She Comes And Goes As She Pleases (Part 74)
by BrDPirateMan
"Um… Neku?"
"Uh-huh?"
Eri was sitting at the dining table, cup of tea in one hand, her head lazily propped up in the other. "Look, I know you're worried. I am, too."
"Y-Yeah…"
"But if you keep pacing back and forth so much, you'll make a trench in the floor. Heck, you might fall through."
The day we had been simultaneously waiting for and dreading had finally arrived. It's an inevitability. This was the rite every student had to go through, every year without fail. But hopefully this would be our last.
Our exam results released today. Would we be freed from the clutches of college education, or be cursed to repeat a semester or two?
I knew I did well in my final exams. I shouldn't be worried.
But let's be honest: would any student worth their salt not be a little anxious at least?
"A-Anxious? Ha ha! Not… Not me!"
Eri was not impressed by my façade of bravado.
"You totally are," she sighed.
"Nah, I'll be fine. That said, I need to go to the bathroom again."
She got up from her seat and squished my cheeks in her hands. I must have looked like a fish.
In a rare instance of genuine irritation, she hissed, "You went to the bathroom seven times in the past fifteen minutes. There is nothing left in your bladder. All you're peeing is air. Seriously. Stop walking around and sit the heck down."
That was my cue to listen and not incur her wrath. When the normally bubbly Eri gets miffed, it's actually scary. But even as I took my seat opposite hers, I couldn't calm down. The urge in my gut seemed to vanish, at least.
"Look," she said, in a gentler tone, "even if you get all jumpy, it's not gonna change anything."
"I… I know."
"It'll work out. Just you watch. You worked hard, didn't you? It'll be fine!"
"But now that I think about it, I might have answered question 3 wrongly in – "
"No," she cut me off. "Enough of that. It's way past the time to be saying things like that. Have a little confidence in yourself, will you? If you've been doing your studies then everything will fall into place. That's the way the universe works, right? Cause and effect."
Seeing that I still looked unsure of myself, she continued with a narrow-eyed glare:
"Or… don't tell me you've been slacking off in secret? Bingeing on anime? Playing one too many video games?"
"N-No, of course not."
"If your results take a dip and I find out it's because you've been wrangling your pet snake over my sexy pics, I'm confiscating them."
As though someone had given me the metaphorical smack upside my head, I suddenly saw the futility of my worries and started to laugh. It was an uneasy laugh but at least the pressure in my chest was starting to loosen.
"Thanks, Eri, for putting me at ease. And for the record, it's not a snake. It's a freaking anaconda." I even made a slithering movement with my good arm.
"I'm going to have problems getting that image out of my head."
"Well, you kind of brought it upon yourself."
"Small price to pay if it calms you down."
Presently, her phone chimed. A few quick taps on its screen followed, and then it was time. She got up from her seat hastily.
"That's Shiki," she said. "She and the girls have come to pick me up."
"Better not keep 'em waiting then. And do tell me the good news when you get it."
"Hee hee… I sure will! You do the same too, Neku. And I know we all hate repetition, but you'll be just fine."
"Thanks again, Eri."
"Now… onward! To graduatioooooon!"
That last word echoed through the hallway as she raced out of our apartment. I couldn't help but chuckle.
Just then, I received a message on my phone, courtesy of one of my buddies. He said he'd already arrived to take me to college to see our results. The time of reckoning had come sooner than I thought, which got me quaking again briefly. But then I thought about Eri literally running towards her destiny and that made me feel I should do the same.
"Here goes nothing…"
XOXOXOXOXO
From afar I saw the throng that gathered around the notice board. Students, all of them. Most were chattering excitedly. Occasionally a happy scream would pierce the air. There was this gaggle of girls, hugging one another and jumping up and down in joy.
We're looking at a bunch of people who have spent their whole lives studying. From kindergarten till college it's been one nonstop crusade of jamming your face in the middle of a textbook. And believe me, everyone you see here was sick of it. I was sick of it. If I have to see another textbook, be in charge of another group assignment, sit for another exam… forget it. So you can imagine the relief they must be feeling now that they know they're bona-fide graduates.
I suddenly felt that familiar crushing feeling in my gut. My bladder was acting up again, or so I thought. Couldn't hurt to be sure.
"Gotta go," I said, starting to inch away in the direction of the nearest washroom. "Be back in a bit."
But my classmates wouldn't have any of it. One of them grabbed me by the collar of my jacket, stopping me in my tracks.
"Oh no you don't," he snapped. "You went to the washroom three times just now."
I could almost hear Eri starting to complain in my head already.
