January 12, 1997
Mr. Rokobungi Gendo
Shinochohirota
Kameoka-shi, Kyoto, 606-8304
Dear Gendo:
Thank you for the letter, along with your very interesting resume. I'm glad to see you seek an undergraduate in Metaphysical Biology, a class I myself teach. It's a quickly growing field and will do you well in your endeavors.
From the resume I find it reasonable to assume that you're both sufficiently interested in and knowledgeable enough that you may do well here, if you wish to do so. We're restricted to rats and lower lifeforms here, but we hope to look into some data from Germany on human AT Fields late this calendar year. It's not much, but relative to what we're used to down here in Kyoto it's tantamount to a flood of data, and more knowledgeable people can't hurt.
I would be delighted to meet with you when you visit. Try to give me advance warning, though. The second semester is ramping up here and I want to ensure I'm available once you're here in Kyoto.
With all good wishes,
Cordially,
Kozo Fuyutsuki
Gendo felt as if he had done more talking today than the rest of his life. He was tired, a long day of interacting with people did that to him. But, he had pushed through it, because this particular chilly Saturday he was touring the labs at Kyoto University. And his tour guide was Professor Fuyutsuki himself. It felt a bit excessive just for a potential student, let alone him, but he wasn't gonna bite the hand that fed him.
"These shelves are where we keep the rats," the professor informed him, late into the day. "A tall kid like you might have to get used to people bugging you to get things off the top shelf. I'm no stranger to it."
Gendo made a noise of annoyance. More social interactions always bugged him.
"Speaking of which, you mind getting a book from up there? Should say 'Human Molecular Biology' on the spine." He phrased his request calmly.
Gendo liked that. So far, while not exactly easy-going, Fuyutsuki had a slightly reserved, calm air around him. That was good, much more comfortable to him than a bubbly, blabby chatterbox.
"Yeah, sure." He scanned the top shelf before coming across it, stretching up to grab it, and handing it to the professor.
The professor took a pen and opened the book. He carefully wrote on the inside cover before gingerly passing it back. On the inner cover was written: "For Gendo Rokobungi, a future scientist." Again, to him, it felt undeserved.
His reply was a mild "Thank you," quickly appended with "Professor."
The professor in question shifted his stance, looking out the window at growing snowfall. "Hmph. I have some time, why don't I make sure you get to the bus stop alright?"
He spoke as if he were an equal, a statement of intent stated in a way that convinced Gendo it truly was a question. Nevertheless, he pushed the decision back onto the professor, knowing he'd make better use of it. "If you feel like it."
With the ball in his court he gave a half nod and started to walk off, but just as quickly stopped when he didn't join him. "Come on, then. It's not far."
Only when instructed to do so did he collect what little he had (a miniature notebook, signed book, and his coat) and stand up to idly follow him out the door. They walked the campus, and Gendo reaffirmed that he was headed to Hyakumamben, only a short walk away (when prompted by the professor, of course.) His temporary travel guard looked up at the falling snow, more falling by the minute, and spoke up.
"Ah, don't you like winter?"
The student-to-be turned his head and spoke in a tone equally cold to the weather he was bemoaning. "No, not really. I'm not a fan of the cold."
"Neither am I, but the cold can be tolerated. And this, the fresh snowfall, makes it all worth it. But it can only come as a result of the cold."
Gendo stopped walking, for no other reason than that he had arrived at the bus stop. "Hmph. Perhaps you're right."
Fuyutsuki too stood, thinking for a moment, before pulling out a scrap of paper and writing on it while speaking. "The snow does have its drawbacks, however… If the bus doesn't come, call me. You can spend the night at my place if need be."
On the paper was his home phone. Gendo took it silently, thinking of what to say. The hospitality being offered was something unheard of to him. In return, he gave something equally rare, a genuine smile, along with another, more personal, "Thank you."
Fuyutsuki too smiled, and turned to walk away.
He didn't know what had psyched him up to send that first letter, but he would always be glad he did. He could tell he'd feel comfortable with the professor, something he couldn't say about, well, anyone.
Maybe, the snow was worth it.