry, Kiyo, but I won’t be home for a few days.” Then he continued packing.

The parrot gave a precise cry, flapping her wings once.

“Thanks, Kiyo, you’re the best,” Orion said, a slight smile forming on his face for the briefest time as he returned to packing. He felt guilty leaving his parrot alone for a few days, but he supplied enough food for the bird considering he lived alone for the most part.

Once Orion finished packing, the boy threw the backpack over his back and walked to the door. He slipped into his black sneakers and left the house. Orion turned to the left to see his fellow student and childhood friend Mari waiting for him in front of her house. Orion approached Mari standing a few feet away, taking wide strides.

Mari had red shoulder length hair with clips on both sides of the hair; she wore the school uniform with a black blazer over a white shirt, a navy blue tie and a dark red pleated skirt matching, with thigh high leggings and navy-coloured Mary Janes. When she noticed Orion approaching, she turned toward him.

“Orion!” Mari called out, waving her arm over to him. “Over here!” Mari had left the house a tad too early because she was excited to walk to the train station with her childhood friend and crush. Her heart was racing as Orion walked over to her, her brain full of anxiety wondering what he’d think of her. She loved how calm and collected he always was.

Orion waved back. “Hope you weren’t waiting too long, Mari,” Orion said as he walked over to Mari. He didn’t like making people wait for him, feeling abashed that he hadn’t left earlier.

Mari shook her head. “Not at all. Well, umm, I guess we should go now.” Her heart was still racing, even more than before now that Orion showed up. Butterflies aflutter in her stomach, she clenched her fists tightly.

“Agreed,” Orion nodded as he started off on the road. The two friends walked side by side toward the train station with silence falling between the two as they walked. Mari played with her fingers nervously as she walked beside Orion, fidgeting as she tried to carry her duffel bag for the field trip.

“Is something amiss, Mari?” Orion asked with concern in his voice but did not spare a look at the other girl. His eyes were focused in front of him as he walked with his friend. Orion could only wonder what was making Mari nervous.

“Oh… No, Orion,” Mari answered hesitantly. Her head drooped down so that she couldn’t see anything but the ground in front. Her duffel bag felt heavier than earlier, but this must be the anxiety in the act. “Um… I’m just nervous about the field trip,” Mari told a half-lie.

Orion stopped in his tracks and turned to face his childhood friend. “It’ll be fine, Mari. You worry too much.” Then Orion leaned forward and took the duffel bag from Mari’s hands with relative ease using one hand. He swung the bag over his shoulder. “Looked pretty heavy for you.”

“Hehe, thanks, Orion!” Mari smiled. Her heart started racing even more with the gesture. She didn’t expect Orion to take her bag or try to reassure her anxieties. But one thing she wished happened was for Orion’s fingers to brush against hers when he took the bag.

“Let’s head on over to the station before we miss the train,” Orion suggested. “Let’s race to the station.” Orion stretched his legs and prepared to run to the station. Having an extra duffel bag wasn’t going to interfere with the run.

“Sounds good, Orion, I’m not going to lose!” Mari retorted. She stretched her arms and legs out before starting the run.

The two decided to just dash at approximately the same time since they didn’t have a third-party referee to time the race. Orion and Mari started running the rest of the way to Toyoshiki station. As they reached the station, it was Orion who arrived first. Catching their breaths, Orion and Mari tapped their railway passes and walked toward the platform where their train would be. As they arrived, Orion leaned against a pillar while waiting while Mari stood a bit from Orion, glancing at the tracks every now and again.

“Hey, Orion! Mari!” A boyish voice called out.

The two glanced back and saw another boy walking briskly toward them. He had on a pair of black rimmed eyeglasses with short brunette hair that covered his face partially. The boy was sporting the school uniform of black blazer over a white tee and a navy-blue bowtie with long navy plaid trousers; he had a large backpack as well as a laptop bag on his right side.

“Oh, Satoru!” Mari called out, waving at the other boy. It had been a while since she saw their friend Satoru. She’d been busy with housework for the past week before the field trip.

The newcomer named Satoru walked up to Orion’s side and grinned. “Hey. I saw you two running to the station, so I tried to hurry and catch up. Glad I didn’t miss the train!” Satoru tried to catch his breath, his hands on his thighs.

“Knowing you, you would have missed the train,” Orion joked. He loved teasing Satoru and making fun of him, but in reality, he appreciated his friendship with Satoru. The boy Satoru was vital to him for new cases.

