Chapter Two:
Freedom
Monday evening at Ucchan's was a typical one as far as Konatsu was concerned. Preparations for the evening rush had gone well aside from his little embarrassment with the food order, and as dinnertime rolled by he quickly fell into his routine of taking orders, bussing tables, and chatting with customers.
Konatsu didn't really mind the work at all. On the contrary: to his mind getting to be part of such a wonderful establishment was a joy for him after so many thankless years at the tea house, being treated poorly by his stepmother and stepsisters. In contrast, working for and helping her out as best he could was not only much less taxing, it was on the whole more rewarding.
Konatsu had an easy smile on his face, showing his contentment with his job as well as his popularity with the clientele. Konatsu turned to a customer who had just finished his meal, refilling the empty glass with water. He was engaging in light-hearted conversation when Ukyou's voice startled him, almost causing him to spill the pitcher he was holding.
"No! No it isn't! I'm so angry I could probably demolish this whole place! I wanna break everything within a 5 kilometer radius of here. I want to gnash my teeth and rip my own hair out and yell loud enough that they'll hear in Okinawa!"
Ukyou-sama, he thought, what's going on? Konatsu set down the pitcher on a nearby empty table, looking at the two or three other customers who appeared to be on edge, preparing themselves to leave. Konatsu stayed still trying to take the mood of the trio at the grill.
"Did something happen?" Akane asked.
"Life happened. Day in and day out. Life just happens and I'm sick of it. I'm so sick of it." Ukyou put a hand to her forehead and let out a long sigh, "Jeez... just get out of my shop. Before I do something I regret."
Konatsu looked at Ukyou, wincing when he saw the exhaustion and hurt on her face.
"Ucchan, I-" Ranma tried to interrupt.
"NOW! Konatsu!"
At the command, Konatsu snapped out of his introspection and felt his chi flare as he used his ninjutsu to appear behind Ranma and Akane, gently touching their shoulders. I'm sorry he thought as he turned his eyes towards the floor, scared to see Ukyou's face, and softly spoke, his mezzo-soprano voice quavering, "I'm sorry Ranma, Akane. Please do as Ukyo-sama wishes."
Konatsu led the the two stood out of the door. He was worried when Ranma lingered momentarily, but was thankful the red-haired girl's fiancée had assessed the situation adequately. Konatsu waited until the last patron had left and slid the door closed.
Konatsu turned back, looking at Ukyou as she raised her head to look at him. Ukyou-sama... "We're done tonight, Konatsu. Close up shop and prep for tomorrow. I..." Ukyou paused, taking a breath to steady her voice, "I need some time alone."
Konatsu opened his mouth to speak, but stopped himself and merely nodded as he brought in the signs from out front and locked the front door. He then loaded the plates and glasses leftover by the customers who ran out of the restaurant following Ukyou's outburst. Ukyou-sama, how do I help you? Washing plates helped soothe his much-frayed nerves. You've made such a difference in my life. I only wish I could make a more of a difference in yours.
Kontasu sighed as he brought in the sign from outside and locked the door. Wiping down the counters and grill, he turning to the kitchen. Before he dealt with the dishes, he overheard Ukyou's voice from the head of the stairs.
"Hello Daddy?"
Her father? But she was so adamantly against it this morning. Kontasu mused. He considered quietly eavesdropping, but held himself in check, focusing on the job at hand as he began washing dishes. He kept the water flowing and the industrial sanitizer running, which drowned out Ukyou's voice to a low murmur, punctuated with sobs. Konatsu sighed, unsure whether to cry himself or go to Ukyou to comfort her. What does she want me to do?
The last of his usual tasks completed, he shut off the faucet and the kitchen went silent save the sounds of crying from upstairs. Konatsu balled a hand into a fist as he slowly made his way upstairs. He found Ukyou in her room, the door left open. She was sitting on the floor, her knees pulled up to her chest.
Konatsu walked up to her and partially knelt, one knee on the floor, his head bent down. He felt a bit ridiculous - she wasn't a daimyo or shogun, after all - but he wanted to show his respect and all he knew were the graces of a kunoichi. "Ukyou-sama. Can I get you anything? Please... let me help you."
"Konatsu..." Ukyou replied, her voice strained. At first she seemed exasperated but then she took a look at him and giggled slightly, "Stop that. You look silly doing than in a kimono."
Konatsu moved to sit in seiza in front of Ukyou, nodding. "I'm sorry Ukyou-sama. I just hate to see you so upset."
"Konatsu..." Ukyou hesitated, almost whispering, "I'm going."
" 'Going'? I don't understand. On a trip?" Konatsu asked.
Ukyou let a faint smile appear. "I'm leaving Tokyo. For good."
Konatsu considered this in silence before nodding and replying, "Then we have a lot to do, don't we? But for right now you should rest, Ukyou-sama."
He stood and offered Ukyou his arm. She stood up as Konatsu led her downstairs. Motioning her to sit at their dining table. He left her to make tea. Setting down the steaming mug, Konatsu said, "drink this. It's an herbal tea Akane's sister showed me in the market. It will relax you. I'm going upstairs to make your bed."
