Reaching for the Stars

Part II, Chapter 8

Prologue

Yuusaku Kitamura's parents sat before Satoshi Tainaka at the dining room of the Kitamura household with serious looks on their faces. Yuusaku was there too, sitting at the other end of the table and watching the whole scene unfold. The parents kept talking hours after the last of the dishes had been set aside, getting to know him, hearing his stories, but most importantly, wondering if he really wanted to stay in Ohashi.

"I've made up my mind, Mr. and Mrs. Kitamura." The young man who had run away from home nearly two weeks ago said determinedly, "I chose this path, and I'm not going to back down."

Such firm words made the parents a little worried. It wasn't because they didn't want to help the runaway youth, nor was it because they lacked sympathy for him - in fact, they wanted to help him as much as they could. The problem was that they would be housing an illegal tenant in a non-renting household, and they would be risking a brush with the law. Twice. The young man however expected this and already had a solution in mind.

"I won't stay for long though." Satoshi continued, "As soon as I find work, I'm going to register as a resident of Ohashi, find a nice cheap apartment and I'll move out, plain and simple. I want to be self-sufficient, you see. I would appreciate your help, but I don't want to be too much of a burden."

"Resident registration shouldn't be too hard, but what about school? You're entering first year high school right?" Mr. Kitamura asked

"Yes sir. In April." Satoshi replied, "I'm going to Ohashi High... it's a public school, right Yuusaku?"

"Yeah." Yuusaku said with a nod, "That means you won't have to pay tuition or anything."

"Is that so..." Mr. Kitamura said in thought, scratching his face as he thought about the young man's proposal, "Well then, I guess we're fine with that. Welcome to our house Satoshi-kun."

Satoshi then stood up from his chair and gave the family the deepest bow he could muster,

"Thank you very much! I'll be in your care."

The Next Day

"Congratulations Satoshi-kun!" Minori said energetically as she, Yuusaku and I were at the Johnny's family restaurant (the only one of it's kind, and the only restaurant I knew in the quaint town) yet again. She then turned over to Yuusaku with a smile. "Kitamura-kun, it was nice of you to let Satoshi-kun stay with you."

"Well, technically, it was my parents who let him stay." Yuusaku chuckled, "But if i were in their shoes, I would've done the same."

"Thanks guys," I smiled, "I appreciate your support."

"No problem," Minori said cheerfully, "oh, my order is here."

Just then, one of the waitresses came with a tray topped with three extra-large parfaits and a troika of spoons. She then served the parfaits before us and bowed before leaving, Minori observing each and every action she made. Once she was gone, Minori rubbed her chin as if she had just learned something.

She then cheerfully dug into the parfait she ordered with a spoon and asked, "So tell me something Satoshi-kun, you mentioned something about wanting to be self-sufficient right?"

"And about finding a job too, yeah." I added. I knew all too well that I wouldn't have a chance of being self-sufficient without a proper job.

"Right," Minori grinned happily, "well let me tell you, friend, that you are about to embark on a journey to success and happiness!"

Eh? Success and happiness? Over the past few days, I had already gotten used to Minori Kusheida's over-the-top energy, boundless cheerfulness and slight eccentricities but her excitement here took the cake.

"Satoshi-kun," Minori asked passionately, "have you ever heard about the 'Mysterious Files of Labor?"

"Mysterious Files of Labor..." I repeated, trying to think, "nah... I don't know what that is."

"You don't know what that the Files are, Satoshi?" Yuusaku asked, "It's quite famous in these parts... though, you haven't been here long come to think of it."

"Uhm... so what is this file thing anyways?" I asked

"Files," Minori corrected meticulously with a raised pointer finger, noting even the slightest mistake (sheesh...) "Anyways, the Files are a sort of uhm... doctrine, so to speak."

"The Files are more or less a lifestyle," Yuusaku added with zeal, "a way to live life."

"Okay..." I said, noting the buildup of emotion. Seeing the doubting look on my face, the two of them laughed and continued.

"The Mysterious Files of Labor pertains to work or labor that revitalizes you." Yuusaku then explained, "Think of it as a 'Labor of Love' of sorts - doing something you like that uplifts your soul while you do it."

"In short." Minori said conclusively, "It is the creation of your own happiness through the work of your own two hands! Isn't that cool?"

"Happiness made by my own two hands..." I said reminiscently, remembering the drumsticks Francis had given me before he left for Canada, "Taking hold of your life to achieve happiness."

"Ah, you're getting the gist of it now." Yuusaku said with a smile, "It's a simple concept, but the meaning is inherently deep. That's the beauty of it!"

"DEEEEEEEEP~! *glug glug glug glug*" Minori added, waving her arms about and acting as if she were drowning. She's really into this, huh?

"So, the two of you are taking jobs right now?" I asked. Yuusaku shook his head apologetically, saying that he was too busy with other activities. Minori however grinned, even giving me an enthusiastic thumbs up. "You have a job Kusheida-san?"

