It's Love, Jim, but Not as We Know It
Before all of this happened to me, I was never any kind of believer in Murphy's Law. For those who don't know, Murphy's Law, simply put, says that anything that can possibly go wrong invariably can and will go wrong. Being the optimist that I am, I didn't give such a cynical theory of how the world works much thought. Hey, I wasn't made the Chosen Child of Hope for no good reason after all.
I have always believed that things have a way of working out, no matter how bad they seem. Sure it may take time to work things through, and everything might seem kind of bleak for a time, but everything will turn out okay. Maybe that's a naïve way to look at the world, but it's what I've grown up believing despite all the bad things I've seen and bad times my family has gone through. Someone has to keep hope alive, after all.
Wednesday, however, would be the first of a series of days that would truly begin to test the strength of my convictions, not to mention prove to me that Murphy's Law was a lot more real than I ever gave it credit for. Fate was out to screw me over big time, and at the time I had no idea just how bad things were to become.
I met up with Taichi at about 11:00 AM, an hour before I had promised Sora I'd meet her for lunch. He came dressed pretty nicely in a pair of black slacks and a dark blue, buttoned shirt. Thankfully he'd left his trademark goggles behind for the day. I swear I've never understood his or Daisuke's fascination with that particular fashion accessory. Then again, I'm the one obsessed with strange looking hats so I guess I don't have a whole lot of room to talk.
"Dressed to impress, I see." I commented as we met up. We began to walk together towards the Yamadera café.
"Well, I haven't seen her in a year after all. I want to show her I'm doing good, you know?" he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"I can appreciate that, I suppose. Any idea what you'll say to her yet?"
"None whatsoever. I've been through about 3 or 4 different ideas of what to say, too. I just want to get this right is all."
"Just speak from the heart, Taichi-san. Sora-san has always appreciated honesty and openness when it comes to feelings, and you're as honest as they come."
"Thanks for the encouragement. I'll give it my best. And by the way, I should wish you the best of luck too, as I understand it."
At first I didn't understand what Taichi meant, but then it dawned on me that Hikari must've let it slip to him about our upcoming date on Saturday. I had thought he'd react a lot more "big brotherly" and be all defensive of his little sister. Of course, I was going on the wild assumption that it was Hikari he was talking about.
"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to be innocent about it.
"Don't try to hide it, I know you've got a date set up with Mimi later this week." He said, elbowing me in the arm a little as he smirked at me.
"Well we were just trying to figure out how best to break it to...Mimi- san?! How do you...I, uh, I mean, what makes you think I'm going out with her?"
It was a decent enough save, even if I had led off with the explanation I had been formulating to give him regarding me and Hikari dating. I'm just glad Taichi is as dense as he is. Had it been anyone else they would've been instantly suspicious of whatever I was trying to cover up. Well, except maybe Daisuke. I don't know what it is about those two that makes them so oblivious to things. Maybe the goggles cut off circulation to their brains or something like that. Whatever it is, I just pray it isn't contagious.
"I talked with her on the phone last night for some tips on how to dress to impress Sora today, and she let it slip to me over the phone that you two are going out Friday night. Quite a catch, there, TK. You'll be the envy of a lot of guys." Taichi told me.
"Uh, yeah...I guess...but, um..."
"Though I have to say I am pretty surprised with how things are turning out. I mean, I was putting money on you asking my little sister out first."
"Eheheh, yeah. Imagine that! Me going out with Kari! What a strange thought, eh?" I said nervously, trying to play it down.
"Maybe I'll talk to her about it tonight and see what she has to say about it." He said thoughtfully.
"NO!" I blurted out. Taichi stopped and looked at me strangely, and I knew I had to recover quickly. "I mean...you know how sensitive she is about her privacy! And you being her big brother, you're probably the last person she wants to discuss something like her love life with. Besides, she only broke up with Daisuke not too long ago. I'm sure she's not even thinking about dating again so soon."
"Hmm...yeah, you're probably right. Besides, Mimi asked me not to spread the word around just yet." Taichi said, nodding to me.
