Part II

Chapter 55

It hadn't occurred to Kagura earlier, both she and Eiko now standing in front of Minamo's apartment. "Wait...you have your own key?"

Eiko unlocked the door, and then turned her head towards Kagura, a wry smile on her face. "How do you think I locked it when we left?"

She was slow with her response, that sharp smile always robbing her of a breath. "...uh...well...uh...did she just give you...?"

Eiko brought her words to a halt, a finger over her lips. They had just stepped inside the apartment, and could see that Minamo was still laying in bed, apparently asleep. She then locked the door quietly behind them, and, after removing her shoes and setting her bag down on the table, crept softly towards her friend. She spoke in a whisper. "Minamo, are you awake?"

Minamo didn't respond, her body moving up and down with gentle breaths.

The woman came back to Kagura, still keeping her voice low. "I'm going to use the bathroom. We can chat on the balcony after that."

Kagura watched her as she left the living room. She then walked over to the bed, looking down upon her slumbering sensei.

...Eiko's wrong. She's totally wrong about you. I don't care if she's known you forever, she's still wrong...

The sound of the bathroom door opening interrupted her thoughts, and within a moment, Eiko was right beside her, inspecting her friend. "She'll be up soon. Let's give her a little more time."

Kagura nodded. Eiko stepped into the kitchen and fetched a glass of cold water, and then joined her young friend outside on the balcony, shutting the glass doors behind them. The weather was still miserably hot, but the shade provided by the balcony above them made it far more tolerable. "...so, uh, she just gave you that key...?"

Eiko was leaning over the railing, glass in hand. Below them was the surrounding suburban forest, modest homes rooted everywhere. The view itself was a pleasant one, some mountains in the distance, the air fairly clean. "She didn't give it to me. I've always had it. I found this apartment for her back in the day, and I took care of everything for her, including the keys."

She leaned over the railing as well, a weak breeze hitting her face as she did. "You found it for her? Oh, was it hard finding one?"

"Not really. She was just so nervous about everything at the time, that she couldn't manage it all. She was starting out as a teacher back then, so a lot of things were new to her. You know, having a full-time job for the first time, getting your own place to stay at. It can be a little overwhelming, especially for someone like her." She took a sip of water.

Kagura felt a hint of anger bristle inside her, as Eiko's comment had once again felt like a subtle jab at her teacher. "...why couldn't she do it? She's really good at handling stuff at school, so..."

"Oh, she's very competent, Kagura, but she's also an unbelievable perfectionist. She gets so worried about making the wrong decisions, like finding the wrong place to live, that she just can't decide on what to do. It's easier for someone like her to have some direction then, so, I helped her out."

She frowned, understanding what Eiko was getting at, but, still didn't enjoy hearing it. "...oh. I get it. Uh, so...you just have that key, for, just in case...?"

"Yes, 'just in case' she locks herself out, which she would never do. Or, if there were some emergency where she needed someone to go inside while she wasn't there."

"...has that ever happened?"

Eiko grinned at her. "Are you asking if I've ever been inside her apartment without her there before?"

"...uh..."

"Or, without her permission?" The woman took another sip of water, watching her young companion with amusement as she waited for a response.

That alluring, devilish smile dismantled her again, and Kagura wondered if everyone who met this woman instantly became a bumbling idiot before her, as if Eiko could simply will away someone's ability to think or speak clearly. "...n-...I guess...?"

"What do you think?"

She wanted to say what she felt, her trust of this woman having diminished from earlier, but she was too timid to do so, and just decided to not say anything.

The woman chuckled, enjoying Kagura's tentativeness. "No, I never have, on either charge. I'd never intrude on someone else's privacy. Unless, of course, they wanted me to."

That answer made her shiver.

"So, anyway...do you live around here too, Kagura?"

Her focus was able to settle with the switch in topics. "Oh, me? No, I live on the other side of town."

"With your parents, I take it?"

"Yeah. But that's until summer is over, then I'll start college and get a room there."

"Are you excited to be out on your own?"

"...yeah, I am. I think it'll be pretty fun. I've never been on my own before, so, I guess I'm pretty pumped about it."

Eiko responded after a few moments. "Yes, it's a very fun thing to enjoy. Believe me, not having to follow what others tell you to do is the greatest feeling."

