.
.
.
(Ugh…)
Every inch of my skin felt numb, as if my nerves were also asleep. Even when I wanted to get up, I couldn't, or wouldn't. I couldn't blame myself. I loved my sofa.
No matter how hazy my vision was, it was still enough to see shapes. Even with that, I saw no one, nobody. I heard nobody talking. I also didn't feel any presence.
As I tilted my head, it tingled a little and even had a bit of an aching throb. Maybe it was because I didn't get enough out of that nap, or my bad sleeping habits. Either way, I really needed to fix that sleep schedule of mine.
I slightly squirmed. Oh, my body's still asleep, easily figured that out, because…well, duh. For a moment, I considered hitting myself.
(Let's…not)
Instead, I decided to just wait it out. So for the following seconds, I only made small, subtle movements. The more I moved, the easier it became.
It wasn't working enough. But there was…another option. Was I gonna do it? Yeah, probably. Would it hurt? A little. Was I still up for it?
(Here goes.).
"Heave-ho."
With a swift thrust, I rolled myself out and instantly-
*Thud!*
Falling flat on my face…when have I done that again? Also:
"Ouch."
I rolled so I could lie on my back. Definitely awake. But before I could fully open my eyes, I had to first wipe the crud off. I saw that only the kitchen light was on. Opening my eyes didn't hurt because of that and as that happened, I heard some loud hasty footsteps approaching.
"What happe-oh, you're awake."
Komachi popped up from the doorframe, holding what seemed to be a cup of tea. It was excruciatingly obvious how she wanted to just retort "Ummm, what're you doing?" at me. She had that look like she was staring at something sad. Just…sad.
Stop! I wasn't into that kind of play! Especially not with her! I looked around, paranoid as hell. Was she hiding?!
(Show yourself!)
No one. It was just us, encased in peace and quiet. I had to breathe a relieved sigh at that.
Following a sip, she went and sat on the other side of the sofa. She was close enough that when I caught a whiff, green tea popped up in my head.
It was a serene moment, but it ended just as quickly as I stood up. I still felt like not standing up, and all I could do was take a deep breath as I looked to Komachi and asked:
"What happened?"
"You drank too much, and then you slept."
Did I? I remember that I only had a bit. I walked to the window.
"How many was it?"
I pulled back the curtains.
"Four cans."
(What...That's it?)
(No way…)
(I must've been tired. That's it.)
Peeking outside, my view was mostly shrouded in pitch black, though the moon and the neighborhood lights did give out some shine. And with that, I closed the curtains once more.
I looked around the room one more time. As far as I could tell, it wasn't messy anymore. No more confetti. No more dirty plates at the table.
I remembered spilling some beer, but the floor was actually spotless. Actually, the entire room was sparkling clean. I wondered how long I'd been sleeping. I slightly raised my wrist as I was about to glance at-nothing, it wasn't there. I placed it back in my room. And so, I took my phone out, and I immediately saw it.
(4 hours…)
*Sigh*
"And then…them…they uh…?"
"Before they left, they were a great help with the cleanup, unlike somebody."
That hurt. That really did give me a heart-wrenching throb. For a moment, I thought I couldn't breathe. I felt it in my bones. I felt it so much.
"Sorry…"
When she saw my sorry state, she stared back with an understanding gaze.
"It's alright..."
Even when it sounded melancholic, still, it was comforting, to say the least. That's why I wasn't gonna let it go to waste, and so, I actually did "cheer up" in the form of an uplifted smile.
(Oh, what a sister.)
Oh, what a day. It definitely wasn't part of the day-to-day that I was envisioning, though…
"Komachi…thanks for today…"
When she heard that, she did that thing again. That thing with her hand holding onto her arm. But after that, she slowly formed that. The thing I'd forever struggle and strive for. The thing I wanted to see every day no matter what.
"You're very welcome."
.
.
.
As I took a sip, I thought "What lovely tea made by my lovely sister." Seriously, it was really lovely. A therapeutic aroma with just the right amount of sweetness. Honestly, why didn't she just work as a Chanoyu host?
(Komachi, quit that tiring job.)
(So that those lecherous brats can never get to you.)
The best ideas really did come when I was at peace. Just like at that moment. Comfy pajamas: Check. A cup of tea in my hand: Check. A book in the other: Check. A comfortable sitting position: Check. Kamakura right beside me: Check. Komachi in a good mood: Check.
