Inspired by Yoshizumi Wataru's Marmalade Boy
Chapter 9: Rumi's Bad Day
"What was she doing? What was he doing? You don't think - " Jin stopped pacing in the room and looked at Chiyako, as if willing her to provide an answer.
She could only shrug and shake her head.
"They probably just wanted to spend some time alone together, to talk." Just like we were going to, Chiyako thought ruefully. "Rumi's leaving Sunday too."
"But their clothing was all disheveled, and more importantly, Rumi was crying. You saw that." He returned to walking his path through the room, a difficult process under normal circumstances made even more challenging by some large black boxes Jin's roommate had recently smuggled in "For the vacation."
"Yeah, so they kissed a bit and now she's sad he's leaving. We were planning to do the same. I know I'll probably bawl my eyes out when your train leaves."
Jin halted again, looking over at her for the first time since they got home. His eyes were tender and full of longing. Quietly he sat down beside her at the table and gently took her hand in his.
"I'm sure I won't be dry eyed either. Don't worry, I'll convince my folks to let me come back early. There's no way I'm staying away from you for six weeks, even if it is prime tourist season."
He bent down and kissed her ever so lightly that it felt like mist. She kissed him back, marveling at the tenderness, the pleasure of it all. Never before, not with any of her old boyfriends, even the nice ones like Youji, had kissing been this exquisite. Even two or three weeks away would be unbearable.
She opened her eyes and saw him smiling at her. I want to memorize each feature of that face, she thought, burn it into memory.
Sighing, she nuzzled her head onto his collarbone while he put his arm around her, drawing her in. Their proportions were perfect.
"I know," Jin said softly, stroking her hair, "Why don't you come with me? It's not like we don't have extra rooms."
"Really?" she asked, surprised and excited.
"Absolutely." His voice echoed her enthusiasm. "I'd love to show you around my town. The mountains are beautiful and I know some hidden hot springs -- hardly anyone ever goes there."
"It sounds wonderful!"
"We'll leave together. I'll pick up an extra ticket. Will you have time to pack?"
"No problem I - Oh no," she sighed with disappointment as she remembered, "I have a meeting with our accounting professor on Monday. I need to convince him I'm an ideal candidate for the internship next spring."
"Later in the week then?" he asked hopefully.
"Sure, Tuesday, or even Monday night."
"Excellent, then I can brag about you first."
"Oh, Jin, don't."
"They're going to love you, Chiyako. And then they'll understand why I don't want to hang around all summer."
Chiyako giggled and Jin kissed her quickly, or at least tried to. It extended and might have gone on for some time, if not for the crashing sound heard through the wall.
It was followed by muffled shouting, a female voice tinged with hysteria. Instantly Jin was up, his head pressed against the wall.
"That's Rumi, I'm sure. But it's two doors down, I can't make out what they're saying."
Chiyako went over beside him. The voice got louder and she almost thought she caught a word or two. Then there was a slam. Jin was moving to check the hall, but Chiyako held him back.
"I don't think she wants to see you right now," she said.
"But -"
"No Jin, not right now. She'd be embarrassed and overly emotional. She needs some time. Later, on the train ride home, you can have a long talk." Was she getting through?
"Alright," he agreed reluctantly. "I just wish she could have gotten involved with someone decent, like Matsuura, or even my roommate. Well, maybe not him. But not Hirokazu-sempai."
Chiyako sighed. "Jin, come, let's sit back down."
He complied, but she could see he was still agitated.
"I mean, what can she see in a guy like that? He's boring, pretentious -"
" - Handsome, rich, and interested in her." Chiyako finished, "He's her rebound. Don't worry too much Jin, I'm sure Rumi will lose interest soon enough. After all, Hirokazu-sempai has some large shoes to fill." She squeezed his had as she said this, and he returned it, distractedly.
"It just that Rumi's incredibly loyal. What if she feels obligated to date him because she feels sorry for leading him on? What if he's one of those clinging guys who never lets go of a girl?"
"That isn't Hirokazu's track record." Chiyako replied.
"So you think he won't get hung up on her?"
"The Hirokazu I dated wasn't interested in long term commitment," she said, putting her arm around Jin, trying to recapture that comfortable position.
At least he wasn't interested in a long-term commitment with her. She remembered their conversation to the word; it had been so humiliating. Hirokazu was wife hunting and she, Chiyako, hadn't made the cut. Oh, but her roommate was another story. Little country mouse Rumi came from a now defunct, formally elite family and so she was ideal. How that had stung. Originally, she'd planned to tell Rumi so that together they could set a trap and make Hirokazu suffer, but a cascade of other events had pushed it from her mind.
She should have at least warned Rumi, back when they were roommates and friends. But now, how could she? And Jin, she couldn't even tell him. If she did, he'd rush in to protect Rumi. Would that be so bad? Asked a voice in her head.
Maybe not, but what if Rumi gave Jin an ultimatum: Hirokazu or him? What if she tries to get Jin back?
