Intermission 1: Suits and Kimonos
Monday, February 27 2017, Yukiko's POV
The interview soon came to a close. Yagami-san hadn't done anything to take herself out of the running, and the only question was how well she stacked up against the other candidates.
"Thank you for taking the time to interview with us, Yagami-san," Mother said. "Your interview was the last one we had scheduled, so we should come to a decision fairly soon."
"Thank you for having me, ma'am," Yagami-san said. "I'm looking forward to hearing from you."
"We'll be in touch," Father said. "Yukiko, will you please see Yagami-san out?"
I nodded. Yagami-san was not part of the staff yet, nor was she a guest, so she was only welcome in the inn as long as she was being interviewed. Perhaps someday this inn would become her new home, but that was up to Mother.
"Yes, Father," I said.
Yagami-san got up, bowed to my parents and said goodbye, then did an about face and walked out of the office. She then allowed me to take the lead, even though a woman wearing a kimono was slower than one in a skirt suit.
"You did quite well there, Yagami-san," I said. "If the decision were solely up to me, I'd hire you, and not just because the competition was lackluster."
As famous as the Amagi Inn was, the Assistant Manager job didn't attract many top-tier candidates, and a few factors were to blame. First, Inaba was a nice place to visit, but not all that many people wanted to live there. Second, the inn paid good wages, but the assistant manager wouldn't earn as much as someone working in a similar position for a large hotel, such as the Wilton in Tokyo. Lastly, the fact that the position of manager was restricted to members of the Amagi family meant that the assistant manager was as far as an outsider could climb.
I sometimes wondered if some of the people who tried to ask me out did so because they wanted to run the inn, but this didn't seem likely. In generations past, men who married the daughters of the Amagi family ended up running the inn, but all that changed when my grandfather, who'd married into the family, died and his widow, my maternal grandmother, ran the inn in his stead. Of course, one thing that hadn't changed was my family's standards of potential suitors. Just because a prospective son-in-law or daughter-in-law would only play second fiddle to the manager at best didn't mean that the Amagis would let just anyone marry into the family.
"I'm glad to hear that, Amagi-san," Yagami-san said. "I hope your mother is as enthusiastic about my qualifications."
"I hope so, too," I said, "but I think you did well enough that at minimum, you're a viable candidate."
I glanced over at Yagami-san who seemed as exhausted after the conversation as she had after an expedition into the TV.
"That was nerve-wracking," Yagami-san said. "It was probably the most stressful situation I've ever been in, barring those in which lives were on the line."
In other words, further down Yagami-san's list than most people our age, at least those with the fortune to grow up in safe environments. Even when I was desperate to leave Inaba, I had to admit that it was a better place to grow up in than a lawless slum or a police state.
"You didn't seem nervous," I said.
"I couldn't afford to," Yagami-san said. "I'm not fearless, but I'd like to think I can master my fear enough to stay rational and avoid showing vulnerability. Back in college, when I was a waitress, I could keep a smile up no matter how tired I was, how much stress I was under, or how much the customers were getting on my nerves."
As someone who'd served guests before, I could immediately understand where Yagami-san was coming from.
"I'm in the same boat," I said. "The inn staff not only expect me to give them their orders, but also to be a pillar of strength that supports the inn. I'm only human, but I have to be strong for the others even in my weaker moments, just like you did when you led us."
That task was not always easy, and it became especially hard for Yagami-san when her cousin and uncle were hospitalized and the culprit turned out to be someone she knew.
"Still," I said, "you can always confide in me about your doubts, fears and vulnerabilities. When it's just the two of us, I don't expect you to try to be anyone you're not."
"I'll be sure to," Yagami-san said, "so just remember that you can do the same for me."
I smiled. Our words and actions were limited while we were front of others, but when we were private, we were free to do what we wanted and be whoever we wanted.
As Yagami-san reached the entrance of the inn, I saw her off with a bow, which she reciprocated, both of us making an unspoken promise to see each other again.
After seeing Yagami-san off, I rejoined my parents in the manager's office.
"Welcome back, Yukiko," Mother said. "Your father and I were discussing the candidates."
"Indeed," Father said. "Most of the candidates took themselves out of the running in the interview phase, but we have a few choices left."
"I think it's obvious who I'll recommend," I said. "Not only does Yagami-san understand our inn better than the other applicants do, but she has a good education, relevant experience and the willingness to stay there for the long term."
"I see," Mother said. "Are you sure of it?"
"Absolutely," I said. "I may not have assumed full responsibility for running the inn, but it is my duty to properly advise you when it comes to hiring my assistant, in no small part because I'll have to bear the consequences if I make a mistake."
