Subaru and Kenichi sit, chairs slid from the table, staring at the ceiling in defeat from Naoko's potato feast. He remembers that his mom typically cooked more than necessary, so he wasn't surprised when he saw what she had prepared for dinner. It's an odd quirk of hers to add a wide variety of foods to the Natsuki menu, coupled with the basics found on any Japanese dinner table, left the dinner table looking more like a buffet than a usual family meal. It always left Subaru feeling uncomfortably full and drowsy.
He groans, reclining in his chair to maximize his breathing efforts, "I don't…think I…can move," he admits through ragged breaths.
Kenichi grunts in agreement. Like his son, he ate more potatoes than he would admit.
It was an old Natsuki custom between father and son to see who could eat the most food. Usually, it was Kenichi who proposed the family-friendly food-eating competition and challenged his son openly, catching Ram off guard when the man stood and shouted his desire to duel Subaru.
Subaru wouldn't have entertained his father in the past, but he was pleasantly surprised when he declared his intentions to seize victory and smear it in his father's face. It had been so long since Kenichi saw a look of fire in Subaru's eyes, but rather than question it, seeing his son's determination only increased his appetite. Naoko sat in silence with a broad smile while watching the two most important men in her life demolish the heaping pan of sweet potatoes between them.
Already taken aback by Kenichi's desire for sport, Ram was equally amazed by Subaru, who matched him in tenacity. For a moment, she could have sworn there were two Barusu's in the room with her—an eerie feeling, and one she might shudder at later, but at the moment, she stared at the two like circus freaks, caged up for bystanders to gawk at.
The smoke cleared, and the competition ended. No one was keeping score, and Ram could only assume that both morons were the victor. She stifled an amused chuckle and ate the remaining potato while Kenichi and Subaru blamed the other for their stretched abdomens.
With both Subaru and Kenichi out of commission, Naoko got up to clear the table. Ram stood as well, gathering her plate and Subaru's, and went to the kitchen. Ram set the dishes on the counter and rolled her sleeves. Naoko turns and smiles at her.
"So, Ram-chan, tell me about yourself?" She asks with an innocent smile, taking notice of Ram washing her and Subaru's dishes while she places leftovers in bowls.
Subaru's mother couldn't help but wonder if Ram was trying to get on her good side by cleaning, and she was curious about Ram's motives for involving her son. The truth was that clearing the table after meals had become a habit, and Ram didn't even consider how it looked to Naoko when she specifically took Subaru's plate and hers.
The dishes clatter slightly, and Ram sifts through and replies, "Ram enjoys cooking, and her sister Rem."
After organizing dinner's leftovers, Naoko scrutinizes the girl, "Do you live with your sister?"
Ram stops momentarily but then resumes cleaning, "Y-Yes, Rem, and Ram grew up together."
"Where's that exactly?"
Ram curses her position. While she doesn't see the problem with mentioning Rem, she remembers what Subaru had told her and didn't want to build on his parents' suspensions. So, instead of digging herself further into a hole, she comes up with a simple reply to keep her above ground.
"Rem lives far away from Ram now,"
"But you said you lived with here?"
Ram finished the dishes and turned to meet Subaru's mother. She was never intimidated by Subaru's scary eyes, but standing before Naoko gave her goosebumps for unexplained reasons. She didn't cower, faced her head-on, and did her best to match her intense gaze.
"Ram was mistaken. It wasn't that long ago that Rem and Ram were leaving together. Ram is still adjusting to living apart from her."
Naoko nodded, "Oh, do you still see her?" She bought Ram's half-truth and now asked out of curiosity.
"It's difficult to speak with Rem at the moment, but Ram believes she will see her soon," Ram says, looking hopeful.
Naoko is silent, and she wonders if she touched a sore subject. Despite Ram's wishful thinking, Subaru's mother noted a hint of worry in her tone. To Naoko, it was clear that something must have happened between Rem and Ram, and she believes the girl Subaru brought home with him is harboring some form of regret.
"I'm confident you will see her again, so don't worry."
Ram looked toward Naoko, who smiled at her, "Ram hopes you're correct."
After a short siesta at the table, Subaru said, "Well, I think I'll go for a walk to work off that mountain of potatoes."
Subaru's dad waves, "Sure, just don't be late again. Your mother likes to worry, and I don't want to see her staying up late to wait on you."
"You could stay up with your wife, ya know?"
Kenichi yawns, "If I did that, how would I get my beauty rest? If I'm not careful, I'll develop bags under my eyes like you. Also, it's not good to stay up late, Subaru, especially when playing video games. It'll ruin your eyes."