It was a private fear of Chiyako's, to lose Jin back to his old girlfriend. It was silly and irrational, or so she told herself. But those two had been together for so long, were such good friends. Even if Jin loved her more amorously, as he often told her, would that win out over an old comfortable love from his hometown blessed with appropriate social standing?
Jin took hold of her again, resting his face in her hair.
"You know," he said, his voice no longer strained, "you're so good for me. You relax me and make my troubles go away."
Chiyako swallowed, trying to reciprocate. Willing the doubt and fears back to their hidden spot. She'd need them tucked far away, especially with Jin leaving soon, with Rumi. Somehow, they wouldn't stay put.
*****
Ring.
Click.
"Hello?" It was Fukutami's voice.
"Yayoi-san, is Rumi there?" Youji asked impatiently.
"Youji-kun! Where were you? Rumi just left here in a huff. Boy, I've never seen her so mad."
"She left? Where? When?" he asked.
"About thirty minutes ago. So what happened? She said you never showed up."
"I - I'm really sorry. My sister called. There's a bit of a family emergency." It was an understatement, not quite a lie. "I lost all track of time. Do you know where she went?"
"Not a clue." She sounded unworried, but it gave him no comfort.
"Why'd she run out?" He had promised to be there Had something happened between her and Hirokazu?
"I can't be sure, but I'd bet money it had something to do with Jin bringing Chiyako home with him."
"He what?"
"Yeah. They showed up at about 11:30, together."
"You don't think Chiyako was going to . . ." Youji's voice faded out. If Jin and Chiyako were this close, then the plan could never succeed.
"Spend the night together?" finished Fukutami, "Possibly. But I think the spectacle of Rumi and Hirokazu making out in the hall dampened any heart fires. She left about five minutes ago."
Youji sighed with relief and felt instant guilt. Rumi had left before Chiyako. She was probably out wandering the city, thinking that, that - his mind blanched from the image. He had to go find her, had to let her know it was all right and that the plan was still on track.
He was about to ask Fukutami again if she had any idea of Rumi's whereabouts, when there was a knock on his door. Youji crossed the room, stretching the telephones cord to its full extension. Peering through the peephole, he saw an enlarged view of Rumi's face. Her eyes were red behind her glasses and her lips set in a tight line.
"Rumi's here, Yayoi-san," he said as he opened the door, "I'll talk to you later."
"What? No, let me talk to Rumi, I want to -" was what Youji heard as he returned the phone to its receiver. Fukutami's presence was not needed. He unplugged the phone, just to be safe.
"That was Yayoi-san," said Youji, "I was just going out to look for you."
Rumi removed her shoes and crossed the room to stand by the window. She drew a deep breath and gave him an accusatory look.
"You weren't there," she said, "You never showed up. You promised me you would."
"I know, I'm sorry," he said. "My sister called, and I know that's no excuse, but she really needed to talk to me. But don't worry. Everything's okay. Yayoi-san said that Chiyako just left the apartment building, so nothing happened."
"Just because nothing happened doesn't mean it's all right, Youji."
"It will be all right, Rumi. The day after tomorrow you and Jin will take the train home and Chiyako will stay in Tokyo. You have all of summer break to convince him that he loves you."
He smiled weakly, hoping he'd reassured her. But she merely snorted and turned away to stare out the window.
"And what if he doesn't love me? What if he really loves Chiyako?"
"Rumi, of course he loves you. How can you doubt it?"
"Like he loves Chiyako? Like a girlfriend? Someone you'd bring home to your apartment at night? I'm not sexy or charming or sophisticated like she is, Youji. I can't compete with someone like that!"
Rumi's back was still to him, but Youji knew from experience what a crying female looked like. In some previous situations he had just held the girl and let her sob until she felt better, but the idea of embracing Rumi right now made him feel uncomfortable. He took a step closer and said:
"You can compete, Rumi. You're pretty. You're smart. You're kind and deep and honest. You just have to have confidence in yourself." He wished she'd turn around so he could see if any of this was getting through to her.
"Do you really believe that, Youji?" Her voice was pleading.
"Of course I do. Why do you think I've been orchestrating this whole scheme if I didn't think you could do it? If I didn't believe that you and Koishikawa were made for each other?"
"There's Chiyako."
"Yes, there's Chiyako. Who likes me as a friend. Maybe with Jin gone she'll come back to me. Knowing my track record, I'll be supportive and she'll think of me as a brother." He found himself getting angry, for some reason he didn't want to think about his old girlfriend right now. More calmly, he continued, "I'm not doing this because of some unrealistic, romantic hope that Chiyako's going to fall into my arms. I'm doing this because what you and Koishikawa have doesn't happen to everybody, Rumi. That's why it's so special."
"I never asked you to do this for me, Youji."
"Of course you didn't. You're not like Yayoi-san. Truth be told, I started this mainly because I needed a distraction. Something to get my mind off Chiyako. But as it went along, I came to know you, Rumi. You remind me a lot of my sister, of all her good qualities. You're the type of person I hope Emiko grows up to be. And I hope that Emiko can find someone like Koishikawa. I'm probably - what's that psychology word, projecting - but I remember when we four were on that double date, you and Koishikawa were so in synch with each other, so perfectly matched, so truly happy together. The world has far too many unhappy people in it. You can't fault me for wanting to shift the balance, even if it's just by a little."
