Update. Sorry for the lateness, I had a retreat and exams.
"A vacation?" Taro questioned before sipping from hid tea. "What's that?"
It was night in the Yamada residence, with both Taro and Musashi serenely eating and discussing like mature individuals. Taro and Musashi had already finished their food and immediately went had a discussion over some tea.
"A vacation is when you have a short break from school or work. This is usually when you take the opportunity to travel with your family."
"So it's like leave then?" Taro asked.
"Er, yes. Though I could not imagine what work was like for you back in… you know."
"Well, we samurai were often concentrated on combat, and usually left the peasants for the rest of the work."
"Er yes, but this time, you'll be going on a trip." Musashi added.
"Wait, but do I not still have school?" Taro asked with confusion clear in his voice. "Would it not be unbecoming of me to skip school for this so-called vacation?"
"Well actually, the mayor suspended classes for a week in Buraza in light of the increased crime activity. Police are still investigating the Ronshakus for their criminal activity. Who would have known that they were the reason for the missing girls, especially poor Osana."
"The fact that they even considered that course of action is disgusting in itself."
"Anyway, my nephew, Yuuji Nejima, has invited the both of us to join his the Nejima family vacation together with some other people. You will be spending time with your second cousins who will be taking a family vacation to the forest for camping, and then the hot springs."
"Wait, what about you?" Taro asked curiously. "Are you coming?"
"Of course, I'll just be busy with the adults while you socialize with your cousins." Musashi said before leaning back. "Also, there's something really important that you need to know about the law of this land."
"What about it?" Taro asked.
"In 1975, or about forty-two years ago, there was law passed known as the Yukari Law, a strategy to increase the declining population. The government will gather your personal information and decide who is the best partner for you and arrange a marriage for you at the minimum age of 16."
Taro was a bit fascinated that there was a system like that, and though he wasn't in any position to judge, it was a bit cruel to prioritize the state's concerns over the concerns and liberty of its people. Though Taro had worshipped the Emperor like others, he valued personal freedom as well, and any Emperor who didn't value the personal freedom of his subjects isn't an emperor worth bowing to.
"That seems a bit unethical." Taro commented. "Though not unusual, since in the samurai society, arranged marriages are common, but I have never heard of the government monitoring our desire to marry."
"I agree, there was strong opposition to it as well, but the government had the last say. And to judge Japan's progress over the last few years, many Yukari arranged couples have ended up having successful marriages and talented children. I personally don't know how they do it, but the compatibility calculations are amazing, and you cannot deny its success."
"So how do the teens know?"
"They receive a notice for it, and it is quite the news for youngsters."
"But that doesn't seem to affect daily life so far, why haven't I received one, or my other classmates for that matter?" Taro asked.
"There is a good explanation for that. The Yukari law doesn't include those with life-changing illnesses, those with a bad criminal record, and those who suffer from mental illnesses. There is also the fact that hackers also sabotage the Yukari database in protest of the law. Buraza is infamous for having its whole district being exempt from the Yukari arranged marriage. The government tries to reinforce it, but hacker opposition just makes it more trouble than it's worth."
"So is that the reason why it doesn't seem to be talked about much here?"
"The townspeople have a live and let live attitude to it. They respect people who get married under Yukari, but also make no mention of it within the town. But in reality, the people of Buraza are even envied by those outside.
"Ah, I see. So I shouldn't judge my cousin about his arranged marriage or his attitude towards it."
"Just break the ice with him and don't be too harsh." Musashi said after putting down his cup. "Also, we will be accompanied by the family of your second cousin's assigned wife, the Sanada family, together with some of your cousin's friends. So be nice to them as well."
"Of course, but do enlighten me ojii-san, what are the names so that I can address them properly." Taro requested politely.
"Okay, your second cousin will be the center of attention, his name is Yukari Nejima, call him what he wishes to call you, understand? His assigned Yukari wife is Lilina Sanada though I personally call her Ririna. Your uncle is Yuuji Nejima, his wife being Chisato and your other second cousin being Kizuna Nejima. The others I do not know."
"So when will we be leaving?"
"Tomorrow, we will take a train to Tokyo, where we will be meeting up with the family before taking a train to the hot springs area. We will trust you and the youngsters to take care of yourselves. But knowing you, you'll be fine. Got it?"
"Got it." Taro said with a smile.
"Go pack your bags, I left a list for you by your bedside." Musashi said while gathering the dishes. "I'll do the washing tonight."
"Okay ojii-san, I'll go ahead then. Thank you for the food!"
Taro went up the stairs, and walked to his bedroom door. He opened it and closed the door. He immediately took out of the largest bags from his cabinets and placed it next to his table, where he then got the piece of paper on top and read it. He then walked over to the cabinet and thought to himself.
"Okay, toiletries are already self-explanatory, now what should I bring for clothing. The trip will be about five days, so I have to bring a lot."
