I returned to the familiar blue room; however, only one person was there waiting for me.
"Oh, what's this," Margaret said, looking towards me. "My, my, this is rather unexpected. I'm sorry, but the master of this room isn't here at the moment. Still, everything that happens in this room is with reason. Therefore, it is my responsibility to see this through to the end. With that said, welcome to the Velvet Room. I've always wanted to say that."
Chuckling, Margaret opened her book as a tarot card slowly descended in front of her.
"Because of the trial you have overcome and the strong bond you have reformed, you have unlocked the High Priestess Arcana," Margaret explained. "Right side up, it represents intuition, femininity, and divinity. Upside down, it represents silence, withdrawal, and seclusion."
Once the card fully embedded itself into the book, Margaret closed it, satisfied with her work.
"As you continue on with your journey, be aware of the bonds that you are able to forge," Margaret said. "You may find that some connections are waiting to happen without your knowledge of it. Always be open to your surroundings and find ways to connect with others in order to forge those strong social links. Perhaps, the next time you visit, the master will be here proper. Well then, until we meet again."
Episode 13
After a few days of rest and relaxation, Mimi was able to return to school healthy and full of energy. We celebrated her recovery by having our usual lunch up at the rooftop under the sweltering sun. It was there that Mimi exposed the bombshell that occurred in the TV World.
"What?! Izzy confessed to you inside the TV World?!" Sora, Matt, Mina, Michael, and Yolei said, surprised.
"Huh? Izzy, you didn't tell them," Mimi asked.
"I was... too embarrassed to mention it," Izzy replied.
"Oh, come on, there's nothing to be embarrassed about," Mimi replied. "You should be happy about what you did."
"So? So?! What did you say," Michael asked Mimi. "Did you reject him?"
"Michael," Sora scolded.
"It's okay, Sora," Izzy said. "I did get rejected."
"As if that wasn't obvious," Matt replied.
"Matt," Sora retorted.
"Thank goodness," Michael said. "I should have known that the silent types are the most dangerous. That means I still have a chance. Mimi, I love you. Why don't you go out with me instead?"
"Sorry, Michael, but I'm already interested in someone else," Mimi replied.
"No way," Micheal said, dejected.
"Saw that one coming, too," Matt replied.
Sora nudged Matt with her elbow.
"Please, tell me who he is; I need to know," Michael pleaded. "Is he in our grade? Perhaps a senior or a freshman? Is he even in our school? Is he in a different school? Maybe a different country?"
"Still, that was very brave of you to do that," Mina said to Izzy. "Pouring your heart out to someone or something is not an easy task. You should be proud of what you have accomplished."
"Thanks, Mina," Izzy replied. "When you say it like that, I feel a sense of encouragement."
"I didn't know you had it in you," Yolei said.
"I guess we now know who the real man is in this group," Sora said.
"Why is she staring at us like that," Matt asked me.
"Beats me," I replied.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask," Yolei said. "Finals are coming up soon, so I wanted to know how your studies have been lately. What did you guys get on the last exam?"
Mimi, Michael, and I froze upon hearing those dreadful words.
"Seriously, Tai," Sora said.
"I'm not even surprised at this point," Matt replied.
"Hey, cut me some slack," I said. "You know tests aren't my strong suit."
"Are you having trouble keeping up with Japan's education system," Izzy asked Michael.
"I'd be lying if I said 'no,'" Michael responded. "What I studied in the United States is child's play compared to the material you guys are at. if this keeps up, I might get left behind."
"You don't seem too disturbed, Mina," Izzy said. "Are you following the material okay?"
"Yes," Mina replied. "The subjects here are quite similar to what I learned in India, so it wasn't that difficult. I do admit, I have a bit of difficulty with the Japanese language, so things like Japanese and Japanese Literature are topics that I am still troubled by."
"That part I'm good at," Michael replied. "Thanks to my dad's job, I've learned all sort of languages and picked up on a few things here and there. Plus, I really wanted to visit Japan in some fashion for an extended period of time, so I was able to catch up on that stuff. It's the rest of the subjects I'm not too great on."
