I'm very sorry I updated this chapter late. I'm in a constant battle between procrastination.
Moving on, this is the first part of Chapter 3 - Lunch
Enjoy.
I froze in the hallway, staring at the numbered doorplate. For a moment, I felt uncertain that this was the place he was telling me to go to, perhaps an hour before. His instructions are quite confusing to follow. Looking down at my watch, I realized that too much time had passed.
I breathed in deeply, once, and exhaled. Then took three steps and knocked two times, gently with pressure. The door opened, showing a figure of the person Ive been looking for.
"Good morning Saitama...san..." I gaped at the sight. With his appearance looking horrible, I reluctantly asked, "Saitama-san are you okay? You don't seem well..."
It was an awkward meeting. We stood there, uncomfortably studying one another. The man, presumably in his twenties is dressed in pajamas. The jet black hair, brown eyes and the clean angles of his thin face seemed a little different from the image I had seen yesterday. He looked less lively, and unruly. His lips are parched.
"Ahaha..ha...ha" He just laughed it out, although it's pretty clear to me that he's not well. From the looks of it, he might be having a sleep deprivation, though I did not intend to bring it up. Instead, I decided to say nothing.
"Ah- Yeah, yeah. I'm fine." He waved his hands slowly to dismiss my concern. It took a while for him to process my question. "Huh?"
"You called me an hour ago and asked me to come over here and pick up the survey I had given to you yesterday."
"Oh. Uhhh...What's your name again?"
"Genos."
Mouth slightly ajar, a sudden realization hit him. He replied, "Ahhh...I kind of forgot where I put that the form. Would you like to stay inside until I managed to find it?" He scratched his head in embarrassment.
I nodded. "Yes." Stepping inside the apartment and shut the door behind me.
I turned to face the room.
My eyes sought out the details.
Everything's out of order although its not the first time I examined a disheveled place with a kind of wonder. Drawn blinds. The plate with some tamago and rice leftovers with a broken chopstick beside it. The dusty television. The undone futon. The drinking glasses. The different books of different sorts lying around; manga titles, novels, newspapers and some encyclopedias.
You must be reading a lot, Saitama-san. Thats amazing. I remarked.
"…Thanks." He handed me a cup of tea and a saucer, gesturing towards the table. Please sit down. His tone was neutral, as if he were speculating about my comment.
"Of course." I did what I was told.
Patiently waiting, I looked around to find something that can entertain me a little while he's busy looking for it. As I roll my eyes around, a certain book on the table caught my interest. It's like the light emanating from the window directs me to notice it. The cover page shows some odd, cryptic, colorful doodles of different irregular shapes. The title is 'Humanity's Last Stand' by Mary Sanders. Before I reach it with my own hand, I asked Saitama-san's permission first.
"Uhm. Would you mind if I read this, Saitama-san?"
"Just Saitama. And nah, go ahead."
"Thank you...Saitama." It was awkward for me calling him by his name without the honorific. I was taught to use it even when I was a little child.
"Just tell me if you need something."
"Yes."
.
On the first margin was a note with completely illegible, except for the last phrase which said, 'all things risen from the soil will eventually return where it originally came from' I tilted my head in confusion mixed with curiosity and began flipping through the pages. My eyebrows furrowed as I saw scratchy images of brain, eyes, people and some animals. I cannot comprehend what's written on each pages. It appears to be deeply philosophical yet dark and psychological at the same time.
"I...don't get it."
I shook my head and continued reading. On page 367, I saw a drawing of a person surrounded by bloodied carcasses. Below it was a tiny note I could barely read. It says, 'Are you unhappy? You're a hero.'
"Is this book for psychopaths?" I wondered. My eyes were momentarily caught by some drawings of running people, a burning city and an insane contraption. Then I saw some more phrases which says 'all things run in full circle', 'broken pathway', 'love of this world' and on the top of page 582 in bold letters, 'Die'.
On page 656 was a dying calf that looks like it's being blinded by light. No phrases or words written along the picture.
On page 749, there were repetitive angry-looking scribbles that slowly fades word by word. I strained my eyes and leaned my head forward to discern the small print. It says 'Dawn'. Underneath was a phrase, 'you'll be fine'. The next page has a clear artwork of a sheperd and his sheep aeparated from each other.
Because I can't decipher the message behind this, I frowned in annoyance. Reading this novel somehow makes me shudder a little but also kind of engrossed into it. I closed the book and took a sip of my tea.
There has to be a sense behind the written and drawn things from this book. From my viewpoint, it relates to an apocalyptic day where everything and everyone is dying, though I felt I was closer to something else; something that would make a concrete sense to me. I opened the book again and flipped through the middle page and found myself at page 965. This portion is distinguishable among the other ones I have read earlier. There's an elegantly penned verse that reads, 'A formidable soul shall never burn out. It kills the fire. It soars higher. The soul encircles the world. At the skies, it feels the stimulation.' If I still have bodily hair, I would feel it on my forearm standing as I whispered weakly, 'That's what the gods said.'
I slammed the book shut out of frustration. I looked for the copyright date on the first page but it seems that it has been torn out by someone. It has no importance anyway so I disregarded it, putting it on the table where it's originally placed.
"Ah! There you are."
I turned around to see Saitama giving me the survey. I happily took it and started reviewing the contents. Based from his answers, I can say that he's an odd person. His thinking is far from anyone else I've met. Not even my parents.
"What's wrong with you earlier?" He asked.
"I found the book confusing. I didn't understand anything on it at all."
"Ah. Yeah, it was confusing, but once you get a hold on it, I think it will be easy for you to decode the underlying messages."
