Lesson 2: Deciding to Go to the Beach
Tom is settling in. Jiro's parents are out often, as well as his little sister. The oldest sibling is away at college.
Sitting awkwardly on a low couch that tips if he leans too far forward, he twiddles his thumbs. Jiro sits a few inches to his side, tapping his foot. The house is empty.
The television is off.
It is very, very quiet.
And then Jiro turns to him with a considering expression, and Tom could just about kiss him when he breaks the silence with a question."アカウさん、きょう ひまですか？"(1)
It takes him a moment to respond. Do I have free time? Shouldn't you know the answer to that better than me? But all the same, he replies, "ええ、ひまです。"(2)
Jiro beams. "じゃあ、うみへ 行きませんか？"(3)
"…いいですね。行きましょう。"(4)
Translations
(1) Mr. Akau, are you free today?
(2) Yes, I am free.
(3) Well, why don't we go to the beach?
(4) That sounds good. Let's go.
A/N: They get chattier as you get further into the book =/