Comfort in Strangers
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"There are stranger things in life other than strangers." Set in a universe where they met during one summer. Written in Naegi's POV.
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We instinctively fear the unknown.
And for good reasons. There's just so much uncertainty in them and it's kind of hard to take risks when you know that in the worst case scenario, it'll cost us our lives. We fear that we'll somehow end up dead and what's more is that we fear the manner of our death. But it doesn't just end there. What comes after is just more of the unknown. What's the afterlife like? Was there a correct religion for that or are all religions right in their own way? Is there even an afterlife to begin with?
The unknown can be intimidating.
That's why to survive, we've been taught to not only fear it but to stay away from it. A classic lesson from the parents is to never talk to strangers. It's actually common sense. But a "stranger" is just too general and I would argue with anyone about its definition. Because to some, this girl sitting outside my neighbor's door would be considered a stranger. I guess, in some ways they're right. Even so, there's still something I can proudly say.
I never did learn.
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
Summer is the season of many things.
For some it's the time to go to places around the world or for others it's to visit relatives. Whether you flunked your current subjects or just aiming high on an entrance test, you'll probably be attending cram school. There are those who'd use the break to work odd jobs and earn money while there are others who'd just laze around at home all break.
I wish I was in the last category.
Working can take a lot out of you but working in the heat is just plain torture. Luckily for me, I'm quite happy with my job so it's worth all the trouble. But luck's never on my side though. I messed up today and it's only my first day on the job! It was just sorting work that I screwed so thankfully, this time there weren't any mistakes that would've warranted a cut in my pay. It did cost me to work overtime and time did fly by. It's late when I already head back home to the apartment.
That's when I saw her.
There was this girl sitting outside our neighbor's door. She was around my age, I think, but I could never be too sure. Hair of the lightest shade of purple and skin which I couldn't tell if it was either pale or too fair. Hugging her legs, a distant gaze, and the aura that she gave off, she felt so far away. It was like she blended in the background without even trying. You'd notice her but that's just it.
She was just there.
I didn't realize that I actually stopped in my tracks and just stared at her. I think I was staring far too long since eventually, she noticed my presence. Our eyes met. I panicked. Quickly, I murmured an apology and swiftly went straight on my way without looking back. Behind the safety of our door, I let out my breath that I didn't know I was holding.
That was enough excitement for one night.
Make that one week or even for the whole summer. With that crisis averted, I should prepare dinner now. But the fridge apparently had other plans. It was empty. I mentally hit myself. I completely forgot about that. Groaning, I braced myself before going out to hopefully still catch the supermarket before it closed. I passed by her again on the way.
An hour and two bags later, I saw her the third time and she still sat there.
For a moment, I actually wondered whether she was alive or was just a really convincing statue left outside. But that must be the fatigue and hunger talking. Just like what I've been doing for a while now, I ignored her as I went inside and began unpacking. Occasionally, my thoughts would curiously find her. It's pretty late so I wondered if she already ate. She must be just as hungry as I am. Without thinking, I prepared too much food. Well, to be fair, it was enough if it was for two. It was obvious that something or rather someone was weighing heavy on my conscience.
I had to make the fourth time happen.
"Um… Hi." I started awkwardly. Inside, I was praying she was nice enough not to point out that I was really nervous. Wait, maybe she was thinking I was suspicious. I hope she didn't get the wrong idea. "Here, I didn't know what you liked but juice seemed like a safe choice. If you're okay with it, I could fix you some proper tea or whatever you want back at my place." I offered a bottle of orange juice. Juice? Really? How old am I? Bottled water was the safest option!
I didn't realize just how much pressure her gaze would hold. I felt as if she was scrutinizing every fiber of my being.
"D-d-don't get the w-wrong idea! I promise I don't h-have any ulterior motives!" I composed myself after all that stuttering. I tried to be as sincere as possible. "It's just that you've been here for a while so I thought… you know… it must be hard. Because if it were me, I'd be thirsty and hungry and… I'm sorry, this may all seem strange but trust me, I just want to help... that is if you're okay with that."
I closed my eyes and hoped for the best.
My mind was racing. Maybe she thought I was a con-man who'd swindle money out of her once I get the blackmail material. Maybe she thought I was some kind of assaulter who'd jump on her the second the opportunity arises. Maybe she thought I was a murderer who'd strike when we're finally alone. She had every right to think of these things, after all, who am I but a stranger?
Her reply came out as unreadable as her face. "…Okay."
That was unexpected. It's great but I really did not expect that. I didn't know which was stranger: my invite or her acceptance?
There are stranger things in life other than strangers.