We started walking again, although suddenly I felt like I'd had a year or so shorn off of my life. That had been a really close call. I figured I'd have to refine my reaction to things like that if I was going to make this all work. Heaven knows I wouldn't be able to put such a lame act by many other people. Well, except maybe Daisuke. Yeah, I know I rag on him a lot. Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy and there's no one else I'd rather have as a friend, but.let's just say you haven't been there for some of his "finer" moments. If you had been, you'd understand.
As we continued towards the café, which by the way isn't exactly around the corner from where we live, I explained my plan to Taichi. It was simple, really. Sora kept her cell phone with her all the time, as most women her age do. Taichi would head in first and start things up with Sora, and a little while into it I'd give a call to Sora on my cell phone and tell her I was running late and might not be able to make it after all. The rest would be up to him. Taichi seemed pretty confident that he could have a good, lengthy conversation with Sora, so all that remained was for me to make one phone call and the rest would be a cakewalk.
Or at least so I led myself to believe.
_ _ _ _ _
The two of us looked across the street, where the Yamadera Café was located. Sora sat at a small table just by the front window. She wore a simple white sundress, but she looked amazing in it. Part of me almost wanted to scrap the plan and everything, but my rational side kicked in and kept me at bay.
"Could she possibly be any prettier?" I heard Taichi say, his tone giving away his amazement.
"Good luck, Taichi-san. You've got my full support." I told him encouragingly. Taichi turned to face me and extended his hand to me. I shook his hand briefly, and then he was off across the street and into the café. I stood back and watched for a bit as the two were reunited for the first time in so long. I wish I could've been close enough to hear what they were saying, though I could tell by the smiles on their faces and the laughter evident in their body language that they were having a good time reminiscing and catching up on time gone by.
Finally, I remembered that I needed to make my call. I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket, punched in Sora's number, hit 'send' and put the phone to my ear. Nothing. Not even a dial tone. I looked ay my phone again and hit the power button. Nothing. And then I remembered that I had meant to charge my phone the previous night because it was so low on charge. I had forgotten to plug it in overnight!
I looked around frantically for a pay phone that I might be able to use, and spotted one...right in front of the café. There were no other phones even in sight.
"Oh you've got to be kidding me!" I said aloud, cursing my luck. There was no other choice. If I didn't make the call soon, Sora would never forgive me for standing her up, even with Taichi there.
Luckily enough, the front window of the café didn't take up the entire wall. There was maybe about a foot or so of space that was just brick at the bottom. This stunt I was about to pull would no doubt draw some attention, but tell me just what other choice I had! So I crossed the street quickly, pressing up against the wall of the café. As soon as I reached the window, I got down on all fours and crawled along the wall until I reached where the phone was. I only stood up once I was in the phone booth and made sure I was facing away from the restaurant. I inserted my calling card, which thankfully was almost brand new, and dialed Sora's cell phone number. It only took three rings before she picked up.
"Hello? This is Sora."
"Sora-san, it's TK!"
"Hey, I was beginning to wonder where you were! Oh, hang on a sec."
I heard her hold the phone away from herself as she told Taichi it was me on the phone. She came back to the phone quickly.
"Is that Taichi-san I hear in the background?" I asked.
"Yeah. He happened to be in the area and saw me waiting in here."
"Must be nice to see him again."
"Yeah. Yeah it is."
"Listen, maybe I should just let you guys catch up on old times and stuff then. I mean, it's been a long time since you saw each other last, after all."
"You could still come by and hang out with us if you want, TK."
"Nah, I'd be a complete third wheel. Besides, I'm halfway across town now as it is. I was calling to tell you I was going to be late anyways, but since Taichi-san is there I know you're in good hands."
"If you insist, TK. I just hate ditching you like this."
"Don't be ridiculous, Sora-san! You're not ditching me. Have fun with Taichi-san, and I'll talk to you later okay?"
"Okay. Take it easy, TK."
"You too."
Satisfied, I hung up the phone and turned around, leaving the phone booth. Stupid me forgot where I was, though, and as I stepped out Taichi looked right over at me in surprise. I tried to wave him back to looking at Sora, but she began to look over my way as well. So I did the only thing I could.