Taro then began to pack his items in, carefully analyzing what he should bring. With efficiency, he finishes his menial task and checks all the items on his list. He then grabs his bokken and places it in a special bag.
"Too bad I cannot bring my katana. Though this world is already peaceful, my weapon is of sentimental value to me. I wonder if Charlotte thinks the same when she goes out."
Taro then realized his thoughts and began shaking his head.
"Why the hell am I thinking of that stupid knight, I got more important things to do!"
On cue, the door creaks open, prompting Taro to turn around and see Musashi peeking his head through the door. Taro looks at him, expecting Musashi to say something important.
"I almost forgot Taro, Yuuji offered us three tickets, so if you want to bring one friend from school, go ahead. Though I'm not sure who you'll bring with Osana in the hospital."
"It's okay ojii-san, I'll make sure to let you know."
Taro then zipped up his bag and threw it onto the table. He then went and took his phone and thought.
"Hmm… Is there anyone I want to bring? Charlotte has her own upcoming trip with Bjorn accompanying her as her personal bodyguard. Wait, why the hell am I thinking of them!? I should go for someone else…"
From outside, Ayano hid in the bushes, anxiously waiting as she listened in on Taro's conversation. This was her chance to get closer to senpai, and she just needed him to choose her. It was nail-biting, almost frustrating to hear him think about it. But suddenly her phone rang out so loud that it made her jump. Ayano rushed to get the phone and silence it as the ringtone echoed through the outside. Ayano quickly picks up the phone and asks.
"This better be good damn it." Ayano said with frustration.
"Oh, Yan-chan. Is this a bad time?"
Ayano made a small "eep" as she glanced back at the window, seeing Taro on the phone. She goes back into the bushes and says.
"Oh! It's okay, just a bit tired and all." Ayano replied rosily.
"I never had a chance to thank you for covering for me when I got back home, and I never had a chance to thank you for helping me save Charlotte." Taro voiced out in sincerity, though Ayano could hear him through the window.
"Oh it's all good! I just wanted to help you!"
"Well that's great! I also want to return the favor. So do you want to join my grandfather and I for a joint family vacation?"
"Sure! I'm free this vacation anyway!" Ayano said gleefully. "I'll go pack my bags!"
"Okay, I'll send you all the details for the vacation so you can be prepared!"
"Oh okay! Thank you so much again!" Ayano said gleefully once again.
Ayano then closed her phone and quickly vaulted over the fence and practically skipped on her way back home. This was her chance. She could finally spend some quality time with senpai, this trip would be great for her, regardless of the guests being there.
Taro then closed his phone and smiled, he opened his window and glanced at Ayano skipping on her way home. He gave himself a pat on the back as he decided to lie in bed and think for a bit.
"So Ayano-chan, do you want to hang out some time?" Taro asked nervously while approaching Ayano.
"Yes!" Ayano replied, strangely enthusiastic.
"Huh?"
"I mean yes." Ayano said, this time more calmly. "Sorry for the volume, I was just a bit high-strung."
"Oh okay." Taro replied. "Do you want to meet me at the river nearby? We can go fishing and stuff…"
"Sure!" Ayano replied with a twinkle in her eyes. "I'll be there."
"Oh and wear some fishing clothes or something. It'll be weird for us to do it in our uniforms."
"Okay! See you later Taro!" Ayano replied with much cheer.
Taro walked away, mentally kicking himself for being so awkward. He wanted to know Ayano a bit more and he screws it all up with that sad invite. It was only generous of her to accept. But little did he know that he made a girl's day.
Taro fondly remembered that as well. Regardless of how awkward he was, he realized that he made Ayano's day by always inviting her and making her feel special. He snorted that he was using his past life as a guide to reconnect with those who were basically his loved ones in an alternate dimension. Maybe being brought to this world isn't so bad as he thought. At least now, he made Ayano smile.
And with those thoughts, Taro fell asleep.
Taro woke up to the sunlight. It was the day that he would be leaving for the vacation. He ran to the cabinet, put on a plain black t-shirt. He puts on a plaid red polo on top. He then puts on blue denim, slim fit pants, together with white socks and black sneakers. He looked at the mirror, and then at the picture of Taro, wearing the same outfit. Taro stares a bit before nodding in approval.
"Okay, I should be able to look normal like this."
Taro then grabbed his bag and rushed down the stairs. He sees his grandfather wearing an orange polo, and brown pants, also holding his bag. Taro and Musashi nodded at each other, both letting each other know that they were ready to go. Both set out of their house, to only see a sight to behold.
There was a girl, in a pink dress that had magenta ribbons tied onto it. The girl had her gray hair let down. She also seemed to carry a purse, but she also had a large bag with her. As soon as she laid eyes on Taro, she blushed and averted her gaze, prompting Taro to realize.
"Yan-chan, is that you?"
"H-Hi senpai!" Ayano shyly replied.
"You look like you've been waiting here for quite a while!"
"Well, I didn't know what time, so I just decided to be early." Ayano meekly responded.