"You keep this up," said another classmate, half-amused, "and we'll be here all day. C'mon, off we go."
And so I was dragged off, my bladder finding no respite from its imaginary fullness.
There were so many students huddled around the notice board! It's like a celebrity had shown up to give free autographs. From where we were standing – a good few feet away – we couldn't make out anything. The results were right there. So close yet so far.
"Anyone got binoculars?" I deadpanned. "Sure could use a pair right about now."
As more and more students peeled away, we could inch our way forwards and afford ourselves a better view. One of my classmates whooped in joy.
"Awright! Yes!"
Looks like he made it. Good for him. I scanned the notice board for my student number (they didn't print names), but had yet to find it. In the meantime, more celebratory cries followed amongst my group of peers. Pats on the back were given liberally. For them it was the best day ever.
But, having not seen my number on the list yet, every second I spent listening to their chatter made my unease grow. My hands went clammy with sweat. It was a cold winter day but within my clothes it felt like a sauna. Did I make it? Did I flunk? Would I have good news to bring back to Eri? Oh crud, she's probably waiting for me to break the news to her. No pressure.
It's hard to describe the emotions that were surging through me right now. I guess the closest thing to that would be like saying I was trapped in a room looking for a door I couldn't see yet. It's there, probably. And the walls were closing in.
Where's my ticket to freedom?!
Come on, show up already, you wascally little number!
I looked down the fourth column, eyes straining against the unfriendly font. 236308… 236309… 236310… Growing impatient, I sped up my search, blood pumping through my head as I approached the magic number of 236407.
I reached 236406 at long last, but my own number was obscured by the shoulder of someone standing in front of the notice board.
He was taking a selfie! And by the looks of it, he was trying to take a photo of himself with his student number! I know checking your exam results was an important occasion, but…
I cleared my throat in a polite, yet irritated-sounding way. The narcissist shuffled away, muttering an apology I could scarcely hear. With him out of the way I could finally see my student number.
236407…
All of my worries were unfounded. I'd passed with flying colours!
I did it! I've graduated!
I could almost hear Eri snigger in my head, "I told you so." But it was something I'd gladly hear. Hell, I'd even ask her to say it in my face repeatedly until she got sick of it.
One of my classmates said, "Welcome to the club!"
Another laughed, "Still need to go to the washroom, Neku?"
Still giddy from the good news, I nonetheless managed to throw a quip his way. "As a matter of fact, I do need to take a leak. But it's more like a victory leak."
My circle of buddies joined me in laughter.
"Then go, Neku. Get your business done and then we'll all go out for pizza."
I grinned. "Be right back."
Satisfied that college life was finally behind us, we walked away – winners, all of us. I ducked into the washroom, made a beeline for the nearest urinal and felt the weight of two or three years' worth of stress and worries go down the drain. Damn, that felt good.
Slowly and surely, the reality of my new world began to sink in.
On the one hand, I was free from lectures, assignments, exams… all of the things that caused many a sleepless night for students everywhere. Free at long last! On the other hand, going into the workforce has its own set of challenges. Sure ain't gonna be part-time stuff.
What about Eri? Was she all right?
My phone rang as I left the washroom. As soon as I answered, Eri's voice seared through my eardrums.
"How'd it go?!" she squealed. "Tell me good news!"
"The good news is I'll bring back a pizza for us."
"Whoa, really? Is it the double pepperoni – wait, that's not what I want to know!"
"Yeah, I'll get us the double pepperoni special. And yes, it's because I just graduated beautifully."
"You're sure you're not pulling my chain this time?"
I laughed. "Of course not. I made it. And you?"
There was a smug tone over the line. "Me? Heh, take a guess."
"Hmm, I take it that's your way of saying 'Look, I passed like a boss, now bow before your queen.'"
"Close enough," she chuckled. "You won't be doing just a whole lot of bowing though."
Eri and I had both officially retired from education. Elated at the news, I actually started to feel light-headed. I propped myself against a nearby wall before my feet could get too wobbly.
"Well," I said, "we did it. Nice to know our blood, sweat and tears weren't for nothing."
"And now my dad definitely has no excuse to stop us from going out!"
"Not that he was really against it when last we spoke. But that's good to know."
"Man, I've yearned for this freedom for years! But I gotta dash, Neku. Me and Shiki and the girls are going shopping. To celebrate! I'm going to buy myself some cute underwear."
"Shiki did well too, huh? I'll be sure to relay my congratulations to her."
"You better!"
"I gotta meet up with my bros now. Later, gator."