I dropped straight down, landing face down on the concrete. Well, at least I had the sense to turn my head so I didn't smash my nose in. It still hurt, though. A lot. I managed to crawl back past the window and picked myself up once I was past it. I crossed the street, still in pain from my fall, and looked back at the café. Sora and Taichi had gone back to talking, and as I looked closely I could see that her hand was on the table, and his hand was on top of hers. Both of them were smiling sheepishly at each other as they continued to talk.
"Mission accomplished." I said to myself, smiling as I saw them. They looked very good together. And yet...
I turned and started walking back home as I felt a small wave of angst wash up against the shores of my mind. I had let one slip away, willingly even. Sora had stated that she liked me, maybe she was even falling for me, and I suddenly found myself questioning whether I could have returned those feelings or not. Even the difference in our ages didn't matter really. It could just as easily be me in there talking to her, holding her hand, and smiling sheepishly at her.
I sighed heavily as I watched the pavement pass under my feet while I walked home. I remembered something my mother told me several months ago when she saw I was starting to be a bit bummed out about not having someone special in my life. She told me, "Love isn't something that you can plan out, Takeru. Nor can you force or will it to happen for you. It is a completely aberrant phenomenon. Love knows not time nor place; not race nor religion; not gender, nor age. In the simplest of words, love just happens, and you won't realize that it's happened until it's painfully clear to you. Love can even pass you right by, and you might not ever even realize it until much later on."
Mom's words stuck in my head as I continued on my way home, wondering if in letting Sora go to Taichi I had indeed let love just pass me by.
_ _ _ _ _
I didn't stay depressed too much longer after I got home that day. Reminding myself that I still had three other girls in love with me snapped me out of my bout of self-pity. And next to take care of was Miyako. This was going to be a much harder nut to crack than getting Sora out of the picture had been. Partly because Miyako is nobody's fool, and if any of the girls was capable of seeing through my plans it was indeed her. The other part? Well, for that I guess another introduction is in order.
The guy I planned on setting Miyako up with was another friend of mine. His name is Ichijouji Ken, and he's 15, just the same age as me, Kari and Daisuke. He's a little taller than me, and oddly enough has a similar shade of indigo to his hair as Miyako does. He's intelligent, athletic, incredibly kind and compassionate, personable and really just one of the nicest people you could ever meet, let alone have as a good, close friend. On top of all that, I know that Miyako has always harbored a crush on him, and I'm pretty sure he likes her back the same way. Now from all of this, you'd think it'd be a cinch to get him to sweep Miyako off her feet, right? Well, my friends, I'm here to say that nothing could be farther from the truth.
Ken has one serious flaw. I won't bore you with all the gory details of how this came to be. Trust me, there's so much melodrama involved in that story you could make a TV show out of it.
For that matter, that would be one boring show to watch. It'd appeal only to kids, so they'd probably make an anime out of it, and then there'd be hordes of scary, rabid otaku watching it religiously and getting funny ideas about pairing all of us up and making us...eeeccchhh, it makes me shudder just to think about it! Just trust me, it's not a story you want me to go into at any length. Ever!
Like I was saying, Ken has a serious flaw. He doesn't wallow in misery. He practically dives headfirst into it and swims laps in it. No matter how much we, his friends, try to convince him that the past is forgotten he insists on staying miserable. He's got this idea stuck in his head that he needs to "atone" for what he did before, and being alone is the best way for him to do that. I'll be the first to admit, he did do some pretty mean things way back when, but he's more than made up for it since then. But no, he insists on continuing to torture himself. I swear, no other person I know is as pig-headed as him. Well, except maybe Daisuke. Or Taichi for that matter. I threw him in at the last second there so I wasn't just ragging on Daisuke that time.
I gave a call over to the Ichijouji home and talked to Ken for a bit. I convinced him that I had something valid to discuss with him, but that it warranted talking about it in person. He invited me over for dinner, which I cleared with mom after I finished talking to him. I hiked over to Ken's home and had dinner with him and his parents, and afterwards headed to his room with him to talk.
"Boy, your mom makes a killer tonkatsu." I said, sitting down on the floor against his bed. "When my mom tries to make it, it more resembles burnt toast."