"This is perfect," Matt said. "If you two studied together, you guys can make up for each other's strengths and weaknesses."
"In that case, I propose we have a group study session," Sora replied. "That way, we can help each other out with whatever we need before final exam week."
"Izzy, you office space is pretty big," I said. "Do you think it's okay if we go there for our study session?"
"I don't see why not," Izzy replied.
"Then, it's a party," Mimi said. "We're going to need snacks."
"Sugar does keep your brain levels up," Mina said.
"But remember, the goal is to prepare for potential upcoming exam questions," Sora said. "If we spend too much time getting distracted, that'll miss the whole point of our session."
"Oh, Sora, you're such a party pooper," Mimi said.
"If we're going to have a study session, is it okay if I brought someone with us," Yolei asked.
"Who do you have in mind," Matt asked.
"His name is Derek, and he's from Australia," Yolei explained. "I think I mentioned him earlier during one of our conversations."
"Derek," Izzy said. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
"I noticed that he was a little hesitant talking about his grades with the other classmates," Yolei continued. "I know it's not right for me to pry, but if he's not doing well, I was hoping that maybe we could study as a group, assuming he hasn't made any plans with anyone else."
"I don't see why not," I replied. "I'm more than happy to add to our ever-growing family."
"You guys really don't mind," Yolei asked.
"Why should we," Sora asked.
"He's someone you're trying to look out for, and you are helping him in your own way," Matt said. "There's nothing to be ashamed about."
"Alright, in that case, let's also make this study session a welcoming party for this Derek person," Mimi said. "That means we need even more snacks."
"There she goes with her wild ideas again," I said.
"I've learned to appreciate that side of her," Michael commented.
"I could only imagine," Matt said.
"So, are we doing this session after school," Izzy asked.
"I think so, unless today isn't a good day for you guys," Sora asked.
"I'm in," Michael said.
"No objections here," Mina said.
"Great, then let's make this happen," I said.
"We should probably head over to the supermarket if we're going to buy food," Matt suggested.
"You mean the same place we went for the camping trip," Michael asked.
"That sounds like a plan to me," Mimi said.
"Thank you all so much for doing this," Yolei said, bowing. "I know it's selfish, and I don't even know if Derek would even be okay with coming with us, so…."
"Relax, Yolei, keep your head up," I said. "Even if Derek has plans, at least we can study with each other. It'll be a nice bonding session for us."
"Tai's right," Sora added. "We can all use an extra bit of studying anyway, so your suggestion is helpful regardless of who else comes with us."
"Thank you very much, everyone," Yolei said. "This means a lot to me."
After school, we gathered in front of the school gate before heading to the shopping district. The last one to arrive was Yolei, who brought Derek in tow, a tall boy with a red afro. Once we finalized our plans, we headed over to the shopping district to buy several supplies before going to Izzy's office to study.
"Thank you for inviting me over today," Derek said to us.
"Don't mention it," I said. "Yolei was the one who suggested it, so you should thank her."
"How are your grades, if I may ask," Sora asked.
"They're about average, but I think I can do better," Derek explained.
"Then, you'll fit in just fine," Matt said. "Some of us are below average."
"You don't have to look at me when you say that," I said.
"Now, I remember," Izzy said. "I think we met briefly when we went to Australia to pick up Joe and Cody. It didn't click at first, but after seeing you, it all makes sense."
"So, you're a Digidestined," Matt asked.
"Yes," Derek replied. "Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you guys for quite some time, but I've never got the chance to until today."
"Are you having trouble keeping up with classwork," Sora asked.
"No, it's not that," Derek replied. "I've been trying to fit in with my classmates, but it's a bit more difficult than I thought. I've been interacting with various cliques to see which of them suit me, but, to be honest, I haven't found the right group yet. I'm friendly with everyone, but I think they're still cautious of me. It's hard to explain."
"You seem to get along with Yolei alright," Izzy said.
"Well, she was one of the first few people to welcome me to school," Derek explained. "For some reason, I was able to get along with her more than my other classmates. At first, I didn't know why, but maybe it's because we're both DigiDestined that I felt at ease around her."