"Konatsu, you don't have to-" Ukyou replied, annoyed at the treatment but was cut off by him.
"I want to. I can't do much else," Konatsu replied, the smile on his face straining a bit.
Half an hour later, Ukyou was asleep and Konatsu sat the table alone, another mug of the same tea in his hands. He breathed in the floral scented steam wafting from the tea and let himself cry before going to bed.
Konatsu woke before Ukyou the next morning, more from habit than anything else. Konatsu noted Ukyou was asleep past her normal waking hours. He figured she needed the sleep and she was probably going to take the last review day before exams to settle affairs. He began writing a list of everything that needed to be done, but stopped.
Over the past six months since he started living and working at Ucchan's, Konatsu had picked up the day to day needs to a restaurant, treating customers, making the food, even knowing how much of what ingredients would be needed on a particular day. The actual financial realities of running a restaurant, however, still eluded him. How one started, or in this case, closed a restaurant, eluded him, though he knew it was more complicated than simply moving out and walking away.
At close to noon, Ukyou came downstairs in her casual clothes. Konatsu would have suspected she was about to open the restaurant, if he hadn't known the true work for the day. "Here Ukyou," Konatsu said, handing her the sheet, "I tried to make a list for you but.." he trailed off, turning to the counter of the kitchen and setting down a tray of food for her.
Ukyou looked at the mostly blank sheet of paper, only the heading of "TO DO:" written on it. She expended great effort not to roll her eyes. "Thanks for trying anyways, Konatsu," Ukyou said softly. She ate quickly as Konatsu began cleaning up. Afterwards she brought the phone downstairs. "Konatsu, I have to make some calls. I'd start by taking inventory of whatever unopened items we have."
Konatsu nodded, "As you wish, Ukyou-sama."
The storage room of Ucchan's wasn't refrigerated, but to Konatsu's mind, it may as well have been. He picked up a pad and pencil and began counting out bags of flour, dried bonito flakes, konbu, and, to his embarrassment, the needlessly purchased sauce. He heard Ukyou raise her voice again, though, compared to the evening before, it was of merely mild irritation.
"No Toshi, everything. Yeah, everything. I don't tell you how to run your business... It's personal... Uh-huh, fine. Look, I promise that when I get back in the game, I'll give you and Kokyuu Foods a ring. 1 PM today? Good. Konatsu will take care of you... don't screw with him again. He's like a little kid. It's unfair, you know?" Konatsu tensed up as he shook his head, focusing on his work. "Okay, 3 o'clock will work. Thanks Toshi, you're a lifesaver. What? Hah! I'll pass the word along to the old bat, but I don't think she's looking for a supplier."
Konatsu left the storage room and handed Ukyou the inventory list. "That's done. What else should I do?"
"Hmm... I can't really think of anything right now. The next thing I'm going to have to do is speak with the landlord. It's going to kill me to break the lease with only two months left, but hopefully he won't mind too much." She gave a little sigh. "I just wish he weren't so hard to get a hold of."
Konatsu thought about this for a moment, then bowed. "I need to step out for a few minutes, Ukyou-sama." Ignoring her look of confusion, the kunoichi left the kitchen and the restaurant altogether.
Konatsu was still catching his breath five minutes after returning to Ucchan's. Goodness, but he's heavy.
"Kuonji? Mind explaining why this young woman whisked me away from my coffee break?" Takeshi Abe was an older man, mostly thin, but with something of a paunch. While he was, in general, a good-natured sort, current events were testing his patience. Konatsu set him down and undid the cords with which he had presumably tied him up. He gave a bow to Ukyou and stepped back, letting Ukyou stare in awkward silence. "Not that I'm complaining too much: at my age not many young women are lining up to manhandle me anymore, so I suppose I should take what I can get."
Ukyou's stare went on for about another minute before she slapped herself on the forehead. "Konatsu! I could have called him!" She bowed to Mr. Abe. "I'm very sorry, sir. I'd mentioned to my employee that I needed to talk to you and apparently I needed to specify that this was not a request to kidnap you."
"You said you wanted to talk to him. I was only trying to help." Konatsu's tone was reproachful, almost sulking, and he looked down at the floor to avoid Ukyou's glare.
Ukyou let out an exasperated sigh, "Anyways, Mr. Abe. A family emergency has come up and I need to move back to Kyoto. I know this is sudden, but I will be leaving by the end of the week, after the school term ends."
"What happened, if I may ask?"
"My father, he..." Ukyou trailed off, unsure how to explain.
Mr. Abe nodded in seeming understanding. "I'm sorry to hear it, Ms. Kuonji."
Ukyou quickly shook her head and waved her hands, "Oh no, Mr. Abe. He didn't die. It's..." she hung her head, "We've sort of reconciled. I guess."
Takeshi nodded, "I see. Good to hear. Parents are important. There is the matter of the lease, however."
Ukyou nodded, "I know sir. I'll need a day to get the money from the bank,"
"Actually.. what I was going to say was that I recently got an inquiry about the property from some kid who is relocating from Kobe... Something Myoujin. Wanted to open a takoyaki shop."