"That's the point. I'm bad at decoding messages. By the way, why is the publication date removed?"
"Some old lady just gave it to me, so I don't know."
"Ahh."
"Anyways, when you saw the form, what are you smiling about?"
I shrugged. "Nothing. I just find your answers admirable."
"Eh, really?"
"Yes."
He squinted his eyes disbelievingly. "Why did you say so? Don't tell me you already have your response?"
"A- No. I'm not done yet. I can email it to you later if you really want it."
"I have no email. I can't even afford my own laptop or an internet connection." He said dryly.
"...I see...How about we eat lunch together outside? I mean, I can't give you my response immediately so...You don't have to worry about the expense. My treat."
His eyes brightened in surprise, "Are you sure?"
"Why not?"
A big 'o' formed on his mouth and let out a short sound of delight. He trotted past me to open the door with a smile on his face.. An excitement is visible in his reddish eyes. "What are you waiting for Genos, let's go!"
"Yes!" I quickly stood up, packed my things and walked towards him. "But." I stopped in my tracks upon remembering that he's still wearing his pajamas. "You're still wearing that though." I pointed my finger towards his clothing.
"Oh." He looked like a light bulb just shone in his head.
"There you are, Saitama-san." I yawned as I watch him lock the door of his apartment. Apparently, he's wearing a casual blue hoodie jacket.
"You're still calling me that? What happened to just calling me by name withou-"
"But it feels right when I call your name with an honorific." I insisted and moved closer to him. "Come, follow me. I'll show you the way." I said, lifting a finger telling him to follow. I turned around and walked away, a moderately fast walking pace as he stood there for a while. After a certain distance, he followed after me.
"Where is that restaurant located? Is it any far?" He asked.
"A little. But not that far, I suppose."
The streets are busy. Cars are beeping their horns at each other because of the heavy traffic while people are hurriedly walking beside the the road. It's rush hour.
We were quietly walking along with the rest when he asked something all of a sudden.
"Genos, how old are you?"
"Fourteen. Why?"
"I'm curious."
"How about you, Saitama-san?"
"Could you just-"
"Hush." I said simply. "I'm just asking your age. Nothing else."
"Then I will not say it unless you call me by my name alone." He implied the word alone, teasing me.
I sighed in defeat. "Fine. How old are you Saitama?"
"Good." He puffs his chest out proudly as a sign of victory. "I'm twenty years old now."
I frowned, shaking my head. "I never thought you're this stubborn."
"I was about to say the same thing to you." He retorted back.
I laughed heartily.
"Woah, woah. This is a fine-dining restaurant Genos. Are you sure you want to eat here?" Saitama's sleepiness disappeared the moment he looked around in awe, gaping up at the painted ceilings and chandeliers.
"It's fine. I gave my word about treating you for lunch. Considering that you helped me with my assignment, please accept this as my token of gratitude."
"Okay if you say so..."
A low chuckle made its way through my lips as I witness him acting like a little puppy who just got a new treat. All the extravagant stuff around him is normal for a kid like me. I'd never really thought twice when I chose this place, since I'm an heir to my parent's riches. The smile on my lips quickly faded, however, when we were greeted by the waiters. They are all wearing a classy suit and tie as they bow down. All of them have their hairs slicked back, making their clean faces stand out. One of them, a female approached us.
"Table for two." I told the woman who nodded and lead us to a table before excusing herself.
After we sat down on our seats, I realized that Saitama has his eyes still roaming around the place in wonderment.
"How do you like the pla-" I coughed and nodded to the waitress that made her way over. She handed us two menu book for both of us. Distracted, he sighed and peeked over the menu.
"Are you two ready to order?" She asked.
"I'll have the usual. Slow-cooked Beef Ribs."
"Okay. Would you like anything to drink?" She asked quickly.
"Mango shake please. How about you Saitama?"
The older man quietly asked me almost in a form of whisper with a pressured expression plastered on his face. "Are you in a hurry?"
"No. Have you decided?"
"I dunno..." He muttered in a low tone.
I let another chuckle."Take your time. We're not in a hurry." I suggested calmly.
I've got to admit that I find Saitama interesting even if this is only the second time I met him. He's neither that cold nor very nice and he's very honest. Also, his innocence towards the lavish things around him is entertaining to watch. I find it peculiarly cute...and handsome, unknowingly letting out an amused hum.
"Ah! This one."
I jumped hearing his voice and almost fell out of my chair. He pointed his finger on the dish, showing a picture of Steamed Lobster with Garlic Butter. He swiftly turned his eyes to me when he saw I'm suddenly struggling.
He blinked twice. "Oi Genos are you okay?"
"Wai-...w-wha-Huh?" I snapped back into the reality, dumbfounded and petrified. I felt like my heart had stopped beating at the moment.
Why did I even think of that?!
"I said, are you okay?" He repeated his question, asking me in an anxious manner.
Not wanting to look at him, I shifted my gaze towards the passing waiters who are balancing the dishes on the tray with their hands. I tried to regain my composure and cleared my throat, in attempt to hide my embarrassment. "Yes. Drinks? Wine? Champagne? Juice?" I immediately changed the topic. Heat creeped out on my skin.
He stared at me for a while. "Meh. I'll just have water." He nonchalantly said, closing the menu book as he slightly tossed it on the table.
Thank goodness.
"O-okay, your orders should be around soon. Thank you." She said before walking away, obviously baffled with what had happened.
Seriously, I had no idea how it surfaced in my mind.
I just gave him a compliment, right?
Leave a comment if you have any suggestions. I don't really bite. :D