"Well, if it's other DigiDestined that you're looking for, you've come to the right place," Matt said.
"Let us know if you need any help with anything, and we'll try and assist you to the best of our abilities," Sora replied.
"Thanks a lot," Derek said.
"Hey, guys, you've got to take a look at these bags," Mimi said. "They sound divine."
Mimi revealed several bags of unorthodox snacks, some of which contained flavors that I never knew existed.
"I've never seen those flavors before," Sora said.
"Are they even edible," Matt asked.
"Well, there's always one way to find out," Mimi said. "Don't like it until you try it."
"You haven't bought it yet, have you," Izzy asked.
"No, we're still searching," Michael replied.
"Please put those back," Matt said. "Just looking at them makes my stomach churn."
"Oh, come on, it can't taste that bad," Mimi replied.
"Why don't we try one of those bags and get some regular snacks to go with it," Sora suggested.
"I think that's an acceptable deal," I said.
"As long as I'm not anywhere near whatever snacks Mimi bought," Matt said.
"Then, it's settled. Let's continue shopping," Mina replied.
After buying what we need, we headed over to Izzy's office to set up our study session. With all of our snacks and drinks in the middle of the table, we opened up our books and started working on some questions along with additional study material that Izzy bought and recommended for us for the upcoming finals.
"What's the largest mountain in the solar system again," I asked. "It's Mount Everest, right?"
"If we're talking about Earth, yes, but it's Olympus Mons, which is in Mars," Matt answered.
"I've never heard of 'I love you' translated as 'The moon is beautiful' before," Michael said. "That's pretty romantic."
"I think that's what Sōseki Natsume was going for," Sora explained. "It's not the literal transition, but he was trying to relay the descriptive meaning behind it."
"Why do we even need to know the scientific term for 'brain freeze,'" Mimi asked. "It's not like I'm going to be a doctor anytime soon."
"Because it might be a question that will come up in the exams," Izzy replied.
"Is something wrong, Yolei," Mina asked. "You've been looking at your phone rather frequently."
"Are you waiting for a call from your parents," Sora asked.
"No, I texted Davis and everyone how their day was at school today, and I'm waiting for their reply," Yolei explained.
"Maybe they're preoccupied with something," Izzy said.
"But, usually they'll respond to me in a few minutes, but it's been longer than usual," Yolei replied.
"I'm sure they're busy doing their own thing," Matt said.
"Busy doing their own thing," Yolei muttered to herself.
Suddenly, tears started rolling down her eyes.
"Yolei, is everything alright," I asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Yolei said. "It's just that… I'm realizing… I'm a part of their lives less and less… and I just… I just…."
"H-Hey, why don't we take a break," Mimi said. "I think we've hit the books for a while now."
"I agree," Michael added. "I think studying should be in moderation, right?"
"Sure, let's take a break for now," Sora replied.
As Sora and Mimi tended to Yolei, I headed out to the balcony to get some fresh air. As I looked out at the cityscape, Derek walked up to me.
"Hey, Tai, can we talk," Derek said.
"Sure, what's on your mind," I asked.
"I just hate seeing someone like Yolei in tears, and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to help her."
"I think it stems from her personal relationship between her and her core group of friends, so I don't know the best way to help her per se."
"But, she's already helped me by letting me meet and hang out with you guys. I was hoping that there might be something I can do to relieve her of her troubles."
"Personally, the best way to do that is to come up with an idea of your own. Whenever you felt down, what do you usually do to unwind?"
"Normally, I would go to the beach and listen to the waves crash onto the shore or float about in the middle of the ocean on my surfboard. Hey, is there a beach nearby here?"
"Well, we are on a manmade island. There is a beach here, but you can't swim in the ocean."
"That's good enough. I think I have an idea that might cheer her up."
As Derek headed back inside Izzy's office, I took out my phone to make a quick phone call.
"Hey, guys," Derek said. "Why don't we go to the beach today?"
"The beach," Michael said, surprised.