Subaru rolls his eyes, "Yeah, I understand. Hey Ram, are you ready?"
Ram sticks her head out from the kitchen, "Yes, give Ram a moment to gather her things."
Kenichi turns to her, "Oh, are you heading home?"
Ram bows, "Yes, thank you for your hospitality." she turns to Naoko, "And Ram will remember the fine dinner you prepared for her. It was delicious."
Naoko beams, "You are welcome in our home anytime. I am happy to know Subaru found himself a caring girl."
Subaru coughs, "How many times do I-"
Ram fires a glare that silences him. She turns back to Naoko. Behind Subaru, Kenichi is snickering at his son. "Ram will do her best to keep him in line, but Barusu and I aren't a couple."
Naoko shrugs, "Okay, whatever you say."
Ram sighs, "Barusu, I'll be right back. Don't go wandering off."
"Wander off where? It's not like our house is big enough to get lost in."
She continues to stare. Her sharp, crimson irises tell him precisely what she means.
"Alright. Alright. I'll wait right here."
"Good." Ram turns and walks to Subaru's room to gather her clothes.
Subaru places his hands on his hips and lets out a deep breath. He glances at his father, still sitting at the table. Kenchi sits with an elbow resting on the table. He continues to grin at Subaru.
"What is it?"
He laughs, "Nothing—Barusu, I was just thinking how silly it was to worry about you."
"It's obvious Ram's becoming a bad influence with you, but-" Subaru looks away and scratches his nose, "I-I am sorry for troubling you…"
Kenichi stands and places a hand on his shoulder, "If you want to make it up to me, how about going to school tomorrow?"
Subaru chews on his lip, "I-I can't…make that promise, sorry Dad…"
He feels ashamed and doesn't look at Kenichi. If he did, he would still see a father who was proud of his son, no matter what.
"Well, when you decide to return, let me know, and I'll see what I can do about helping you graduate on time."
Subaru smiles to himself, "Yeah, thanks Dad…"
Naoko stands watching the scene between father and son. Subaru looks up at her but looks away. It hurt him to think he might not see them again, and even though he didn't break down and cry his eyes out when he was finally able to talk to his parents, he still felt an immense amount of grief knowing that he may never get another chance to be with them.
"Mom, Dad—I love you both. Thank you for putting up with me."
Both Naoko and Kenichi hug their son. Subaru doesn't struggle and accepts, returning their embrace with his. He felt his heart clench and swallowed the lump in his throat. He feels like scum for leaving his parents so soon, but he has to get back to Emilia and the others. Subaru couldn't waste more time at home, believing his true obligations lie in Lugunica. Ram exits Subaru's bedroom and sees the three of them linked together. It isn't difficult for her to figure out that Subaru is telling his parents goodbye, and she doesn't wish to interrupt them but is anxious to get home.
"Barusu, Ram is ready."
They break away from one another, "Now, don't stay out late again!" Naoko says, echoing Subaru's father.
"Y-Yeah, I-I know…" Subaru doesn't look at his mother when he responds, knowing that if his theory works, he will let her down.
"Well, let's go, Ram." He walks to the front door, with Ram following him, but Kenichi stops him before the two of them can leave.
"Oh, Subaru, one more thing,"
Subaru turns to his father, "Yeah, Dad?"
"Your Mother mentioned that she tried calling you earlier, but you didn't answer. I tried as well, but it kept going to voicemail. Did you charge your phone?"
He rubs the back of his head, remembering that he bartered away his phone in Lugunica, "Oh my metia—I mean my phone, uh, I sorta…misplaced it…"
"Oh? How did you do that?"
Kenichi crosses his arms, along with Naoko, who both wait for their son's explanation.
"Uh, well…I lost it the other night when I went out."
"I see…"
Ram watches the awkward display and sighs, "Barusu, we must hurry."
"I know–hang on, alright!"
She huffs and puts on her shoes. Subaru looks away from her and back at his parents. They both shake their heads. "Well, I guess we'll just go and get you another tomorrow."
"Oh, Mom, you really don't need to—"
Subaru's mother's annoyed smile shuts up her son, "Yes, Subaru, I need to," she says matter-of-factly.
"Y-Yeah, alright…"
"That's good because what if you are attacked by robbers or fall into a ravine? How would you contact us?"
Subaru laughs slightly, "I'm pretty sure neither of those things will happen, but I see your point."
Naoko smiles, "Alright, then it's a date with your mom,"
Subaru cringes and looks at Ram, who backs away and raises an eyebrow. "It's not what you think!"