Kagura had no doubt that was true for her, and imagined that the company board members she answered to probably hated that part about her. "...you said you live by yourself too, right?"

"That's right. I pretty much always have, to be honest. I went to a few schools in other countries, and I always insisted on my own room." She glanced towards her. "You might like a roommate, though."

She thought about that for a moment. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind. As long as they're not super boring or whatever."

"That's not bad in its own right. I wouldn't enjoy hanging out with them, but those sorts of people are usually quiet and leave you alone, at least."

"...yeah. That's true. Oh, hey, where do you live at, by the way?"

"I've got a high-rise in the middle of the city. It's probably the only thing that I really spend much money on. I just love having a nice play to stay at." She smiled. "You're welcome to come see it sometime, if you want."

The offer took her aback. The reality of someone as rich as Eiko even joking about inviting some no-name kid to her home just seemed so unbelievable to Kagura. "R-really...?"

"Of course. Anyone who takes care of my friends is welcome in my home anytime. So, would you like to?"

"...you're...serious? I mean...I just met you, and stuff...uh..."

"So?"

"...um..."

Eiko gave her a hearty pat on the back. "I'm very serious. And I really mean it. I can't thank you enough for helping Minamo. She might have been in an even tighter spot than she is now, if you hadn't shown up."

She felt elated from the praise, enjoying the attention this woman was raining down upon her. But yet, at the same time, her indecision about Eiko's real character remained.

...is she really serious? I mean, does she treat everyone like this? It just seems like, I dunno'...some big company exec talking like this to someone like me is just...it's just weird.

"...umm...um, sure, I guess...?"

Eiko patted her once more. "There you go. You can brag to all your friends about it and get them jealous. You're all into this social media stuff, right? You'll have plenty of pictures to upload. Maybe I'll even let you get some of my car."

Kagura smiled stupidly. It was the strangest feeling, but it almost felt as if her agreement had been automatic, as if Eiko was, once again, somehow controlling her.

She relaxed against the railing then. It would definitely be amazing to see a decked out, luxury apartment firsthand, something she never much considered a reality for herself. However, her excitement at the prospect was tempered by a hundred questions that attempted to criticize her decision, the harsh things that Eiko had said about her sensei still fresh in her mind.

Her eyes glanced over at the stylish woman then, who was looking over the sprawling scenery.

I can't figure this lady out. It's like I wanna' hate her, after what she said about Minamo, but...argh. What the hell? Is she actually nice or...man, I don't get adults at all.

The time to get some solid answers to her concerns was at hand, and she mustered up enough courage to do so, after Eiko finished giving her details about where her apartment was. "...hey...um..."

"Hmm?"

Kagura's desire to play it cool came off as awkward when she attempted to speak, and she knew it. "...so you and Minamo are good friends, right?"

"That's right."

"...ok, so, uh..." She sighed, deciding to just take the shot. "...is that stuff you said about Minamo...really true?"

"What 'stuff', exactly?"

"...you know, about being a coward and all that...stuff."

"Oh." The glass met Eiko's lips again. "Yes, completely true."

Kagura grinded her teeth.

"It's fine to be angry at me about it. I don't blame you."

She was now almost used to this woman constantly knowing what was on her mind.

Argh! Get outta' my head!

It took a moment for her to recover from both her surprise and anger. "...but...I just don't like people calling her that..."

"Why?"

"Why? Because...that's just not cool to say about a friend..."

"Well, that's exactly why I'm her friend, though. I know what she is, and so, I want to help her out whenever I can." Eiko tilted her head towards her. "I do care about her, Kagura. I told you that she's my little sister, didn't I? If I didn't feel that way, then I wouldn't bother with her at all. I think I've told you that I don't generally like timid people, didn't I?"

"...yeah, you did."

"I thought so. In any case, I'm not trying to be mean towards her. I'm just simply describing her. That's all." The woman's gaze went back towards the mountains. "I'm sure you can see things in your own friends that you don't particularly like, either, and you probably help them out with their own problems. I'm just more honest about it all."

Her brain digested everything, not sure whether she agreed with it all or not. "Ok, but, still..."

"I won't lie, though. Her behavior does frustrate me quite often." Eiko sighed. "She just can't stand being seen in the wrong light, you know? She doesn't want to look bad in anyone's eyes. That's always been a bit funny to me as well, though, because it's the complete opposite behavior of her mother. Have you ever met her?"