"You mean, like, right now," Matt asked.
"Is there even one nearby," Mina asked.
"There is, but why the desire to go all of a sudden," Sora asked.
"We still have a few days until finals, right," Derek explained. "I think we covered a good amount of ground today, so we should reward ourselves with some fun. I think balancing between studying and relaxing is key to performing well in the finals."
"I think that's a great idea," Mimi said. "Let's go!"
"You just want an excuse to play around," Matt said.
"To be honest, I'm quite curious about Japanese beaches," Mina said. "I didn't know there was one close by."
"Same here. We should totally go and check it out," Michael said.
"Will we need swimsuits," Mina asked.
"Swimming is not allowed at the beach, but we can still play in the water," Izzy explained. "I think we should be fine with what we're wearing now."
"Then, it's decided," Mimi said. "Come on, let's go."
"But, it's so sudden," Yolei said.
"Don't worry; it'll be fun. I guarantee it," Derek said.
"Does anyone have any objections," Sora said.
"No, but where's Tai," Matt asked. "Is he still outside?"
"I'll go get him," Izzy said.
"No, it's okay; I can do that," Derek said. "It's my idea, after all."
Derek headed over to the balcony and slid the door open.
"Hey, Tai, we're going to the beach in a few minutes, so get ready," Derek shouted.
"Got it," I replied.
After finishing my phone call and packing everything up at Izzy's office, our group headed over to Odaiba Beach.
"Wow, this place is so beautiful and close by," Michael said, looking around.
"I can feel the calm and natural energy radiating from this place," Mina said.
"There's a lot of houses and hotels surrounding us, though," Derek said. "Is it really okay for us to be here?"
"Don't worry; it's a public beach," Izzy answered. "We're free to come and go as we please."
"Well, if that's the case, that's more than enough reason to take advantage of this place," Michael said.
"Come on, guys, let's get going," Derek said, taking his shoes comes. "Yolei, come join us."
"Huh, me," Yolei said, surprised. "But, I…."
"Let's all have fun together, okay," Mimi said, grabbing Yolei's hand and running towards the ocean.
"Wait," Yolei said. "At least, let me take my shoes off if we're jumping into the water."
"Alright, let's have some fun," Michael said, chasing after them.
"Wait for me," Mina said, heading towards them at her own pace.
"So, who's in charge of taking care of their bags," Matt said, looking at the sandy schoolbags.
"I can stay and watch other them," Izzy replied. "I wasn't planning on playing in the water anyway."
"I'm pretty sure none of us were," I replied.
"Why don't we rotate that duty between the four of us," Sora suggested. "Whoever tires out can just switch out and take a breather while everyone else plays about."
"Sounds like a plan," I said. "You okay with that, Izzy?"
"I don't mind it," Izzy replied.
"In that case, let's make sure they don't take all the fun away from us," Matt said.
"You're right; let's get going," Sora said.
Matt, Sora, Izzy, and I placed all of our bags in a safe location before heading over to the shoreline. Mimi and the others were already splashing water at each other. When Mimi noticed us, she waved at us to come over at their direction so we could all play together. As we were all hanging out, Mimi noticed that Izzy was by himself, working on his computer while surrounding himself with our bags. Realizing what he was doing, Mimi rushed over to him.
"Hey, Izzy, come and play with us," Mimi said.
"It's okay, I'd rather…," Izzy started.
The sight of Mimi's wet hair glistening with the setting sun and the slight dampness of her clothes caught Izzy off guard.
"You'd rather what," Mimi asked.
"I… I… I...," Izzy started saying.
"Come on, ditch the computer and hang out with us," Mimi said. "It hurts knowing that you're the only one not enjoying this moment. Let's go!"
Before Izzy could say anything, Mimi grabbed his hand and brought him over to us to play. Seeing this, I took the opportunity to step back and watch everything unfold. As I was viewing everyone's enjoyment, a cold beverage touched my cheek, which caused me to flinch.
"You didn't have to react like that," Matt said, handing over a can of juice to me.
"I wasn't expecting a nice gesture from you," I said, taking the can.
