Chapter Eight: One Week Later, a Day in the Life
"Café Noir." Haru Okumura savoured the words in her palate for a moment. At present, she did not know what she found the most delight in, whether the coffee she was sampling or the way those words perfectly encapsulated everything she wanted about her long-term project. In the midst of planning and studying the logistical nuances of opening a café of her own, she had lost sight of the aesthetic side of it. That was why she asked Yusuke Kitagawa to aid her in shaping the personality of the café, starting with the suggestion for a name. "I really like it, Yusuke-kun!"
"I am pleased to hear that. It was the first and only thing that came to mind." Yusuke Kitagawa's candour often came with a smooth obliviousness. Though he never meant to be blunt, he rarely weighed his words. "It felt as if I had the name before my very eyes."
In a way, he did. Haru knew he did not mean anything by what he said, still she could not help but blush a little.
"I knew I made the right decision to ask for your help, Yusuke-kun. But this is only the first thing of many I'll need you to help me with."
"By all means. Given enough time, I'm sure I can think of many names for all types of places and things."
"That's good! Actually, I was thinking… and I won't feel bad or angry if you say no… maybe you could, eventually, help me… what's the word?" The young woman took another sip to stir her mind. "Imbue the place with character. Make a canvas out of the walls."
Yusuke arched his eyebrows sharply. A genuine shade of surprise came over his face.
"Haru! You don't mean…!?"
"Yusuke-kun. I'd like you to be a partner. I hope I'm not getting too ahead of myself, but you'd be overseeing every aspect of the café's appearance and layout. If you accept, of course." Haru's words were met with silence. "Am… am I getting too ahead of myself?"
"No! No!" Yusuke cut in passionately.
"No?" Haru squeaked, giving away her hopes that her friend accepted the offer.
"NO! Gazing far into the future is the best sign of commitment, Haru!" The veil of hair strands that fell diagonally across his face swung and swayed as he spoke. "You honour me, my dear friend. Of course I will be your partner in this noble enterprise!"
Haru was speechless. Not even a sigh of relief escaped her lips. The joyful blush that rose to her cheeks said all that need be said.
"My dear friend. How may I start aiding you in this ambition?"
"O-oh! Um, I was actually thinking of commissioning a painting, to see this off to a good start!"
"I see." His mind sprouted with ideas, the majority of which resonated after the French aesthetics surrounding the project and Haru herself. He made a mental note to inform his friend of a painting she had inspired several a year ago during a most tortuous dry spell.
"Would that be okay?" Haru slanted her head, a curly strand of cinnamon hair falling gracefully over her forehead.
"Yes. Yes. I would love to provide my capabilities to your project." His voice shook slightly at the prospects for this first piece. Painting things for his friends was an equal joy to him as externalising the sublime figments that came forth from imagination. "In regards to price… I think, 30 would..."
"30,000?"
At the moment, Haru could not quite define the sound that came from Yusuke's mouth, let alone guess the emotion behind it. Hours later, she would still be puzzled about it, and the only certainty was being thankful that her friend was not drinking anything at the moment for fear he may have choked.
"Haru! You're kindness has warmed my heart. You're... you're too gracious. But no… as your friend, I cannot bring myself to accept it. I SHALL DO IT FOR FREE!"
"No! Yusuke! Let me pay you! You need to eat!" Haru insisted for several minutes more after that. Yusuke deflected every plea with steadfast zeal, even offering to add another unpaid painting to the agreement. The young woman would not have it.
And so, though begrudgingly, Yusuke accepted to be paid. Haru called for the waitress to serve them a second hot cup. It was the first week of studies, and though only few days had passed since, the fun days since Akira returned were behind them. Ahead lay only work gradually heaping, and the present moment may well be the easiest pace she would see for some time. To some degree, this was true for most of the former Phantom Thieves.
Haru and Makoto both were on their second year in the University of Tokyo, in the Economics and Law faculties respectively. Akira had recently begun his culinary studies at the Hattori Nutritional School. Ryuji and Ann both opted to take on vocational studies while working. Futaba would be spending her third and final year in Shujin, resolute to follow in on Makoto's example and graduate valedictorian. As for Yusuke, he began his sabbatical year to hone his skills on his own through hard work; yet the Tokyo University of the Arts still sent him letters every month, attempting to encourage him to enrol.
Being socially and physically a cat, Morgana seemed the only one with relatively few cares as the year passed.