"Her mom? Nuh-uh."

"She's a woman who isn't afraid of anything, and could give less of a damn about what you think of her." She turned towards her again. "She's actually my mentor for that reason. She gave me some great advice and direction throughout my career. I've learned a lot from her."

"Oh, wow, really? You know her pretty good, then?"

Eiko nodded. "We even still chat from time-to-time. I guess we're sort of alike, because we have the same beliefs about a lot of things. I even do some business with her once in awhile, when it comes to our company's network. She's a sharp tack, Kagura."

She tried to imagine the woman in question then. In her mind, she pictured someone who looked like Minamo, older of course, and who, if she really was like Eiko, completely commanded everything around her.

...ugh, not sure if I want to meet her, to be honest.

A new worry abruptly came into light. "Hey...since you know her mom...you're not gonna' tell her about all this, are you?"

"You mean how Minamo's a lesbian?"

"Yeah. I mean...would she care?"

"She definitely would. I do like her, but she can be an old-fashioned stiff, too, and would not be happy with the idea of Minamo not marrying a man."

Kagura felt her heart sink. "That...really sucks."

"It is what it is. I'm not going to mention anything to her, though, or really, to any of her family. They're all the same, a bunch of stiff business folks. So, it's something that Minamo will have to decide for herself, because it won't be an easy thing to go through."

"...that's totally lame. That's not fair to her at all. So, she can't count on any help from them, then?"

"I wouldn't risk it."

"How about her dad?"

"He wouldn't care if she was a lesbian or not."

A spark of hope ignited her spirits. "Hey! Then he could help her out!"

Eiko shrugged. "He wouldn't care, but he wouldn't help her out, either. He's always been the type to keep to himself, and wouldn't enjoy getting involved with any sort of incident like this. Minamo and him just aren't very close. He's not around much, anyway, since he and his wife separated years ago."

"They're divorced?"

"Yes, but it wasn't over anything particularly bad, though. They get along, but, they just don't mix well lifestyle-wise. They're both workaholics that barely see each other, so, long story short, they eventually felt it was sort of pointless to be together." Eiko smiled. "They do still get together for the important things though, like family birthdays and what not."

Kagura frowned. "Well, I guess it's good they're on good terms, at least. But, what about Minamo? How'd she take it?"

"She was fine with it. She only really likes her mother, anyway. She's always idolized her, you know? Because she's so successful, and receives so much respect from everyone around her."

"Mmm...I actually think Minamo told me a little about her before. I remember her saying that she was really smart, or something."

Eiko appeared doubtful. "Oh, she actually told you about her?"

"Yeah. Why? Is that strange for her?"

"...a little. Talking about her mother makes her feel uncomfortable, since she feels she's never measured up to her. Even just being around her mother always makes her so nervous, because she feels that's she's disappointed with her all the time. It's all because she's the oddball in her family."

"Huh? Oddball?"

"Well, she's a P.E. teacher within a family of corporate suits. Do you get what I mean?"

The message hit home pretty quickly. "...oh, yeah. I get it."

"That's the reason she's always been so shy and hesitant. She just feels inadequate, and it makes her feel very ashamed if someone, say, pokes fun at her intelligence or so." Eiko turned around, leaning back against the balcony railing as she looked into the apartment. "I'm sure that's why she hid her sexuality for so long. She doesn't want her family to find out, or, anyone, really, since she couldn't even handle a slightly negative reaction towards it."

Kagura shook her head with frustration, nothing but empathy for her sensei now filling her. "That's so not cool. That is so totally not cool! She's like the nicest person ever, and she's still caught up in all this...crap..."

Eiko chuckled, looking at her. "It's ok, calm down. You see, that's why I like you, Kagura. You actually care about my friend."

The kind words didn't cheer her up in the least bit.

"Don't worry about anything, though. I'll always be there to help her out, which..." Eiko shook her head as well. "...which is why I was disappointed that she never came to me about her sexuality before. This whole situation could have been avoided if she had. Now, though, we've got a big mess that needs to be untangled."

There was an inflection in Eiko's voice that aroused Kagura's curiosity. "...wait, did you know about it?"

"About what?"