“Shush,” Satoru stuck his tongue out at the other boy. He hated always being teased by Orion; it was like something Orion had to do every day that they met up. Satoru dreaded the field trip for that sole reason.

“Gross,” Orion casually commented, leaning away from Satoru. He wondered if Satoru knew just what he was doing, sticking his tongue out in public.

That was when the announcement came on to indicate an incoming train. The group made small talk as they waited for the train. As the train entered the station, the three childhood friends waited for the train to stop and embark.

The train zipped past along the tracks to Kashiwa station where the three students had to transfer to the rapid Joban Line to Tokyo where their school Yamato High was located. The three chatted about the field trip on the train ride. Upon arrival at Kashiwa station, Orion led the group along the platforms for their destination, beelining their way to the platform. As the train arrived and they were on their way, Mari leaned a little against Orion who did not move away but stared into space.

“This is Tokyo Station. Please get off on the left side of the train. Again, this is Tokyo Station.”

Mari straightened up and rushed toward the doors before the other two guys, her face flushed from what she did on the train ride.

“Why are you in such a hurry?” Orion asked after disembarking the train along with Satoru. He scratched his head in curiosity, wondering about Mari’s behavior. Thinking back to the train ride, he did notice Mari was leaning against him, but Orion figured that was due to not having room for the pole.

“Are you that dense?” Satoru asked. He couldn’t believe his friend. But Satoru knew Orion was always dense when it came to emotions, as Orion’s motto was always “Emotions are a hindrance.”

“What?” Orion stared back at Satoru. He really didn’t understand Satoru’s passive aggressiveness right now. Sometimes when Mari gets into her antics and gets upset with him, Satoru always gets on Orion’s case about it.

“…Never mind.” Satoru sighed and walked up to Mari. He patted the girl on the back and said, “I’m sorry, Mari.” In reality, Satoru had hidden feelings for Mari, but he could never tell the girl that considering how much she was head over heels for Orion.

“It’s okay, Satoru…” Mari said quietly. “Please don’t bring it up anymore.” She drooped her head, holding onto her duffel bag with both hands again. She wished she never had these feelings for Orion, because Orion was one of the last people to reciprocate.

Satoru sighed again. “Whatever man. You’re wasting your efforts, Mari.” Satoru resigned himself to his fate of being only a friend to Mari. It had hurt and pained him, so Satoru turned away from Mari.

“I… know! I know! I know!” Mari shouted, tears falling down her cheeks. She gripped her duffel bag tightly to the point her knuckles were white.

“What’s wrong, Mari?” Orion asked, walking up to the two friends. He looked around to see a few people gathered watching the scene unfold between Satoru and Mari. He stepped up in front of Mari.

“…It’s nothing…” Mari said dejectedly, her head still drooped. “Let’s just go, we’re attracting unwanted attention and we’re going to be late.” She still didn’t lift her head up but instead headed to the exit.

“Well, if you say so,” Orion shrugged. He caught up to Mari with Satoru, still curious what unfolded between the two. He patted Mari on the shoulder as they walked.

The group headed to exit the train station and prepare for the trek to Yamato High. The three discussed casual topics loosely and before they knew it, they were already at the school building. There were small groups of students gathered around the entrance area, talking amongst themselves as Orion’s group headed for the double doors of the school. As they entered, there were still crowds of students gathered around; Orion led the group to the left and into one of the classrooms where a few teachers held clipboards with group assignments.

“Oh, it’s Orion Minamoto,” a teacher looked up at the group as they entered the classroom. “Let me get your assignment…” The teacher began ruffling sheets before stopping midway into the stack. She pulled out the sheet and looked up at Orion again. “Let’s see… You are going to be with Mari Suzuki, Satoru Nakamura and Amane Mizushima. Mizushima hasn’t arrived yet so please wait for her here.”

“Got it, teach,” Orion nodded. He went to a window and leaned against it with his back, appearing lost in thought as he waited for the fourth member of the group. It was about thirty minutes before the last member showed up: she had long, flowing brown hair with a ribbon on the back, thin-rimmed eyeglasses though if it was actual eyeglasses is a question for another day, a red long coat over her school uniform, black leggings and black buckle shoes. The girl combed through her hair with her hand and then rushed over to the teacher’s side with her suitcase in hand. In a few seconds, she walked over to Orion.

“I’m so sorry for making you wait!” the newcomer cried out as she bowed to Orion. “There was traffic and… and…”

“Don’t worry about it,” Orion nodded. “Let’s get out of here and go to our designated bus.”