Together with my classmates we strode out of campus. In a week we'd attend the convocation ceremony and receive our certificates. Then the hunt for a job would begin in earnest. That, I reckon, would be another can of worms to open. At least Eri and I would be in the same boat for this one. And of course there's that other matter…
But all of that could wait. For now, I had a pizza or two with my name on them.
XOXOXOXOXO
Mugs in hand, the two Reapers and I cast glances at each other. There was a layer of tension in the air. No one said anything for a while. Kariya took a deep breath…
And then, in an instant, the atmosphere loosened as he made a bold proclamation.
"It's been a long time coming," he proclaimed, "but here's a toast… to Phones and his graduation!"
"Cheers!"
The three of us raised our mugs, clinking them together, before downing our drinks bottoms up. There was no alcohol to be had though; I don't drink and Uzuki insisted it's bad form to be drunk. So this was a toast with orange juice.
Mr H was originally supposed to join us, but as he was away on business, that was not possible. He did, however, send me a message.
Sorry I can't make it to your little party, he wrote. You did splendidly to come this far. Will grab some coffee and souvenirs for you. Nice job, kid! Say hi to Eri for me, would you kindly. Peace.
He's a cool guy. As I've said before, I'm no coffee fanboy, but it's the thought that counts.
"Congrats," said Uzuki. "Now the real challenge awaits."
Kariya laughed. "Is that your idea of giving someone a pat on the back? Dude just graduated, you know."
"Not gonna lie, Neku: you did well. And while it's fine to relax for a while…"
"I know," I said, that grin still on my face. "Can't forget I still got a job to look for and all the stuff that comes with it. It'll be… well, maybe not all fun and games, but I can take it."
Uzuki had one of her small rare smiles. "That's what I like to hear."
I felt a nudge in my arm as Kariya elbowed it cheekily. "And what about your girl? Got any big plans for Eri?"
My insides clenched. This was my perfect chance to get some answers. I had no idea if these two would be any help – this was a whole different ball game I was talking about – but I had to try.
"As a matter of fact," I said, "I do. But I think I need a little input from you guys again, see if I'm going about this the right way."
The two Reapers glanced at each other briefly before turning to me. Ever the joker, Kariya chuckled, "Looks like the love doctors are brought out of retirement."
Uzuki took a sip from her soda. "So what's on your mind?"
XOXOXOXOXO
The convocation ceremony was held a week after the results were published. Clad in academic dresses and caps, we were as excited as a bunch of little kids as we received our certificates. How my frame trembled as I took the scroll from the headmaster and shook his hand.
As soon as I could finally pry myself from my aunt and uncle – they hugged and congratulated the hell out of me – I had one last photo taken together with my circle of college buddies. We wished one another luck, and once we left I knew that was it – we'd go our separate ways and it wasn't likely we'd see each other again.
Two days later, on a snowy evening, I was invited to another little party.
"Damn," said Beat, in between messy mouthfuls, "this food is tight, yo."
"Watch the carbs, man," I jived.
"Aw, screw carbs, it's fine, right? We celebrating."
Rhyme, ever so blunt, reminded him of the harsh reality of life. "That's fine. Just don't forget to work extra-hard for your diet."
"Come on, Rhyme. You too?" And a chorus of laughter rose from the table.
The whole gang – the usual five of us old friends – had gathered at a sushi parlor. Together with Shiki and the Bito siblings, Eri and I were huddled around a table, snatching sushi off a conveyor belt and having a great time of it.
All of us had finally graduated from college, with the understandable exception of Rhyme, who had finished high school and was poised to enter college in a month or so. This might just be our last gathering as free spirits before the great job hunt began. No telling when we'd get to meet up like this again once our lives were taken over by job commitments and such.
"For real?!" Beat hurriedly swallowed his mouthful of edamame. "You two actually bumped into a bear, yo?"
Eri had brought up last month's vacation in the mountains, and our misadventures naturally became the topic of discussion.
"And you drove it off, too." For once, Rhyme looked impressed. "Bet the bear thought you were crazy."
"Yeah," chuckled Eri. "It was very cool to see. Or should I say – "
I stiffened in horror. "No. No, don't say it."
" – 'bear-y' cool? Ha ha ha…!"
Our other friends groaned. Except Beat. He seemed to dig it.
"Ha! I get it! 'Bear-y' sounds like 'very'! Tha's a good one!" He even shared a high-five with her.
Rhyme sighed. "Come on, Beat. You're better than that."
"To be fair," said Shiki, "Eri's never been good at puns."
But Eri being Eri, she just shrugged it off with a grin. "Can't 'bear' a good joke, eh?"