The two of us silently drank our juice as we watch everyone else have fun at the shore.
"I've seen that look before," Matt said. "What are you thinking about this time?"
"Everything," I replied. "How this moment won't last forever, how we're going to be older someday and have more responsibilities, how we are only youthful for a short time..."
"Stop. You're thinking too much again. Just enjoy the present. What's wrong with taking advantage of the time that you have right now?"'
"Nothing. I'm just wondering if it's really okay for us to have fun right now. With everything that's been going on lately - like the TV World, the weird fog, and all that - I can't help but be on my toes every so often."
"I think that's why you should appreciate the peace we have now. We don't know when we will get another reprieve like this. Instead of worrying about the future, focus on the now and savor these precious moments that you have with everyone."
"When did you start getting so philosophical?"
"You're the one who takes too long when you're in your thinking phase. Look, just go out there and have fun. I'll watch over the bags, okay?"
"Well, in that case, I might take up your offer. Thanks for that."
As I headed to the shore, Sora walked over to Matt.
"What are you two boys arguing about now," Sora asked.
"Is that how you see us," Matt questioned.
"How else am I supposed to see you guys? You know, this is nice every once in a while."
"Then, why aren't you hanging out with them?"
"I just thought you could use a little company."
"Do what you want."
Sora and Matt silently looked on as the rest of us continued to play at the shore.
After spending what felt like hours at the beach, the sun finally settled on the horizon. Instead of going back to our own homes, I suggested we go to my house for some last minute relaxation. With no objections, we headed over to my place. Before we got inside, I recommended Yolei enter the house first. Unsure what was happening, Yolei opened the door and walked inside. Suddenly, several party poppers exploded in front of her, and confetti decorated her physique.
"Welcome back, everyone," Kari, TK, Davis, Cody, and Ken said.
"TK, what are you guys doing here," Matt asked, entering the house with everyone else.
"Huh, what are you talking about," Davis asked. "Isn't this one of our get-together parties?"
"It's the first time I've heard of it," Izzy said.
"Kari told us we haven't had one of these in a while, so she wanted us to have one today," Cody explained.
"That's nice and all, but can this house handle all these people," Sora asked.
"Don't worry," Kari said. "I've already got permission from mom to rearrange the furniture a bit, so there's enough space for all of us. Plus, I had more than enough manpower to help move everything around."
"Don't remind me," TK said. "My shoulders are still sore from lifting the couch. Were they always that heavy?"
"Plus, we didn't come here alone this time," Davis said. "Look who we managed to grab with us."
"Hello, everyone, it's been a while," Ken said.
"Ken, you're here, too," Izzy asked.
"I can't believe you made it," Mimi replied.
"We haven't heard from you since the attack at Tamachi," Sora said.
"We're glad you're alright," Matt replied.
"Hello, Yolei," Ken said.
"H-Hey, Ken," Yolei replied.
An intimate moment settled between the two.
"Oh, is this what I think it is," Michael said.
"Wait, I remember you," Davis said. "You were with Mimi the other day, and we met in America that one time."
"Yep, that's me," Michael replied. "And I remember all of you guys, too, except the one gazing at Yolei right now."
"And you must be Mina," Kari replied. "I think we met during the Hong Kong incident."
"Yes, that's right," Mina replied.
"Hey, weren't you the one that I met at Australia," Derek asked Cody.
"So, that's what that was. I thought you looked familiar," Cody replied.
"Wow, so many of you guys have met each other before," TK said.
"It's kind of like a mini reunion of sorts," Sora said.
"Something smells good," Mimi said. "What is it?"
"I heard you guys were throwing a party, so I made some fried chicken," my mom said, coming out of the kitchen.
"Mom, what are you doing here," I asked.
"What do you mean 'what am I doing here,'" my mom asked. "This is my house you're living in. Besides, you don't think I'm just going to leave after hearing you two were hosting something big for your friends, did you?"
"Kari, you told her," I questioned.