“Got it!” Amane said cheerfully as she tagged along the rest of the group as they exited the building.

*****

Yamato High’s second year students were spread into three tourist buses that transported the students to the Tokyo Narita Airport where they had booked the entire plane to fly to Okinawa Island. Designated groups sat together on the plane to avoid confusion when landing. The flight took around two hours and forty-five minutes but with the disembarking and airport procedures, it took a little over three hours for all the students to settle in in their hotel. The three groups loitered around the hotel lobby as the teachers went to get the room keys.

“This is really exciting,” Mari squealed with innocent joy in her voice. “I wonder how we’re getting split up in terms of rooms…” She looked around and there was nature everywhere outside. Other students were chatting loudly in their own groups.

“I’d wager a guess that they’ll separate us by gender,” Amane conjectured. “That only makes sense after all.”

“Nailed it.” Orion looked around the lobby and spotted a teacher approaching the group. “We’re in luck.”

“All right kids,” the teacher said, pulling up his clipboard. He was Mr. Tanonaka, the social studies teacher. “We’re going to split you kids by gender so have one person come up for the room key.” He looked down on the clipboard and said, “Minamoto. You will room with Nakamura.” Orion stepped forward and took the room key, pocketing it into his trousers. Then Mr. Tanonaka called out, “Mizushima, you will be with Suzuki.”

The girls were still exchanging nervous glances, uncertain who should take the room key when Mr. Tanonaka walked up to Amane and slipped the room key in her hand; Amane started to fidget in place as she looked around the group. “Umm…”

“What’s up?” Orion asked casually. He observed the girl who looked refined and fancy. She didn’t seem like the type to cause inconveniences to others. He thought she’d be helpful for the cases, but he knew he shouldn’t involve innocent civilians.

“I hope no one minds that I have the room key,” Amane said nervously. “I mean I’m not part of your group and all…” She looked down with the key in her right hand. All her life, she’s been worried if she was worthy enough for almost everything. It was one of her weaknesses though she rather wished no one witnessed that.

“No one does, I’m sure. Don’t worry about it,” Orion reassured.

“Hee hee,” Amane giggled. “You’re right, I’ve just been feeling a bit nervous. I’ve never shared a room with non-family members.” She was glad they didn’t pick up on her weakness, or if they did, they were gracious enough to not bring it up.

“I’m the same way... uh…” Mari said hesitantly, realizing she didn’t know the other girl’s name.

“It’s Amane,” Amane smiled, bowing lightly while holding out her dress.

“I’m Mari,” Mari bowed a little. She liked Amane so far and hoped to become fast friends with her during this field trip.

With that, the group headed to the elevators to put away their luggage; their rooms were both on the fourteenth floor and apparently separated by a few rooms so the group were able to chat while making their way to their respective rooms. Once they reached their rooms, Orion and Satoru waved farewell to the girls before entering their own room.

“This is pretty spacious,” Satoru whistled, settling down his backpack and laptop bag on the settee. “Should we go to the beach now? Or maybe we should grab something to eat first; I’m famished.”

“Good idea,” Orion agreed, setting down his backpack beside Satoru’s before he sat down on the bed. “Let’s get some Okinawan soba.”

“Sounds delicious!” Satoru nodded. “Let’s ask the girls if they want to come along.”

“Let’s go then,” Orion said before heading out the room with Satoru. They walked down the hallway before knocking on 14G where the girls were staying; it took a few moments for Mari to come to the door.

“Hey you two,” Mari said, with a fresh face after crying earlier. She had washed her face thoroughly before the two knocked on the door. She didn’t want Orion to see her tear-streaked face again.

“Hey Mari, you want to get some Okinawan soba? You can ask Amane too,” Satoru said. He peered into the room and noted it was about the same as theirs. Which only makes sense since they’re still all students. He hoped Mari would come along to make up for the earlier spite.

“Oh, Amane actually went out with some friends of hers just now,” Mari reported. “But I’d like to come along.” She stepped outside the room, letting the door close shut. “I don’t have the key but I do have Amane’s phone number, so I just have to contact her when I’m ready to return.”

“Let’s go!” Satoru called out and headed away from the hotel room with Orion and Mari following closely behind.

The group departed to a nearby restaurant that served Okinawan soba when Orion heard a few customers discussing a murder in Tokyo.

“Did you hear?! That poor woman was strangled to death.”

“I heard. Who could do such a thing?”

“It’s horrible. What kind of people are in Tokyo?”