After a long pause, Rumi turn to face him. Youji's heart skipped a beat; she was smiling. Thank the gods, it couldn't be too bad if she was smiling.
"That was quite the speech."
"Well, saving other people's relationships is my specialty," he said.
"I can see that. But you should work on getting one of your own, Youji. You're too nice of a guy to be single."
"That's what all my female friends say."
It was a mildly amusing one liner, and they gave it a half laugh, which quickly faded to silence. It occurred to Youji that he had a girl in his apartment, and it was well past midnight. It was a first for him. Rumi dropped her eyes, and stared at the floor, which only made him feel more uncomfortable. He backtracked to a less personal part of the conversation.
"So why were you doubting yourself? Did Hirokazu say something?"
"I don't put stock in what Nabishi says." She replied, evading his question. What wasn't she saying?
"What happened with Hirokazu?" He tried to convey mild curiosity, but he could see her defenses go up immediately.
"If you had been there, you would know."
Guilt surged. "I know. I feel so badly. There's a bit of a family emergency-"
"Emergency?" Rumi's angry tone disappeared and her face took on a concerned look, "Not your sister Emiko?"
"No, no. It's my grandmother. She's . . . " he didn't want to bother her with the details. "She's sick."
"I'm so sorry, Youji."
He shrugged. "My father's out of the country right now, so I need to return home and get things in order. I'm leaving tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? But what about Jin? I can't-"
"Don't worry, it's a 4:00 PM train. You can meet me at the station, say quarter to, and we can go over any last minute plans, okay?"
She agreed, although her confidence seemed to have faded. He wanted to ask her about Hirokazu, to find out what had happened. It was obviously the reason she'd left her apartment and the source of her anger.
And that was precisely the reason he didn't bring it up as he walked her part of the way home. There was no denying that had he been in her apartment as promised, nothing would have happened. And while he had a good reason, the explanation would take far more time than they had. Besides, she'd end up feeling pity for him, something he very much loathed.
Rumi was going to be on her own soon. Away from him, and thankfully away from Hirokazu. Maybe a little anger was what she needed.
*****
When Jin left home for college, the last thing he thought he'd miss were the chores, especially the backbreaking ones like splitting wood to heat the sauna. But just now he found himself longing for some activity that involved pounding, tearing and destroying.
He had gone to the tennis courts to gather information on Rumi's new beau, hoping to find out that tennis captain was a great guy. A safe, responsible and sensitive sort of fellow who would be perfect for Rumi. But each response he got seemed more disturbing then the last.
"President Hirokazu? We went out twice when I was a freshman. He may be a flirt, but he certainly can choose some good restaurants."
"I don't know what's so special about the guy. If he weren't so rich the girls wouldn't be half so interested in him."
"Just keep your girlfriend away from him. He stole mine, and dumped her not more than a month later."
"All I'll say is, dating Nabishi was a learning experience, a real learning experience."
Rumi was too smart to fall for such a guy, wasn't she? Surely she'd wise up soon enough on her own. But doubts kept nagging him. She's on the rebound, he told himself, and she's never dated anyone else.
According to the schedule, Hirokazu should be starting a match soon. Jin headed to the locker rooms to have a chat with the guy. He had hurt Rumi, that was true. But he wasn't about to stand by and let some other guy do the same. There were times when Jin didn't worry about the logic behind his actions.
So intent was he on his reasoning that he almost walked past the young man gathering together tennis supplies in the hall.
"Matsuura-san." Jin said.
Chiyako's ex-boyfriend jumped, spilling racquets every which way. "Koishikawa-san. You startled me. Do you have a match today?"
"No, just some errands." As Jin bent down to help gather the tennis equipment, a thought came to his mind. "Listen, Matsuura-san, can you do me a favor just now?"
"Umm, possibly. What do you need?"
"Well, I need to talk to someone right now, and I'd appreciate it if you'd come along," said Jin.
"Well, sure." Matsuura looked relieved. "Do you want me to do anything else?"
"Just make sure I keep a level head. And maybe stop me from hitting him."
"Okay."
"But only if he doesn't deserve it."
Jin didn't want to explain, and thankfully, Matsuura seemed content not to ask. They proceeded into the locker room, where Jin was glad to see Hirokazu almost immediately.
"Excuse me, captain," he said with a politeness he didn't feel.
"Ah, underclassman Koishikawa and underclassman Matsuura, good to see you both."
"Captain Hirokazu," said Jin, "I have a question for you."
"Oh, well, ask and I'll try to do my best to answer it."
"What are your intentions towards Yamashita Rumi?"
"Yamashita Rumi?" Hirokazu paused as if considering. "Why, I plan to marry her."
"What?" cried Jin and Matsuura together.
Hirokazu looked from one to the other. "Only if she'll have me," he said. "I'm still working on that part."
"You can't be serious," said Matsuura.
"Completely. I'm a senior, it's time for me to find a wife and Rumi-chan is a perfect choice."