(Cloud nine…)
As my eyes closed, a yawn escaped my lips. At that moment, I felt a tear drop from my cheek, and it managed to drop all the way down to the book I was reading. By the time I tried to touch it, the paper had already been soaked.
*Sigh*
New book already got sullied. But no matter, I continued to flip with every passing second. I really got faster at it.
*Ring*
But my immersion was broken off as soon as the main door opened, ensued by footsteps that got louder with each step.
"We're back."
"We're back."
They appeared from the open doorway. They dropped their bags on the sofa. I closed the book and took off the reading glasses. I chugged the rest of the tea in one go and stood up.
"Welcome back."
(Another early leave, huh…)
As I made my way to wash the cup, mom snuck up from behind me whilst giving my cheek a light smooch. And then, something was pressed onto my stomach. I looked down to see a small rectangular box, and it was wrapped.
"Happy birthday."
I tightened my grip as she let go of it. Now, I was the only one holding it. And by that point, I understood what it was, but I didn't know what was in it.
"And this is…?"
"From both of us."
Dad walked up and held mom on the shoulder. He had that tired smile. His tie was undone and he had a rather haggard look, both of them did. It was already a common sight, but today seemed a more severe case. I directed my gaze to them and to the box in transition.
"Wanna open it now?"
Perhaps they caught on to it. What I held in my hand was rare, really rare. "This doesn't really happen." type of rare. So that's why I still had some level of disbelief in me. It was there, there was no denying it, but my sentiment was still there. I was still skeptical. "Was this actually…?" I kept thinking.
"Can I…?"
"Well, it is yours."
I looked at it again. I agreed with myself on one thing: the moment I untied that ribbon, I'd admitted. That I really, really wanted it to be what I thought it'd be. Not money, not something obligatory, not some apology. A real gift.
I did it. I untied it. Would I continue? Well…no more turning back. I took the top off. And what carefully, snuggly laid inside…was a watch. Still in the middle of processing, I blankly glanced at them. They sported the same, identical smile: tired, but happy.
"Try it out."
I did. I carefully took it out, and slowly fastened it on my wrist. I slightly twisted my wrist to check it out from every angle. The leather strap really gave it that reminiscent feeling. It felt just like it.
"We know you can get that yourself, and it may not be enough…still, happy birthday."
Fits like a glove. Truthfully, no complaints. Though, it could never replace the other one, I was sure of it, but.
(Why not?)
I gave them another glance. With those looks, you'd think I got run over. It was showing on their faces. I felt bad, honestly. And so, I was about to do a cool Ikemen move, but take the Ikemen out.
(Whatever, here goes nothing.)
With composure, I slightly curved my lips and glanced at them one last time. I was gonna pull it off: my actual and honest thoughts.
"Thanks. It's perfect."
.
.
.
.
.
There I laid on my bed. Even after already taking a nap, I still felt drained. It was as if I wouldn't be able to get up for a few more days. Maybe she was right. Maybe I did need the cardio, but then again.
(Me? Need exercise?)
"Me?"
"Hehe…"
*Sigh*
"What do you think…huh…?"
Once again, I absentmindedly stared at the ceiling. I gradually raised my arm up in the air. The moon outside my window acted as my only light source, though I could still vividly see the new thing attached to my wrist. I cackled.
(With looks like those…you think they'd won the lottery…)
It really did resemble my other one, the leather strap, the vintage feel. I could imagine that he chose this and she paid for it.
(So…is this…compensation? Amendment?)
It was obvious. There wasn't any other reason besides that.
(Is this them making up for what couldn't have been?)
(…Or maybe…is this them telling me to focus on what could be?)
Was I just overthinking it? Was it actually just random? I couldn't tell. One thing's for sure, I didn't want any guilt in it.
And again, it could never be a replacement, but I'd admit to its value. What could I say? They got it for me, didn't they? Perhaps I could hold onto that idea. I decided so. And honestly, I was a little giddy. I had the type of grin that said: "Hell yeah."
I couldn't blame myself. Just look at all those presents placed at my desk. Untouched, unopened. And for reasons of my own, I didn't want to any time soon.
I shifted my hands and placed them behind my head, I was back to staring at the ceiling again. I had less of a grin and by then, it was more of a content smile.
(That cake was…)
*Chef's kiss*
I woke up to a dull, normal morning, a surprise of an afternoon, and…an unforgettable day, with a moment of tactlessness.