"You should be here on sukiyaki night." He replied in his usual cool, even tone. "It almost turns into a fencing match using chopsticks between me and my dad over who gets what."
"That I'd pay to see."
"Daisuke almost tried to sell pay-per-view rights to it one time he was over."
"Now that I believe."
"Anyhow, I know you didn't come over here just for a good home cooked meal, TK." Ken shifted, now sitting backwards in his chair.
"Well, you've got me there Ken. I'm actually here to talk to you about Miyako-san." I told him.
"What about her?" Ken suddenly seemed a bit intrigued, though he was obviously trying to hide his feelings.
"She's still crazy about you, you know?"
"Emphasis on the crazy part I'll bet."
"You know what I mean, and I know it's not a one-way deal either. Don't try and deny that you like her, Ken. I know these things."
"So what if I do like her? It's not like I deserve someone like her." Ken said as he started to try and avoid looking at me.
"Well if that wasn't a cry for companionship I don't know what is."
"Huh?"
"I'm no psychologist, Ken, but even I can tell when someone is acting the opposite of what they mean." I told him, standing up and stretching a bit. "You're absolutely miserable being alone, and you want someone special in your life more than anything. But all you're comfortable with is feeling bad, so that's what you default to. Miyako-san does the same thing all the time."
"She's...lonely? A girl like her?" Ken asked me, as if it were a revelation to him.
"Utterly. And I know that it's you she wants to come and help her stop feeling like that Ken. Now what do you say? Want to give it a shot?" I extended my hand to him, hoping I'd gotten through to him.
"Well...I guess I've got nothing to lose."
Ken grasped my hand and shook it, and with that Phase 2 of my plan was officially underway. As I headed back home that night from the Ichijouji home I wondered how things had gone between Sora and Taichi. I hoped they turned out happy. But I didn't let myself get bogged down by the negative thoughts that had plagued me earlier. A whole new day lie ahead for me, with yet another girl to be hooked up with another friend of mine. And for as much trouble as I almost got into on this particular day, tomorrow was going to make it all look like preschool.
Before all of this happened to me, I was never any kind of believer in Murphy's Law. For those who don't know, Murphy's Law, simply put, says that anything that can possibly go wrong invariably can and will go wrong. Being the optimist that I am, I didn't give such a cynical theory of how the world works much thought. Hey, I wasn't made the Chosen Child of Hope for no good reason after all.
I have always believed that things have a way of working out, no matter how bad they seem. Sure it may take time to work things through, and everything might seem kind of bleak for a time, but everything will turn out okay. Maybe that's a naïve way to look at the world, but it's what I've grown up believing despite all the bad things I've seen and bad times my family has gone through. Someone has to keep hope alive, after all.
Wednesday, however, would be the first of a series of days that would truly begin to test the strength of my convictions, not to mention prove to me that Murphy's Law was a lot more real than I ever gave it credit for. Fate was out to screw me over big time, and at the time I had no idea just how bad things were to become.
I met up with Taichi at about 11:00 AM, an hour before I had promised Sora I'd meet her for lunch. He came dressed pretty nicely in a pair of black slacks and a dark blue, buttoned shirt. Thankfully he'd left his trademark goggles behind for the day. I swear I've never understood his or Daisuke's fascination with that particular fashion accessory. Then again, I'm the one obsessed with strange looking hats so I guess I don't have a whole lot of room to talk.
"Dressed to impress, I see." I commented as we met up. We began to walk together towards the Yamadera café.
"Well, I haven't seen her in a year after all. I want to show her I'm doing good, you know?" he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"I can appreciate that, I suppose. Any idea what you'll say to her yet?"
"None whatsoever. I've been through about 3 or 4 different ideas of what to say, too. I just want to get this right is all."
"Just speak from the heart, Taichi-san. Sora-san has always appreciated honesty and openness when it comes to feelings, and you're as honest as they come."
"Thanks for the encouragement. I'll give it my best. And by the way, I should wish you the best of luck too, as I understand it."