Jin was barely listening, his head still whirling from Hirokazu's reply. Images of Rumi horribly misused and abandoned were replaced by a pregnant housewife Rumi surrounded by children of various heights. Not that Rumi wouldn't make a excellent mother, someday. Not yet, though.
"But she's still a freshman," said Jin.
"There's no law against a married woman attending school."
"But, she won't have time to do housework or cook." Odd, that was precisely the argument Jin had used on his mother when she had suggested he start saving up for an engagement ring.
Hirokazu looked offended. "Do you think I'd have my wife doing housework? We'd have a maid, I assure you."
"But, but," Matsuura-san kept glancing at Jin, "There will be so many disappointed young women."
"I'm afraid they'll have to get over it, Matsuura-san," said Hirokazu. "I'll admit, I wasn't that serious when I started dating Rumi. But she's a remarkable woman, very cultured and beautiful. When I realized what a marvelous wife and mother she'd make, well, I would have been a fool to let her go. Wouldn't you agree, Koishikawa-san?"
"I-" his mind was racing. Could Rumi marry such a man? So quickly after meeting him? Relationships take time, he had always thought. But didn't his own experience with Chiyako prove differently?
"You're serious?" he asked.
The tennis captain nodded once.
"When, when are you going to propose?" Jin asked.
"After summer break, early autumn at the latest. Like I said, I still have to prove myself to her. I suppose I should be rather angry at you Koishikawa-san; you set some fairly high standards for me."
"Rumi deserves the best," was all he could think to say.
"I won't disagree." Hirokazu turned on his trademark smile, showing off his perfectly straight, sparkling white teeth. "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss with me? If not, I do have a tennis match scheduled."
"No, that fine," said Jin, and the tennis captain took his leave.
No one spoke for a good minute. Finally, Matsuura broke the silence.
"I wouldn't have stopped you from hitting him," he said.
"Really? He sounded quite sincere," said Jin, feeling unnerved.
"I'm sure he was, but, didn't it seem to you like he was talking about Ru- I mean Yamashita-san like she was a piece of furniture? Someone to marry because she'll host good dinner parties and raise well behaved children?"
Thinking back on the conversation, Jin could see Matsuura's point. He nodded.
"Of course," Matsuura continued, "that's what a fair number of women want out of a relationship."
"Not Rumi," said Jin.
"Really?"
"Of course not. She never wanted to be just a wife and mother. She came to college to become a chemist, not to find a husband."
"Well," said Matsuura slowly, "I suppose she thought she already had found a husband." He jerked his head up suddenly. "I- Koishikawa-san, pardon me, I didn't mean to imply . . ."
"It's okay," Jin said. "It's something I'll have to consider. Rumi and I will be traveling home tomorrow. It will give us a chance to talk. I think there's some things we need to get straight."
"That sounds good. Now if you don't mind, I have an appointment I need to get to."
"Oh, yeah, sorry." Said Jin, "You're having lunch with Chiyako today, aren't you?"
"Just a quick tea, really," said Matsuura, "I'm catching a train later on today, and still have a few things to pack."
"Don't I know that feeling."
Matsuura turned to go and was almost gone when Jin spoke again.
"Matsuura-san. Just a minute. Umm, you've been spending a lot of time with Rumi recently."
"Yes, a bit." Matsuura replied, not turning around.
"I was just wondering, do you think she could actually be serious about Hirokazu-san? I mean, he is rich and handsome and all."
There was a pause, and then Matsuura turned to face him. "I think Yamashita-san's smart enough to see Hirokazu's faults behind his outward charms. But, it's been my own personal experience that girls can easily overlook a lot in their boyfriends. It all depends on what they really want."
Matsuura finished with an apologetic shrug, and, seeing Jin had nothing more to say, left.
It all depends on what they really want. Jin repeated the phrase. What did Rumi really want. A few months ago he would have known without a doubt, but now. . . Did Matsuura know? Had there been some subtext to Matsuura's odd reply? He tried to remember the exact phrasing but couldn't. It only made him more sure he'd missed something vital.
Sighing, he headed off for home; he hadn't even begun to pack. His watch read quarter past twelve. Twenty-one hours. He hoped it was enough.
Summer had definitely arrived in Tokyo, and Jin bet it would be scorching soon. No wonder everyone vacationed in the country. Of course, it meant that summer was firmly entrenched in his brain as a time of extra work, not relaxation. One of these days he longed to experience the other side of the hospitality. Maybe when Chiyako came to visit they could take a vacation of their own.
It was a pleasant thought, but his mind kept going back to his recent encounter with Hirokazu. The guy was a pompous idiot, that much Jin was sure of, almost. Matsuura, had felt the same. He was a non-partial observer, and, Jin suspected, probably far more intelligent about such things.
How come some guys were so observant, when Jin felt like he had to get hit by a two by four before he picked up on even the most obvious things? He remembered Matsuura mentioning having a sister and grandmother; could that be the difference?
It made Jin wish he had had a sister, or at least some female influences in his life. Out of his multitude of cousins, there was a single girl, and Himeko had been such a tomboy, she put the rest of them to shame. There were his mother and aunts, but they seemed to keep any brilliant feminist insight to themselves. Or maybe he should have had hung out in the kitchen instead of playing baseball at family reunions.