Ukyou blinked, "Hayato?"
Takeshi nodded, That's right! You know him?"
"You could say we were childhood friends," Ukyou replied dryly, "he's a good guy all told, though. He'd do well here."
Mr. Abe smiled warmly, "Hmm.. if that's the case, I'll take your recommendation in lieu of payment."
Ukyou's eyes widened in shock, "Really!? That's great! I can give Konatsu something for hi-her trouble! Thank you for always looking out for me, Mr. Abe." She bowed deeply before him.
Takeshi raised a hand, waving off the gesture, "Oh, its no problem. I've always done well by you, Kuonji. I'm sorry to see you go, but I wish you safe travels back in Kyoto."
"Thank you, sir."
"Now," Mr. Abe said, turning to Konatsu, "If you could escort me home..."
Konatsu blinked before realizing his role as conveyance. Oh my. Konatsu thought as he picked Mr. Abe up and sped off.
Konatsu remarked how empty the restaurant had become in just a few days, especially after most of furniture, save a few chairs, were stored away in the supply closet. He was on the floor, deeply cleaning the front of the restaurant, grateful that it was only a few months since the last time they had deeply cleaned the restaurant and upstairs over the New Year's holiday.
The TV on the corner was taken down and put away, so Konatsu contented himself with a small radio, set to an AM station that was playing classic pop and enka music. The song playing, sung by a husky, almost tenor-like contralto, Hibari Misoda, caught Konatsu's attention as he scrubbed the wooden floors.
Thoughtlessly, unthinkingly, I wandered along
down a road that was narrow and outstretched.
Oh, I love this song. He jumped up to turn up the volume
If I look off in the distance behind me,
I can see the place where I am from
Smiling, he kneeled back down, scrubbing softly to hear the lyrics.
Through rather bumpy roads
That torturously wind around
Without a map in my hands
Life is like that, as well
His head swaying with the soft rhythm, Konatsu started singing along. Konatsu's voice had a thinner resonance and was higher pitched, his mezzo-soprano harmonizing with the singer's low contralto.
"Aah, like the flowing of a river. I want to continue drifting gently down the stream."
There was a soft knocking on the front door
"Aah, like the flowing of a river. As I await the snow's thaw, the seasons are changing before me!"
The knocking became louder. "Yo, Konatsu! You in there?" a loud voice asked outside, knocking Konatsu out of his reverie. The distracted kunoichi turned the radio down and, rolled the sleeves of his kimono down, and quickly opened the door, revealing a disheveled Ranma Saotome. His clothes were dirty and wrinkled as was his face and it appeared that more of his hair was frayed loose than was secured in the pigtail. Konatsu noted several bruises, the most obvious of which was a red, hand-shaped mark on Ranma's right cheek
"Ranma? Are you okay?" Konatsu asked.
"Please, ya gotta hide me!" the martial artist implored.
Konatsu pulled Ranma inside and locked the door. He led the bedraggled pigtailed boy to the only stool left in the front of the house and let him sit.
He looks like something the cat dragged in. "Would you like some water?"
"Water, food, anythin'. I'm starvin' and everyone's on the warpath today," Ranma brooded momentarily before noting, " 'cept Ukyou, thank goodness. What's she doin' anyway?"
Konatsu said in a raised voice from the restaurant kitchen, "I suspect she's at the library studying for exams." before returning from the kitchen with a glass of water and a plate with two onigiri. He set the on the counter before Ranma. "Here you go. I made them this morning. There's just a small piece of pickled plum and salt inside of them. I was saving them for later, but you look like you could use them more than I," Konatsu explained, smiling as he saw the teen tear into them with a ferocity was all too familiar to the once-penitent kunoichi. We both know what's it's like to go hungry.
After a moment, Ranma gulped down the glass of water and sighed in relief and satiety. "Aah, that's the stuff," Ranma looked around the empty restaurant , pointing out the lack of furnishing or decor, "So what's goin' on? Health inspection or somethin'?"
She didn't tell them? Konatsu blinked in surprise before slowly shaking his head, "No... Ukyou-sama is preparing to..." he hesitated, "I'm not it's my place to say this, Ranma."
Ranma tilted his head in confusion, "Preparin' ta do what? Konatsu man, what's goin' on? She blows up at me, don't say nothin ta me in class, even during breaks, and the restaurant ain't even open after school no more."
Konatsu sighed. Ukyou-sama, I'm sorry. "Ukyou-sama has decided to... go."
"Go?"
Konatsu nodded, "She's moving back home to Kansai. We've been preparing the restaurant for its new tenant."
"Wait, what?" Ranma asked, his voice low as though all the breath had left him.
"She decided on it after the..." Konatsu paused before settling on a term, " 'incident' the other night. Her father had sent a letter that morning asking her to come home. I didn't think she was seriously considering it, but she must have changed her mind."
"W-when is she goin'?"
"She's set on the day after the term ends. She said she spoke with the homeroom teacher, the one that looks like a small child."