"You think she wouldn't be curious when she saw Davis and the others come with me back home," Kari explained. "Besides, she already made some friend chicken for us. She's just making more because she knows you were going to bring everyone else as well."
"I mean, sure, I was going to bring everyone, but that doesn't mean…," I started.
"Alright, that's enough out of you two," Sora said.
"So, you're mom will be here while we're hanging out. So what," Matt questioned. "It's not like this never happened before."
"Alright, now that everyone's here, let's party," Davis shouted.
"Yeah, let's go wild," Mimi replied.
"Not too wild," Sora said. "We don't want to disturb the neighbors."
"Come on, live a little," Michael said. "Let's have the time of our lives."
"I guess all those snacks that we brought for our studying session won't be wasted after all," Izzy said.
"I'm worried we might not have enough food for everyone," Mina replied.
"Are you kidding," TK said. "We brought our own snacks as well. With Kari's mom cooking more stuff for us, I think we have too much food."
"Hey, the more, the merrier," Mimi said. "You can't say no to good food."
"Well, then, why are we just standing around," Derek asked. "Let's have some fun."
With my mom's fried chicken, the stuff that Kari and the others bought, and the leftovers that we had for our study session, our dining table was nearly filled with all sorts of snacks and drinks. As we all mingled with each other, Kari pulled me over to the side.
"So, where's my reward," Kari asked.
"Oh, about that… I don't have it," I replied.
"What? But you said you'd give me strawberry mochi if I brought them over."
"I did, but I didn't have time to buy some. Look, I'll buy you a box tomorrow, okay?"
"Two boxes."
"What?!"
"Two boxes, or I won't forgive you."
"Okay, fine, I'll buy you two boxes of mocha, okay?"
"Good."
Kari returned to the party to converse with several members of our ever-growing group. Although nothing happened, I somehow felt physically and emotionally exhausted. I took the opportunity to head out to our balcony to try and recollect my thoughts. As I was looking out towards the nightlife, Yolei opened the balcony door and walked next to me.
"You're not going inside," Yolei asked.
"I will," I replied. "I just needed some fresh air."
"You still need fresh air after we hung out at the beach?"
"Well, let's just say I needed some space to breathe it all in."
The two of us silently looked across the bay.
"Thank you, Tai," Yolei said.
"Where did that come from," I asked.
"You're the one who asked Kari to bring Davis and everyone else over, right?"
"I mean, if you want to thank someone, thank Kari. She was the one who actually brought them over. In fact, I was surprised she managed to bring Ken over. She's full of surprises."
"But, if you hadn't said anything to her, I don't think any of this would've happened. So, please, let me thank you."
"I guess I have no choice but to accept it."
"You truly are the leader of the DigiDestined. Davis could learn a thing or two from you."
"That's high praise coming from you."
"You know, ever since I started high school, I was worried that I might not have time to interact with Davis and everyone else. Sure, we would call and text every now and again, but having that physical interaction was something that I was missing. To be honest, I became a little depressed. Then, you, Izzy, and everyone else saved me."
"Saved you? How?"
"You said that we could hang out whenever I felt like coming over to your classroom. At first, I was intimidated, because I've only known Izzy the most since he's been so helpful to us during our time in the Digital World. However, I've always admired everyone else from the background. It felt odd to suddenly be a part of that side of the DigiDestined. But, after spending time with you guys and getting to know you more, I should've realized that there was nothing to be afraid of. I can still hang out with you guys just as much as I would hang out with my own group. But, when I realized that I was spending more time with you and less time with them, I got scared and wondered which group I should be a part of."
"Was that what made you tear up earlier?"
"That and a couple of other things. I was so focused on choosing one side or the other that I didn't know if I had a place at all between the two groups. But, this party cleared a lot of things. It wasn't a matter of deciding between one group or the other. You, Izzy, Davis, Cody, everyone… we're all one big group, one large family. We can still see each other whenever we want. Instead of selecting one or the other, I'm going to balance my time and intermingle with everyone. It's not going to be easy, but I'm having so much fun right now, I just have to be a part of everything."
"If anyone can do it, I'm sure it's you."
