Chapter 2: Encounters on Tour

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"So how is Japan?"

"Meh. Can't complain."

"What? That's all you can say to me? Mean!"

"Well to be fair, I just got here and I haven't toured the place yet. I'll be doing that today though."

On an early Sunday, I decided to begin unpacking. Miki was still quietly snoring, undisturbed. After an hour of taking care of that mess, I showered and dressed up for the day. A simple back blouse that flares in the sleeves, shorts, black tights, a beanie hat, and a rather complex-looking pair of boots. By that, I mean people would find it to look like a puzzle that requires multiple keys to unlock. Multiple bracelets hang around my wrists. I had on some fingerless gloves and lastly, a black velvet choker was strapped around my pale neck.

I was talking to my best friend Tia through Skype on my new computer while applying makeup. It's apparently Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles, 17 hours behind the time here. It's good that she's free, though I need to be more aware of the time zones from now on.

Tia and I were friends for as long as I could remember, probably since forever. Nah, just kidding. Back in my dreary days in elementary school, I would always be picked on for 'being weird'. My complexion compares to a ghost in a graveyard and I was never a fan of flashy, colorful clothes, so that amplified it. Plus, my interests were apparently 'not normal' in the eyes of my peers, resulting a scrawny, weak little thing who shies away in a corner every chance she gets.

Then suddenly, like a halo of light shining from the heavens, the gods blessed me with Tia Cunningway all the way from New York. For some reason, the moment she saw me, she insistently wanted to be my friend. I found it odd. She was nothing like me. She was tiny with short kinky dark chocolate hair that bounces whenever she moves, big round glasses, and a turtleneck that looked way too big for her chubby brown face. Her soft brown eyes and gentle smile were always so warm and sunny like the fall season. She was innocent and cute and should belong with the others kids. But she never paid attention to them and always stood up for me whenever she could.

"Stop getting in our way!"

"Yeah, you should be joining us Tia!"

"I don't get it! Why do you keep hanging out with that stupid weird girl?"

"Huh? Why?"

I watched Tia tilt her head as she stands between me and the small group of fifth graders who make it a daily ritual to bully me. This time by pouring glue onto my hair and face and pasting various things. My tear-stained face looked up at her from my fetal position. She stood tall like a titan even though in reality, she's inches shorter than all of us.

"Well, because she's super cool! Way cooler than any of you meanies combined!"

She said that with a big happy smile on her face.

I didn't understand it at first, but later she told me that it's okay to be who I am. I shouldn't be ashamed because I don't owe anyone crap. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for her. Now, the roles are reversed. It is I who usually has her back when she needs it.

Especially when stupid guys are involved.

Because puberty treated her kindly over the years. She has a curvy body and a decent sized chest (she's still inches shorter than me). She isn't the type who flaunts these features though. If I had to describe the kind of girl Tia is, she's like a mature adult in a teen body. She's kind, gentle, always knows what to say; her smile always makes her features glow like a warm sunny day. She just draws you in.

That doesn't mean she's never childish.

"You're so lucky Harriet," I heard her whine as I was nearly done applying eyeliner.

"You call it luck. I call it a curse."

She rolls her eyes. "That's right, because you wanna live in Paris."

"Hey. No judgin'."

"I'm not judging. But honestly, do you really believe you'll find 'the one' in France?"

"Well I certainly couldn't find 'the one' in LA, or in other cities and states for that matter. I doubt I'll find 'the one' here. Don't see the appeal to Japanese men, no offense. What can I say, I love romantic places, French dudes are hot, What do you expect?"

I'm a romantic. I'll just put that out there. I've always dreamed of living in Paris, where there I would find an interesting guy (one who is not stupid and sex-crazed like a majority of boys I was unfortunate to meet), and together we'd live out our lives doing all sorts of sappy stuff, sort of like in the movies.

Ha. If people hear that after taking one look at me, I tell you, they'll think they've somehow landed in Topsy-Turvy Town. Scott was proof of that when he first found out long ago.

"By the way Tia, isn't your pen pal from Here?" I asked while painting my lips black.