We held a few more discussions about the issue over the next few days, each time eliminating one or more of the candidates from consideration. While my first choice was obvious, I gave the process due diligence, and made sure that when I spoke against the other candidates, I had legitimate reasons for turning them down. Thus, when my mother made her decision, I smiled and said "Of course," knowing that it was the only right one.
Shizuka's POV
After getting home and changing out of my suit, I had dinner with my uncle and Nanako-chan.
"Well, it sounds like you did your best," my uncle said. "Fingers crossed."
"Thank you, Uncle," I said. "I'm hoping I get the job."
"Me too, Onee-san," Nanako-chan said. "Does that mean you'll live with us again?"
"I'm sorry, Nanako-chan, but no," I said. "I'll be staying with the Amagis. I can come and visit every now and then, but I'll be busy, so it won't be very often- probably more often than the summer and Golden Week, but not all that often."
I'd only been able to stay in Inaba for the entire summer once- the summer of my third year of high school. The following year, Satonaka-san was at the police academy, Hanamura-kun went to another college and took Kuma-san with him, Shirogane-kun had to work on a case, and Kujikawa-san was performing as an idol. We'd gotten together for a week while our schedules aligned, at which point we went our separate ways.
Nanako-chan looked sad for a moment, then nodded.
"That's fine," Nanako-chan said. "I haven't seen much of Yukiko-san and your other friends over the past few years. Besides, I'm busy, too, with school and piano practice."
While I'd known Nanako-chan for over half a decade, I couldn't tell the precise point when she stopped appending "-oneechan" to Amagi-san's name, or when I graduated from "Onee-chan" to "Onee-san," but it was clear what had happened. Nanako-chan was growing up, and she was growing apart from the Investigation Team, now that they'd stopped hanging out on a regular basis. She would never forget those who had saved her life, even if she couldn't remember much of the ordeal, but she recognized that all of us had our separate lives to lead.
"Ah yes," I said. "You're going on to middle school, aren't you?"
"I am," Nanako-chan said. "I'm graduating on the 15th of next month."
I winced as I heard the ate.
"Something wrong, Shizuka?" my uncle said.
"It's nothing, Uncle," I said. "The 15th is also the day of my graduation, so I won't be able to come, and neither can my parents."
"Oh," Nanako-chan said, "And that means I won't be able to go to your graduation, either."
"That's about right," my uncle said. "Sorry, Shizuka; I hope you're fine with my and Nanako's congratulations and apologies."
"It's fine," I said. "If you make it to Nanako-chan's graduation, I'll be happy."
"I know Dad isn't guaranteed to make it," Nanako-chan said, "since his job requires him to put in long hours and drop everything to show up at a moment's notice. But I understand that he cares and he's always trying to put time aside for me."
I smiled, as did my uncle. When I'd first met Nanako-chan, I wasn't sure how to interact with her, since I had little experience with people much younger than myself. I could show respect to grown-ups, but how would I deal with a child who might not understand what I was talking about? Over time, I realized she was remarkably mature for her age, and while there were still some things she struggled to comprehend, from her father's perspective to why people do bad things, there were few children who were as wse as compassionate as she was, so I eagerly awaited seeing what sort of grownup she'd turn out to be.
"You've really grown up a lot, haven't you, Nanako-san?" I said.
"You and her both," my uncle said.
"Thank you," Nanako-san said. "It'll be a while before I get to where you are, but I'll get there someday."
I nodded in approval. It had taken a miracle to bring Nanako-san back on that fateful day in December, and I still barely understood how it worked. Nevertheless, I was confident that Nanako-san deserved a new lease on life and would make the most of her gift.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017, Morning
The day after my interview, I packed the few belongings I'd brought with me and changed into a white turtleneck sweater and a blue plaid skirt. I was used to making these brief trips, so I didn't pack much and was efficient at packing the few things I brought.
Nanako-san accompanied me to the station, where Amagi-san was waiting, dressed in her kimono.
"Good morning, Yagami-san, Nanako-san," Amagi-san said. "Is Dojima-san unable to come?"
"He had to go in to work in the morning," I said.
"I thought so," Amagi-san said. "I texted Chie earlier, but she's at work."
"I honestly don't mind," I said. "If everything goes well, I'll be back here soon enough, and will be busy enough that I'll understand how my uncle and Satonaka-san feel."
"I hope so, too," Nanako-san said. "See you soon, Onee-san."