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
You don't invite strangers into your home.
It's really late right now and I'm alone with a girl in my own home. Just when I finally brought home a girl that's not my friend, she's not someone I know either. Thank goodness no one is here to question my life choices for me.
Surprisingly, she was the one who broke the silence. "Coffee."
"What?" I almost dropped the bowl I was holding at the sound of her voice.
"Rather than tea, I'd prefer if you had coffee if it's not too much of a bother." She was helping me set the table.
"It's alright, I invited you in after all so I have to take care of my guest." I checked the cupboards. "We have instant coffee, is that okay?"
Her lips had the smallest twitch that I wasn't sure if it was upward in glee or downward in disappointment. "Yes, that will do."
It was the most silence ever held inside the Naegi household.
The dinner was especially quiet. Too quiet. I wasn't too sure how long I'd last in it. So I tried to make small talk.
"I don't think I've seen your face around. I'm guessing you came with the summer."
"You could say that."
"Staying for good or just this vacation?"
"The latter. If possible, I'd like it to be shorter."
Just as soon as I started it, she quickly ended it.
Another short conversation.
I wracked my brain for whatever else to talk about. "Are you related with Mr. Kirigiri?" At least, if I remember correctly, he's the occupant of that apartment she was sitting outside at.
The response was not immediate. It was as if she was carefully picking out the words. "In a way, yes. We're… distantly related."
I guess that's the most conversation we'll be having. Which by the way, I completely overlooked the introductions. What was I thinking? No wonder she wouldn't talk to me, we barely even knew each other's names!
Halfway through the meal, I spoke. "By the way, I'm Makoto Naegi. And you are?"
She answered without complaining how rude of me to introduce myself this late into the conversation. "Kyoko."
"That's pretty unusual for a surname."
"It's actually my first."
I caught the chopsticks that I dropped. "Are you s-sure? I mean, we only just met."
In a calm tone, she spoke. Or was it neutral? "Yes, you can call me Kyoko. Would you prefer that I call you by Makoto?"
"N-n-no, that's um, not necessary. I'm fine with Naegi." It was hard not to choke on words at this point.
"Very well, Naegi. It was nice meeting you." She bowed her head a little.
Meeting someone one moment and having dinner with them the next probably wasn't the brightest thing to do. But it's nice to know that the other person knew perfectly well that accepting the offer wasn't really bright either. Even though most of the time we spent was in silence, my first night of summer was a little less lonely.
The food we ate that night tasted better than it should've been.
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
It's easier to get used to the strangeness of things than at first glance.
I don't know how or when it happened but eventually, Kyoko ate dinner with me every night. Whenever I came back, she was always there sitting outside of Mr. Kirigiri's door. And just like always, I'd invite her in. Recently, we agreed to take turns buying each other the dinner. She proposed it mainly because it just wouldn't be right for her to get dinner for free all the time. I couldn't argue with that logic. When it's already close to midnight, she'd excuse herself and leave probably because that's when Mr. Kirigiri comes home. It became a normal thing for us. Eventually though, those short conversations actually grew longer.
Before she could even start on her slice of cake, she asked. "What was so important that your family had left you alone here?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. I live alone." I feigned ignorance.
"You've got that wrong." She stared me down.
And I eventually gave in. Like I said the first time, that gaze is intimidating enough. "Okay, okay. There's just no joking with you. What gave me away?"
"I can't help but notice the lack of people in your home in spite of it being fully furnished for five." She proceeded to point out each and every detail while I listened in awe.
"That's amazing! You're like a super detective!" I clapped. "Actually, we're only four. But it's pretty close, considering we do keep extras for a guest. The extras never get used though so they must be pretty happy to have you around."
She chuckled. "Likewise. Thank you. But back to the matter at hand."
"Oh, right. Well, it was supposed to be a whole family thing but I already made a promise to the uncle who manages the local cake shop." It was the closest thing I could get to repay the uncle for all the good deeds he's done for me. I laughed at the memory. "My sister wasn't all too happy about it and I was this close to getting dragged with them but thankfully my parents bailed me out."
"Are you sure you made the right decision? You're missing out a lot of experience without them."
"It's alright. They could just get me souvenirs and photos."
"Photos are cheap." She said offhandedly. "They only remind you of the past. And no matter how great that photo is, it is meaningless if you do not uphold it in the present and future commitments."
I blinked back. That was a lot to take in. How do you reply to that?
"Is something wrong, Kyoko?" I asked tentatively.
"It's nothing."
"Well, it obviously is something. It's okay if you don't want to talk about it." I placed my hand on top of hers. "When you're ready, I'll be here to listen. You can trust me."