But through all that, I gotta confess, it was fun. I never knew a drunken Yuigahama could do that.
And one thing, one thing alone, really made a dent in my heart. I knew that it wasn't over with just that. No, as those faults crashed down on me, and so I resolved myself. It was the start, I swear to it.
(Wash dishes for her? Sure, anytime. Give her a massage when she needs one? Even if she doesn't. Although…she probably wouldn't allow it...)
"Hehe."
It really must've hurt. Imagine doing all that, only for it to be casually brushed off…huh…I definitely wouldn't have. I loved her, with all my heart. But how could I show it?
(What do I actually do?)
(I haven't really done anything….)
"…"
"Be…the provider?"
" …Be the…protector?"
"Be the…caretaker…?"
"...Be…the father…?"
"..."
"No…"
"Be her brother."
"…"
"Yeah…"
I was hopeful, the smile showed. I was sincerely happy. No self-inflicted pain upon realization. No gloom, none of that. I was proud of myself.
"Yeah."
Lots of things popped up in my head. I recollected many of the day's moments. Naturally, it wasn't free from its mundane minutes. But, all in all, a lot happened.
I managed to cough out a few laughs alright. I wasn't even gonna deny that he said something snicker-worthy.
(It's been some time since I've had a good chuckle.)
"Eh, Boys?"
What a fun time reminiscing, until something soured everything. One single thing spoiled it. I couldn't help but turn deadpan.
*Sigh*
She already went back to classic Yukinoshita after that. Regardless...From a normal perspective, it was an average. But to me, I beheld something that I truly hadn't seen her make before.
(…Of course she'd look at me like that…)
But, the feel of it, the impression of it, I couldn't put it into words, even in my mind. I felt pushed down as she stood and stared down at. me. It felt stronger the more I thought about it.
(Does she know?)
(But…it's not showing, she wouldn't know…)
(Then…it probably isn't because of that…)
But then, why? It was just so…incomprehensible. It felt like the more I tried to know, the more my mind went blank. But at the same time, a part of me felt like I knew the answer. It was conflicting.
*Sigh*
(Make up your goddamn mind…)
But I couldn't. I just didn't want to think about it anymore, so for now, I put the thought aside. I stripped the watch from my wrist and placed it on the desk. Then I stood up and closed the curtains. Hoping for a goodnight sleep, I tried my hardest to drift off, but no matter how much I wanted to, I couldn't.
.
.
.
.
.
"Onii-chan, get ready."
"Hmm?"
I was still reading, but I did give her some attention.
"We'll be late."
Now I was slightly confused.
"For what?"
"For dinner."
What was she talking about? I wondered. There was already some fish wrapped in plastic at the table and stew in the fridge. "There's dinner." My eyes told her so. What was she talking about? Really, what was it?
"That's for Mom and Dad. We're going to Taishi's for a family dinner."
I closed the book with one hand. It finally pulled me out of my immersion. I held up my pointer finger and tilted my head with a wince. "Pardon? Excuse me? Come again? What did you say? Umm…could you say that again? Please stop the BS." I was giving her that kind of face. And while I was a little uneasy when she looked at me with that angry pout, I couldn't help but just feel out of the loop.
"Don't you look at me like that. You promised him, right? We're going there."
At that moment, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but also.
"Wait, really? I said it? Are you sure?"
"You said it yourself, 'Sure, if I have time' and what're you doing today? Nothing, as always."
Did I actually? As much as I could, I tried to recall. I questioned myself on many things. How did it happen? Why did I let it happen? What led to it? And then:
"Ah-"
.
.
.
[Um, please stop.]
[No, not enough.]
[I appreciate the thought, but please, stop bowing.]
[….Then, ask me for anything. I'll do it.]
[Uh-umm.]
[C'mon.]
[O-Ok, then…can I call you…O-Onii-san?]
[….…]
[….…]
[*Sigh*]
[…..Fine…]
[Yes!]
[Anything else?]
[Alright, um, can we…have a chat during dinner?]
[…...Yeah. Sure. If I have time.]
.
.
.
Wow, that prick really got greedy once I let him. But, yeah, I did say that. What now? Well…
*Sigh*
As low I was, and could be. I was still a man that could keep his word, at least.
"Alright, let's go."
.
.
.
Nightfall had encroached. Bought earlier, I had a shortcake in a box in hand. It'd already been a while since we left. And even when I felt like we were aimlessly walking, Komachi's decisive walking really gave me some reassurance. She definitely knew where we were heading and where it was.