Nanako-san was able to see me off without tears, both because she'd matured and she understood I would be back before long. The same went for Amagi-san, although I could tell she was still worried about whether her mother would be convinced to hire me. So was I, but I recognized that all I could do was hope for the best.
The train then arrived and I boarded it, waving goodbye to my cousin and my girlfriend. While I had no way of knowing whether the Amagis would decide to hire me, I had a feeling that it wouldn't be long before I returned to Inaba.
Friday, March 3 2017, Evening
Over the next couple days, I got a few responses from places where I'd applied and interviewed. All I needed to read was "We regret to inform you.." before I got the message.
It was a bit depressing, but it was a reality of searching for jobs- dozens or perhaps hundreds of candidates compete for a single spot. If I prevailed, I would have to do my best to be worthy of the job. If I failed, I would have to accept that I wasn't the only one who wanted the job, nor was I necessarily the most deserving. Maybe some of my rivals were dating members of the staff, but it seemed improbable.
In the evening, after I got home from my part-time job, I got a call on my cell phone, and recognized the caller ID as that of the Amagi inn. Since Amagi-san called me on her cell phone, I knew that this had to be her parents, and my heart began pounding. Luckily, I was able to steady myself and hit the button to take the call just as the second ring ended.
"Yagami speaking," I said.
"Yagami-san?" Amagi-san's mother said. "This is Yukiko's mother. I wanted to let you know that we've reached a decision regarding the Assistant Manager position."
I took a deep breath to calm myself.
"As a business owner, I must consider all possible options in any situation," Amagi-san's mother said, "and when I choose which course of action to take, I cannot afford to let emotion or sentimentality influence my decision, especially when hiring someone for a job as important as the assistant manager."
"Fair enough," I said.
Amagi-san's mother took a moment to clear her throat.
"Because of that," Amagi-san's mother said, "I've decided that you're the best person for the job. Congratulations, Yagami-san; you're hired."
I paused to register what I was hearing.
"Thank you very much, ma'am," I said. "This means a lot to me, so I won't let you down."
"You're welcome," Amagi-san's mother said. "You can start once you've graduated and moved here. The first year or so will be a probationary period to see how you fare in your position."
"That's a rather long duration for a trial period," I said.
"It is," Amagi-san's mother said, "but it gives us enough time to see how you perform in busy and slow periods. Of course, if it becomes obvious that you are not up to the task, we will terminate your employment sooner rather than later."
I nodded and gave a reflexive, "Understood, ma'am."
"This following year will be important for all of us," Amagi-san's mother said. "From the time Yukiko graduated high school until now, she has been working as my assistant, with her responsibilities gradually increasing. Now, she will truly take the reins as manager, and while I will serve as an advisor and have the final say in hiring or firing employees for the next year, she will need someone to help her, which is where you come in."
Amagi-san had once told me that while she'd worked hard at the inn while in high school, it paled in comparison to working full time. I'd worked hard up until this point, but I had no illusions that assisting her would be easy.
"The hours will be long, and you'll sometimes be called in on a moment's notice," Amagi-san's mother said, "so it's easiest for all of us if you can stay in the inn with us. We have a guest room that's next to Yukiko's room, so you can stay there as long as you're employed with us. We don't have too many rules, but we don't allow pets. Will that be a problem?"
"Not at all, ma'am," I said. "My family was often busy at work, whch required them to move and travel, so we couldn't get any pets."
"Good," Amagi-san's mother said. "Yukiko has always loved dogs, but unfortunately, I can't bend the rules, even for her. Because of that, I'm grateful to the Satonakas for taking in Chosokabe- the dog Yukiko found all those years ago- and letting her come over to visit."
That was Amagi-san's mother in a nutshell. She was strict, traditional and not prone to letting emotions influence her decision making, but she wasn't completely inflexible. There was no way of convincing her to let Yukiko have a dog, but perhaps she didn't see a same-sex relationship as completely out of the question.
"There's one more thing I should add," Amagi-san's mother said, "specifically about Yukiko. As Assistant Manager, you are the closest thing she has to an equal, but this is still our family business, and she will have the final say on how to run it. I trust you will respect her authority and maintain a sense of propriety in all things."
The subtext was obvious. While Amagi-san's mother had hired me, she still didn't consider me part of the family just yet. The fact that Amagi-san and I couldn't legally marry probably had something to do with it, but I doubted her opinion would change if Japan suddenly legalized same-sex marriage tomorrow.
"I understand, ma'am," I said. "I'm aware that Amagi-san has made many sacrifices to succeed you as the manager, and I intend to support her in her endeavors."