Odd that a guy like Matsuura shouldn't have a girlfriend. Jin would have thought they'd be standing in line, which was just more evidence that he didn't understand women.
Too bad Rumi couldn't fall for Matsuura. It would be a good match, he figured. Besides his intelligence, he was witty and sincere, all the things Hirokazu wasn't. Maybe on the way home Jin could plant some ideas in Rumi's head about such a possible relationship.
He almost laughed out loud; he'd screw it up for sure. Still, the idea itself was sound. Maybe if Chiyako helped him out. . . He'd have to mention it to her tonight. It could be a team effort, maybe he'd even be able to rope Yayoi in on it. It made him think of some of the TV shows he'd seen.
He spent the rest of the way home spinning out episodes, each less feasible than the last, but all entertaining. As he entered his apartment building Jin was in quite good spirits. It was particularly noisy around here today he noted, probably due to all the students leaving on holiday.
"Koishikawa-san," said a voice behind him, "Just the kind, caring, and helpful man I wanted to see."
He turned to see Fukutami Yayoi, her small frame nearly doubled over under the four suitcases she was carrying.
"I have to catch my train in half an hour. It's the only one that will get me to the airport in time to catch my flight to Hawaii. I've never been to Hawaii before; I may never go again. Please, oh please, help me."
"I'd love to Fukutami-san, but I've got to pack still. I'm leav-"
"Save your breath, Jin," said Rumi, appearing behind her roommate, another three suitcases in hand. "I tried the same excuse. She claims it's our duty as underclassman to assist her."
"I bribed you as well," said Fukutami. "Jin, help me out and I'll bring you back a coconut. They're all the rage."
Without waiting for his reply, she handed him two bags and strapped another to his back. They were suprisingly heavy.
"What did you pack?" he asked.
"Everything," said Rumi, shuffling bags with Fukutami while slipping into her shoes. "The apartment's practically empty."
"For the next month," said Fukutami, "I will be creative. And as I don't know what turn my creativity will take, I have to be prepared. Photography, writing, painting-"
"Sunbathing, nightclubbing, and shopping," finished Rumi. "I swear I saw her pack the feather duster."
Being late was almost Jin's second nature, but the mad dash across most of Tokyo was the most surreal experience. Fukutami, by sheer determination alone, managed to dive through the crowds creating eddies of commuters in her wake. It took all of Jin's swiftness and dexterity to keep up with her.
He alternated between cursing her under his breath, and practically gasping in awe as she led them through the twists and turns of the Tokyo subway system, every few minutes calling off the time remaining until her flight departure.
Other than these reminders, she made no acknowledgement of them. Jin almost didn't make it onto one of their subway connections and wondered what Fukutami would do if she found herself minus her entourage when she reached the airport. But she must have been paying more attention than he thought as she was first to Rumi's side when she tripped and fell.
It was a most spectacular tumble and with luggage somersaulting everywhere. The largest piece sprung open, scattering embarrassing feminine undergarments every which way to the delight of a crowd of junior high school boys. It turned out that Fukutami had a thing for polka-dots.
Fortunately, Rumi was unharmed, Fukutami had packed duct tape and after a bit of stuffing and repair work, they were on their way.
"I just know one of those prepubescent twerps made off with my good bra," Fukutami complained as they waited for the airport shuttle. "Don't roll your eyes at me Koishikawa, those things are expensive."
"I'm sure it's going to a good home." Jin replied, keeping a straight face. "You sure you'll be okay from this point on?"
"Of course, that's what porters and large tips are for. Jin, Rumi, thanks again so much. You're each getting two coconuts for this."
"Do you think she'll have enough room to bring them back?" whispered Jin as Fukutami boarded the shuttle.
"I don't even want to imagine," said Rumi out of the side of her mouth while she waved goodbye to her roommate.
Despite it being almost two, Jin felt almost no stress as they started for home. It was amazing how easy it was to step onto even a crowded subway when your hands were free of luggage.
It was more than the lack of baggage. Jin was with Rumi and, for the first time in ages, he wasn't feeling guilty or embarrassed. Perhaps it had something to do with their manic rush across the city. It reminded him of the mishaps they used to get into as kids.
"I hope we don't cut it that close tomorrow." Jin said.
"It will probably be worse," said Rumi. "We're leaving at 9 am. And I think Yayoi packed my alarm clock by accident."
"Shall I knock on your door?"
"That would be appreciated," she said, "although, you're such a night owl these days, I'm not sure I can rely on you."
There was a teasing tone in her voice, and Jin couldn't help but reply:
"You're the one who was out to past one last night."
Her head snapped about to stare at him "How would you know?" She asked, all amusement gone.
"I-" Jin paused, unsure what to tell her. Might as well go with the truth. "I waited up for you. There's a window up on the third floor, by the stairs. It gives a good view of the front pathway."
Rumi nodded, but still looked tense.