"Uh, well, it just sounded like you might have known she was gay already. Maybe I didn't hear right..."

A twinkle decorated Eiko's eyes, and she grinned widely. "Well, look at you. Maybe you aren't just all muscle."

Kagura frowned. "Huh...?"

The woman studied her for another few seconds, and Kagura felt as if she were being seen through. "...let's just say that I'm not the sort of person to make a claim until I have all the numbers. So, for all intents and purposes, I didn't know."

It was an answer that made no sense to her, and she just simply sighed in response. "...um, ok. Well...in any case, you can still help her fix everything up, right? Like, do you think she and Yukari have a chance at working things out?"

"That's really up to them. The trick to all this is figuring out why Yukari is so mad. There's something Minamo isn't telling us."

"Oh, yeah. You were tellin' me about that. So...do you got a guess to what's up?"

Eiko thought to herself. "I had a hunch before, but on the drive back here, while we were talking, things...clicked, so to speak."

"...what's that mean?"

"It means that I'm quite positive as to what's going on, and now, I just need Minamo to confirm it."

She blinked. "...whoa, wait, you do? Then, what is it?"

"...unfortunately, it's not my place to say. It's something that Minamo will have to explain to you herself, Kagura. " She drank from her glass again, which was now empty. "Which she will do, if I'm correct about all this."

"...she's gonna' tell me? Why?"

"Because she's a genuinely good person at heart."

Kagura just stared at the woman, not at all enjoying, nor comprehending, her little riddles, and her brain quickly gave up on deciphering her words. "...yeah, ok, I know that much..."

Eiko chuckled.

"...so, anyway...what's the plan in the meantime, then? I mean, I'll help with whatever I can, too."

"Well..." Eiko placed her glass on the railing, and then began to count her fingers off. "The first thing to do is to get Minamo to my apartment. I don't want her staying here by herself. Second, I need to find a doctor that will do a home visit. I want her checked out, especially if she's been acting as crazy as you've told me."

Kagura scratched her head. "Wait...I thought you said she hated doctors, though?"

Eiko nodded. "She does, which is why I'll get one to come to her while I have her at my place. It won't be anything serious, though, just a simple mental health check." Another finger lifted. "Third, I'll need to find someone to watch her. I'm now thinking that I can get a nurse instead of a housekeeper. I know a few people I could ask. That would be better, don't you think?"

She heartily agreed.

"Fourth, I'll talk to Yukari on the weekend. I'll get her to talk to Minamo too, don't worry. We'll work all this out somehow. And finally, fifth..." She paused to consider something. "...we'll have to see if Minamo can successfully integrate back into her job."

"Oh, because she might be a little...crazy still? Especially around Yukari?"

"Well, there is that, but I'm referring to her career in itself. If it ends up that the staff somehow discovers her sexuality, then it's possible that she could lose her job."

Kagura's voice rose, growling. "That's so messed up!"

Eiko waved a hand to calm her down. "Easy, easy. She'll be fine. If worse comes to worse, then I'll get her a job at Toyota. At the very least, it's a lot better pay."

"...err...what would a P.E. teacher do there?"

"Well, she'd be one of our fitness trainers. We've got a large gym there for our employees. I actually tried to steal her away from you kids before, since I wanted to hire her."

"Whoa...wait, you did?"

"That's right. I thought she would be a perfect fit. She's an excellent athlete, knows sports medicine, and everyone she meets seems to love her." Eiko shrugged. "But, she turned me down. Can you guess why?"

Kagura pondered the question. "...no, why?"

"She said she loves her job and students too much, and would never want to leave them, even for a job that would double her salary."

"...really?"

"Really."

She let the woman's words sink in, and she gazed over the railing, her hands coming to clutch it tightly. "...you really gotta' help her. You really gotta' help her fix everything, m'am."

Eiko chuckled. "Just leave it to me, Kagura. Don't worry about a thing."

Kagura looked at her, giving her a smile, and noticed something different about the woman now. She seemed somehow warmer in her eyes, despite the earlier criticisms directed at her sensei. Maybe this Eiko woman was dangerous in some ways, but Kagura was starting to believe that her sensei would be totally fine under her care.

I don't know why Minamo was scared of her. Or, maybe I just got the wrong vibe before. Either way, Eiko seems legit, especially after everything she just told me...