"Like this Sunday? She didn't tell me. Just... goin'? Just like that? Why?"
Konatsu shook his head, "I think there are many reasons, but it's not my place to speculate."
"Dammit..." Ranma grumbled. He sat there brooding, until he realized the grumbling nose was no longer coming from his mouth, but rather his stomach.
He looked sheepishly at Konatsu, who had returned to scrubbing floors, "Hey uh, 'natsu. I know you guys are closin' up shop, but... anyway you can whip up some okonomiyaki? I think those onigiri were the first edible thing I had all day. I'll even help ya with the floors."
Konatsu smiled weakly, "Sure. I'll see what I can do," and walked back towards the kitchen as Ranma grabbed a brush and continued where Konatsu had left off.
It was early in the evening some days after the paperwork had been signed. On a regular night, the din of evening customers would have been at its peak. Instead Konatsu had one burner going, making a small meal while Ukyo, seated at the customer side of the grill, was busily immersing herself in her English notebook, a half-consumed cup of lukewarm tea at her side.
Konatsu felt somewhat off-kilter given the interruption his routine. Every now and again, he would look up, expecting a customer to wander in before catching himself. I hope Mr. Katsuo is okay. He always comes in on Thursdays for yakisoba and cha-shu okonomiyaki.
Glancing at Ukyou, he felt at ease again. I'm happy for her. I can't wait to see her happy with her family again. "How are you doing Ukyo-sama?" he asked, taking slices of pork belly from a mostly empty container. Just about the last of it.
Ukyou was writing in her notebook, reviewing her study notes with the same intensity she performed her bookkeeping, as she spoke. "Surprisingly okay. I was afraid I'd get too bogged down by the move to do well on the exams, but it's been surprisingly easy-going," She looked up thoughtfully, "I guess it's easy to think when a heavy burden has been lifted from you." Ukyou started to return to her studying when she stopped and added, "Oh! And you've been a big help, too Konatsu! Really, I probably couldn't have done it without you."
"Thank you." You know that I'm happy to help you however I can. "What's the weather like in Kyoto this time of year?
"Hmm?" Ukyou asked, the eraser of her pencil resting on her lower lip, "I dunno, kinda chilly still, and a bit windy, what with Lake Biwa nearby. Why'd you ask?"
"I wasn't sure if I have clothing warm enough: I may need to go shopping for some new clothes." He blushed, still feeling self-conscious about the thought. Such an extravagance.
There was a 'click' as the pencil was set down carefully. "Konatsu..." Ukyou drew out a long sigh. "I don't think you understand. I'm moving back home. Me. Not us. There can't be an us here. You're my friend and I'm happy for all the things you've done for me, but..." She stopped talking for a moment and visibly marshalled her thoughts. "The last year has been a very strange one for me, but more than anything else it's been exhausting. I want to go home so I can put it all behind me," she repeated quietly, yet decisively, "all of it."
"I..." Exhausting? "I don't understand. I've..." I'm being left behind again. "Am I such a burden?"
Ukyou shook her head sharply. "You're not a burden, Konatsu, and I don't want to hear that kind of talk from you." She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Listen. I want to start over again. I want to go back to a place where I don't have to deal with the kind of things that happen here, and that means not taking any of it with me."
"But..." What's going to happen to me? "I'm not sure what you want me to do."
"Live your own life, dammit! I mean," Ukyou continued after taking a second to calm down, "I want you to stop asking me what to do. I asked you to come here because you just looked so lost and I didn't want your stepfamily to keep using you like they were, and I'd do it again without any doubts. But ever since then you've just been... following me around like some kind of puppy." A pained smile twisted her face. "And you need to be more than that. I didn't save you so I could own you."
Konatsu thought about lashing out and noting Just like you lived your own life for Ranma? but held himself, feeling deeply guilty for even thinking it. "I don't know what it means to live my own life. What do I do? What purpose will it serve?"
"You have to figure that out for yourself. I have to start over, you know. I'm just as lost as you."
"Then why can't we figure that out together?" I have to tell her. Konatsu took a deep breath. "Ukyou-sama, there's something I've been hiding from you for a long time. It's wrong of me to keep secrets from you, but I knew that it could never be. Ukyou-sama, I love you."
Ukyou closed her eyes, wincing as soon as she heard those words. She let out a small sigh and said, "No you don't."
Konatsu blinked. I don't? "Ukyou-sama, what do you mean? How can you say that? These are my feelings I'm talking about."
"I can't believe that you aren't merely attached to me because I saved you from your stepfamily. Don't get me wrong you're a nice... person. But you can't fall in love with someone just because they're nice to you."
Konatsu's jaw shook as he sputtered a protest, "I-it isn't just that, it's..." he froze in mid-speech tongue tied, unsure what to say. There's so much I could say, but... maybe she's right? Maybe I...
"Ukyou-sama, I-" Konatsu stopped at the acrid smell of smoke alerted him to the charred disks that were once okonomiyaki. Scrambling, he flipped the more black than brown pieces onto a plate, clicking his teeth in frustration. "I'm quite useless, am I?" Konatsu mused aloud. Before Ukyou could reply, he turned to her and looked straight at her. His mouth was tightly pursed, but quavering. His cheeks were red and wet. His eyes were glassy, almost unfocused.