"I didn't mean to," Jin continued, "but I overheard you leaving. It was so late, and your father swore he'd hunt me down with the family's old samurai sword if anything happened to you."
"If he could find it. Mom hid it well after that time she caught us playing honorable suicide with it," she said, slowly relaxing. "Both my parents are so certain that Tokyo is filled with muggers and deviants, lurking behind every bush in the park, ready to jump out at any unaccompanied female. I think they watch too many police dramas."
Rumi smiled, and Jin gave a polite chuckle; they turned to stare out the window at the passing tunnels. Jin's mind was elsewhere, trying various ways to phrase the questions that came to mind. Had Rumi been wandering the around the park? Had she been unaccompanied? Did she know Hirokazu intended to propose to her? He couldn't ask Rumi that, but maybe he could subtly guide the conversation. Offhandedly he said;
"It must have been chilly last night. If you were out walking the whole time."
Rumi gave him a measured look. "Did my father also request you to give him detailed reports?"
"No, of course not." He cursed himself for being so obvious. "But I am allowed to be concerned for you, right?"
Rumi's eyes narrowed to slits. The hairs on the back of Jin's neck went spiky and, old childhood reflexes coming into play, he took a step back.
"You dumped me. You started dating my roommate. Maybe you're allowed to be concerned for me, Jin. But I don't think I have to be impressed by your concern."
More than the words, it was Rumi's tone that started air raid sirens screaming through Jin's brain.
"I-"
"What makes you think you can act all considerate now?" Rumi had taken a step towards him and was looking furiously into his eyes. This time Jin held his ground and in a fierce whisper , replied:
"I don't know. I was hoping we could go back to being friends."
Rumi didn't blink, and just to spite her, Jin didn't either. If it was a staring contest she wanted, then a staring contest she would have. It was all a matter of self control, of keeping one's mind on track and ignoring the outside world. When Jin, age 11, had figured that out, he had been undefeatable, especially against the easily distractible Rumi.
Their competition was not going unnoticed; Jin could feel the other passengers' attention on them, obviously forming their own opinions of the arguing couple. Let them think what ever they want, Jin thought brashly.
It was all Rumi's fault, anyway. She had certainly started it with her outburst. Where had that come from anyway? If she was really that mad at him, then she would have brought it up earlier. Maybe she was just stressed about the trip tomorrow, or maybe something had happened between her and Hirokazu. A flashback of last night's scene danced through his mind and it was all he could do to ignore the thought and concentrate on not blinking.
"Next stop, Kuzehome plaza. Please be prepared for the car to stop." the recorded voice singsonged cheerfully. Almost as soon as the announcement was over the train lurched most ungracefully. Jin, holding tightly to the upper bar held his ground and his stare.
Not so with Rumi, who staggered, blinked and even looked away. Jin smiled on reflex, regretting it immediately as Rumi scowled and took off out the door.
"Wha- Rumi!" Jin called, barely making it through the doors as they closed.
She ignored him and walked quickly up the nearest stairs, leaving Jin to follow.
"Rumi. Rumi, where are you going? Rumi. Rumi. Rumi!"
It had nearly broken the soccer coach's heart when Mrs. Yamashita had forbidden her daughter's joining the school team. Without a doubt, Rumi had been the best sprinter in the middle school, and, as Jin barely kept up with her, it was evident she hadn't slowed down with age. She took another staircase up and continued to speed-walk through a narrow passage way.
"Rumi," Jin said as he continued to try to stay with her without breaking into a run, "Rumi. Yamashita Rumi. Ru-chan!"
The sound of her hated childhood nickname brought Rumi to a sudden stop. She whirled around and stomped her foot.
"You promised never to call me that again, Jin! You're a big liar!"
Jin had a retort, but found he couldn't catch his breath and so Rumi continued her rant.
"Nothing but a big liar. You told me you'd always like me, too!"
"I never stopped liking you!"
"Yeah right, that's why you've been completely avoiding me."
"I thought you wanted me to leave you alone. You can't have it both ways, Rumi. Do you want to be friends again or not?"
Rumi's lips froze, holding back her retort. Jin, his breathing returning to normal, waited.
"I don't know if people can go back to being friends after they've been dating."
"Why not?"
"Because they've built up relationship roles that act contrary to the roles required for a friendship and stuff. I read about it in Cosmo."
"What roles?" Jin asked, feeling confident. Even with his limited experience, he could beat a Cosmo article's logic. "How are our relationship roles different from our friendship roles? We can still talk, still argue, still have fun together."
"Still kiss?" she shot back.
"Do you want to kiss me?" Jin asked, perhaps a tad to cocky.
"I'd rather kiss Captain Hirokazu."
That image waylaid Jin's next thoughts. Rumi's also, he noted as they stood in silence.
"Well," he said finally, "If that's the case then there really isn't any problem, is there? Rumi?"
Rumi was looking slightly dazed.
"Uh, Rumi?" Jin waved a hand in front of her face. "Earth to Rumi."
Rumi blinked a few times and then shook her head in a peculiar manner, like she was shaking water out her ears. She looked up at him, an almost manic smile gracing her face.