Ram rolls her eyes, "Ram would rather not know."
"It's not what you think, so stop thinking it!"
His parents chuckle as they watch their son getting flustered, "Well, take care of yourselves." Naoko says and bows to Ram, "And thank you for looking after my son, Ram-chan."
Ram offers a light bow. "You're welcome. Keeping an eye on Barusu is a full-time job with little to no pay."
"You're not my babysitter!"
"Ha! Considering how often you get in trouble, it's only befitting that my adorable self, Emilia-sama, and Rem keep you in line. You should show your gratitude more."
"I show my gratitude to Emilia-tan all the time!"
Kenichi tilts his head. "Emilia? Who's that?" He notices how his son emphasizes her title and questions him.
"Oh, uh, I guess you could say she is important to me," he looks at Ram, who narrows her eyes.
"Oh, and Rem, too."
"Rem?"
"She is Ram-chan's sister. They're twins." Naoko answers Kenichi's question.
"What sort of life are you living, Subaru? First, you brought home a girl, and now I hear about more?" he feigns tears. "You're making your old man proud."
" Alright –I've been embarrassed long enough! Let's go."
Subaru puts on his shoes and walks to the door. Ram bows once more to his parents, and they leave.
Kenichi places his arm around his wife as they wave them off. The door shuts, and the two stand silently, looking at it. Neither speaks to the other, but the heartache washes over them. Subaru's acting made them both feel he was planning to leave them.
"It's strange. A day ago, Subaru was colder and hardly spoke to me." Kenichi says, "But now he seems like a different person?"
"He's taller too and looks older," Naoko mentions, "Did you notice?"
Kenichi rubs his chin. "Well, now that you mention it, he seemed more mature than the day before. And even though he somewhat explained who that girl, Ram, is, I still don't understand how they know one another. I mean, he never leaves his room!"
"I thought the same thing. You weren't awake when Ram and him "acted out" a scene from the play excuse he made up."
"Oh yeah, he did mention that to me. Man, talk about a flimsy excuse! I had way better lies when I was younger!"
Naoko crosses her arms, "Oh, is that so…"
"I obviously grew out of it!"
She smirked at him, "Well, he is your son, so it makes sense he would act like a dunderhead."
Kenichi snorts, "Dunderhead? Where did you hear that, grandma?"
Naoko's mouth opens wide playfully, "Excuse me!?"
"SORRY! SORRY!" Kenichi laughs, then sighs, "Either way, I hope he doesn't stay gone long. Dinner together was a lot of fun."
Naoko's expression dips. "It was."
They stand in silence until Naoko cuts the tension in the room, "How about I make us some tea, and you find a movie to watch."
Kenichi nods, "You got it! And I know just the film!"
"As long as it's not something weird again, like that film where the schoolgirl has a gun for an arm."
"Okay-okay! I'll find something romantic to watch!"
Naoko celebrates her victory over her husband with a wide grin and goes to the kitchen to make tea. Kenichi walks to the living room and turns on the television. He continues to think about his son and how happy he is to see him coming out of his shell.
Subaru and Ram walk in silence, an awkward haze hanging around them. It hasn't been long since they left his house, nor have they exchanged words apart from Subaru mentioning their destination wasn't far. He glances at Ram to gauge her expression, but all he can see is her poker face, and he wonders if she ever blinks. He's seen the look before and knows it's a look to ward off any questions or comments that might come her way. Ram was a tough shell to crack, with only Rem or Roswaal being the few to see the girl when her defensives were down, and even then, it was a rare sight. The silence becomes unbearable, and he coughs to break it.
"So, my parents are quite the people, right?" he laughs, "I-I don't think I've ever had a friend over, let alone a girl! So, I can imagine how surprised they were. Most Japanese families would have been suspicious, but they're anything but normal; I mean, they-"
"Barusu, you're talking too much."
Ram's abrupt assessment of Subaru's attempt to start a conversation kills the mood and drives a wedge between them. Subaru rolls his eyes to heaven as if the sky would part, and a clear-cut answer to how he is even supposed to deal with the girl beside him would reveal itself to the helpless boy.
"What's wrong with talking? It's not like we haven't known one another for years and spent the day together!"
Ram sighs, "Ram's apologies for sounding harsh, but she has nothing to say," she looks at him, "And Ram found nothing odd about Barusu's parents that would warrant him making excuses for them. They seemed perfectly pleasant—even your father."
"Well, either way, it seemed like they liked you."
Ram smirks, "Of course. Who isn't charmed by Ram's infectious personality and wit."