"What do I do now?"
Konatsu lay in bed, his eyes open, but glassy, wiping his face now and again with the sleeves of his yukata. He was trying his best to remain silent, though now and again, a sharp intake of breath would come and with it, tears escaped his eyes, down the side of his head past his temples. He laughed bitterly to himself as he felt the tears fall into his ears, tickling slightly.
Konatsu sat up, wiping his face, then hugging his knees. The small clock in the room indicated it was sometime after three in the morning. He sighed. What does the time matter anymore? I'm just a burden, after all. Stepmother was right about me.
A large hand, its strength mostly gone clasped his own.
"I love you, my..."
Raining. A white kimono. Lotus blossoms.
Quiet snickering.
Wrist hurting as step-mother pulled towards the house
A slap across the face.
"I have no reason to keep you! I should toss you aside, like so much spring cleaning."
Crying. Another hit.
"If you don't work, you are less than useless to me!"
A stiff purple yukata. Hair pulled tightly, painfully into a bun.
"Do as I say or you'll be sorry!"
Konatsu let out a frustrated sigh. If I want to be useful again, I have to to work. Ukyou says I have to live my own life. I don't really understand what that means but she's never led me astray. I have nothing left to do for her.
Konatsu wiped his face, hastily put his long hair into a ponytail, and leaned over, turning on a small lamp that was set on a night table beside the futon. Setting aside the few cheap hair decorations he owned, Konatsu dug out a scrap piece of paper and a small pencil, sharpened almost down to the nub, and began writing. After about fifteen minutes, he turned off the light and, with some effort, went to sleep.
Later that morning, Konatsu found himself wandering the streets of Furinkan. Ukyou had made the timetable for her departure clear enough and, now, the kunoichi was scrambling to find a means of supporting himself and somewhere to live. It was difficult to focus when the world felt dull and lifeless. He could swear the world around him was covered in a drab greyness that went beyond the cold early-March weather.
He trudged through the half-dozen restaurants, bakeries, and cafes Ukyou recommended, only to find that no one was hiring. The economy, they said. Konatsu knew he wasn't exactly making much of an impression, either. It was difficult to work up the energy and enthusiasm needed to get a job when it was apparent he was deeply troubled.
Konatsu spied a park bench out of the corner of his eye and slowly walked, almost staggering, towards it, slumping down on the wood and metal seat. He placed his head on his hands as he tried to think. What am I going to do? What can I do? I don't know what to do anymore. Is living one's own life this confusing?
"Kontasu?" A tender voice above the kunoichi asked softly.
Konatsu looked up to see a splash of yellow cut through the gray in his vision. It was Kasumi Tendo, in her usual canary housedress, carrying a large canvas bag filled with vegetables, a sack of rice, and fish. He stood up and bowed quickly in greeting before walking towards her. Kasumi smiled until she saw Konatsu wipe his face in an attempt to appear presentable.
"Oh, Kasumi. I didn't see you there. How are you?" he said, putting all his effort at projecting a warm voice and a soft smile.
"I'm fine as always, Konatsu. What are you doing here? It's rare to see you outside of the green grocer or the restaurant. How is everything going?" Kasumi asked, her smile radiating a calmness that was unnerving to Konatsu.
"Oh, the restaurant is, I mean, Ukyou is..." Konatsu's face scrunched up, forcing himself uselessly to not cry, but began to falter, "Ukyou is g-going back h-home soon. Th-the restaurant is c-closing and I..." Konatsu broke down and began crying on Kasumi's shoulder.
Kasumi helped Konatsu sit back down, the feminine boy still crying on her shoulder, and held him for several minutes until he finally recovered. Konatsu pulled away, wiping his face and brushing the wrinkles from the front of his kimono. "I'm so, so sorry Kasumi. That was improper of me. I shouldn't have-"
"No, it's quite all right," Kasumi reassured him, "I understand what it's like to lose someone you depend on."
"It's not as if I..." Konatsu faltered, "Well, either way, she is going and I'm to live on my own. I'm trying to find work. I also need for a place to stay, but that can wait. Worse comes to worse, there's the vacant lot Mr. Hibiki spends his time at."
"I don't think you have to go quite that far," Kasumi replied, "There are a few boarding houses in town. And as for work... I may be able to help. Come by the house tomorrow morning after breakfast."
Konatsu brightened and he nodded, "Thank you, Kasumi. This means a lot to me."
The next day, Konatsu found himself being led by Kasumi towards a part of town he had never really traveled towards. It wasn't exactly residential, but the neighborhood felt a bit more spacious and it felt like there were more roads for cars and fewer pedestrian paths than in the shopping district where Ucchan's was. They stopped as a somewhat large restaurant, which a small parking lot that was large enough for a few cars, one or two scooters, and a couple of bicycles.