"I'll hold you to that," Amagi-san's mother said. "I'll send you an official job offer in writing soon, but for now, Yukiko would like to speak with you."
"Please put her on," I said.
A few seconds paused, and I could faintly hear Amagi-san's mother say something to Amagi-san. A moment after that, Amagi-san's voice came clearly over the line.
"Yagami-san?" Amagi-san said. "It's me, Amagi."
"Hello, Amagi-san," I said. "Your mother gave me the good news."
In all our years of calling each other, Amagi-san and I had a few rules. The first was that we always checked the caller ID to see who was calling before we picked it up. The second was that we always answered the phone with a proper greeting, since the caller might not be the person whose name was on the caller ID. The third rule was that we keep things formal, since it was always possible someone was listening in.
"That's wonderful," Amagi-san said. "I wanted to call you myself, but Mother insisted on speaking to you first."
"I owe you my thanks," I said. "You spoke out in my favor during the interview, so I'm sure you played a large role in helping convince your mother."
"Not as much of a role as you did," Amagi-san said. "Mother may... have reservations about our relationship, but if she didn't like you or consider you worthy, she'd have told you in no uncertain terms to stay away from me and our inn. It may be difficult to win her over but as long as she tolerates you, you should consider yourself fortunate."
"I will," I said. "Every day that I'm able to work for you is another day I can spend with you. It's the goal we've worked towards these past few years, after all."
"Yes," Amagi-san said. "Our work isn't nearly done yet, but I'm glad we could make it this far."
A brief pause ensued. I could have sworn I heard Amagi-san's father's voice on the other end. We'd had many conversations on the phone since I left Inaba, but we always found it was easier to talk in person. As such, it was quite fortunate that we'd have many more opportunities from that from hre on out.
"If you don't have anything else to talk about, I should probably hang up," Amagi-san said, "since we'll need to send over your official job offer."
"I don't have anything to say at the moment," I said, "but I'm looking forward to seeing you at my graduation, and, well, on a much more regular basis after that."
"Great," Amagi-san said. "Until then."
Amagi-san hung up. Less than a minute later, I got another call from the inn.
"Hello, Yagami speaking," I said.
"Yagami-san?" Yukiko's father said. "This is Yukiko's father. Do you have a minute?"
"Yes, sir," I said. "Is this related to my job offer?"
"Sort of," Yukiko's father said. "I just wanted to say a few things to you... off the record."
"I'm listening," I said.
"Good," Yukiko's father said. "First, I'd like to make it clear that I stand by whatever my wife decides. Since she decided to hire you, I'll give you a chance. But if she decides you're no good and fires you, then I'll stand by her, regardless of my personal feelings."
I had to admit that I didn't know Amagi-san's father all that well, even though she was my girlfriend and I was acquainted with him for years. In particular, I had difficulty imagining him disagreeing with his wife.
"I understand, sir," I said. "But if I may ask, what are those feelings?"
"Quite simply, that I sympathize with you," Amagi-san's father said. "When you marry into a family, you're naturally an outsider, and your in-laws regard you with suspicion. My older sister married a good man with a horrible family, and even today, her in-laws still refuse to consider her part of the family. Her husband does what he can to support her, but it isn't always easy choosing sides between your spouse and your parents."
"How horrible..." I said.
"Luckily, the Amagis are kinder to me," Yukiko's father said, "but I had to work hard to prove myself to them. I don't want you to take it personally if you're treated like an outsider. Just do the job we hired you to do and we'll keep you around. As for Yukiko, make her happy and keep your relationship under wraps, and neither my wife nor I will object."
"That's a fair condition, sir," I said.
"I'm glad you feel that way," Amagi-san's father said. "I only have one more thing to say- do not contradict Yukiko in front of the staff, lest you undermine her authority. If you have a disagreement, bring it up with her in private. Insubordination undermines her authority, but she has no use for sycophants, so it's your duty to share any concerns or criticisms you have."
"Understood, sir," I said.
"Good," Amagi-san said. "I've said my piece for now, but I hope to talk to you soon."
"Until then," I said.
Amagi-san's father hung up.
Once I was off the phone, I let off a long sigh of relief, but knew that I couldn't afford to relax. I'd convinced Amagi-san's mother I was a better choice than all the other candidates, but I still had to prove that their decision to hire me was the right one. In some ways, getting the job was the easy part, and the hard part was just beginning
Wednesday, March 15, 2017, Day Time
My university soon held its graduation ceremony. I went in a blue kimono with a dark red hakama, while my parents wore their suits and Amagi-san wore a pink kimono.