“I know. I hope they won’t come here.”

Orion rested his head on his hands as he listened, wondering if he would be contacted for this case. He was quite curious about what happened, but he could not do anything if they did not invite him into the investigation. Meanwhile, Orion and the others ordered the Okinawan soba noodles and chatted while waiting for their order.

“Are you worried?” Satoru asked as the food arrived at their table. He knew Orion must be craving to know what case the people were discussing. It was typical Orion at this point, considering he’s playing a high school detective.

“Not quite worried,” Orion replied nonchalantly. “Just curious.” He took a pair of chopsticks and started eating the noodles, slurping a few times. He wanted to know what new case the police took on, what this strangulation was and who the victim was. Orion wanted to know so badly!

“You want them to invite you in, don’t you?” Satoru homed in as he took a pair of chopsticks and started eating as well. He knew what Orion was thinking: his brain must be racing with questions about the new case. But he can’t get on it unless the Chief Superintendent invites him along.

“Maybe,” Orion muttered in between slurps. While eating, Orion had a hand in his pocket in case the Chief Superintendent messaged or called him about the new case. But knowing it was just one case, he might not get a message at all until there was another victim.

Satoru simply sighed as he finished his food. Orion and Mari were just about done so the three split the bill and stood up to leave the restaurant. Just before they left, Orion heard more from the gossiping customers.

“I heard the police are having trouble finding the culprit.”

“That’s scary. Isn’t the Tokyo Metropolitan Police supposed to be really good?”

“Yeah, but they haven’t been able to arrest anyone.”

With that, Orion left the restaurant with Satoru and Mari and headed back to the hotel. The three ordered three ice cream cones and sat in the lobby to destress.

“I’m sure they’ll call you,” Satoru said, licking his ice cream. It was a little annoying how preoccupied Orion was with one case that just occurred. He didn’t mind helping Orion with his cases but the fact that he wants to butt in in all the cases was worrisome.

“I’m not worried about that,” Orion commented. “I’m worried about the trail the killer left behind. I can’t stay here for long.” Orion sighed while eating his ice cream. He was worried about another victim showing up while he’s here in Okinawa, but he can’t do anything about this.

Satoru sighed. “You’ll manage; we’re only here for four days.”

Orion took out his phone and checked for any messages. Nothing. Orion put his phone back and sighed. He finished his ice cream and then leaned his head back on the settee, staring at the ceiling without a word. That was when Amane approached the group. She was wearing a white bikini with a thin transparent cloth wrapped around her waist and thin sandals with a flower on top of each sandal; she sat down next to Orion, her handbag swung over her right side.

“What’s going on?” Amane asked, glancing at the absentminded Orion. She thought he was acting a bit weird, staring into the ceiling in the hotel.

“Oh, it’s…” Mari said hesitantly, uncertain if she should mention Orion’s a helper detective to someone else.

“It’s nothing, Orion just being Orion,” Satoru finished for Mari. He wanted to be safe and not reveal Orion’s hobby of helping out the police. At least for now anyway, maybe Amane would join them later on.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“I see!” Amane smiled. Then she perked up. “Hey, do you guys want to go to the beach with me and my friends?” Her friends wanted to play beach volleyball, but they didn’t have enough people so Amane left them to scout for more players. She also felt like Orion was downtrodden, so she wanted to do something to help.

Orion sat upright. “That’s a good idea. Why don’t we all go?” Orion turned his head and nodded to Amane. He thought that was a great idea to pass time and try to ease himself out of the anxiety he was experiencing.

“A…a… beach?” Mari asked incredulously. “I…” Mari stared down at her hands. She was worried what Orion would think of her swimsuit. She saw how beautiful Amane looked in hers and couldn’t help but think she’d never be a match for her.

“Do you not have a swimsuit?” Orion inquired. “We can buy one for you if you need.” Orion was confused with Mari being flabbergasted. It was just a beach; he didn’t see much of a big deal.

“I do! I just… it’s nothing!” Mari flushed beet red. She wished Orion would understand her dilemma but he was a boy so he wouldn’t. She looked up at Amane who was radiant, talking to Orion casually. Mari felt a pang of jealousy as she watched.

“You are so dense, Orion,” Satoru sighed before he rose from the settee. “Well, let us get back to our room and change. Sorry you have to wait, Amane.”

“That’s fine! I’ll be right here,” Amane said cheerfully. Then she realized she had the room key. “Oh, you’ll need the key, Mari.”