In the front was a large wooden sign with a cartoon yellow sun and, in blocky Roman letters: "Good Sunshine Cafe. Open 24 Hours."
"What is this place?" Konatsu asked.
"Oh it's a family restaurant that opened up recently. The owner is an old friend of mine from childhood. He moved back not too long ago to open the place."
Kasumi and Konatsu walked in. In the middle of the restaurant, in a dingy apron, long sleeved shirt and jeans, was a young man, about 23 or so. Upon noticing Kasumi, he smiled warmly.
"Hello, Yosuke," Kasumi said, bowing in greeting.
The man smiled in return, "Oh, Kasumi! A pleasure as always. Is this the young lady you were telling me about?"
"Well, I..." Konatsu hesitated, unsure what to say.
Kasumi nodded and replied, "Yes. Konatsu here has been waitressing for Ukyou for... six months now?" she turned to Konatsu who nodded in confirmation. "Kona-chan is shy, but a very hard worker, Yosuke."
"That's great to hear. Truth be told, one of our waitresses just quit on me. No huge loss, she was a spoiled brat, but I need someone now who can cover evenings and close at least 3 nights out of the week."
He looked at Konatsu, who was nervously fidgeting in his silk kimono. "Do you work hard, young lady?" Youse asked directly.
"Um..." Konatsu faltered for a second, before nodding quickly, "Yes sir. At Ucchan's Okonomiyaki. I was the sole waitress, I bussed tables, washed dishes and, a few times when Ukyou-sam... Ukyou was unable to cook due to illness or her school schedule, I would fill in for her."
"Goodness! Well I think I can trust Kasumi's judgement on this. I pay 850 yen an hour and, if you work between 10 PM and closing time, it goes up to 1100. I know it isn't much but..." Konatsu's eyes widened and began smiling dumbly. "I see that agrees with you," Yosuke smiled warmly, "Okay, Konatsu. Come in on Monday at 1PM and I can get you fitted for a uniform and ready for the afternoon and evening shift. Is that all right with you?"
Konatsu nodded enthusiastically. "Yes!"
A few hours later and few kilometers away from the Furinkan's main shopping district, near Shakuji Park Station, Konatsu found himself in front of a ramshackle tenement house. It was a broad building, the outside covered with wooden siding. Konatsu suspected it was built just after the war, especially compared with the high-rise buildings that covered the rest of the block. While the building looked sturdy and well-kept, the building showed its age. That said, the outside was kept clean and it seemed liked a quiet neighborhood. Outside of the main entrance was a wooden sign to the side, indicating the building's name:
Maison Shibaraku
Tentatively walking inside, he looked around and knocked on the apartment labeled "Manager". After a few minutes, a short, squat, middle-aged woman opened the door. She looked up at Konatsu and his attire and blinked a few times.
"Yes?" the woman asked.
"Are you Mrs. Yoshimi Sensaku?"
"Who's asking?"
"My name is Konatsu. I'm looking for a room and my..." Kontasu winced, "former employer Ukyou Kuonji recommended this place."
"Kuonji? Oh, yes! What a fine young man. He lived here very shortly a while back."
"Y-yes," Konatsu replied blushing, "um...Ukyou has been called back home to Kansai by um, his father. I've managed to find a new job but I need a room starting this weekend if there is one free."
"Well, Ukyou certainly seemed like an upstanding, handsome young man, though that one girl he always traipses around with. You know, the one with that loud red hair that dresses like a tramp? I never approved of that. But you seem like a proper young lady... Room 4 is open. It's not much, mind you, and the bath is communal, but I only charge 12,000 yen a week."
Konatsu's eyes widened momentarily. So expensive...
"Are you all right? Is that a problem?"
"No, uh... Ukyou said it shouldn't be. She said she had been saving up for me. She called it a... 'severance' package, I believe. I start my new job next week, so I should be able to make about 40,000 a week."
Mrs. Sensaku nodded, "Why yes, that should be enough over for your living expenses."
"Which sounds so strange if I think about it too much. Who knew there was that much money out there?" Konatsu remarked to himself.
Mrs. Sensaku blinked.
"What did Mr. Kuonji pay you?"
"Well I was able to stay with Ukyou, so the salary I suppose is less than is standard, but, at first, it was 5 yen an hour!" Konatsu exclaimed with a straight face.
Mrs. Sensaku blinked. "That's practically slavery!"
"Sla-very?" Konatsu asked, testing the word in his tongue.
"That young man forced you to work work almost no pay! I can't believe him, taking advantage of a defenseless young girl like you."
"Ukyou saved me from my stepmother. Compared to her, working for Ukyou is much easier." Mrs. Sensaku opened her mouth but just stared at Konatsu, who blushed. "I mean, I worked my way up to 500 yen an hour over the last few months. " The stare continued, the blush intensified.
"And where is young Mr. Kuonji? I have half a mind to scold him for being such a scoundrel."
"Ukyou's been very nice to me. I mean, uh, he's going back home to Kansai and it's all rather sudden and I thought I was going with her, uh, him, but..." Konatsu pulled a handkerchief from a small handbag he was carrying and dabbed his eyes, "I suppose Ukyou's eyes were set on someone other than myself. I was told I have to live on my own."