Tia pushed her red rimmed glasses up her nose. "Yeah, but he's not in the Myagi Prefecture. Why do you wanna know?"

"No reason." I smiled.

"Harriet…"

"What? I just thought I'd help be your winglady."

I should point out that Tia was drinking her favorite honey citrus tea while we were talking. So once I said that, what was already in her mouth sprayed all over her desk. She coughed and grabbed some nearby tissues, giving me a stern look while I tried to hold back my laughter.

"I'm so glad you're nowhere near where he lives. And what gave you the idea that I need a winglady?"

"Isn't it funny that what once was a middle school project becomes a daily routine to this day?"

"By chance we happen to have a lot in common and became friends. And it's not daily! We're both very busy so we don't get to talk as much as we would like. Then there are the time zones that's also a problem. And school. And practice."

"What does he do again?"

"He plays volleyball."

"Huh. Doesn't sound very attractive."

"It's... not supposed to be."

"What was his name again? Where does he live?"

"You know at this point in time, it's best if I don't tell you."

"You're no fun."

Tia sighs heavily at me. "For the last time Harriet we're just friends. Yes, we've managed to hold a relationship since middle school despite the long distance, but it's hard. I still don't feel like I know enough about him to even take that route. It would be nice to finally like someone, but even that's still hard for me…"

I sigh with her, my face sullen for unintentionally dampening the mood.

"I know."

So here's the problem Tia and I have pertaining to our love lives.

We have none. It's nonexistent.

For me, I've never dated because I already have a goal set in mind. Also because boys I have been exposed end up becoming a waste of time and effort. I just could not click with any of them romantically. For Tia, it's different. She's never dated, not because nobody asks her out. Oh no. You wouldn't believe how many faces I've punched whenever I see a guy looking like they're undressing her with their eyes. A fucking lot.

Tia is asexual, at least that's what we've come to believe. Because sure, she has preferences. There are many men and women she finds attractive and good looking. But beyond that, nothing. It's hard to explain.

We took an online quiz on this once, just to get an idea on what category she falls under. She wasn't so sure about it so I went first. Results say I'm panromantic, which is interesting because though I'm mostly attracted to men, I wouldn't mind dating people that aren't. I finally got Tia to try it next and it took her over thirty minutes to answer ten questions.

She got aromantic.

To say she was distraught would be an understatement.

It did kinda made sense though. Since I've known her, she's never had a crush on anyone and has turned down every person who asked her out. At the same time, Tia has always showed interest in romantic stuff. However, she's had a hard time seeing herself in any sort of romantic relationship. Probably, a little fearful of experiencing it.

When she started to panic, I calmed her down, reminded her that it was just a test. It doesn't define her and it shouldn't be taken seriously. So we concluded she's asexual, not really having any sexual attraction but passionate about the romantic aspects of a relationship.

See why labeling can be confusing? Human behaviors are so complex it's just not that simple.

"Hey, chin up pouty face." I assured Tia with my biggest confident grin possible. "Like me, you just haven't found the right person yet. I know you will soon! And when you do, you'll be so flustered you won't know what to do with yourself!"

"H-Harriet!" She blushed furiously, but I just kept on smiling. Tia soon gave in and smiled with me.

"Thank you." Her eyes then widened. "Oh crap I'm gonna be late for dance practice! Mrs. Liam's gonna kill me!"

"Tell her I said hi. And that I hope she doesn't miss me too much."

"Are you kidding? She's relieved to no longer have such a troublesome student."

"Not my fault I'm too much to handle~"

We both laughed and said our goodbyes before disconnecting. Just in time for Jun to barge in with a goofy grin on his face.

"Oh good, you're up. Come on and eat! We only got one day to show you around Torono before school starts!"

Well he's certainly eager. I arched a brow at him before giving a sly smile. He tensed.

"W-What now?"

"Well I'm surprised at you Usagi-chan, barging into a girl's room unannounced. What if I was changing? Think about how awkward and dangerous that would've been."

I never thought it'd be possible to procure a heavy blush and go pale at the same time, but Jun proved me wrong.