This would mark another instance of Haru wishing she were a cat herself. The wish only intensified when thinking of the other side of her affairs. The inheritance of Okumura Foods proved an ordeal, even if her close advisors and legal department were loyal and highly competent. A peculiar proposal mailed to the Okumura Foods' staff a month ago only added to her worries, yet it offered an appealing counterpoint.
Haru told nobody of it, at both her own discretion and her people's advice. Without thinking of it, she looked around the café and saw the clientele was rather scarce. She hesitated for only a moment.
"Yusuke-kun. May I vent to you for a moment?" Her voice was low, somewhat furtive to the ear.
"By all means, Haru." Yusuke shared her tone.
"I'm so nervous lately. Um, maybe I shouldn't be… but Café Noir may happen sooner than I thought."
"That would possibly be a cause for celebration."
"It would. It should. But I'm a bit scared Yusuke-kun. I don't know if I'll be able to handle all of this if it happens. I feel like it's happening too fast." Haru turned around as discreetly as she could to ensure that nobody was listening in. "Okumura recently got a proposal from another company, a partnership with White Pheasant."
"White Pheasant." Yusuke quietly repeated the name as if savouring the poetry in the words. "I believe I have heard that name somewhere before."
"They're not really a new company. They've been around for a while, mostly dabbling in healthcare and organic foods. Their numbers have been on the rise since last year, though."
"White Pheasant." The tall young man's mind searched about his memory, trying to unearth the reason for which the name brought out certain familiarity.
"Yeah… They recently, reached out to Okumura Foods. They are interested in doing a partnership." At this moment, the tension in Haru's thoughts seeped out into her face. The present situation brought out unpleasant memories. It seemed as if the peak of torments was the demise of her father over a year ago, but the events preceding that loss were also a harrowing lot, and they all surrounded the dynamic of relations between collectives to achieve an end. Back then, Haru was seen by her father as little more than an asset to secure his political career.
The Okumura heir was resolute about the direction she wanted for her father's company. She was secure and confident in her perspective, and her competence as a budding entrepreneur was higher than she gave herself credit for. Nonetheless, the suspicion of being deemed an asset was not an unfounded precaution. Behind the pretension of sober formality, the corporate world was no more civilised than an abattoir. Although this partnership with White Pheasant could turn out a boon for her objectives, it could still prove a poisoned chalice in the long run.
Yet again, this indecision could yet be an error. She did not know what to do.
"White Pheasant. Healthcare, organic foods, and…" Yusuke started.
Haru's eyes started opening wide, anticipating the third item in the company's favoured market.
"Sexual health." He finally snatched it, that which eluded him.
"Y-yeah, they do that too." Haru blushed. "Yusuke-kun. How is it you're aware of that?"
"Oh, I'm something of an admirer of their products." He said nonchalantly.
At a reflex, Haru brought her hand to her mouth, suppressing a gasp and shielding her increasingly flustered cheeks.
"The design, the colour and texture. I hope to one day be able to incorporate that voluptuousness into my work, the illusion of palpability, the way the light grazes those surfaces…" Yusuke sounded very much like himself.
"You… use them… for your paintings?" Relief was slowly settling warmly over Haru.
"I am not sure 'use' would be the proper word. I cannot begin to imagine the nuances of their intended use, but I rather appreciate the visual care of their make."
Another couple of seconds in silence went by until Haru let out a giggle. For a moment, perilous images came into her mind's eye. Her friends all were rather discreet regarding their intimacy. But for another to suddenly hint at something more graphic was unexpected.
"Oh, Yusuke-kun." Haru said, endeared and amused at the young man's innocence, laughing also at her own reaction. "I had no idea you had them for your art." She said as a discreet means of apology.
"I am afraid they are out of my budget. But it is no matter! I am content with standing at the counter with my sketchbook in hand," The young man looked rather proud of his own ingenuity. "I only wish the salespeople refrained from disturbing me while I work."
"You go to the stores to sketch their products?"
"Yes… Sometimes for hours at a time."
Haru's lips slowly parted. She felt the breath of astonishment turn to laughter, and the ensuing tears forming in her eyes. She hoped she was not coming off as rude to her friend; and although she would apologise for her indiscretion, she could not help herself. Without meaning to, Yusuke had already helped beyond her expectations, and he has not even given his opinion on the matter proper.
"Thanks. I needed that." Haru wiped the laughter tears from her eyes.