Mrs. Sensaku shook her head sympathetically, "Well, we can't have an innocent young thing out on the street, can we? When can you move in?"
Konatsu considered his schedule, "I suppose I can bring my things in this Saturday. Ukyou-sam, er, Ukyou is leaving on Sunday."
"That sounds good. I'll make sure Room Four is ready for you by then. Take care of yourself. I remember when I was your age. A boy broke my heart and I was in tears for the longest time. I remember talking to my best girlfriend Chieko and then.." Mrs. Sensaku continued, Konatsu far too polite to stop the woman from her trip down memory lane.
Moving into Maison Shibaraku proved rather simple, given Konatsu's meagre possessions fit easily into a duffel bag. Ukyou gave him his futon and the desk and chair from her room which she decided she wouldn't have a need for in Kyoto. All told, Konatsu finished moving in two hours.
He sat on the tatami floor of the modest room. It was about 4 tatami big, just a shade smaller than his old room, but large enough for his purposes. He opened the window and marveled a bit the the view. It wasn't particularly impressive, but the boarding house was near the top of a hill, so Konatsu could see a pretty good glimpse of Furinkan and the area around Shakuji Park. He smiled at the second thing he noticed about the view.
There was a clothesline, presumably left by the last tenant, that was easily accessible. Konatsu was grateful he had a place to dry his work uniforms. From his experience with his kimono at Ucchan's, one had to wash clothes that came in contact with grease or similar food stains as soon as possible, lest they get impossible to get out.
Konatsu sat down again and let the realization that this was his life settle in. He resorted to meditation to clear his thoughts, sitting in seiza and trying to clear his mind. He instead heard a conversation through the paper-thin walls.
"Hey, you hear about the new tenant in room 4?" Male. Early 20s. College Student.
"We got a new guy?" Male. Late teens. Freeter.
"Nah, it's some chick. In a full kimono and shit. It's like she was kicked out of a samurai family or somethin'." Male. Late twenties. Rough spoken. Maybe a bouncer or bartender. Maybe something less legal.
"That's kinda creepy," the first voice said
"Haha! Yeah! Hey pass me a beer," the second voice said. Konatsu heard them speak more, but it became indistinct chatter, interspersed with deep, guttural laughter..
Konatsu slumped on the floor. This is what living for oneself is like, huh?
The kunoichi lay there on the floor for the rest of the afternoon. He didn't even realize he had fallen asleep until he woke up feeling a chill in the air and saw starlight creeping in from the window. Konatsu stood, shut the window, pulled out his futon, and fell asleep once more.
The city of Tokyo was battered with rain that Sunday afternoon. Ueno Station was humming, if not exactly bustling, as the trains, heading for points as far north as Sapporo and as far south and Kyushu, prepared for departure.
Ukyou slowly walked towards her platform, holding a closed, but wet umbrella by her side, as she awaited the train that would take her away from Nerima and back to Kansai. A short, red-haired Ranma followed close behind, while Konatsu and Akane, walked together some distance behind the two of them.
After seeing Ukyou and Ranma stop at the edge of the platform, Akane found a quiet spot on the platform and leaned against the clean white wall. She turned to see Konatsu, silent, but breathing heavily, tears continuously falling from his eyes and onto the silk kimono he had worn for the occasion. Akane put a hand to his shoulder.
"Konatsu, shouldn't you talk to Ukyou before she goes?" Akane asked.
"We, we did. Briefly. She needs her freedom more than I need her. I... I've been a burden to her and I know part of the reason she feels she has to leave is my fault."
"But you've done so much for her!"
"And there's a lot I did that only inconvenienced her," Konatsu countered.
Akane looked at Konatsu for a moment, before turning back to look at Ukyou and Ranma. She asked the distraught boy, "Are you going to be okay, Konatsu?"
Konatsu hesitated before nodding, "I-I believe so."
A frown began forming on Akane's face, "If you need anything, Ranma and I are here to help."
Konatsu nodded and bowed slightly, "Thank you, but... I've relied on people for too long. I need to stand on my own."
"But... okay," Akane replied. There was a moment of silence before Ranma's voice erupted in confusion, her hands balled into fists at her side.
"I still don't get why you gotta go, Ucchan!"
"Because. It's enough. I'm finished here."
"Whaddaya mean? You just one day decide outta the blue that 'Hey that's it. I'm out'? I thought we were friends!" Ranma exclaimed looking up at Ukyou, her eyes glassy.
Ukyo screwed her eyes at Ranma's words, letting a single tear slip through. Ranma softened her look and started reaching a hand out towards Ukyou.
"Ucchan?"
"Stop it."
"Stop what?"
"This. Trying to make me feel better. Cheering me up and offering to be my friend won't make my feelings go away. You want me to be your best friend or the sister you never had or something that isn't your lover. I'm tired, Ran-chan. I can't do this anymore. If I tried to stay, all that would happen is that I'd get angry and bitter. I'd slowly start hating myself and everything around me."