"S-Sumimasen!" He yelled while bowing a perfect 45 degree angle. "I-I'll be downstairs s-so let me know when you're ready!" He bolted down the halls.

I turn to Miki who was now awake, still lying on my bed. Her head tilted at the spot where Jun once stood, then she looked to me.

"You know, I might give him a heart attack one day."

She barked, agreeing with me.

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It was still early by the time Jun and I left. We ate light because there were food places Jun wanted me to try out. Miki trailed ahead in her leash as we strolled down the sidewalk.

Sunday was a slow day so it's no complete surprise the streets were a bit empty. But the quiet atmosphere, along with the morning sun slowly rising and coloring the sky was nice. We first hiked up to the higher parts of town, where there stood many gardens and traditional houses. I'm used to the cardio, since dance classes require that. There was also a place where an old couple made pottery. There were a lot lying around, both inside and outside the shop, and not one looked the same as the other. They told us the best times to make pots were at the sunrise and the sunset because that's when it's most relaxing. From the view they had up here, it makes sense. The wife gave me a little tea set as a welcoming gift. I tried to refuse it or at least pay for it, but the woman insisted, saying it suits me well.

The tea set was a color combination of midnight blue and purple. On it was a foresty landscape with a full moon shining brightly up above and below was a mother wolf and her cubs prancing below a cherry blossom tree. It was so beautiful and was obviously made with care and precision. I bowed and thanked her respectfully. We said our goodbyes to the old couple before making our way to another spot.

That's pretty much how things went for about half of my trip through the town, the end resulting in me receiving small gifts from owners of shops. Apparently, what Jun failed to mention (and I made sure to smack his head once I found out) was the people we visited were close friends to Kunio and his side of the family. Some even go to his and Adrian's music lessons. The Kenta music shop was well-respected in Torono.

That's not the worst of it. They also knew about my arrival! How embarrassing is that?!

"Well to be fair, it's kind of mandatory to inform friends of any news that's happening within the family. Kunio just happens to have a lot." Jun tells me this with mischief behind his smile.

My glare was enough to make him cower and shut up for a little bit.

Hours went by quickly and it was soon the afternoon. We snacked at multiple shops, my favorite food so far being the ichigo daifuku, until finally, finally, the moment of truth arrives.

The mall.

Yeeesssss!

I am shopper girl ready! Sort of. Okay so I should probably not buy a lot today because of all these gifts dragging me back.

God dammit Junichi.

Once we entered the extravagant building, Miki began barking uncontrollably. Jun, the person holding the leash, tried to calm her down, but was helpless as she tugged him with her towards her target of interest, her tail wagging merrily. I would've offered assistance, buuuuut I was extremely curious to see what got her excited all of a sudden. Plus I'm petty and payback's a bitch.

We were lead to a young boy with bright orange hair, walking casually without a care in the world. Unaware of a fluffy Samoyed coming at him like a raging torpedo.

"H-Hinata!" Jun called out quickly, trying his best to hold Miki back. For a small pup, she can be so strong.

The small boy turned around only to be barreled down by the six month old pup. Jun and I could only watch as the boy was attacked, mercilessly, with licks to the face, unable to push the dog back. Miki's love was too strong. All he could do was laugh and take it.

What a brave soldier.

"I'm so sorry Hinata!" Jun was finally able to pull her away, enough for the boy to sit up and breathe.

"No no. It's fine!" the boy said as he wipes the slobber off his face and slowly picks himself up off the ground. He had the height of a junior high school student, standing shorter than both Jun and me respectively.

His orange hair was in disarray or maybe it's always been like that. It also looked soft and fluffy like Jun's. His big brown eyes made him look more like a child and his smile was so bright it was almost blinding.

Miki barked up at him once more, and this was the first I've seen her move with so much energy. Last night and throughout the day she was calm and mellow, but it's like somebody flipped the switch on her. The boy, Hinata, laughed and went down to pet her.

"Sorry Miki-chan. I didn't bring a volleyball with me today. I'm just here to buy new shoes."

"Again, I'm really sorry about this." Jun bowed to him.

"I said it's fine Kenta-kun."