"I am not sure what I did, but I am pleased I did it." Yusuke took a sip from his cup. "What is it about White Pheasant that provokes such unease?"
"I'm thinking it may be too soon to take on something like that, a partnership. And if I did, how can I be sure I'd be getting in bed with trustworthy people?"
"Hmm. That is something to consider." Yusuke brought his fingers to his chin in contemplation of the matter. He knew as well as she, and the rest of their friends, of the darker side to entrepreneurship. Haru's concerns were more than reasonable.
"Yusuke-kun. I just don't know what to do." The young woman's eyes looked at him like a doe's.
"My dear friend, I wish I had a more educated perspective about this." He finally said, despite himself. A voice inside of him chided for admitting defeat from ignorance on the topic. He knew there was never a petty reason to meet with a friend. Haru would appreciate the occasion if only for being in good company. That was just who she was. But she also needed to find serenity from the view of others when she could find none in herself at the moment.
Her eyes went down with a sigh.
"I think." Yusuke began. "I think a company takes after the person who leads it. Regardless of what Okumura Foods does, your company will operate in a certain way because of who you are, and the values you hold. You know White Pheasant as a company, but do you know it as an extension of the person who leads it?"
"Uh…" Haru looked as if her eyes had just seen a sudden, potent light. "I actually hadn't thought of it that way, Yusuke-kun. Yes, maybe I should learn about the company's chairman… You're so insightful, Yusuke-kun!"
The young man felt curiosity about the warmth feeling spreading across his face. It was a rather pleasant feeling.
[ ]
Hello there, I hope you've been well.
I'm sorry that I didn't write back last week. Things on my end have taken something of a turn. It's a good turn, though. My boyfriend returned recently, and we have been catching up for a while. I think it's our due, and I honestly couldn't be happier. School also started just a day ago. I have a feeling this year won't be as hard as the last one, but I'm anticipating a heavy workload for the coming months nonetheless.
Edward, I have to say I felt very glad when reading your last letter. When you next write back, I hope to learn that you are taking counselling and not just considering it. I know that loss is not easy to cope with. Given what you've told me, I guess I actually count myself lucky. But all the same, I bear you great respect for doing your best to stand tall for the people you hold dear. Please, hold them close, and never, ever let go.
On to somewhat lighter talk, I did look at that site your recommended. I found some great reading material. I even looked at some of the stories you recommended, most of which I really liked. But, speaking with candour, your favourite kind of disturbed me a bit. I will say it's a very unique take on the mythical Lazarus, very Russian, I suppose (haha). I'd like to hear your interpretation of the tale, though. While I feel it's supposed to be disturbing, I think my reading could do with some orientation.
And speaking of reading, I loved your last poem. You should think of finding a way to publish your written work. I found it to be very fresh, but not pretentious in the slightest, or (I hate this word) trivial. For one, I know I'd like to read more voices like yours. If you give me your permission, I'd like to share it with my friends. Several of them have quite the ear and eye for the arts, and two of them are fairly fluent in English too.
Again, I'm very sorry for breaking the rhythm of our communication for a bit there. I promise I'll do my best to remain constant.
You stay strong, Edward.
Your friend in Japan, Makoto.
She would send the letter tomorrow. Since she met and became part of the Phantom Thieves, Makoto Niijima has pushed herself to break out of her comfort zone. She thus became enamoured with life and its limitless possibilities, trying and learning new things whenever she could. A month after starting her first year as a university student, she subscribed to a pen pals program for people around the world to get a fresh perspective from somebody overseas.
The correspondence was set at random. Her pen pal was an English man called Edward, four years her senior. Makoto was excited at the prospect of learning about England, and while the first bi-weekly exchanges painted a good picture, the most important things lay beyond the allure of cultural contrast. Two months later, they stopped talking about Japan and England, and began talking about themselves. There was only so much Makoto could tell on paper, and same was true for Edward. Yet they found a sense of kinship through misfortune, loss and strife.
She had the feeling that he probably would have become a Phantom Thief himself if the phenomenon had occurred in England instead. Though they would never meet, she wished him well. As she double-checked herself one last time, she made sure to paste a post-it on her desk to remind her of the letter to be sent.
She had plans for that evening. Ann had been talking about a double date for several months, and somehow it has not happened yet, not as the blonde beauty would have wanted anyway. Suddenly, the chance came up for Makoto and Akira to meet up with Ann and Ryuji at a hip new place near her workplace. It was spontaneous, but suitable. And it was a nice means of unwinding after a long day at the university.