"Yup." She smiled, "Guess where."

"Erm... I don't really know most of the places around here."

"Ah, right." She said sticking out her tongue, "Right here in Johnny's restaurant! I got accepted last week!"

"What?" I gasped, nearly dropping my spoon

"Oh really? That's great." Yuusaku congratulated calmly. Minori then handed me a menu and whispered,

"Notice how that particular parfait I ordered for you boys isn't on the menu."

She inched closer to our ears and said proudly

"It's the Minori special! Extra fruits, extra ice cream, extra syrup! Moruse... chou mourse*!"

"You get your own special dessert?" I asked amazed, "Awesome!"

"Isn't it?" She grinned, "It's a nice perk, but what I really like about it here is the chance to meet new people and to share stories and whatnot. The other employees are really helpful and nice too. That's where the Files concept trickles in."

"I see, I see." I said in thought, finally grasping what the Files were about. "Hey, Kusheida-san... if it isn't too much trouble, would you mind helping me get a job too?"

"Ah, we have a believer!" Minori cheered, high-fiving Yuusaku and I, "I'd be more than happy to help out a new friend! Or should I say 'comrade-in-labor'."

"That's a good plan Satoshi-kun." Yuusaku added, "Our third term in Middle School starts tomorrow. A job or two would keep you busy while we're still in school."

"That's what I thought too." I smiled confidently, "So when do we talk business, Kusheida-san?"

"Meet me after school tomorrow comrade Tanaka." Minori said, already using the title she had just made up moments ago, "I had an job interview scheduled tomorrow at the Super Kanoya supermarket."

"Alright then." I said standing up to shake her hand, "It's a deal comrade Kusheida."

She shook my hand firmly, nodding her head in utter agreement.

"I wish you two luck." Yuusaku said, raising his parfait glass, "Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The Day After That

"Hmm... is this the right place?" I asked myself as I reached the entrance of a school similar to my old one. Taking out a map of Ohashi that Yuusaku had drafted for me a few days ago, I traced back my path from the Kitamura household until I reached a spot labeled 'Kusheida no gakou' - Minori's school. This was the right place. Taking my bike to the bike park, I ran into Minori who was with a group of other people coming from their school's field, some of which were still wearing softball gear - the varsity team perhaps.

"Ah, Satoshi-kun!" she said as soon as she noticed me there, "Sorry guys, I'll go on ahead."

"See you later captain!" Replied her companions as they carried on back to the school building

"Kusheida-san," I said noting her dirty clothes, probably from playing softball again "Did I come at a bad time?"

"Oh, right!" She said in shock, "I have to go change!"

She's a bit of a klutz huh...

"Go ahead, I'll wait out here."

"Alright then, thanks." She smiled as she ran back inside to change. It reminded me of the time when Yui-senpai forgot to change out of her concert clothes after a performance when they went to our house way back then. She didn't realize that she was still wearing the frilly shirt and blouse under her winter jacket. Her first reaction too was that her little sister Ui would be mad at her for not changing immediately after the show. Still brings a smile to my face till now. A few minutes later, Minori returned in a fresh change of clothes and was ready to go.

"By the way," she said mischievously, "I snagged this from the guidance counselor's office on my way out."

She then handed me a set of papers happily and said,

"Ta-dah! I got you some application forms for Ohashi High!"

"Oh, nice." I said, skimming through the papers, "You even got me a scholarship form."

"Yup!" Minori said, "I only saw it recently, but Ohashi High gives out scholarships to working students! 50,000 kinsu a a semester, meaning 150,000 kinsu a year! It's like an extra paycheck!"

"Really?" I gasped, "Whoa... That's awesome!"

"It's the least I could do for a comrade-in-labor!" She grinned

With that much money, I'd be able to get a drumset with everything on it and still have some money to spare! Though... I should probably think about finding that apartment I can pay for before getting a drum set. I wouldn't want to be drumming on the streets after all.

"So, let's go Satoshi-kun. We still have an interview to catch."

"Right. Want a ride?"

"Sure, why not. We'll get there faster."

The two of us then got my bike and headed out for Super Kanoya. We got there a few minutes early and met with the elderly manager for the interview. Apparently, Minori had gotten the interview slot after being recommended by her employers to the supermarket owner who said that her work ethic was exceptional and consistently so. Using that recommendation, she asked the manager if they had a job opening for me too. The manager kindly said that they did, since most of the holiday-only workers, which made up most of the staff, needed to be replaced. Since I was willing to go full-time, he was willing to give me a shot. We were hired on probation so that he could see what we were capable, then were immediately put to work.

"Whoa... Kusheida-san, that was amazing!" I said as she and I put on the supermarket's uniform apron, remembering everything the manager said about her during the interview "You work at Johnny's until midnight?"

"Yeah, but that's because they were terribly understaffed." Minori said finishing up, "Now that the holidays are over, the more regular waitresses are back on the job, so I'll probably work less hours. I might even get the weekends and Wednesday-Thursday off if I wanted."