I couldn't describe how glad I was for the conversation to steer away from ursine puns at long last. Beat had apparently been dying to tell us all about his upcoming apprenticeship at Ramen Don. We'd all just graduated and the guy had already secured a job so quickly. I had to say I was quite envious of him.
Clearly excited, he said, "Old Man Ken's gonna teach me how to cook all kindsa ramen. Maybe I can get some tips an' cook somethin' of my own! Somethin' different… yo, I been thinkin' of ice cream salad ramen. It's gonna be tight! Whatchu guys think?"
No one was on board. Not even Eri, and she was one for wild ideas.
Bluntly, I just said, "I don't think it's gonna work."
"Aww, come on." He wasn't going to budge. "You dunno till you try, yo."
"Then you try it. Next time you cook some ramen, toss in a couple of Cornettos and see how that works."
Happily oblivious to my sarcasm, he said, "Sure! I'll let you be the first to try it out."
We spent the rest of the evening talking about whatever topics we could pluck off the top of our heads. It's nice to just forget our troubles and chat without a care for the world.
It was a few minutes shy of 8 pm when we trooped out of the sushi parlor. My wallet was quite a bit lighter as it was I who treated everyone, but I didn't mind. We had a great time. We were in high spirits and rightfully so.
But there's one last thing I needed to do…
Hot-blooded and high-spirited as usual, Beat pumped his fist into the air. "A'ight, who's up for an afterparty?! We gonna get drinks!"
But, like his ice cream salad ramen, no one seemed cool with his suggestion. One by one, we shot him down with perfectly good reasons.
Eri had an apologetic smile. "I gave up on alcohol a long time ago. I promised to."
"I don't drink, man," I said. "Sorry, dude."
"Me neither," said Shiki. "Actually, does anyone here even drink?"
Last but not least it's Rhyme's turn. "The last time you drank, you ended up dancing on the coffee table in only your underwear. And you had chopsticks up your nose which you then – "
A panicking Beat attempted to silence her. "Whoa, whoa, hey! You didn't have to say that!" Then, resigned to the situation, he scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "Uh… okay, I guess y'all makin' some sense here, surprisingly. Wow, this is awkward."
"Besides, it's getting late."
"A'ight then. We goin' home." With a mischievous grin, he added, "But y'all don't got an excuse next time!"
And with that, we parted ways with Shiki and the Bito siblings. Waiting at the bus stop together with Eri, I made small talk with her but couldn't keep my head in the conversation. I kept getting distracted by a flurry of nagging thoughts.
Gotta do it, I kept telling myself. It'll be fine. Now's a good time, go for it!
Just gotta find a break in the conversation and get this done…
"…And that," said Eri, "is how Sachiko ended up having to stay in bed with her butt exposed. Weird much?"
"That's kinda hard to believe," was my response. "And to think it's all because she jumped off the ski lift at the wrong time."
"Man! I'd hate to go through that. Having your perineum split is hardly fun and games."
Now might be my chance…
"Speaking of fun, and I really hate to change the topic so quickly, there's somewhere I'd like us to go, if you don't mind."
The smile she flashed me was cheeky with a seductive hint. "Sounds like you're up for an afterparty after all. Well, I'm not into drinks, but we can do something else…"
I have to admit, it was a really enticing suggestion, but I had something far more important in mind.
"There's a place I'd like to go right now. If we hurry, we can still make it."
"Where are we going?"
XOXOXOXOXO
My hands were getting clammy. Boy oh boy, this was it. I'd come this far. I was going to do it!
Eri sported a confused look on her face. "The amusement park? Did you want to get on the merry-go-round or something? That must be one heck of a sudden urge to want to come all the way here."
"I'm more of a Ferris wheel guy, to be honest. Come on, we still have some time before the park closes!"
I grasped her by the wrist and the two of us made a beeline towards it. I could tell that while Eri wasn't sure what to make of the situation, she just played along. Good. For now, the less questions, the better. She'd get her answers in due time.
The queue that led to the Ferris wheel was mercifully short; lucky for us. We clambered aboard one of the gondolas, and as we made the slow climb skywards I began a very important conversation with her.
"This is nice," she said, looking out the window in wonder. "Been a while since I've been here."
"Yeah, brings back memories, doesn't it?"
"Sure does! I remember you being so scared of heights. You were trembling and clinging to me like the whole thing would fall apart otherwise."
"Not my best moment," I laughed. "All in the past, though."
"Aren't you still acrophobic, Neku? Why the sudden burst of courage?"
"Well…"
"You've got some purpose in coming here, don't you? Right from the start I figured that'd be the case."