(Look at her. She used to cry when she got lost…)
A smile naturally formed on my face. And, with a single finger, I wiped an imaginary tear off. But that dilly dallying was interrupted by a yawn, but not from me. It was a little too early. Though, at the house she did look a little dreary, tired even. Well, she did go a little extra for the Nikujaga. It was a painful wait.
(Not like I actually did anything.)
.
.
.
"Welcome. Come in."
He opened the door with welcoming arms. Jolly guy.
"Thanks Taishi-kun. Excuse me."
"That was quite the casual entry…?" I made that retort in my mind. It just…made sense. As much as I didn't like it, it actually felt natural for them.
"Pardon the intrusion."
It was hard to describe the feeling in me. What was it again? It was like I was back home, it was a terrifying thought. It had that kind of homely vibe that made me believe I could live here.
"Mom, they're here."
That really didn't sound like a shout, his tone was gentle and soft. It just felt profound.
As we made it to what looked to be the living room, there was a TV surrounded by two retro-looking sofas. And one thing that really caught my eye was the amount of photos on the walls. Sheesh, ours couldn't compare.
"Oh my~ Welcome~"
Someone came walking to us. An older looking woman, intuition told me she was in her 50s, but she appeared to retain a fragment of youth. She was a little shorter than him and had a somewhat slender figure. She had one long French braid that draped over her shoulder, and wore a green apron with a kitchen mitten on one hand.
"Komachi-chan, is this the fabled 'Onii-chan'?"
"Yes! This is-"
"Nice to meet you. I'm Hikigaya Hachiman."
"Ara~ You're quite the big boy~"
"Thank you very much for looking after Komachi, and also, thank you for tonight."
I bent a full ninety and said all of those with poise, but, unfortunately, a bit of stiffness leaked out.
"Ara~ You're very welcome. Actually, at this point, Komachi-chan's family, and that means~ so are you~"
It was heartwarming, fluttering even, to hear that. With all that worry I had for her. At the very least, what I heard could give me some peace of mind. Even then, it still wasn't enough to get it off my agenda. Therefore:
"And also-"
"Oh, and about the thing with Taishi? I've heard all about it."
She did? Of course she did. I'd prepared to say it, but it seems I didn't need to. That saved me time, all I had to do was get my just deserves. Instead of saying anything, I clenched my teeth and fists. I was prepared for at least a slap.
"Water under the bridge."
"Huh?"
"Well, I understand you. Komachi-chan's a treasure after all. I wouldn't have given her to a good-for-nothing."
Even after all that, I was still deadpan in doubt. I couldn't relieve myself just yet.
"….Is…that so…"
"Yes. So, make up, ok?"
With that, she joined her hands as she closed her eyes. That motherly trope was warm. It finally gave me enough reassurance that I ultimately stopped bowing.
"Mom."
"Cut it out, that's enough, it's all good" I could tell he was trying to say that as he tugged her apron and whispered in her ear. With that, I couldn't help but smile, as the unnerving feeling slowly fizzed out of me.
"Yes."
The profoundness in my tone made it clear. It was good that she smiled back at me in response. Though, all of a sudden, I caught a whiff of something. Lovely aroma. She clapped her hands with a face of realization.
"Oh right! The oven! Komachi-chan, will you be a dear and help me?"
"Yesss~"
"Also, Hikigaya-kun, my husband and my other kids aren't here, so you might not meet them today."
"Oh no, it's fine."
To leave Komachi out of the apology, it must've meant she'd already met them long ago, huh. Seriously, Komachi, how intimate, but I digressed. Both of them hurriedly walked into what seemed to be the kitchen. I really didn't know where was where in here, but I just kept walking.
(Make up…huh…)
What a mother. She was, in a way, just like Gahamama in certain aspects, but with less excitement. I really couldn't describe it, uh…I'd say she had that calm and mature feel, something I unfortunately distinguished from the "corporate slave" energy showed in her eyes. Add to that some playfulness and I'd bet she'd be a bit of a klutz at times.
I could probably say she was basically Gahamama and my own mother mixed into one. She also resembled a girl I knew.
"Onii-san, please, take a seat, we're still preparing."
"Uh…yeah."
Right into the Onii-san thing, huh? Well, no problem. I wasn't shaken up, at all. Though, I still wasn't used to it.