I was among the last graduates to get my diploma, since my name was near the end of the alphabet. Once the ceremony concluded, I rejoined Amagi-san and my parents.
"Congratulations, Shizuka," Mother said. "You look lovely in your kimono."
"Thank you, Mother," I said. "I'll wear a kimono like this every day while working for the inn... minus the hakama, of course. Meanwhile, most of my fellow graduates are wearing suits to their jobs."
"You should keep your suit on hand and in good condition," Amagi-san said. "I find it's a more comfortable and practical choice for some times when I run errands, or when I attend local government meetings, so I own a dark skirt suit."
"One step ahead of you," I said. "I packed my suit into my luggage."
"Good for you," Father said. "I had my reservations at first, but a respectable job is worth having, regardless of whether the people working there wear suits or kimonos."
My parents had their reservations about my relationship with Amagi-san, and still did to a certain extent. Nevertheless, they were nothing if not pragmatic and realistic, so I could count on them to let me do as I liked as long as it did not adversely affect my life.
Thursday, March 16, 2017, Morning
The next day, I packed the rest of my belongings and moved out of the dormitory I'd stayed in while a student at the university.
I met up with my parents and Amagi-san at the hotel where they were staying. It was a well-regarded hotel that was popular among business travelers, with rooms priced for office workers and suites fit for CEOs. One of my senpais had taken a job there, and in another lifetime, perhaps I would, too, since I'd gotten a job offer at an entry-level position at a similar place. But this was just another hotel, one that held no significance for me or my girlfriend, so I had no doubts about the path I'd chosen, or about politely declining the offer I'd received in order to take the job as Assistant Manager at the Amagi inn.
The four of us headed to the train station, and quickly determined where we would need to go to catch our trains to our separate destinations. Once our paths began to diverge, we said our goodbyes.
"We'll be parting ways here," Father said. "Your mother and I must head back to work."
"As do Amagi-san and I," I said. "Goodbye, Mother and Father."
"If you're ever in Inaba for business or pleasure, please check out the inn," Amagi-san said, handing my mother a business card for the inn.
"My pleasure," Mother said. "Until next time."
We waved goodbye to each other. Ever since I'd first gone to Inaba, it had become increasingly common for me to spend long periods of time apart from my parents, anywhere from a few days to a few months at a time. We cherished the time we could spend as a family, but recognized that we had to do our jobs, even if they took us to different places.
Amagi-san and I quickly found the train and boarded, finding seats near the window.
As the train left the station, I gazed out at the passing countryside. I'd taken the train ride often enough that the scenery was familiar, and I could tell when I was getting close to Inaba, even before the train announced our arrival at the station. Every time I rode the train to Inaba, I wondered if I'd find myself in the Velvet Room once again, but it had been years since I'd set foot in there.
"So, history's repeating," I said. "I'm saying goodbye to my parents and going to Inaba again, perhaps for good."
"Indeed," Amagi-san said. "Are you having any doubts?"
"None," I said. "It's what I've chosen for myself."
Amagi-san smiled gratefully. She understood full well what sort of commitment this job involved, which is why she'd been hesitant to ask me to share the burden with her all those years ago. Nevertheless, she knew it was my choice, and thus appreciated that I chose to share my life with her.
"There aren't many of our friends and acquaintances left in Inaba," Amagi-san said, "and the ones who remain are too busy to see us very often. Chie's no exception, of course."
"Ah yes," I said. "Being a police officer doesn't allow much free time, does it?"
"Unfortunately, no," Amagi-san said. "She joked that the easiest way to see her would be to cause some trouble and have her show up to arrest me."
That got a small chuckle out of me.
"Despite this, she doesn't regret her choice, either," Amagi-san said, "since she's protecting our town, just like I'm protecting the inn. We're both working to achieve our dreams, so we understand if we have to make sacrifices."
"I understand, too," I said, "since achieving your dream has become my dream, too. Let's do our best together, Amagi-san."
"I'm counting on you, Yagami-san," Amagi-san said.
The next year of my life would be a crucial time. I would need to learn as much as I could about running the inn, show that my university education made me an asset to the inn and continue proving myself to Amagi-san's parents. This was set to be the most important year of my life since my second year of high school, and I was equal parts worried and excited.
Author's Notes
This is an intermission to bridge the gap between Act I and Act II. The next act will cover Shizuka's first few months on the job, as well as the rest of her time in Inaba.
I took some liberties on when Japanese university and elementary school graduation takes place, since I'm not sure of the exact date, and set them on the same date as Makoto and Haru's graduation in Persona 5 Royal.