"Pfff—In that case, how lucky I am to know you," Subaru says sarcastically.
"Barusu is very lucky to know Ram. He should be more grateful to her and do all her chores."
He exaggerates a look of aghast, " All of them!? If I did that, people would suspect Nee-sama of being lazy. We can't have that!"
She narrows her eyes at him and smiles, "Consider it Ram's way of saying thank you for the purse and clothes. Now everyone will see how hard of a worker Barusu is when he is breaking his back sweeping, mopping, cooking, grocery shopping, pruning the hedges-"
"Okay, Okay. I'm aware of your job description. It wasn't long ago. I was a butler, remember?"
"You'll always be a butler to Ram."
"Thanks. It warms my heart to know that. Also, I'm pretty sure everyone knows how hard I work!"
"You're right. Everyone but Ram."
Subaru laughs, "I don't need the divine protection of wind reading to know you're lying."
"Nonsense. Ram's never lied in her life. She always tells it like it is."
Ram closes her eyes and points her chin proudly upward to demonstrate her dominance. Despite Subaru being taller than her, her smug look gives off the impression that she is looking down on him from chest level. Subaru doesn't mind. It was the relationship they shared. Ram was snarky and short with most people, but the odd relationship between her and Subaru was special. Even though they got on one another's nerves, their trust was evident because she believed he would get her home based merely on a hunch.
Subaru missed Lugunica. He missed Emilia, Beatrice, Spica, Rem, and the others. But if it weren't for Ram being with him in Japan, he might have died from heartbreak or worse.
They make it to the convince store described by Subaru and stand before it.
"Well, this is it."
Ram looks at the store. The neon lights and brightly lit windows give off a feeling of loneliness. The 7-11 convenience store, which served as the backdrop for Subaru's departure from Japan, looks depressing to Ram as if the building in front of her was a haven for those destitute of companionship.
"Did Barusu frequent this place often?" she asks out of concern.
"Of course! I was practically a regular."
"Ram sees. How sad. She will think more about calling you a loser from now on."
Subaru looks at her like a skunk crossed his path, "I don't even want to know what you are thinking."
"Good," she says.
Subaru shakes his head. "Well, whatever, let's go. We'll retrace my steps and maybe trigger a way to get us home."
The two walk across the parking lot and enter the store. The door chime alerts the clerk, who bids them welcome. Ram looks at the rows upon rows of otherworldly food items and random oddities with interest.
"Ram understands why Barusu comes to the place."
He snorts, "What did you think it was?"
She looks at him out of pity.
"You know what, let's drop it."
They walk through the aisles. With growing curiosity, Ram runs her hand across a couple of boxes and picks up one. It has a cartoon caricature of a rabbit holding a spoon and shoving brightly colored balls into its mouth. Ram stares at the crudely drawn rabbit and shows it to Subaru.
"Barusu, what's this?"
Subaru turns to her, sees the box, and immediately looks away, "P-Please, let's keep moving. I-I didn't buy that anyway."
Ram looks at him with confusion, but sensing how uncomfortable he is, she shrugs and puts the box away.
Subaru bounces back after taking a deep breath, and they move toward the magazine and mange section.
"Okay, first I stopped here— I think —and looked at manga."
He picks up the same manga he was looking at the day he left. He still remembers it and thumbs through the pages. It's nostalgic as he reads the Japanese characters.
"I should have bought one then," he says to himself.
Ram stares at him and looks at the manga. She looks at the magazine rack, takes one, and opens it. It's about cooking, and although Ram can't read the strange writing, she appreciates the pictures of new dishes and food she has never seen before. She wonders if she could recreate the food for Roswaal.
Subaru replaces the manga. "Did you find something of interest?"
"Yes. Ram is currently memorizing each picture in this book for when she returns. She plans to cook some of its tato dishes for Roswaal-sama." She shows the book to Subaru, who nods, feigning interest.
"Cool. Next, we walk to the chip aisle and then the ramen."
Subaru walks and bends down. He looks at the chips and scratches his head, "Which did I get again?" he sighs, "I can remember the manga, but not the chips."
He rubs his chin while Ram stands beside him. She bends down.
"Barusu, this is similar to the weird item Petra won for her snow sculpture."
Subaru picks up a bag and inspects it, "Yeah, it was."
Ram looks at the bag in his hand, "Ram never asked because she didn't care at the time, but what are these?"
"Oh, they're potato chips. There are lots of different flavors."
She looks at him, "What did you say?"