"...besides, I really...don't enjoy letting someone like her down."

The tone was curious to Kagura, as it was the first time she had heard Eiko become even the slightest bit hesitant on what to say. "Yeah, I know! Someone like her is way too awesome to feel bad all the time, let alone have the person she loves hate her..." Actually, on that note. "Hey, by the way...um, I got another question for you."

"What's that?"

"Well, this is somethin' I wanted to ask Minamo since yesterday, but, I figured it'd be better to wait 'till she's a little happier. Anyway, why do you think Minamo even likes Yukari in the first place?"

Eiko tossed her an inquisitive glance. "...you mean, as in, romantically?"

"Yeah, that's what I mean. I've been wondering about it. It's interesting, right? I never knew what she wanted in a guy when I thought she was into them, and I sure as heck don't know what she'd want in a woman. Is it just 'cause Yukari looks really good?"

"You've never been in love before, have you?"

"...uh, not really."

The woman snickered. "I'm sure it has to do with more than her looks. We tend to be attracted to people who have some traits that we ourselves lack. Minamo's a very kind person, who's a bit on the duller side of things, so she probably really enjoys Yukari's sense of humor, and how she has no problems speaking what's on her mind. I don't mean to put myself on a pedestal, but I know from experience that Minamo enjoys the company of people who can offset her shyness."

"...I guess I can see her being the shy type. So, she just feels better around Yukari 'cause of that?"

"Well, I'm sure there's more to it than that. You'll just have to ask Minamo yourself."

"Yeah, I will. I guess I just figured you might know, 'cause, man, it's like you know her inside and out. Like, I know tons more about her now than I ever did before, after talking to you I mean."

"Do you feel bad about knowing all these private things about her now?"

...actually, yeah, that was on my mind, too. Damn, she did it again. "...yeah, I guess..."

"Well, it's better to know, considering the situation at hand, so that you understand why she's acting the way she does."

Kagura sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But, I do think it's kinda' cool how well you know her, too. I don't know any of my friends as well as you do Minamo. Is it just 'cause you guys have been friends for so long?"

"I suppose that has something to do with it. We have talked a lot, so, I've picked up some things about her thoughts that way. But really, she never gives too much away, since that's how she is." Eiko began to inspect her nails. "So, I just figured it all out myself."

She crooked her head. "Figured what out?"

"Everything we've talked about so far. What makes her tick."

"...'makes her tick'...?"

Eiko chuckled. "Like I was saying before, it's all about getting the numbers."

"Ok...?"

"You just need to fill in a few variables, and then, people begin to practically solve themselves for you." She grinned at her mischievously. "It's quite fun."

Kagura frowned. "...so you...uh..."

Eiko laughed, her young friend's confusion evident upon her face. "Don't think too much about it."

She sighed. "Can do."

Minamo was now sitting up on the bed as Kagura and Eiko stepped back into the apartment, the cool air inside making it feel like a freezer after spending some time in the summer heat. "Hey! Minamo!"

Her sensei turned to her, appearing quite groggy "...huh?"

"Good, you're finally up." Eiko stood next to the bed, placing a hand on her friend's forehead. "Did you sleep well?"

Minamo didn't appear to understand anything that was going on around her. "I...think so?"

Kagura was by her now as well, examining her sensei. She shot Eiko a whisper. "Err...is she still drunk?"

In response, Eiko flicked her friend's forehead.

A few seconds later. "...ow..."

"What do you think, doctor?"

It took Kagura a moment to realize that Eiko was speaking to her. "Oh...oh! Uh...yes, she still is...?"

Eiko chuckled. "Yes, she is. She's so terrible with alcohol." She patted Minamo's head. "I've shared drinks with all sorts of people, Kagura, and she is by far the worst at tolerating them. It's been a few hours, and she's still buzzed."

Kagura had to laugh, especially since Minamo still seemed to have no clue as to what they were talking about. "Man, I totally believe it. I've seen her drunk once before. It was really, really bad."

"In comparison, you seemed to shake it off pretty quickly. That's a win for you." The woman gave her a thumbs up.

She laughed again, the atmosphere around her feeling so much lighter than before.

"Can you get her some water, Kagura?"

