A word from the author: Don't own anything here so don't sue me:P
Le Café Madness
Chapter 1: Japan, Here I come!
"Man, I really need to find a way to make some extra cash," I thought to myself.
Oh, hi there. My name is Li Syaoran. I have messy chestnut hair that matched my amber eyes. I am about 162cm tall and some described me as lanky. I am 16 years old and just transferred from Hong Kong to Tokyo. My family actually originated from Japan but in order to brush up on my Japanese, I must study in Tokyo. My parent said that this would also be a good opportunity for me to be independent. It's a bit hard for me to explain the situation in det1ail, so here's how this whole thing started.
About two weeks and three days ago….
"Syaoran, we came from a long line of Japanese lineage. Our family settled in Hong Kong because Hong Kong is like the land of opportunity to us. We think it's best if you were to finish your remaining school years in Japan. Japanese is supposed to be your mother tongue, boy; and you should properly master the language so as the culture there," said Father with his eyes close as though this was a very honourable decision with his hands folded across his chest.
"In Japan?!!" I exclaimed. What was he thinking? Asking his son to go to Japan just suddenly out of the blue.
"Well, you did say you wanted to study engineering in Japan after you finish high school. This is your chance to familiarize yourself with the Japanese culture before going to university or college," said Mother with her usual expressionless face. Guess she got that from taking after a son who is not so neat, if you get what I mean. "Isn't this what you wanted, Syaory?"
'Syaory'. This is what my mother likes to call me. She thought that it sounded very cute. I know that it's lame but it kind of made me feel all warm inside whenever she called me that. But there are times I wished she didn't call me that like when we were in a store shopping for new clothes, she suddenly yelled out, "Syaory! Do you need any new pair of underwear?", from the other side of the store. And, that time, they were having a mega sale so the store was full of bargain-hunting girls. And, they were laughing at yours truly. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't even look at the cashier's face (who I think was trying to confide herself from laughing). Well, it could have been worse; she could have called me 'Sweetie', 'Gigglytoes' or any other names a mother could think of. Yikes! It gives me a chill just thinking about it.
Ahem, back to the story.
"And, don't worry. The Li Clan is here to support you all the way," reassured Father with his hands still folded.
Let me tell you people one thing. My father was not always this serious. Usually, he's the kind of guy who stayed as far away as he can from being 'Serious Dad' which made Mother constantly jabbing his ribs with her elbow in order to make him stay focus.
So, what's the deal with the Li Clan stuff? Let me brief you about my family history. About 300 years ago, my ancestors from Japan moved here to Hong Kong to start a new business. Hong Kong back then was a huge port where merchants trade goods and earn profits. The Li Clan was famous for its business in food. The Li have somehow created recipes that seem to amaze the world. At one point, the Emperor of China himself even requested their finest dish (but too bad it got spoilt before it reach the Emperor). But then, once they have gotten rich, they started investing and becoming creditors to various merchants. Ever since then, the Li's cooking legacy ended as the members were more interested in making money than food. However, certain traditions and recipes still pass down to this day but the Li's main concern have always been money.
Enough with the family history. Now, where were we? Oh yeah...
I was shocked that they both suddenly asked me to leave Hong Kong. To leave my homeland. To even leave my family behind.
"But… but… Father… Mother" Those are the only words that escape my mouth.
"We can't just let you stay here in luxuries not knowing where you came from. Besides, we can't always be there for you. You should learn how to be independent," added Father.
Oh yeah, what he meant by luxuries is that my family own a huge company here in Hong Kong. Father was one of the company's directors as well as other male member of the clan with Granddad at the top (I wonder when is he going to retire). Even though we live in a big house, we're not as snobbish as some stereotype would label us. We helped out in the neighbourhood and even attended public school before moving up to a private school (it was an international school for Japanese descendant).