“A-ah right…” Mari said slowly, nodding. She had to shake off the jealousy before the other girl noticed something and questioned her. Shaking her head, Mari took a few deep breaths to relax, which helped.

“I’ll go up with you,” Amane got up and headed to the elevator with Orion’s group.

Orion and Satoru headed off to their room 14C as Amane and Mari went off to 14G.

In about thirty minutes, the four students met outside the elevators. Orion had on blue swimming trunks while Satoru had on black trunks and Mari wore a flowery bikini top with a bikini bottom under a pink skirt. The group of four descended the elevator and joined Amane’s group of four friends for the beach. Beach volleyball was decided as the group was evenly divided for each team.

“I’ll play with you guys,” Amane offered cheerfully to Orion, Mari and Satoru before stepping into position on their side of the field. The match went on for about half an hour when Amane’s friends said they were all going for a swim. “Oh, okay, I’ll talk to you guys later,” Amane waved to her friends as they headed for the water.

Orion and the others looked around and sat on a nearby bench; Amane sat down beside Orion and stared out into the ocean.

“Um…” Amane muttered. “I heard the rumors. Are you really a high school detective?” She looked over to Orion. She wanted to know if he’s really a detective or acting as one. That would be interesting if he was.

Orion sat up and faced Amane. “Wait. What rumors? Where did you hear this from?” He was curious what kind of rumors were spreading about him in school. It was his first time hearing it, but of course rumors don’t go to the person in question.

“Oh… Classes really, like home ec class,” Amane replied. She twirled her fingers around her hair as she talked. It was really nearly the entire school talking about it.

“Interesting…” Orion trailed off, his eyes wandering to the ocean. “Well. Yes. Yes, I am.” He figured it wouldn’t hurt to tell Amane what he does on his free days. He felt he could trust this girl.

“Really! That’s so cool,” Amane said enthusiastically, clapping her hands together. She looked radiant, chipper. Her cheeks were flushed from the sun. “Did you hear about the… murder case that just happened in Tokyo then?”

“We actually just did, in a restaurant,” Orion answered. It was the start of his anxiety after all. Now that it was brought up again, Orion could feel the anxiety rising. Trying to calm himself, he took a few deep breaths to ease the thoughts.

“I’m willing to bet you’ll be there too! I heard they’re having trouble right now,” Amane said eagerly.

“Yeah, that’s what we heard in the restaurant.” Orion leaned back on the bench and closed his eyes. He pondered what the Chief Superintendent was doing and when she’d contact him about the case. He checked his phone again but no new messages or calls came through.

Amane observed Orion for a bit before she took out her phone from her handbag and suddenly stood up. “Oh no, we have to get back to the hotel! Our class is going to the Okinawa Senseki Quasi-National Park at 5:00 PM!”

The other three stood up as well with unexpected shock on their faces.

“Oh no!” Mari panicked. “We’re going to be late!”

The group hurried back to the hotel where the other students were already gathered in the lobby. They returned to their rooms to change into their casual outfits. After changing, Orion then took the lead to head to their designated teacher Mr. Tanonaka who was busy conversing with the other teachers but pulled away when he saw Orion’s group approaching.

“There you are, Minamoto,” Mr. Tanonaka said. “Your group will be cleaning up the Peace Memorial Park. The bus that will take you there is outside the lobby.”

“Understood,” Orion nodded as he led everyone else outside.

The four students embarked on the minibus that will take them to the quasi-national park for the cleanup. Two hours later, they were brought back to the hotel for dinner. Other students were already seated in the dining hall when Orion’s group entered. Orion wandered to a table for four by the window, which was oddly available considering the existing crowd.

“I’m beat,” Orion commented as he sat down and stretched his arms. He then rested his head on the table in fatigue. They had done a lot of physical activity today in the park, and all Orion wanted to do now was sleep.

“So am I,” Satoru yawned. He sat down next to Orion. “I’m going to bed early tonight.”

“I think all of us are,” Mari nodded, sitting in front of Satoru as Amane sat across Orion.

“Yeah, that was really tiring,” Amane said tiredly.

The waiters started bringing out the meals to the students; the menu tonight was rafute, which was shoyu pork. After dinner was finished, all the students returned to their hotel rooms. Orion’s group took the elevator together and said their goodnights before parting.

Orion and Satoru were sitting on their beds, both yawning quite profusely. “Well, good night Satoru,” Orion said as he pulled the blankets from the bed.

“Good night, Orion,” Satoru said as he did the same to his bed.