Heiya
Ryohei seemed completely determined to stick to his resolution. As soon as he was released from the hospital, he began reading job advertisements and school websites, their study programs and admission requirements. The result was that he found a not-so-prestigious school that wouldn't sound as good on a resume as, say, the University of Tokyo or Waseda, but it would probably be easier to graduate from. So I guess, good choice. What struck me as strange was the choice of field.
"Psychology, are you sure? I always thought you were more of a logical type, you had a talent for natural sciences," I expressed my surprise.
The brother smiled bitterly. "I always thought that about myself, but it turns out that I'm more of a player of hearts than of diamonds."
"Player of what? How does this relate to your choice of field?" I didn't understand.
Ryohei nervously scratched his hair and stared out the window of his room. "What I meant to say was that last time I chose architecture because I knew dad would be extremely happy with it. It seemed like a good choice considering the social status and sufficiently large income. But perhaps it is ultimately wiser to choose and become the best at what one enjoys and is mentally fulfilling in itself, rather than chasing an uncertain future."
I nodded silently. I don't know if I completely agreed with this opinion, a person has to overcome themselves from time to time and do things they don't want to do and worry about what awaits them. However, this may not apply when choosing a study program. Plus, I wasn't going to complain if he will be more successful this time.
After submitting his application, he began to diligently prepare for the entrance exams. Since the university building was an hour away from where we lived, we agreed that I would pick him up by car after the exam. He'll definitely be hungry after the test and no matter what happens, he deserves something good to eat. So on D-day, I stopped by the school and texted Ryohei where I was standing so he could find me better. I expected him to come either full of energy and optimism, or sad about another failure. What I didn't expect, but happened, was that he didn't come alone. He was accompanied by a girl with long black hair in a white blouse and a dark blue pleated skirt that was too short for my taste. She attracted attention not only with her clothes and provocative beauty, but also by standing on a prosthetic limb.
"Hi, would you mind if we give my new classmate a ride? I know it's rushed, we didn't agree on anything like that, but I don't want her to have to take public transportation," Ryohei said with a bright smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Arisu, my name is Heiya Akane," She introduced herself. "I would be very grateful if you could drive me home, but I will understand if you refuse. Your brother is too kind and unfortunately sometimes doesn't think through his offer of help. Which, paradoxically, can sometimes be reckless and selfish."
"Hey!" my brother blurted out, pretending to be deeply touched by the remark.
At that moment, even a blind person would know that the girl was not just a new classmate, but a friend that Ryohei had known for some time. Those two definitely acted like that. I looked her over again, which ended with me staring at her prosthetic leg. I forced myself to look away and nodded. "Sure, as long as it's at least a little bit down our road and not on the other side of city," I shrugged. "But don't call me Mr. Arisu. That's our father."
Heiya smiled. "Oh, thank you very much! But what should I call you? Sweet Hajime, darling Hajime?" she flirted and blinked her long eyelashes.
"Ignore her. She doesn't mean it," Ryohei advised me and then turned to his friend. "And you stop seducing my little brother! Hajime is engaged and Aguni wouldn't like it either," warn her.
"Aguni doesn't care who I'm dating," she pursed her lips, smeared with pink gloss, indignantly. "And if he starts getting involved in who I'm dating, he can just expect an arrow in his ass."
Ryohei ignored the vulgar comment about the ass and instead asked: "Why doesn't he actually take you home?"
She just shrugged her shoulders at that. "He has some work to do. I don't know, I didn't rather ask."
"I understand," my brother nodded, and then they finally got into the car.
"Considering the fact that you're both in a good mood and Ryohei mentioned that you're new classmates, should I assume that your exams went well?" I figured.
"Yes," they agreed. "We will know the exact results later, but we already know for sure that we succeeded," Heiya added to that.
"So where should I drive?"