As agreed earlier that day, Akira came to meet her outside of her apartment. Though the young man's hair looked as messy as ever, the rest of him radiated a smart, stylish aura. It was as if he somehow managed to halfway incarnate Joker for the occasion. Makoto guessed either Ann or Boss took him shopping for some new clothes.
"How do I look?" He asked, smiling with arms stretched out to the sides, like a kid proud of himself.
"Very, very handsome." Makoto said, planting a kiss on his lips. "How about me? Do I look okay?"
"Okay falls pathetically short of it, Makoto."
Makoto laughed. "Just give it to me straight already."
"You look ravishing."
"Okay. I'll buy it. Shall we go?"
"Let's." Akira followed his girlfriend towards her moped.
Her long term goal was to eventually buy a proper motorcycle. She had varied options in mind, and she hoped she could decide on one by the time she had enough money of her own to afford the purchase. In the meantime, a humble Fonda silver-painted model did nicely for times like these. Helmets on, Makoto sat at the rider's seat, with her boyfriend behind, surrounding her waist with his arms.
"I've got something to confess." Akira said before Makoto started the engine.
"Oh?"
"Back then, I really wanted to ride with you like this, but, you know, with Johanna."
"Is that so?" Makoto blushed, not at the notion or the mental image of riding that state of her Persona with him. Rather, she did at how many times she had daydreamed about that herself.
They met up with Ann and Ryuji soon after, at what seemed like a small lounge club. The place was a dozen people shy of full; nonetheless, Ryuji had made reservations in the afternoon. Under the soft, red lights of the establishment, Makoto truly noticed Ann and Ryuji. It became apparent that she had taken him shopping; and although his head stuck out as the rowdy young man she knew from the Shujin days, he mingled well with the ambience. Furthermore, he seemed enthusiastic about his look.
"Guys!" Ann smiled wide. "It's happening. Oh my God, it is happening!"
Akira and Ryuji turned to look at each other, and in unison, "Huh?"
"A double date, of course!" The blonde put a little impatience in her words.
"I must admit it is kind of exciting." Makoto said.
"Feels like we're grown-ups." Ryuji said.
"That's taking it a bit far, no?" Akira added.
"Shush! No ruining the moment you two!" Ann pressed her index finger against Ryuji's lips. "Here, look at the menu." She turned to the young woman. "So, Makoto. How do you like the place?"
"It's lively. Um, it's actually not as loud as I thought it would be."
"That's a good thing." Akira said, distractedly as he browsed through the non-alcoholic drinks.
"Yeah. This way we can have a proper, nice conversation." Makoto agreed.
"The music's also not bad." Her boyfriend tapped his fingers on her knee.
"Yeah, it's kind of snazzy!" Ryuji said.
"Jazzy." Akira rhymed.
Makoto turned to look at Ann, expecting to see if she would come up with a rhyme herself.
"Uh-uh. Don't pin this on me." Ann shot them down. "I actually really like this music too. Kind of makes me want to dance!"
"I can't dance for jack." Ryuji said slightly ashamed. "Joker, how about you?"
"I'm not a dancer myself." Akira appeared to be focused on the menu. "I'm still taking Makoto out to dance, though."
"What?" The young brunette turned to look at him. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Ann grinning.
"I'm gonna take you out to dance. Not today, of course. School tomorrow. But I am gonna take out to dance."
"Screw it." Ryuji interjected. "Ann, next time. We'll dance."
"Ooooooooooooh. This double date's going better that I hoped." Ann teased.
Makoto and Akira looked at each other. The word and the meaning, and the image that ensued was engraved in the mind. Dancing – something Makoto had never done in her life, or Akira if he was to be believed. Yet just like the fantasy of riding Johanna together, this was too delightful to ignore or dismiss for the sake of embarrassment. In that moment, under the same lighting and to the same beat, she could see it happening.
She wanted it to happen. And she could see it in his eyes. He wanted it too.
"Dance, huh? Is that a threat?" Makoto joked.
"It's a promise."
[ ]
Meanwhile, that night, Futaba and Morgana babysat Yuuki Mishima as he learned the ropes of coffee making. Though he was yet to make any big mistakes that would have Sojiro yelling at him, his nervous disposition was a sight to behold.