Eri's always been the perceptive sort. She saw right through me. I felt my guts starting to spin and do cartwheels inside me, but I swallowed my nervousness as much as I could. I glanced out the window; looking at the bright lights that dotted the amusement park helped ease my nerves somewhat. Now to just play this cool.
"So," I started, "uh… do you, well, do you love me?"
So much for being cool…
"What brought this on?" she asked. Tugging at my sleeve, she sounded clearly worried. "Of course I love you. Why'd you ask that?"
I turned to her with a smile, a rather awkward one too. "Oh, n-nothing at all. It's just that it's been at least two years since we started going out. I just wanted to know where we stand."
"You and I? I'd say we're pretty high up the scale when it comes to our relationship. Heh… pretty high up. And look where we are."
She was right. Our gondola was slowly approaching the apex. The view of everything down below turned my spine cold as ice and I was tempted to look to her for comfort. No, this wasn't the time to be a big baby! I sucked it up and here was where I finally got serious.
I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "I'm not sure how or where to start with this. I feel like there should be some important speech or something beforehand, but at the same time I'm afraid it might be a bit… boring?"
"Um… I have no idea what you're trying to do in the first place…"
"Th-That's true."
"Go on, just say it. You know me, I can talk about anything. So hit me with all you got."
She made it sound so easy, even when what I wanted to do was anything but. Still, she's open-minded. That helped plenty.
"Alright," I said, "I'll take you up on that offer. I only hope you're ready."
I rose from my seat, every movement full of purpose. Then I stood in front of her…
…and got down on one knee.
Surprised, Eri could only utter an "Eh?"
But I had more in store for her.
From my jacket pocket, I fished out a ring box. My left arm was still in a cast so I had the box cracked ajar beforehand.
And this I opened fully and held up before her eyes.
She saw the ring nestled right in the middle and gasped, hands to her mouth in a hurry. The speed at which her entire face went red was unprecedented. I liked what I was seeing.
When I had that talk with Uzuki and Kariya a few days back, this was what I'd asked them about – what sort of ring I should get, what I should say to propose to Eri, and all of the various miscellaneous details I should be made aware of to avoid a faux pas. As he himself put it, "You gotta get it right the first time, Phones! Ain't no reset button for this one!"
Judging by her reaction, I was pretty sure I was on the right track. Now for the clincher.
"Well," I said, "I'm aware I'm not perfect, but I think all things considered, I make a pretty decent boyfriend. So, Eri… if you're okay with the silly nerdy guy kneeling before you right now…
"…will you marry me?"
She couldn't say a word. Too stunned to. My question must have hit her like a freight train. It didn't take long for the tears to spring to her eyes and trickle out. Behind her hands I could see the edges of a smile. I had a feeling she was struggling to find her voice. So, chuckling warmly, I continued:
"I've dated you for two years, Eri. Had enough time to think. And what I think – sappy as it may sound – is that you're the one for me and I'd love for us to spend the rest of our lives together."
By this point her face was a real mess from the tears but I kept the momentum going.
"What do you say, Eri? Will you take me as your husband?"
She grabbed my hand and the ring box in both of hers. And then she gave me her answer.
"Yes! Yes, Neku, I'll marry you!"
I could scarcely believe my ears. She said yes!
I asked her to marry me and she actually said yes!
This was the best day ever!
We embraced each other like there was no tomorrow. Words weren't enough to describe how happy we were. And now my tears were flowing too.
When she could finally find her voice, she said, "I… I don't quite know what to think, Neku. This is all so sudden."
"Same here. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that we're now engaged."
"Don't get me wrong. I'm real happy. So happy…"
She pried the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her left ring finger before holding it up for us to see.
"It's pretty," she gushed. "And it fits too!"
"Yeah, and I'm glad it does. Would be real awkward if it didn't."
"Thank you!" And she lurched towards me and hugged me again. "Boy, I can't wait to tell everyone!"
Without any further words, we stayed locked in a tight embrace.
Too bad the ride had to be over. We had gone all the way back to the ground. The door opened up, and an attendant peered in.
"Um, kids?" he said. "The ride is over. Please step out now."
Don't be a killjoy, man. Give us five more seconds…
...
Author's note:
Neku and Eri got engaged! Hooray! It's about time!
Well, fellas, I can't believe I'm saying this, but we are approaching the end of the story. The next chapter will be the last. I know it sounds sudden, but I had planned since as early as Chapter 45-50 that it will all come to a close at Chapter 75. As I type these words, I am suddenly gripped with sadness. I will go into these sentiments further in the final chapter, so do look out for it... Hoooo-wee, one more to go!