At first I didn't understand what Taichi meant, but then it dawned on me that Hikari must've let it slip to him about our upcoming date on Saturday. I had thought he'd react a lot more "big brotherly" and be all defensive of his little sister. Of course, I was going on the wild assumption that it was Hikari he was talking about.
"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to be innocent about it.
"Don't try to hide it, I know you've got a date set up with Mimi later this week." He said, elbowing me in the arm a little as he smirked at me.
"Well we were just trying to figure out how best to break it to...Mimi- san?! How do you...I, uh, I mean, what makes you think I'm going out with her?"
It was a decent enough save, even if I had led off with the explanation I had been formulating to give him regarding me and Hikari dating. I'm just glad Taichi is as dense as he is. Had it been anyone else they would've been instantly suspicious of whatever I was trying to cover up. Well, except maybe Daisuke. I don't know what it is about those two that makes them so oblivious to things. Maybe the goggles cut off circulation to their brains or something like that. Whatever it is, I just pray it isn't contagious.
"I talked with her on the phone last night for some tips on how to dress to impress Sora today, and she let it slip to me over the phone that you two are going out Friday night. Quite a catch, there, TK. You'll be the envy of a lot of guys." Taichi told me.
"Uh, yeah...I guess...but, um..."
"Though I have to say I am pretty surprised with how things are turning out. I mean, I was putting money on you asking my little sister out first."
"Eheheh, yeah. Imagine that! Me going out with Kari! What a strange thought, eh?" I said nervously, trying to play it down.
"Maybe I'll talk to her about it tonight and see what she has to say about it." He said thoughtfully.
"NO!" I blurted out. Taichi stopped and looked at me strangely, and I knew I had to recover quickly. "I mean...you know how sensitive she is about her privacy! And you being her big brother, you're probably the last person she wants to discuss something like her love life with. Besides, she only broke up with Daisuke not too long ago. I'm sure she's not even thinking about dating again so soon."
"Hmm...yeah, you're probably right. Besides, Mimi asked me not to spread the word around just yet." Taichi said, nodding to me.
We started walking again, although suddenly I felt like I'd had a year or so shorn off of my life. That had been a really close call. I figured I'd have to refine my reaction to things like that if I was going to make this all work. Heaven knows I wouldn't be able to put such a lame act by many other people. Well, except maybe Daisuke. Yeah, I know I rag on him a lot. Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy and there's no one else I'd rather have as a friend, but.let's just say you haven't been there for some of his "finer" moments. If you had been, you'd understand.
As we continued towards the café, which by the way isn't exactly around the corner from where we live, I explained my plan to Taichi. It was simple, really. Sora kept her cell phone with her all the time, as most women her age do. Taichi would head in first and start things up with Sora, and a little while into it I'd give a call to Sora on my cell phone and tell her I was running late and might not be able to make it after all. The rest would be up to him. Taichi seemed pretty confident that he could have a good, lengthy conversation with Sora, so all that remained was for me to make one phone call and the rest would be a cakewalk.
Or at least so I led myself to believe.
_ _ _ _ _
The two of us looked across the street, where the Yamadera Café was located. Sora sat at a small table just by the front window. She wore a simple white sundress, but she looked amazing in it. Part of me almost wanted to scrap the plan and everything, but my rational side kicked in and kept me at bay.
"Could she possibly be any prettier?" I heard Taichi say, his tone giving away his amazement.
"Good luck, Taichi-san. You've got my full support." I told him encouragingly. Taichi turned to face me and extended his hand to me. I shook his hand briefly, and then he was off across the street and into the café. I stood back and watched for a bit as the two were reunited for the first time in so long. I wish I could've been close enough to hear what they were saying, though I could tell by the smiles on their faces and the laughter evident in their body language that they were having a good time reminiscing and catching up on time gone by.
Finally, I remembered that I needed to make my call. I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket, punched in Sora's number, hit 'send' and put the phone to my ear. Nothing. Not even a dial tone. I looked ay my phone again and hit the power button. Nothing. And then I remembered that I had meant to charge my phone the previous night because it was so low on charge. I had forgotten to plug it in overnight!
I looked around frantically for a pay phone that I might be able to use, and spotted one...right in front of the café. There were no other phones even in sight.