The Hinata boy finally glanced at me for the first time. I greeted him with a grin.

"Hi."

Just one word, and one look, and the boy visibly shivered and took a step back purely by instinct. Man I am good at this!

Jun picked up what I was doing and quickly smiled to Hinata.

"Hinata, remember I told you my step cousin would be moving here and will attend Karasuno High with us? This is Harriet Thompson, from America. Don't worry, she won't bite."

"Hard." I added.

"Hari-chan…" he looked at me pointedly.

"Alright alright." I held out my hand to him and gave a regular smile. "As Jun already said, my name is Harriet Thompson, but just call me Harriet. Hari-chan is fine too. And you are?"

The boy was hesitant, but soon warmed up with that bright smile of his and eagerly took it.

"Welcome to Torono Hari-chan! My name's Hinata, Shouyo-whaa!"

I yanked him towards me and enveloped him in a tight hug, making sure his face landed fully on my chest. I may not have as much as Tia, but I'm proud of my pair of hooters.

"Well aren't you just the cutest little thing! So huggable too!" I said sweetly, pretending not to notice that I had his face planted on my boobs. I could feel the heat rising from his cheeks.

Jun was glaring at me now. Haha. He must be really close friends with this boy. I'll spare him. For now.

I released Hinata and he backed away a good three feet from me. He babbled incoherent words while his face burned as red as a tomato.

"Sorry Hinata-kun," Jun apologized again with a strained smile. "Hari-chan can be a bit much sometimes."

"How mean Usagi-chan. What did I do?" I whined innocently.

"Please stop calling me that!"

I laughed and backed away from the two.

"Welp, now that introductions are settled, there's something I wanna check out. So I'll leave you two alone. Bye!"

I dashed to the escalators before Jun could stop me.

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Ah, so many clothes, so little time. I forgot how long I was away from Jun and his friend, but I've so far looked through seven clothes stores and came out with a few I found worth buying at the moment. I even found this cute black bow hairclip, topped with blue roses and thorns that I just had to get.

What sucks is while I have all this neat stuff, I can't wear them. Specifically at school. Why? Because Japan has this mandatory policy to issue uniforms in almost every school, including Karasuno, that's why! A lot of schools in the US have the policy too, but at least mine didn't thank god! I hate school uniforms; it's one of many reasons why I don't want to live here.

As I continued to curse at the horrible existence of school uniforms, I found myself stopping in front of a music store. After staring at the place for a minute I thought, eh why not, and stepped inside.

I know nothing about Japanese music or any popular artists here. The best I know are from anime and yet I don't watch a lot of it. Oh and Vocaloid (does that count as anime?). But I guess I should broaden my horizons a little, seeing as I'll be here for the next three years.

The shop keeper welcomed me and I greeted him in return before glancing through the many rows and isles of CDs, records, and cassette tapes. Reading the titles didn't help much, but thankfully there was a music sampler so I tried that out. I scrolled through the playlist with headphones on and I found some that I liked and one I couldn't help but recognize.

The song was mostly electric sound but it had English lyrics, sung by a robotic female slowly fading away in corrupted data, doomed to be erased forever. It was sad yet oddly heartwarming. I looked up the artist name and sure enough, my suspicions were correct.

Porter Robinson. I never thought his music would be sold here.

I left the music sampler system and stepped into the smaller English isle in hopes to find one of Porter's albums. To my greatest of luck, I saw one titled, Worlds. It seemed to be the only one available, just sitting snugly in its spot waiting to be taken. It's calling to me.

I reach out, my fingers held firmly onto the case. I had it.

But…

Someone else's hand held onto it from the opposite end. The same moment I did. …What? I didn't even notice anyone come by. I looked up at the person whose hand it belonged to, and the first thing that came to mind was,

Tall. He was pretty tall.

A blonde headed boy (I don't know how old he his) looked down at me and appeared to be just as surprised as I am. I don't even know how long we stared at each other, but it felt like an eternity. I wanted to break the eye contact, but for some reason, I had a difficult time doing so. Those brown eyes, behind those glasses, locked me in. For the first time, I was trapped in a man's gaze.