She wore that face that said she was calculating things. It felt as if she was just as careful as I was treading on this conversation. It felt like forever before she spoke again. "My father was a man who left my mother while I was still young."
And with that first sentence, I wasn't sure if I should know this or even if I wanted to hear the rest.
Her hand curled into a fist. "It devastated my mother. When she later passed on, he never even attended the funeral service. It wasn't as if I wanted him to in the first place." Her face wasn't its usual cold hard poker face. Right now it was just cold and hard. "After all these years, he thought he could redeem himself with a photo."
It was hard to watch her like this. Here she was pouring out unwanted memories but between the two of us, I looked like I was the emotional one. Maybe it's because she didn't want to express herself in front of a stranger like me or maybe she's just not into expressions. Either way, keeping all of that bottled up can't be good for her. But at that time, I didn't know what I could've done for her.
For the first time since she came, there was silence in the Naegi household. It's different from the usual because this time, someone was crying.
Not every conversation we had was short and not every one was happy.
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
You never do notice when someone becomes a part of your life, it just happens.
A lot has changed ever since I met Kyoko but it was mostly our home which adapted. On the second week, she was finally starting to open up and I was told that she wasn't that much a fan of instant coffee. I took it as her language for saying that she hates it. I bought a pack of coffee that was hopefully closer to her tastes and tried to serve it. Unfortunately, I wasn't good at preparing it in the first place. Kyoko now voluntarily goes into our kitchen to make her own cup of coffee. Yes, this is still the same stranger that I met not so long ago.
"You're always waiting outside. Don't you have a spare key?" It was a growing concern of mine.
"It's a ridiculous waste of money to have one duplicated just for this summer." She answered while casually sipping her coffee.
"What are you saying? I think it's even more ridiculous of Mr. Kirigiri to have you wait for hours and at night!" Just the thought of it was outrageous! "What would you have done if I wasn't here?"
She put down her mug at the same time she put on the pressure.
"Are you saying that I owe you?" She gave me the look.
"No! I didn't mean it that way!" I almost frantically said in panic. My hands did all these weird gestures that I know didn't mean anything at all. "I mean I didn't do it because I was trying to get something out of you. I just thought that Mr. Kirigiri has been unreasonable with you."
She chuckled a little bit. It was rare of her to do that but at least it was happening more often. "You're quite easy to string along. Nevertheless, I am truly grateful for your hospitality."
I sighed. Crisis averted. "For someone who's joking, why did you have to look so serious?"
"Hm? Well, it wouldn't be funny otherwise." I think she was smiling behind her cup.
A stranger can smile, laugh and joke as much as any other person. Well, maybe not as much if that stranger is Kyoko but it will do.
It doesn't matter who, what matters was that it was surprisingly fun to have someone who talks back.
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
I wonder when we stopped being strangers.
So for tonight we had instant ramen. I take full responsibility for that. I was trying to cook in low fire but our stove apparently had other ideas. My luck was on fire. The fire was so uncontrollable and strong that I was sure I'd burn the kitchen if it weren't for Kyoko's quick thinking. So an hour, one burnt dinner and a broken stove later, we were too hungry to prepare another supposedly proper meal. Cup noodles are more delicious than one would think.
"I must say that this is an… interesting meal."
"It's not funny…"
"Try not to be careless, Naegi." She sympathetically patted my hand or was that mock sympathy?
"I try hard." Although I still appreciated the fact that she pegged me as careless rather than unlucky.
Tonight someone other than Kyoko actually visited me. The doorbell rang and Kyoko took it as her cue to leave. It was still early for her and I did want her to stay longer since summer was nearing its end. However, I couldn't argue with her since it was still a suspicious time for a girl and a boy to be together. The last thing I wanted was to have these visits abruptly end because of rumors.
As she left, she quickly bowed to my new visitor and went on her way.
"Oh, Makoto. Was that your friend just now?" It was the landlady with a plastic bag in hand. It smelled of barbeque and I was reminded how one cup of instant noodles wasn't satisfying enough. I was hungry yet again.
"In some ways, yeah. Good evening, ma'am." I greeted as I let her in.
"I know it's late but my husband brought home too much so I thought I'd share with you since I know how hard it must be having your family leave you behind." She offered.
"Not at all. But thank you for the concern and the food!" And I happily accepted.
I briefly thought of inviting Kyoko back for another round of dinner.
"I should thank you too. It looks like you're taking good care of that child." She looked relieved but concern laced her every word.
"You mean Kyoko?" I hesitantly asked.