"Oh you've got to be kidding me!" I said aloud, cursing my luck. There was no other choice. If I didn't make the call soon, Sora would never forgive me for standing her up, even with Taichi there.
Luckily enough, the front window of the café didn't take up the entire wall. There was maybe about a foot or so of space that was just brick at the bottom. This stunt I was about to pull would no doubt draw some attention, but tell me just what other choice I had! So I crossed the street quickly, pressing up against the wall of the café. As soon as I reached the window, I got down on all fours and crawled along the wall until I reached where the phone was. I only stood up once I was in the phone booth and made sure I was facing away from the restaurant. I inserted my calling card, which thankfully was almost brand new, and dialed Sora's cell phone number. It only took three rings before she picked up.
"Hello? This is Sora."
"Sora-san, it's TK!"
"Hey, I was beginning to wonder where you were! Oh, hang on a sec."
I heard her hold the phone away from herself as she told Taichi it was me on the phone. She came back to the phone quickly.
"Is that Taichi-san I hear in the background?" I asked.
"Yeah. He happened to be in the area and saw me waiting in here."
"Must be nice to see him again."
"Yeah. Yeah it is."
"Listen, maybe I should just let you guys catch up on old times and stuff then. I mean, it's been a long time since you saw each other last, after all."
"You could still come by and hang out with us if you want, TK."
"Nah, I'd be a complete third wheel. Besides, I'm halfway across town now as it is. I was calling to tell you I was going to be late anyways, but since Taichi-san is there I know you're in good hands."
"If you insist, TK. I just hate ditching you like this."
"Don't be ridiculous, Sora-san! You're not ditching me. Have fun with Taichi-san, and I'll talk to you later okay?"
"Okay. Take it easy, TK."
"You too."
Satisfied, I hung up the phone and turned around, leaving the phone booth. Stupid me forgot where I was, though, and as I stepped out Taichi looked right over at me in surprise. I tried to wave him back to looking at Sora, but she began to look over my way as well. So I did the only thing I could.
I dropped straight down, landing face down on the concrete. Well, at least I had the sense to turn my head so I didn't smash my nose in. It still hurt, though. A lot. I managed to crawl back past the window and picked myself up once I was past it. I crossed the street, still in pain from my fall, and looked back at the café. Sora and Taichi had gone back to talking, and as I looked closely I could see that her hand was on the table, and his hand was on top of hers. Both of them were smiling sheepishly at each other as they continued to talk.
"Mission accomplished." I said to myself, smiling as I saw them. They looked very good together. And yet...
I turned and started walking back home as I felt a small wave of angst wash up against the shores of my mind. I had let one slip away, willingly even. Sora had stated that she liked me, maybe she was even falling for me, and I suddenly found myself questioning whether I could have returned those feelings or not. Even the difference in our ages didn't matter really. It could just as easily be me in there talking to her, holding her hand, and smiling sheepishly at her.
I sighed heavily as I watched the pavement pass under my feet while I walked home. I remembered something my mother told me several months ago when she saw I was starting to be a bit bummed out about not having someone special in my life. She told me, "Love isn't something that you can plan out, Takeru. Nor can you force or will it to happen for you. It is a completely aberrant phenomenon. Love knows not time nor place; not race nor religion; not gender, nor age. In the simplest of words, love just happens, and you won't realize that it's happened until it's painfully clear to you. Love can even pass you right by, and you might not ever even realize it until much later on."
Mom's words stuck in my head as I continued on my way home, wondering if in letting Sora go to Taichi I had indeed let love just pass me by.
_ _ _ _ _
I didn't stay depressed too much longer after I got home that day. Reminding myself that I still had three other girls in love with me snapped me out of my bout of self-pity. And next to take care of was Miyako. This was going to be a much harder nut to crack than getting Sora out of the picture had been. Partly because Miyako is nobody's fool, and if any of the girls was capable of seeing through my plans it was indeed her. The other part? Well, for that I guess another introduction is in order.