Taro receives a disapproving look from his grandpa, much to his embarrassment. But there was something about Ayano's outfit that bothered him. He approaches Ayano and comments.
"So… That's what you're wearing huh?" Taro said while glancing up and down at the figure-revealing dress.
"You don't like it?" Ayano asked with a frown.
"Oh of course not, you look great." Taro clarified, much to Ayano's joy. "I'm just not used to it."
"What don't you like about it?" Ayano asked worriedly.
"Wait right there." Taro said while taking a hair tie from his bag and then reaching out to Ayano. "Do you mind?"
Ayano dumbly nodded as Taro then began to fix her hair. He did it with utmost concentration and efficiency, before finally stopping and sighing in relief.
"There, now you look even better." Taro said with much satisfaction.
Ayano looked at her hair through one of the puddles, and saw her usual ponytail.
"But this is just my normal hair style."
"And I really like it on you. Don't get me wrong, you looked beautiful with your hair let down, but you didn't look like Ayano."
"W-What are you implying?" Ayano asked.
"You want to look beautiful for me, but I want you to look like yourself, because that's person I want to see. I didn't invite you here as a pretty girl, I invited you here as my companion."
"Oh…" Ayano said while clutching her chest with her hand. What Taro said was so intoxicating, she had finally broken her first barrier with him and now he values her companionship.
Taro then looked at Ayano with satisfaction, before seeing the amused face of his grandfather, who was smirking at him.
"Oh don't let me interrupt your moment."
"Let's just go." Taro sighed as he picked up his bag and went out, going in the general direction of the train station, with Musashi and Ayano not far behind.
Taro, Musash, and Ayano shortly wait for the train. The train soon arrives and all three entered the train. With the trip being a bit long, and the morning meaning the seats were still empty. Taro and company decided to have a seat while on the train. With all of them seated, they began to wait a while until they reached their destination. On the way, Ayano asked Taro.
"So who is this family that's joining us?"
"I don't know. They're just there to bond because their kids were married by Yukari Law."
"Yukari Law?" Ayano asked curiously. "You mean the government arranged marriage that occurs outside of Buraza?"
"Yep, I think it's because reinforcing is too much trouble because of all the hackers fighting against it." Taro shrugged.
"Ah yes, I heard that a lot from Info-chan too. She actually doesn't like it too." Ayano commented.
"Wait, I just realized something." Taro said while turning to Ayano. "You studied in Karejji before right?"
"Er yes, what about it?"
"So you were outside of Buraza, meaning that you received a Yukari notice last year!" Taro said with much realization.
"Actually… No I didn't…" Ayano said somberly while hanging her head. "I was diagnosed with a mental disease since childhood, so I didn't receive mine…"
"Oh I'm sorry…" Taro said while hanging his head in embarrassment.
"Oh! That wasn't the main reason though. The data collected from the government was also always sabotaged by protesters and paid hackers to prevent the notices from ever being released."
"Oh really now? Is that why many guys actively pursued you?" Taro mischievously put in his question.
"Wait, who told you that?" Ayano asked worriedly.
"I merely jest." Taro smiled, calming Ayano, before feeling his body leaning. They had arrived at the station. Taro and company exit the train and head into the main hub. Taro and Ayano sat down on the bench, while Musashi then said.
"Stay her with your friend. I'll go call your Uncle Yuuji to tell him that we're here."
"Okay." Taro waved before sitting down, and Ayano sitting right by him.
As soon as both sat down, Taro felt something on his lap, as he saw Ayano collapse and fall asleep on his lap. He smiles and lets her rest, rather than bothering her and waking her up. Besides, he knew more about Ayano than he'd like her to know. He stroked with Ayano's hair for a bit before saying.
"You know Yan-chan, I know that you came earlier than necessary. You were always like that in Myre too. Whenever we'd go fishing, you'd arrive at least an hour earlier. Something about hanging out with makes you so enthusiastic that I'm honestly curious what you see in me." Taro said sincerely.
Though Ayano was asleep, Taro could see her smile and even giggle a bit in her sleep. Taro then sighed a sigh of satisfaction. He then continued to watch the sleeping Ayano, before hearing a young voice call out to him.
"Er, excuse me?" The voice asked politely.
Taro looked up to see a young man with short, shaggy, brown hair, and brown eyes. He wore a blue long-sleeved polo with rolled-up sleeves. He wore black shorts and had a small shoulder bag over his left shoulder.
"Hmm, yes?" Taro asked politely, looking at the stranger.
"Are you Taro Yamada?"
"As a matter of fact I am." Taro curtly replied.
"Oh really? Then it's nice to meet you Taro! I'm Yukari Nejima, your second cousin!" Yukari said while extending a hand.
Taro then returned the hand shake then looked at Yukari as he then thought.
"Why do I have a feeling that this'll be interesting…"
I added Koi to Uso/Love and Lies, no justification whatsoever, I just felt like it. So don't judge me.