Subaru looks at her when he recognizes her shift in tone: "They are thinly cut potatoes fried and turned into crispy chips.
Ram gasped in surprise, "You have magic for such things?" she said, legitimately shocked.
"Why are potato chips the most shocking thing about my world to you? Also, it's not magic. I'm pretty sure my mom can make them."
"We need to go and have her teach Ram!"
He stares at her, "Nee-sama," he says, "I think you have a potato problem."
"It's not a problem!"
"Fine, whatever you say. When we return, I'll speak with Frederica and see if we can recreate potato chips."
"Barusu better."
"I'm a man of my word." he places back the chips and picks up another one, "These are it, I'm pretty sure."
They stand and go to the ramen section. Subaru spends a moment looking at the ramen before making his selection.
"Alright, let's go pay!"
They walk to the counter. Subaru places the items down, and the clerk rings them up. The clerk hands Subaru his change and bags up the chips and ramen. Subaru stares at the coins in his hand. Each yen piece is perfect and free of blemishes or nicks. He furrows his brow and pockets the money.
"Barusu, what's wrong? Do you have indigestion? Did you wet yourself again?
"No, I didn't wet myself, nor have I ever!" Subaru throws his arms up in defeat. "Good grief! I can't catch a break from you or your outlandish conclusions!"
Subaru can hear the clerk chuckling in the background. Rather than continuing the comedy routine for their amusement, Subaru only wishes to be free from the awkward situation invented by Ram.
She doesn't offer a rebuttal and looks at him, waiting for an answer. "It's nothing," Subaru finally admits, and they walk to the exit. He stops and looks at Ram, "Uh, this may sound weird, but um,"
"Out with it."
"Well, for this to work, it's probably best we hold hands…."
Ram chews on her reply and closes her eyes, "Very well, but your palms better not be sweaty."
"They're not, I assure you!"
Ram glances at him and offers her hand. Subaru blushes and takes it. They step outside and start to walk.
"Satella…" Subaru says to himself, low enough that Ram may not hear him , "I'm right here. Please come and find me." He takes a deep breath, "I can return by death!" Subaru says in a low whisper.
They stop in the middle of the parking lot. Ram looks around and then at Subaru. He stands there, swaying. His chest doesn't hurt, and there is no sign of a witch around him.
"No…" he says, "No, no, no-" Subaru falls to his knees, "This isn't right!"
"Barusu!" Ram looks at him worriedly.
"It didn't work! Why didn't she come for me!"
Ram stares at him with uncertainty. "Who…?" she asks.
Subaru takes a deep breath and stands. He fights back the tears, but the nervous crack in his voice betrays him, "N-No one…."
He can't look at Ram. Subaru feels like he has betrayed her. "I'm sorry…" he says, "I don't know another way home…."
Ram stands beside him. She narrows her eyes, "Barusu…"
Subaru hears the tension in her voice, and he looks at her. Ram stares at him with a grim expression. "What do you mean you can't get us home?"
He tears his eyes from her, "It's exactly like I said. I thought this would work, but it-"
Ram points at the convince store, "This? Ram was confused as to why we were buying odd items, but this was your plan!?"
"It's all I have to go off of, Ram!"
"Then there has to be another way, Barusu! Ram's sister, Roswaal-sama! Ram has to return to them!"
"I know! I know! I said I would get us home, and I will!"
"Then do it!"
"I'm trying!"
"Try harder!"
Sabaru grits his teeth, "Fine!" he turns and takes Ram's shoulders. He locks eyes with her, and she stares back challengingly, "Ram…."
She doesn't reply.
"I can return by death! "
Nothing.
Ram leans away from him, "Barusu…"
Subaru looks at her, "Wait, usually that-"
"Ram is asking for a solution. She doesn't have time for a sick joke."
Subaru steps back, "What…"
"Ram understands you are desperate, but she fails to see how talking about death will help anything."
Subaru can't believe his ears. He was confident that mentioning his taboo would call the witch and thought that maybe he wasn't saying it loud enough. He has never had an opportunity to talk about his having died, and he never assumed that if he did, no one would believe him. He wants to be angry with Ram. He wants to scream at her. Tell her how cruel she is. But he doesn't. He tucks away his rage and buries it. Ram stares at him. It's evident to her that Subaru is angry.
"Barusu, Ram spoke out of turn. We will discuss it if it's something important when we figure out a way home. In the meantime, let's return to your parents' house, and we'll go from there."
"Yeah…" he mumbles, feeling lost and hopeless.
Given how close the convenience store is, the walk back to Subaru's house feels like it takes hours.