"Oi. Are you going to let go?"

I almost didn't hear him, but it was enough to pull me out of the strange spell.

"Wuh?"

His brows furrowed slightly in annoyance and nodded towards the CD we were both holding.

"Are you deaf? I said are you going to let go of it or not?" He said in an even tone.

Wow. Rude much? I raised my eyebrow at him.

"And why should I do that?"

"Because I want to buy it."

"And you think I'm just nabbing this CD because I don't?"

"I don't know. Shouldn't you be into music that's more… depressing, Goth Girl?"

This guy…

I sneered. "I believe you're referring to emo kids buddy. Goths do not listen to 'depressing' music."

"Well I wouldn't know because I'm not one."

"Neither am I and even I know that simple fact. Instead of focusing on stereotypes do some actual research, Nerd. See what I did there?"

His eyebrow twitched and for a second I felt darkness loom around him. It was almost scary, almost as if he was going to try something. Perhaps it's his towering height that makes it appear so. But it faded as soon as it came. Instead, he sighed heavily, as if finding this conversation exhausting.

"Look, I only came here for this CD. Now will you let go?"

"After that bullshit you just gave me? Hmm let me think… No. I had it first and I'm buying it!"

"First off, we both had it. Second, don't you think you've bought enough stuff?"

"What do you mean?"

"All that stuff your holding." He pointed with his free hand to the bags of clothes I bought, including the gifts I've received! "I've heard of shopping fever before but that is just extreme."

He grinned. Something about that grin was just unsettling.

"But I guess for you, this must be normal. I can only imagine how much of your parents' money you're wasting. Spoiled rich kids are like that."

I couldn't take it anymore. This guy… He's even worse than Scott! I was about to give him an earful; I was about to really hammer the false accusations back at his smug face! He deserves every bit of what's coming to him right no-

Bzzzzt. Bzzzzt.

My phone.

Bzzzzt. Bzzzzt.

It must be Jun. What horrible timing, but it only made sense. He must be getting worried by now. My one hand is full of clothes and gifts, while the other is still holding onto that CD. It's obvious which one I should let go of, but I couldn't do that. Not now.

The matter of owning this album isn't the point anymore. If I let go now, it would mean I've lost to this asshole.

Bzzzzt. Bzzzzt.

"That sounds important. Shouldn't you get that?"

I hate this. I hate this so much. Because he knows.

He knows he's won.

I looked at him silently, dead in the eye, and gave him the most venomous, hateful stare I could ever conjure up in my being. I hear his breath catch midway in his throat; see his eyes widen and his tall frame shiver slightly. It was satisfactory but only a little. I let go of the CD and sharply turned away. I stormed out the music shop without gracing the boy a single word.

My eyes said enough.

I fished out my buzzing phone and answered.

"What."

"Um… Hari-chan… are you okay? You sound, well, angry."

"I'm fine." I tried to sound believable while squashing down my anger.

"Did something happen?"

"I'll get over it. Where are you?"

"Uh, I'm at a bakery shop right now. You like strawberries right? The shortcakes here are quite popular. It'll help you feel better."

"Is Hinata with you?"

"No, he left a while ago."

A relieved sigh escaped my lips. "Good. It'd be bad if he saw me like this."

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

"Maybe later Jun. Just not right now."

"Alright."

"Now tell me where this bakery is. I'm getting hungry now that you mentioned strawberries."

I let Jun's words fill my head as he instructed me where to go. I needed a distraction, especially after what happened just minutes ago. What's even more frustrating is no matter how much I try to block it out, his face and his eyes, eyes as full as the moon, were still fresh in my mind. Along with it, his stinging words.

Words usually don't get to me, but somehow that did. I should've played it off cooly like I would always do. So why? What did he do to make my behavior change like that?

Oh well, it doesn't matter. Hopefully, that'll be the last time I ever see his face, for his sake and mine.

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AN: Back in middle school, my Spanish class had a pen pal project. And my pen pal was from Colombia. I never made further contact with the person after the project ended, but it was a fond memory and it inspired me to put that tidbit into this story.