No time was wasted in following the order, Kagura quickly zipping in and out of the kitchen, a filled cup now in hand. She then gave it to Eiko, who in turn helped Minamo gulp it all down.

"Alright, let's get you washed up. You'll feel more awake."

Minamo looked to be somewhat coherent now, and upon realizing that Eiko was beside her, instantly became meek in stature. "...yeah, ok, Eiko. Thanks..."

Kagura watched the pair move into the bathroom, Eiko supporting her friend all the way. She was then surprised to see the woman turn on the sink's tap and wash Minamo's face herself.

...dude, she really is like her mom, or something.

A gear clicked then, Kagura gasping with her epiphany.

...wait...'like her mom'...? Wasn't Eiko saying that...?

Both women soon came back into the living room, Eiko having Minamo sit down on the couch. She remained standing, hands on her hips. "Are you feeling better, Minamo?"

Her sensei did appear to be a little out of it, but overall, the few hours of genuine sleep she got had seemed to have helped her out immensely, Minamo looking far more alert now. "Yeah, I'm better..." She rubbed an eye, pausing with some hesitation. "...th-thanks, Eiko..."

Yep, there it is again.

Kagura scratched her head, observing the two older women converse as Eiko filled her friend in on her plans for her.

It's just like before. She's all nervous again, now that she's with Eiko.

"...so, that's where we're at, Minamo. You're going to stay with me until things get settled. Got it?"

Minamo frowned. "...but..."

Eiko shook her head, taking out her cellphone as she did, and glanced at the screen. "You're not going to stay here by yourself. You're not well enough in the head to do that."

Minamo kept silent, just nodding.

"...but before that, I have to take care of something at work. I'll be back around six to pick you up. Pack whatever you need, and be ready to go by then. I'll get you anything else that you might need. Ok?"

The woman sighed.

"Do you understand what I want you to do, Minamo?"

Eventually, Minamo nodded. "...yes, I do."

Eiko turned her attention to Kagura. "Kagura, what's your phone number?"

The question caught her off guard, and she reflexively spit the requested information out. In a few seconds, her phone began to ring in her pocket, and she took it out to mute it.

"Can I ask you to take care of Minamo until I get back?"

"Oh! Sure! I can stay for a few more hours."

"Excellent. Call me if you need anything at all." The woman put her phone away, and then extended a hand. "Thanks for everything you've done for her, Kagura. It was such a pleasure to meet you."

She clumsily accepted the handshake, a little abashed at the comment. "Y-you too!"

...man, her skin is freakin' perfect, too.

"And like I said before, I'll show you my place sometime. You'll love it, I'm sure."

"Yeah...yeah! Sure!"

The elegant woman crafted one last sultry smile for her, and then made her way to the living room table. She picked up her purse, placed her shoes on in the entryway, and then locked the door behind her as she left the apartment.

And then, it was just Kagura and her sensei once more.

She turned towards her, sitting down next to her on the couch, the woman appearing gloomy. "...um, you wanna' eat anything? There are some leftovers in the fridge, still."

Minamo shook her head, the movements barely noticeable.

Kagura sighed. "What's wrong? Still tired?"

Her sensei remained quiet, her eyes fixated upon the carpet. It appeared as if she were thinking something over, ignoring her pupil beside.

"...so, do you want me to help you pack now, or, um, what do you wanna' do-"

With a sudden burst of energy, Minamo got up off the couch and headed towards a closet. Kaguara didn't utter a word all the while, taken aback by the woman's rapid motions, and just simply watched her sensei rummage through a clothes drawer.

...what the hell is she doing?

Before Kagura knew it, Minamo was standing in front of her, a completely distraught expression on her face. "...I want...to show you something." There was a book in her hands, clutched to her chest, which she then presented to her old student. "I...think...I know Eiko knows already. She always...knows everything..."

Kagura took the book with hesitation, completely lost as to what was now going on. "Err, what? Knows wh-"

"And I want to tell you all this myself, before...before you find out from others. I don't want to lie anymore...I've already her hurt enough...'

The woman's lips were shivering, her face growing white as she appeared to be heading into another breakdown. Before Kagura addressed that situation, though, she glanced down at the item in her hand, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in the title.

...whoa!

Her jaw wide open, she looked up to her sensei with excitement, an old treasure now in her hands. "...dude, is this your yearbook?"