"Still, that's crazy." I said, "You're doing that, starting school again and now you're getting a job at the supermarket. Won't you get worn out?"

"It's the Files, Satoshi-kun." She reminded in a gruff voice, mimicking that of a detective, "I'm happy when I work, so I like to work. Tell you the truth, I get more tired when I'm not doing anything at all."

"Workaholic then..."

"More or less, but the pay's good." She grinned, "Anyways, time to roll up your sleeves my friend. We have a whole day of work ahead of us."

"Alright." I said, "Let's do this."

Bursting out of the changing room with confidence, the two of us presented ourselves to the store manager posthaste. For the next two hours, every order the old man gave us, we did with smiles on our faces and wings on our feet. Having everything he wanted done with such zeal, the manager was happy and the other employees were impressed (or maybe even jealous to some degree). Break time came soon enough, and much appreciation came to greet us at the break room.

"You two work well together." The manager said, "I was a little skeptical about the news about you Kusheida-san, but I saw it for myself and wow... that's all I can say. Your friend too... uh... what was your name again young man?"

"Satoshi Tanaka." I reminded

"Ah, Tanaka-san, yes of course." The manager continued, "I never heard about you before, but you're a pretty good worker yourself!"

"Y... yeah." I said hesitantly, "Thanks for that sir."

"So Kusheida-san, Tanaka-san, what schedules would you two have in mind?" He asked cheerfully

"Weekdays, 4 to 8 PM." Minori said thoughtfully, "Then... Saturday 10AM to 4PM."

"Sounds good, sounds good." The manager said, writing Minori's hours on the payroll sheet, "And what about you young man?"

"Well... uh, I never really thought about hours before." I fidgeted a bit, "What about... 10AM to 4PM Monday to Saturday until April."

"Working at 10AM on weekdays?" The manager asked, unable to believe what he had just heard, "Don't you have school?"

Looking at each other, Minori and I then dutifully told the elderly manager about my situation; the modified version of course. The manager listened to the story intently, nodding as we told him detail after detail and he then added me onto the payroll as well. Congratulating us one more time, he left the break room leaving me and Minori alone.

"And we have achieved an overwhelming victory comrade Tanaka!" She said in an enthusiastic voice, "You finally got your first job! You were pretty good too, are you a natural supermarket worker?"

"I just gave it my all." I said laughing dryly, not wanting to tell her that I've already done that kind of work in a convenience store before.

"Ah, there is potential in this one." Minori said, now acting like a sage, "Well let me tell you that you have taken your first step in your journey and you have taken it with HONOR! Kanpai*!"

"Ous~ Thanks for that." I said, raising a fist in acknowledgement. The two of us then made some instant noodles for ourselves then headed on home. Hopping onto my bike, I gave Minori a ride to Johnny's restaurant so that she could catch her shift. I dropped her off then was about to head out when she stopped me for a while.

"You know Satoshi-kun, with that kind of attitude, you'll be able to reach your goals someday... whatever your goal is."

"What was that?" I asked, not hearing everything she said

"N... nothing really." She said scratching her head, "Just saying goodbye."

"Right." I said with a nod, "Bye Kusheida-san. See ya later."

Getting back on my bike, I rode off as Minori waved goodbye.

To Be Continued

Epilogue

"Hey girls." A mature, good-looking lady said as she entered the band room of Sakura-gakou, "I heard about what happened to Tainaka-san's brother and... what are you girls doing?"

Contrary to the gloomy air she had expected coming in, she saw the five girls sitting around their table with numerous papers and even a map of Japan spread out there. A sole marker was pinned onto Osaka and the girls were deciding on where to put the rest.

"Ah, Sawa-chan is here!" Yui said, dropping the pins on the table as she rose to greet the lady, "Oops, ahehehe."

"What's going on?" The lady, Sawako Yamanaka asked again, "I haven't seen you guys this productively busy since... never."

"We're planning our tour." Ritsu then explained, picking up the pins Yui dropped carefully, "I'm sure you read the papers already. Satoshi-kun isn't dead, so we're going out to look for him."

"So I heard." Sawako said with a smile, "The let me join in on the planning then, I'm your instructor after all."

She then pulled up a chair and sat with them at the table. Under the folds of her jacket though, she held on to a sheet of paper a little remorsefully.

"I'm their instructor..." she thought to herself, "for a little while longer, at least..."

"Moruse... chou, moruse!" - one of Minori Kusheida's many, many memorable quotes. Literally means 'More... MUCH MORE!'

Kanpai - a sort of cheer for celebration

Author's Notes: This chapter was supposed to be a bigger chapter, 6000+ words or so. Rather than stuff it all together in a big package, I cut it up into two parts. More parts means more space to develop the story - crossovers are tough work since they're two established franchises already. There's a lot of things I have in store for this story so bear with me for the long update times! Thanks for following!