I sat on the one person couch. I stoked the armrests. It was soft with a shaggy feel to it. Holy hell, my kind of shaggy.
Pictures of them, the mom and presumably dad, and some kids I didn't know were all over the room. For how bad my memory could be at times, I, for some reason, remembered that girl, the girl in the specific photo was dressed like an angel and that, I could vividly remember what happened at that time.
(Man, those days….)
(The slavery…)
There was also someone else in that picture, an older version of the little girl, or should I say, her sister? I knew her, I knew who she was. But…what was her name again?
(Kawa….)
(Kawawhat?)
(…)
(Ok…hehe…)
(That's enough…)
The door was aggressively opened. Perhaps aggressive wasn't right. It was just powerful, and it spooked me. It was followed by heavy footsteps that really rippled a thud.
"Ugh, finally. Goodbye for the day, jerks."
I heard the voice of a woman, so violent. I was shivering in my seat. I also remembered that voice. Frightening!
"Oh! Welcome back, Saki-san."
Komachi excitedly exclaimed as if she herself lived here. Really, Komachi really wore an apron. How many times have you been here!?
"Hi."
Saki? Now, where have I heard that? Was she related to the Kawathing that's been plaguing my mind? I really did feel like I should've already known, but my bad memory, curses!
In my moments of thinking, a bag was thrown on the sofa. It was a small green bag with some shiny metal chains. At that point, I was no longer moving, I just sat there frozen. A literal Hachiko. But instead of waiting for an owner, I was there scared shitless.
"Mom, how's dinner?"
Perception-wise, she was getting closer.
"Almost ready."
When she sat on the neighboring sofa, all I did was cat eye her and nothing else, I made not as much as a sound. I instinctually muted my breath and continued to stare.
She let out quite a heavy sigh. Goddamn, it could've been a heavy contender against mine. Not gonna lie, I was somewhat in awe. For such a thing to come about, one must've gone through quite the day. I applauded her, quietly. Though, it wasn't enough. Eventually, she turned to my direction and…
"Fuhiii!?"
She thrashed her arms around and squirmed into a shell. Eventually, she was doing, what I believed to be a tucked-up-on-the-sofa pose.
"Wh-wha!? What are you doing here!?"
I looked around with a blank face. Though, inside, I was just as confused as her.
(Woah! Woah! Woah! Was I not supposed to?)
It didn't show on my face, but that's how I felt. I felt completely out of place right now because of it. It really hurt.
(So this is what it feels like…)
Funny.
"Oh, Nee-san, they're having dinner with us."
He all of a sudden popped in with that casual glimmer of his.
"…What?...T-Taishi? Are you serious? Him? Here?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me!?"
"I did, but you weren't answering your calls."
"Uh…alright, but, is he really…"
"Is that a no?"
He held a plate with both hands and placed it under his jaw. The way he did it really resembled a dog with its paws under it. It didn't work on me. Honestly, it was disgusting. But for some reason, when I looked at her, she was slightly flustered.
"…N-No-I mean, why not…?"
What the!? He used the same ploy Komachi would to me?
(Oh!)
With an imaginary palm-fist-tap and a light bulb above me, I now remembered. The brocon! And it ended with her giving out as he made off. What's left was her covering her cheeks with her palms.
I sat there with the most punch-able shit-eating grin I could have ever made in that moment, like a runt enjoying it. Even the Zen Yukinoshita-sama would get violent. It appears her kryptonite hasn't changed. Ufufu. Creepy me.
"You're still weak against your brother?"
Tiger eyes, sharp, they could cut, dangerous. I immediately processed those words in my mind, and so, the grin dissipated. I couldn't take my chances. But at the same time, her cheeks were somewhat flush, so it didn't pose much of anything, much less bring any fear out of me.
"Aren't you the same?"
Oh? I was in awe. I unconsciously applauded her in my mind. I gently nodded. That was a great counter, but, realistically, she would've played that card no matter what. She did after all.
She got me, honestly, that was one of the things that I faintly remember about her. Besides the brocon thing, what else? As I was thinking of something:
"Hey."
She called me out with a strong one. It definitely got my attention.
"You, I heard what you did to my brother."
Oh…that. My smirk was long gone by the time she finished talking.
"I know."
I looked down. I didn't want to engage in any eye contact at the moment. Not because I was afraid to, but because it came as natural to me. And also to have her understand that I wouldn't brush it off, or deny it. I wanted to let her know that "I know".