"You're absolutely right, Jin." When he gave her a look of incomprehension, she added, "Let's be friends."
"Yes, yes. Let's be friends. And let's talk, there's-"
"Why do we need to talk Jin?" Rumi asked quizzically.
"Well, I mean we've obviously been miscommunicating and," Rumi was still giving him a look of incomprehension and it was derailing his logic, "so we should . . .talk." he finished lamely.
"Let me think about that for a while, okay?" and before he could reply, she rushed in with, "But first, do you have any idea where we are?"
He looked around at the completely unfamiliar station. He couldn't even remember what the announcement had called it.
"Guess we better try to find a map, huh?"
Thankfully, that proved fairly easy.
"We can take the green line for a few stops to get back to the red line and then straight to the apartment. Simple, right Rumi?"
"Yeah, but I'm taking the orange." Rumi said, "I'm meeting Youji before he goes home. Orange will take me to the main train station fastest."
"Youji? You mean Matsuura-san?"
"Yep," she said in a chipper voice. "Yayoi insists that we call each other since we're partners."
"Oh, you mean study partners. For you math and chemistry classes."
"Yeah, that's right," said Rumi, sounding slightly pensive to Jin's ears. "Well, green's that way. See you tomorrow."
And with that she was gone. Jin eyes wandered lazily about the station, until his eyes caught sight of the clock. 3:13.
He was never going to have time to pack.
*****
"One of my mother's many rules for an uncomplicated life is to never date anyone you live near to. For," here Chiyako's voice took on the preachy lilt of a Buddhist monk, "The nearness will only be a convenience when you are in love. Afterwards, when the relationship has ended, it will turn into, at best an irritating reminder of your foolishness, and at worst an all consuming distraction to your future happiness. I didn't believe her, but I bet Jin spent the entire night with his ear pressed to the wall, waiting for Rumi to come back. Looks like mom was right again."
"Got to hate it when that happens," agreed Youji as he finished his tea. He tried to sound sympathetic, all the harder, considering what he had just heard.
The staged kiss had worked even better than he anticipated. By Chiyako's account it had upset Koishikawa to the point of distraction, thoroughly disrupting their late night plans.
No wonder Koishikawa had been so keen to talk to the tennis captain this morning. Hirokazu's marriage act, which had surprised even Youji, had thoroughly rattled him. Add in Youji's own subtle hints and there was no doubt the plan would succeed.
Tomorrow on the train, Rumi and Koishikawa would have a heart to heart talk. And when he objected to Rumi's relationship, she'd give him the ultimatum. Come back to her, or she'd marry Hirokazu. Youji had no doubt which Koishikawa would choose when Rumi put it to him like that. True love would win out, Chiyako would be hurt, but might come out the wiser and he himself. . .
He supposed he could pursue Chiyako, but the desires that had burned so strongly a month ago seemed past rekindling. Friendship seem a nicer alternative now. He was content with the plan's success, and his role as master orchestrator, unnoticed by most of the players. He'd get to tell his sister, Emiko, at least.
Still, one part of Chiyako's story hadn't made sense.
"You said something about Yamashita-san crying. Are you sure?" he asked, hoping he didn't look overly interested. Could this have been what upset Rumi so much last night?
"Yeah, can you believe, crying over upperclassman Hirokazu? Boy, I thought Rumi was brighter than that."
"Well, like you told Koishikawa-san, rebound and all." Youji said.
"I'm sure Hirokazu has made his intentions clear by this point. If Rumi is still with him then she must be open to marrying him."
"Ma- Marrying?'
"Yeah, can you believe a man in this modern day, searching out a woman based purely on her ancestors? What a loser."
"When did you hear this?" Youji's surprise was real How long had Hirokazu been spreading those rumors?
"Ages ago, that one time I dated him. All he did was try to pump me for information on Rumi. For the life of me I don't know what Rumi sees in him. Besides being handsome and rich. . . Oh, did I just answer my own question?"
Youji wasn't even pretending to listen. His mind was racing. If this was true, then Hirokazu hadn't been acting this morning, and the evaluation Youji had invented to spur Koishikawa on had been quite correct.
What was to stop a traditionalist like Hirokazu from sending a matchmaker straight to Rumi's parents and requesting their daughter directly? And Rumi's parents, what would be their response? If Rumi's descriptions weren't too exaggerated, then they'd probably seriously consider the suitor. Especially if Koishikawa was clearly out of the picture.
The plan had suddenly taken on a new urgency. He glanced at his watch, if he left now, he'd get to the station a good fifteen minutes before Rumi, but if she was early-
Yeah, right, Rumi being early.
So he ended up listening to Chiyako recall even more damning rumors about Hirokazu. Some, including the one involving two home economics teachers, couldn't possibly be true, but plenty were plausible. And Fukutami Yayoi had felt Hirokazu would be a good fake boyfriend. Youji would have sworn never to forgive her, but he knew he had been just as much at fault for not checking out the guy personally.
Thankfully, he was soon able to excuse himself and head for the station. He had packed light and it was quite easy to get to his platform. Rumi was standing there, making him feel even more guilty, if that was possible.
