Soaring over Tokyo no matter the time you always found peaceful, to feel weightless and free….unbound you suppose, somehow breathed a sort of unsung ecstasy. It was possible because you could easily outstretch a hand above and nearly touch the heavens. The stars.
Or the way the unseen breeze, whether stilted or free weaves through and between your fingers. You could feel every atom tickle the tips of them.
It was refreshing.
To move freely and yet hold command. Almost like untethered ballet in the skies. You'd know, that was part of your regiment with that heinous family.
Nevertheless, you enjoyed this freedom.
Open wings soaring over Tokyo an hour after noon, the sun at its peak, for now, cast a glistening illumination on your wings. A breathtaking sight for those who could see it, nearly mistaking them as angelic.
Daiki did quite a few times when he first saw them. His eyes rounded with surprise as his mouth dropped with sheer delight. And when you took him soaring in your arms for the first, at six months, you never forgot the wonderment upon his face. And when he could speak, the same wonderment appeared.
Your arms securely held him with utmost care, as you soared around the island or just remained in one spot in the clear skies.
Now your arms remained placid on your side, minus the white paper bag, with teal tissue paper sticking out decoratively, hooked on your wrist.
It wasn't heavy, far from it. You had a reason for it and was approaching soon.
Kooriya Peace.
An establishment that sells and specializes in kakigori(shaved flavored ice). After about decent amount of dead silence or unresponsive communication from you with Ijichi for assigned assignments, you finally responded.
Besides you had a life outside and urgent matters of focus.
Ijichi latest attempt finally reached you, and you responded. You had an assignment. You dressed into your 'work' attire like the last few times white off-shoulder blouse, still with the slight plunge in the front. High-waist dark pants and dark knee-high wedges that seamlessly connect with the pants. Shades resting atop your hair, pulled back into a long braid, with some of your bangs framing your face, and of course no….locket. He didn't provide full details on it, just the location.
Which was alright, you knew he'd provide it once you arrived. Once he did you could give him the bag.
You were almost there and remembered your short gloves. They were tucked away in your back left pocket, and your phone occupied the right one.
Reaching into the left you take them out and slip them on, being mindful not to drop the bag.
Just as you finish putting on the last one, you see the place. Your eyes scan for a place to elusively land out the view of others, as you do so you wonder for a moment if Roselyn figured out the menu for the end of the week when the guests came. The thought sent a disgusted shiver down your spine.
You spotted an area and land.
You land softly and quickly. You do a scope around the area ensuring no one saw.
No noticed.
Taking a minute you straighten yourself out, smooth any creases or wrinkles, and dust off anything else.
You do it three times until you felt ready. A bright smile sets gently on your lips, erasing the worn languish you held. Squaring your shoulders and straightening your back properly, step measuring to the shop.
"Ijichi! It's good to see you," you beam practicing the right tone, "no that won't work."
You think about it and try again, "Happy birthday Ijichi! I bought you something!" You hold up the bag.
You sigh and discard that one, that wouldn't work. You had to think of something to say that could distract from your absenteeism. But none really came to mind, and the closer you became to the shop the heavier your steps came and you wanted to turn and just leave.
Also, were you really in the proper head space right now, You lament as your slightly shoulders drop.
The shop came into view, you didn't have the proper words….you stop at the door of the quaint, traditional shop. Your hand decides whether to grab the handle or not. As you pondered this, you hadn't noticed two things.
One there was no familiar black car and second the sturdy figure approaching you.
"Good, you made it one time," Masamichi said, startling you.
Your head whipped around to him so fast you were sure you heard it snap. He stood there with a stoic calmness that made his emotions undetectable or possibly you were just in shock you couldn't focus on them. His sunglasses covering his eyes didn't help either.
He was here!?
Why was he here!?
Those questions and many more filled your eyes, Masamichi noticed and reached forward. You stiffen and stepped back, to see he reached and grabbed the door handle.
A sigh of quiet relief slipped between your lips.
"Well, come one," he gestured inside, holding the door for you.
You remained in your spot for a moment. If you remained any longer than, knowing Masamichi from what you could recall he'd pick up something was wrong. You couldn't have that, even if your confusion leaden your legs from moving. You forced them.
"Thank you," you smile kindly and walk inside.
He followed.
The small bell hanging the door jingled a little, announcing the presence of customers. The shop's interior was simple and welcoming. It was decently spacious, Abel's and chairs evenly spread about, you estimated the shop floor plan to be possibly 1,300 square feet or maybe 1,400. The register and counter were nestled in the corner, it was small and almost reminded you of the one your mjomba and auntie had.
That almost brought up memories. They had a business establishment similar to this one, though they didn't really sell shave ice, it was however, and became a hub for you and the others when you were younger.
Open door policy your mjomba and auntie had.
You noticed trinkets on the wall spread about. You focused on those to take your mind and nerves off Masamichi's presence and what he could possibly be here for, if not for the sweet aroma that drifted through the air you'd surely be further tended than you actually were.
Masamichi, you were certain his eyes were on you.
He stood next to you, and though you had mature height now, your size wasn't close to his. At least he didn't feel like a mountain.
"Come on let's order," he said walking to the counter where, the owner maybe, had been waiting.
You hadn't or didn't notice them. Your eyes follow Masamichi walk to the counter and order.
You remained where you were.
"Hey, do you want something?" He snapped lightly, staring at you.
You should just leave, you thought.
You walk over and smile lifting your eyes to the menu on the back wall. You drawled your response.
Masamichi ordered for you.
"Strawberry. Please."
The owner nodded and placed the order. You opened your mouth to pay, but Masamichi already did.
"I wouldn't mind paying," you assure him politely.
He said nothing and walked to an empty table and chairs. You follow close and sit down, placing the bag on the table.
Masamichi looked at it for a moment.
"It's for Ijichi," you tell him, "or at least was supposed to be. His birthday is coming up."
"I know."
"Of course you do," you fix the sleeve of your blouse. "Forgive me earlier if I seemed surprised." You spoke evenly, settling your nerves, and finally asked the question, "Where is Ijichi?"
The owner came with the orders, he set your shaved ice with pink strawberry syrup covering it before you with a spoon. Then set Masamichi before him.
He had green on his, it was apple flavor.
You thank the owner and turn back to Masamichi for his answer.
He didn't say anything and instead ate a few spoonfuls. The silted silence settling in wasn't going anywhere….it had a stomach-churning feeling you might be in trouble.
You pick up the spoon tentatively and scoop up a spoonful of ice. You eat it.
It was good.
You have a few more, redundantly, keeping your face.
Masamichi observed you, eating a few more spoonfuls of his. You seemed unassuming with each spoonful you ate.
A few times your eyes actually lighted up, almost mirroring your mjomba's.
You felt Masamichi's eyes on you and kept calm. You weren't a fool and knew he was observing you. Possibly as to why you were absent for the time you were.
You eat another spoonful.
Masamichi finally answered your question directly.
"I'm your partner for today's mission."
Your spoon froze halfway to your mouth, you couldn't believe his answer. Your eyes spring to his, finding his center on yours.
He wasn't joking….
You swallow the cold lump in your throat. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Then again...it might be beneficial.