"Why would you hate yourself? Why would you even think that? We're all friends here! Right?" Ranma added, her voice hopeful, but tinged with sadness.
Ukyou shook her head, "Oh, Ranchan. Maybe if things were different, if that stupid panda hadn't..." Ukyou let out a large sigh, wiping her eyes with a sleeve, "I'm not even that mad that I couldn't be the one you wanted. I'm actually angrier at the two of you childishly acting like you hate each other when..." Ukyou stopped momentarily at she stared directly at the red-haired girl she had been in love with for the better part of two years, "I never had a chance, huh Ran-chan?"
The question clearly caught Ranma off-guard. He swallowed nervously, twice. "Well, I uh... I-"
Ukyou smiled and nodded, "It's okay Ran-chan. I have to go now. You don't have any more room in your heart for me. I've asked for too much already."
"Dammit Ucchan! This ain't fair! I didn't ask ya to fall in love with me! I just wanted my best friend back!" Ranma turned away yelling, "Dammit!" and ran off.
Akane turned to follow, but Konatsu held her shoulder, "I think he needs time to think. We all need time to think."
"But that idiot is going to miss her. He didn't even say goodbye!"
"He said it in his own way, just as we are."
Konatsu let go of Akane turned and walked, with her towards the edge of the platform as the trained slowly coasted to a stop.
"Well, this is it." Ukyou said, straining a smile.
"I'm sorry about Ranma. He's such an idiot sometimes."
Ukyou shook her head, "I don't blame him. I don't blame anyone, except his father." There was a tense silence. "Take care of him, Akane. I know he doesn't feel the same way, but a part of me will always love him..." she smiled again, this time more easily, "Don't be too rough on him, Tendo. He's just a stupid boy, you know," she joked.
Akane laughed softly, "I'll try."
Konatsu spoke haltingly, "Ukyou-sa... Ukyou. I'll miss you."
"I know, Konatsu."
"Maybe... someday... we'll see you again?" I want to see her again. I've never wanted anything else more.
Ukyou thought momentarily before softly replying, "Maybe."
Konatsu nodded, not bothering to wipe the tears from his face. Stepping into the train, Ukyou turned around to face the two and spoke. "Goodbye, you guys." She looked above and past them, as though addressing the station itself. "Goodbye, Nerima. Goodbye Tokyo. Good-" The doors closed suddenly in a woosh of pressurized air. Ukyou closed her mouth and forced a smile at the two of them.
Konatsu looked on as the train pulled out of the station, slowly at first, but building up until the train sped off out of the station. Akane rubbed Konatsu's shoulder as they walked towards the front of the station, Konatsu sobbing quietly.
Goodbye.
Author Notes:
Off on a dark foot, aren't we? This story has evolved a LOT since its original conception, and a big part of it has been realizing the things that we're going to need to put Konatsu and Ukyou through in order to bring about the conclusion we're hoping for. It's not going all be gloom, though, so don't worry.
-Unsurpassed Travesty
My main concern for the story has been how to flesh out Konatsu's, especially since the background Takahashi gives us is rather minimal. We also needed the two protagonists for the series so they can grow as people. It will be a long strange road and there will be lots of firsts for both of them. There will be a fairly intensive OC cast, especially in Kyoto, but the Ranma cast will be ever present, both back in Nerima, and elsewhere. On a personal note, I want to extend my thanks to UT for proposing these collaborations. I'm having a lot of fun writing for these scenarios.
See you. space cowboy
～裏には裏がある
Cultural and Lexical Notes:
The song Konatsu listens to is "Kawa no Nagare no you ni" (川の流れのように) an enka classic from 1989 that I think fits Konatsu's sensibilities and wishes. We presented with a translated version of that song to make it easier for readers and, we hope it's a translation that is somewhat mindful of the song's melody. A version sung by the composer, Hibari Hosoda, can be found on Youtube ( watch?v=_JPKop-dYJ8)
Here are the original lyrics of the chunk of song we used:
知らず知らず歩いて来た
細く長いこの道
振り返れば遥か遠く
故郷が見える
でこぼこ道や
曲がりくねった道
地図さえない
それもまた人生
ああ川の流れのように
おだやかにこの身をまかせていたい
ああ川の流れのように
移りゆく季節
雪どけを待ちながら
In Romaji:
Shirazu shirazu aruite kita
Hosoku nagai kono michi
Furikaereba haruka tooku
Furusato ga mieru
Dekoboko michi ya
Magarikunetta michi
Chizu sae nai
Soremo mata jinsei
Aa, kawa no nagare no you ni
Odayaka ni kono mi wo makaseteitai
Aa, kawa no nagare no you ni
Utsuri yuku Kisetsu
Yukdoke wo matchinagara\
詮索 好 (Sensaku Yoshimi) - Name is a pun on the phrase 詮索好き(sensakuzuki) which means "a busybody or nose person". This isn't particularly important, except perhaps as an indicator of how I like to remain true to Takahashi naming sensibilities.
Shibaraku means "a while" or "for a while". It can also mean "quite a while" as well.