She spotted him immediately, slightly skipping as she ran to meet him.
"Youji."
"Rumi." they spoke simultaneously. Youji motioned for her to go first.
"I, um, saw Jin today. And we talked, and I, I realized, um, um. . ."
"Yes?" Youji prompted. Say that you set up to have a heart to heart with him tomorrow on the train, he silently pleaded.
". . .and I realized, I'm not in love with him." She finished, her eyes gleaming.
"What!?" Today was obviously Spring-Surprises-on-Youji day.
"Funny huh? I don't know why I didn't realize it earlier, or at least I didn't at the time. But I've been thinking about it and I-"
"Rumi, you can't be serious."
"Of course I'm serious. I don't know why I didn't-"
"Rumi, I don't believe what I'm hearing."
"Well, Youji," she said a bit tartly, "Maybe that's because you keep interrupting me."
"This isn't a joking matter, Rumi. Did you know Hirokazu's serious about marrying you?" He tried to keep his tone even, and succeeded, barely.
"Yes. And you should have figured it out too, Youji. He isn't too subtle."
"If he isn't subtle now, imagine what he'd do if he heard you now."
"So. I don't care."
"You should," he snapped, annoyed by her flippancy, "If you throw away your chance with Koishikawa, you'll have no excuse to avoid his advances."
"I'm sure we can find another excuse." She was almost smiling.
"Do you think I spent all this time helping you out so that you could screw it up when we've all but got you and Jin back together? Are you that stupid? Why do think I was doing this?"
A shocked look had replaced Rumi's near grin. Youji felt instantly sorry for his insult, but her juvenile attitude had been so frustrating. Did she really have so little regard for all he'd done this last month?
"I had a theory," she said levelly, "But I guess I was wrong."
"What theory?"
"Oh, you're so smart about relationships, Youji," she snapped, "I'm sure you'll have no trouble figuring it out."
"What are you talking about, Rumi?" he tried to ask, but his voice was drowned out by the entering train.
"You better board, Youji."
"Wait, Rumi. Tell me what's going on here."
"Nothing, obviously," she said, "I'm just so sorry that the way things stand you won't get Chiyako back."
"I don't want Chiyako back. I told you."
"I'm not dumb enough to fall for that a second time. Goodbye, Youji."
With that, she spun around and walked quickly away.
The intercom was calling for passengers to board, and more confused than ever, Youji yielded to the polite request.
*****
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Rumi repeated the condemnation to herself as she headed up the stairs that led to the station's exit. She needed air. She needed time to think. She needed to bash her head against the wall for being so stupid. No, stupid wasn't a good enough insult. For being a . . .stupid-head, couldn't she even think of a better insult for herself?
How could she have misread Youji so pathetically? Of course he was in love with Chiyako. Who wouldn't be?
Earlier today, when she brushed off Jin, she had been convinced that Youji had cared. So many things had pointed to it. The way he'd helped her out that night in the karaoke bar, the time he'd devoted to planning out their scheme, the fact that he'd put up with Yayoi, never once complaining about all the time the three had spent together. Obviously, now, it was just wistful conjuncture on her part.
But what about the previous night, argued one last small voice of resistance, at his apartment when he'd given her such self confidence. He'd said she was kind and honest, and pretty. And the look he gave her, the one that had made her heart beat faster, surely she hadn't imagined it.
Big stupidhead, he'd just been using her. Yayoi was right, men were jerks.
No, she found she couldn't raise a good anger against him. Look at how she'd been willing to deceive Jin just because she had convinced herself that she really loved him.
And she had no sooner realize that, than she fixated on Youji. Better watch it, at this rate she'd convince herself she was in love with Hirokazu Nabishi.
"Hah," Rumi tried to laugh, but it emerged a hoarse gasp. She wouldn't cry in public. But already she could feel her eyes start to water.
Big, big stupidhead.
Head up, she made her way out of the station. There was a park just down the way and across the street. Just get there, sit down and she'd be okay. No, she wouldn't be okay, but she'd be better.
Her cheeks were wet now. People were probably staring at her, making her thankful her vision was blurring. There was a mass of green ahead of her, almost to the park now.
She was the idiot cat in the cartoons. All this time she'd been holding up this lie of her love of Jin, carefully deceiving even herself so that she could be close to Youji. And now when she figured out her own feelings, he felt nothing for her. Big, big, big stup-
"Hey watch out!" she heard and she jerked her head up from her musings.
Blurred objects resolved themselves into a scooter, rider and a number of tied down boxes, all just a few feet from her. Even as she stepped back, she could see the driver turn the handlebars to force the vehicle behind her. Too late to dodge further, she heard the brakes screech, saw the bike swing about, and felt the force of it slam into her, knocking her backwards. Pain shot out from the back of her head as it slammed against the pavement and silver gray triangles raced out across her field of vision.
I wonder if I'm going to die? she thought serenely. It was an important idea and she realized that she should really try to concentrate on it. But instead, her thoughts turned to the driver of the scooter. He seemed familiar, very familiar.
Then she lost consciousness.
copyright Kim Smuga-Otto July 2000