"Thank you, Tai. It means a lot coming out from you."
"Hey, don't mention it. I think they're looking for you. You don't want the star of the party to be away for too long, right?"
"So, you admit that this was meant to cheer me up?"
"Take it as you will."
"Thanks, Tai. You know, by doing this, you're going to make me rely on you whenever I'm feeling down, right?"
"As I've said before, you're more than welcome to hang out with us whenever you want."
"Thanks, Tai. I'll see you later."
As Yolei returned to my house, I remembered my conversation with Kari on the phone earlier this afternoon at Izzy's office.
"Hey, Tai, what's up," Kari asked.
"Hey, Kari, are you still in school," I said.
"I am. Why do you ask?"
"Do you think you can bring Davis, Cody, and TK over to our place later tonight?"
"Tonight? What for?"
"Well, Yolei seemed pretty down these last few days, so I was hoping that, by seeing you guys, she'll lighten up."
"Did something happen to Yolei? Is she doing okay in school?"
"Relax, she's fine. I just think it'd be good to let her know that you guys still care about her even if you're both in different schools."
"I'll see what I can do. I have a good idea of where everyone is, but I can't guarantee that I'll find them."
"Please, Kari, do it as a favor for your brother."
"Well, since you asked so nicely, I guess I can try."
"Thanks, Kari. And also, do you think you might be able to have Ken come over as well?"
"What? But, he's not even in our school, let alone in the same district. I don't think I even have his number. Maybe Davis or Cody does, but I'm not entirely sure."
"Please, Kari, I'll buy you some mochi as thanks."
"Strawberry flavored."
"Okay, I'll buy you strawberry mochi if you managed to bring Ken to our house, okay?"
"Deal. You better keep your promise."
"What are you talking about? I always keep my promises."
Kari heard someone shout at me from my line.
"Who's that," Kari asked.
"Just one of Yolei's classmates," I replied. "Listen, I got to go, but please bring Davis and the others over to our house, okay?"
"I'll try my best."
"Thanks, Kari, you're the best."
As I reminisced, Derek headed over to the balcony and walked up to me.
"Hey, Tai, what are you doing out here? The party's inside," Derek said.
"I'll be back in a second," I replied. "I just needed a little more time."
"If you say so. Man, I haven't had this much fun in a long time, and this couldn't have happened without you. So, thank you, Tai."
"You should be thanking Yolei for introducing us to you."
"Yeah, I'm definitely going to do that, too. You know, ever since I got to Japan, I was so nervous about whether or not I was going to fit in and got really down. Sure, I was able to talk with some of my classmates, but nothing really clicked between us. Now that I'm hanging out with you guys, I think I finally found a place where I can truly enjoy myself."
"I'm glad you think so highly of us."
"You know, Tai, there's something interesting about you. I can't put my finger on it, but for some reason, I feel like I can talk to you about my personal issues. Have people said you were a good listener or anything like that?"
"I mean, every once in a while, I guess."
"I knew it. No wonder why you have this helpful aura about you. You know, instead of trying to fit in with the crowd, I'm going to be myself and see who will gravitate towards me. Maybe I'll find people who enjoy surfing, relaxing at the beach, or share other similar hobbies. Either way, the only way I know for sure is if I come out and show them who I really am. I don't need to mold myself to fit their interests. I'd rather be honest to myself, because that will make me the happiest."
"I'm sure you'll find others besides us that you can make that strong connection with."
"Well, there's only one way to find out. This will be the first step of many to create my own path in my time here in Japan. My first agenda is hanging out with all of you and making this party a night to remember."
"Tai, Derek, what are you two doing out there," Sora said, calling us out from the balcony door.
"The food is going to be gone if you stay out there for too long," Matt replied. "Seriously, how did all this food disappear like that?"
"Well, there are a lot of us here," Izzy answered.
"Come on, you two, come back inside," Mimi said.
"You heard them," Derek said. "Let's get going."
"I guess we have no choice," I replied.
Derek and I headed back inside the house and spent the rest of the night having fun and talking to everyone.
*To be continued*