The guy I planned on setting Miyako up with was another friend of mine. His name is Ichijouji Ken, and he's 15, just the same age as me, Kari and Daisuke. He's a little taller than me, and oddly enough has a similar shade of indigo to his hair as Miyako does. He's intelligent, athletic, incredibly kind and compassionate, personable and really just one of the nicest people you could ever meet, let alone have as a good, close friend. On top of all that, I know that Miyako has always harbored a crush on him, and I'm pretty sure he likes her back the same way. Now from all of this, you'd think it'd be a cinch to get him to sweep Miyako off her feet, right? Well, my friends, I'm here to say that nothing could be farther from the truth.
Ken has one serious flaw. I won't bore you with all the gory details of how this came to be. Trust me, there's so much melodrama involved in that story you could make a TV show out of it.
For that matter, that would be one boring show to watch. It'd appeal only to kids, so they'd probably make an anime out of it, and then there'd be hordes of scary, rabid otaku watching it religiously and getting funny ideas about pairing all of us up and making us...eeeccchhh, it makes me shudder just to think about it! Just trust me, it's not a story you want me to go into at any length. Ever!
Like I was saying, Ken has a serious flaw. He doesn't wallow in misery. He practically dives headfirst into it and swims laps in it. No matter how much we, his friends, try to convince him that the past is forgotten he insists on staying miserable. He's got this idea stuck in his head that he needs to "atone" for what he did before, and being alone is the best way for him to do that. I'll be the first to admit, he did do some pretty mean things way back when, but he's more than made up for it since then. But no, he insists on continuing to torture himself. I swear, no other person I know is as pig-headed as him. Well, except maybe Daisuke. Or Taichi for that matter. I threw him in at the last second there so I wasn't just ragging on Daisuke that time.
I gave a call over to the Ichijouji home and talked to Ken for a bit. I convinced him that I had something valid to discuss with him, but that it warranted talking about it in person. He invited me over for dinner, which I cleared with mom after I finished talking to him. I hiked over to Ken's home and had dinner with him and his parents, and afterwards headed to his room with him to talk.
"Boy, your mom makes a killer tonkatsu." I said, sitting down on the floor against his bed. "When my mom tries to make it, it more resembles burnt toast."
"You should be here on sukiyaki night." He replied in his usual cool, even tone. "It almost turns into a fencing match using chopsticks between me and my dad over who gets what."
"That I'd pay to see."
"Daisuke almost tried to sell pay-per-view rights to it one time he was over."
"Now that I believe."
"Anyhow, I know you didn't come over here just for a good home cooked meal, TK." Ken shifted, now sitting backwards in his chair.
"Well, you've got me there Ken. I'm actually here to talk to you about Miyako-san." I told him.
"What about her?" Ken suddenly seemed a bit intrigued, though he was obviously trying to hide his feelings.
"She's still crazy about you, you know?"
"Emphasis on the crazy part I'll bet."
"You know what I mean, and I know it's not a one-way deal either. Don't try and deny that you like her, Ken. I know these things."
"So what if I do like her? It's not like I deserve someone like her." Ken said as he started to try and avoid looking at me.
"Well if that wasn't a cry for companionship I don't know what is."
"Huh?"
"I'm no psychologist, Ken, but even I can tell when someone is acting the opposite of what they mean." I told him, standing up and stretching a bit. "You're absolutely miserable being alone, and you want someone special in your life more than anything. But all you're comfortable with is feeling bad, so that's what you default to. Miyako-san does the same thing all the time."
"She's...lonely? A girl like her?" Ken asked me, as if it were a revelation to him.
"Utterly. And I know that it's you she wants to come and help her stop feeling like that Ken. Now what do you say? Want to give it a shot?" I extended my hand to him, hoping I'd gotten through to him.
"Well...I guess I've got nothing to lose."
Ken grasped my hand and shook it, and with that Phase 2 of my plan was officially underway. As I headed back home that night from the Ichijouji home I wondered how things had gone between Sora and Taichi. I hoped they turned out happy. But I didn't let myself get bogged down by the negative thoughts that had plagued me earlier. A whole new day lie ahead for me, with yet another girl to be hooked up with another friend of mine. And for as much trouble as I almost got into on this particular day, tomorrow was going to make it all look like preschool.