"I don't mind the thought of going there but Hong Kong is like my home and all my friends are here," I cried out. I was hoping that Father would suddenly say something like 'April Fool' or 'Gotcha' but I guessed he had transform seriously into 'Serious Dad'.
"Don't worry. When you get to Japan, you'll make new friends and we're just a phone call away. You won't be that far away from home," said Father firmly.
Wait, he's right. Wasn't I'm the one who always wished for adventures? Maybe, this is my chance (Besides, it's clear that I can't win this argument).$ After finally thinking about it, I gave in. "Well, I guess your right. I do like going to new places. And, I can still be in touch with my friends through e-mail."
"That's the spirit, Syaory. You're tough just like your old man here. You're a brilliant boy and you'll do fine in school there," cheered Father as he suddenly broke out from his so-called honourable pose and into his usual whacky self. "HAHAHAHA!!!"
"In two weeks time, you'll be off to Japan," beamed Father.
"You mean, YOU ALREADY GOT MY PASSPORT MADE! AND FURTHERMORE, WITHOUT EVEN ASKING ME FIRST!" I exclaimed.
"Hey, you're going to Japan one way or another," said Dad sheepishly.
"Father, you never cease to amaze me. I'll better start packing right now," I said while walking up the stairs.
"Well, hurry back down cause we are going out to celebrate this wonderful occasion. And, we'll throw you a going away party too with all your friends," cheered Father as he began to dance around in circles.
'YAY! Party, Party!' 'Be careful, dear. Don't hurt yourself like last time.' 'Don't be a joy-killer. Come on, dance with me'
'I guess Father will never change!' I thought to myself.
The departure day….
"I can't tell you how proud you made me. Any father is lucky to have you for a son," said Father. He was bringing his hands up to his eye and pretended to cry.
"Don't embarrass our son, dear," said Mother calmly.
"HAHAHAHA! You're right. This is a wonderful occasion where I should be happy for my son," beamed Father. "So, you've got everything, right?"
"Don't worry, Father. I'll be fine. I'm all set to go to Japan," I said. In my hands, I am towing a big luggage wondering whether I should have just put it on the conveyer belt just now. Hopefully, they'll allow me bringing it into the plane.
"That's my boy," cried Father as he embraced me in his arms and burying me in his chest. "Father! There might be people watching," I said while struggling to get out of his grip. As I looked up, I realized how much I resembled him. We both even shared the same hair colour but the only thing that set us apart is my eyes. They're amber just like Mother's eye.
'MJY-025H. Departing to Tokyo. Now boarding'
After hearing the announcement, Father loosened his grip and gave me a nudge on the head while Mother just touched my cheek with her warm hand before kissing it. This time, I don't mind them acting like this in public. Besides, it'll be a long time before I'll be coming back here. Man, I'm sure going to miss them.
"Well, there's my ride. I've got to go. Mother, Father, thanks for everything," I said to them as I hug Mother. Then, I wheeled my bag to the boarding area.
As I made my way to the boarding area, I can still hear the voices of my parent sending off their regards.
"Write often, sweetie. And, don't forget to wear clean underwear," cried Mother.
"DEAR!" cried Father in surprise. "He'll be fine. See you. Have a nice trip. Goodbye son."
"There's our son. All grown up and leaving for Japan. Aww, I promised myself I won't cry," said Father with a smile while waving his hands.
"Say, Sorata. Do you think our son will be alright in Japan?" asked Mother.
"Hmm, I'll think he'll be okay. Are you worried, Arashi?" replied Father.
I waved my hands to them and continued making my way to the boarding area. As I settle myself on my seat, I looked outside the window and watch my homeland for the last time. Later, I no longer see the island but just the big blue sea.
'Hmm… Japan. I wonder what kind of life I'll be having there. Who shall I meet there? Will I be able to make new friends? Will they like me?' I thought to myself. Those were usually common questions one might ask when going to a far-away place.
As the plane approached the Isle of Ryukyu, I began to dream of the adventures that I will have in Nihon.