Even I was starting to get worried. It looked like she was having an internal struggle on whether or not to tell me. Tell me what?
"Yes, well… you see…" She finally gave in.
And it was a lot to take in.
It was then that I realized that we never did go beyond strangers.
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
It was our first fight and the last that I would see of her that summer.
"I'm sorry! That was insensitive of me!" That was how I unceremoniously started our conversation.
I apologized again and again with my head bowed lower each time. "I didn't know that Mr. Jin Kirigiri was your father or that he recently passed away."
He died before summer could even start.
"If you want, I could talk to the landlady and borrow his keys." I wanted to at least do something for her.
"There's no need for that." Unlike me, she was taking this surprising well. In fact, too well.
"Huh? Why not?" I asked incredulously. "Don't you want to at least check if he left anything for you?"
She tiredly sighed. "Jin is not my father. That man has abandoned us long ago." There was the undertone of anger while she said that. "Mr. Kirigiri is just someone whom I coincidentally share the same family name with."
"But still-"
"Like I said earlier. The need was long concluded when I already saw the insides of his home on the first day that I came here." Her voice was now the loudest I've ever heard and it still wasn't even shouting. Yet the effect was still there.
I gulped. "If that's true then did you find anything?"
"Nothing of importance. There was this photo that was out of place but other than that, there was really nothing to take note of." She began composing herself. "To be honest, I'm not really sure what I was expecting to find or if I expected anything to begin with."
There was a long silent pause after that. It was not my position to pry deeper into her private matters so I didn't ask about the photo. However, there was still something else which bothered me and I thought I deserved the right to know at least that much.
"I thought you were waiting for him to come home and open the door."
"I never said that."
"But you said-"
"No, Naegi, you said that." She countered.
"But you didn't say otherwise!" I argued.
"Nor did I confirm that."
That went unsurprisingly horrible. It didn't answer anything at all. Maybe it's because I wasn't asking the right question. So I thought that I should finally ask her instead.
"If you already did what you came here for then why do you always stay outside his door?"
For the first time since I've met her, she stiffened. Then it happened. Her normally stoic face completely melted. Whatever mask she usually wore was gone and I believed that this was the first time I was actually seeing her true face. To put in other words, this was the first time I was actually seeing her. It was this brilliant version of her that I would remember for the days after summer.
And it was her words that would haunt me forever.
"For the same reason you'd always find me there."
Summer had ended earlier than I had wanted.
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
When a stranger leaves, sometimes it hurts more than when a friend does.
We never met after that fight. Sometimes, I wished that we never fought in the first place. But more often than not, I'm thankful that we did fight. If we hadn't then I don't think we would've grown closer. Well, maybe not closer since I lost all contact with her right after. I tried searching for her though but as my luck would have it, she was practically nonexistent. She really did mean it when she said that she cut her ties with her father because I couldn't find any contact detail nor a relative to ask from.
It was as if I was dreaming all summer.
In some ways, I guess that's a pretty accurate way to sum it up. Having weird yet comfortable conversations with a stranger whom disregarding that one incident, only I knew of. Only I was talking with her, eating with her, laughing with her and it was a real possibility that I had only imagined her in my loneliness.
But then I remember our last time together. Even I couldn't have thought of all that in my head.
The unknown can also make you hopeful.
I wonder when we'll meet again. That's what I always thought of on my way home. Summer is just around the corner and it would be great if she would show up and tell me that all those memories weren't just me and my imagination. But I guess that's just wishful thinking. Because admittedly, I found something in a stranger last summer. And this time, I wanted to find that stranger instead.
Even though I've been raised to never talk to strangers, I still find myself talking anyways.
After all, this girl sitting outside my neighbor's door would be considered a stranger.
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
Shinra-ex-SOLDIER
Omake: NEW HAT
Kirigiri: …
Naegi: I'm sorry!
Kirigiri: …
Naegi: I'm really sorry!
Kirigiri: …
Naegi: Look, I know it was an accident but it's still partly my fault so I'm sorry. Will you just say something? Anything?
Kirigiri: …If you have time to apologize then you have time to remove the cup noodles which accidentally found my head.
Naegi: I said I was sorry!
~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~~xoxo~xoxo~
NOTES:
What's this? A not so depressing chapter? I never knew it could happen! I hope you noticed the subtle twists. (The first part was actually a prelude to the last part.) Also, I'm trying to bring back the cameos since I've been neglecting that aspect.
REPLY TO REVIEWERS: (There are still survivors!)
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This was especially longer than I planned. So tell me if it was worth its length. As long as you keep talking to me, I'll be sure to talk back. Upupupu!