I stood up and did it again, that straight 90.
"E-Eh?"
I couldn't see her face, but the noises she made suggested lost-for-words lips, eyes wide open, sprinkled with red on the cheeks.
"W-What? Seriously?"
"Yeah."
The vexing shame was long gone. I couldn't even think about being embarrassed.
Through it all, the only thing that went in my head was "Do it. Do it." It kept me in place. It kept me from backing down.
"That's it? No…rebuttal? No denying?"
"Yeah."
It was all I could say. I knew that she was one of those where words didn't need to be said. So long as I did it, it'd get through her. But even then, unlike her mother, we knew each other. There wasn't any reservation. I knew that if she felt it, she wouldn't hold back.
"Alright, you can stop that already."
As she ordered, I stopped, albeit still standing. I couldn't allow myself the comfort of sitting just yet.
"I'm still not ok with you doing that, but as long as Taishi says it's alright then…"
She breathed a sigh and face palmed. The way she did it played out so naturally it gave me the impression it was her routine, something that painfully resonated with me. And so, I sighed in relief and smiled.
"Thanks."
So, that was her reason. Just like mine. I imagined that the two of us were practically two sides of the same coin.
(I'm sure she's holding that fist down.)
The fact that her reasoning was in a way, selfless, considerate and even sacrificial, really gave me hope, in myself.
"You're a great older sister."
Could I have made that smile somewhat charming?
(Don't get too full of yourself.)
But the fact of the matter was that, again, her mouth was wide open, her eyes were nearly bloodshot, and her cheeks were red as rose.
"W-Wh-what's t-that all about!?"
It was, for all intents and purposes, actually cute. As much as she may've wanted to deny it, her maidenly pout really cemented her as 100% feminine. If she heard that, maybe I'd get a socking way worse than what I dealt unto him. But I digressed.
Ultimately, my attention on her shifted upon the sound of footsteps coming from what I believed to be the staircases.
"Nee-chan."
A younger sounding voice resounded. Quite the energetic one.
"I have something I need to-"
"Eh."
"Eh."
I locked eyes with her immediately. A girl of average build and height, she retained the familial silver blue hair that they all had but she tied hers in a sidetail. She was disturbingly similar in appearance to Kawasaki here, I mean, really, the only difference was with how old one of them was.
(Please don't punch me.)
But, seriously, who's she? I put my finger on my chin. I squinted at her and used the pictures as reference. And then it hit me:
(…Haven't I seen her before-)
"Oh, she's that girl."
"Oh, he's that mister."
Same realization, huh. Though, her sister on the other hand, was left out, as if a question mark was right on top of her. And so, she asked herself.
"You remember him?"
"No…uh…"
She was standing there, still unsure of what to say, until:
"Dinner's ready!"
Before she could finish, we were all called out by Kawamama.
(…Kawamama?)
(…)
(Ka-wamama?)
(Kawa-mama?)
(Kawama-ma?)
(Kawamama.)
(Ah yes, Kawamama.)
I had a self-amused smile as I followed those two to the kitchen. Creepy. Hide it. Perhaps dinner was enough to halt our talk. By the looks of it, even Kawasaki wanted to do dinner first.
As we made it to the kitchen, the 'feel' really started to hit hard, felt really like something out of a grandma's abode. And look, the food was already set on a large rustic wooden circular table. They from traditional to western. That was one big, juicy looking chicken.
There were many reasons I was salivating over something Komachi didn't make. One: it looked really, really good. Two: I was supposed to eat an hour ago, and I hadn't eaten anything for the past eight hours because I was really looking forward to Komachi's cooking. But no, I was lied to, the betrayal. Truthfully, it was more of I'd just forgotten. Tee-hee.
(Screw you, memory!)
Enough of that. All of us sat down. It seemed we were complete, all six of us. I looked like a kid, being the excited one here. "Were they used to this?" It didn't matter. It did. But ignoring that, it was time.
"Is everyone ready?"
Once she said that.
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Yeah."
"Yes!"
"Uh, yes."
It was excruciatingly embarrassing that I almost stuttered and wasn't in sync, but I gave myself a break. Really, you'd believe they'd practiced it over a dozen times. Amazing.
(Komachi, why are you used to this?)
(Well, forget about it.)
We all placed our hands together, and with me finally joining them, we started.
"""""Thank you for the food."""""
Kawamama.
Kiryu