Chapter 3
Drake, Josh, and Komi stepped into the bustling heart of the Premiere Galleria. Komi's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the vibrant scene. Shops lined the walkways, their windows displaying a dazzling array of merchandise. The enticing aroma of freshly baked pretzels, delicious corndogs and buttery popcorn wafted from the food court, mingling with the sweet scent of cinnamon rolls and the savory smell of pizza. Merchants called out their wares, their voices a lively symphony of sales pitches and friendly banter. A magnificent fountain stood proudly in the center, its cascading water a soothing counterpoint to the surrounding energy.
Despite the captivating sights and sounds, Komi couldn't help but feel a familiar wave of anxiety wash over her. The sheer number of people milling about, their bodies brushing against hers in the crowded space, triggered her social anxiety. She could feel the weight of their gazes, their curious eyes following her every move.
Komi's breath quickened, her chest tightening as the overwhelming sensation of being watched intensified. Her heart pounded like a drum, its rhythm echoing the frantic footsteps and chattering voices that surrounded her. She tried to avert her gaze, to blend into the background, but the feeling of eyes boring into her persisted.
In, out, in, out... she repeated silently, desperately trying to regain control of her breathing. She pressed her hands against her chest, hoping to calm the frantic beating of her heart. But her body continued to tremble, a physical manifestation of her overwhelming anxiety.
Josh, ever attuned to Komi's subtle cues, noticed her trembling and downcast expression. He frowned with concern and came to a halt, causing Drake to stop as well.
"What's up?" Drake asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Why'd we stop?"
"I think Shoko's gettin' a little overwhelmed," Josh explained, his voice laced with worry.
"By what?" Drake questioned, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "It's just a mall."
Josh sighed, rolling his eyes at his brother's obliviousness. "It's a bit too crowded and stimulating for her, Drake," he clarified, his tone patient. He turned to Komi, who was now hugging herself tightly, her eyes downcast. "Daijōbu desu ka?" he asked softly in Japanese. (Are you alright?)
Komi shook her head, her anxiety evident. She quickly scribbled a message on her notepad:
"It's a little too crowded here. I can feel people staring at me."
Josh's heart ached for her. "Shinpai shinaide, shibaraku shizukana basho ni ikimashō," he reassured her, gently guiding her away from the bustling crowd. (Don't worry, let's go somewhere quiet for a bit.)
Komi offered a small, grateful smile and wrote another message:
"Thank you, Josh. That would be nice."
Josh smiled back. "Okay," he said, leading her towards a quieter area of the mall.
Drake, watching them go, couldn't hide his confusion. "Hey, where are you goin'?" he called out, pointing towards the theater. "The theater's that way!"
"We can't go to the theater just yet, Drake," Josh explained over his shoulder. "Shoko needs a chance to decompress first."
"But the movie's gonna start soon!" Drake whined, his impatience getting the better of him.
"Relax, we still have an hour before the movie starts," Josh reassured him, glancing at his watch. "Let's just give Shoko a chance to calm down."
Drake, though frustrated by the delay, reluctantly agreed. Well, I can at least use this as an opportunity to practice my Japanese skills, he thought, patting the phrasebook still in his pocket. His eyes glinted with determination. Yeah, I'll get it this time.
The trio navigated the bustling crowds, eventually reaching a secluded alcove marked by a gothic-style gate. Intrigued, they stepped through the entrance, finding themselves in a tranquil courtyard. A weathered stone statue, draped in lush greenery, held court in the center, its presence both imposing and serene. A worn wooden bench sat facing the statue, offering a quiet respite from the surrounding commotion.
"This place is perfect," Josh remarked, a contented sigh escaping his lips.
Komi's eyes widened with wonder as she took in the tranquil scene. The contrast between the vibrant energy of the mall and the peaceful atmosphere of the courtyard was striking.
"What's this place?" Drake questioned, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "I've never seen this before."
"It's a courtyard garden," Josh explained. "A little hidden oasis for people who need a break from the hustle and bustle."
Drake's gaze swept over the overgrown vines clinging to the walls and the moss-covered stones underfoot. He shivered involuntarily, a sense of unease creeping up his spine.
"It's kinda creepy, don't ya' think?" he muttered, pulling his jacket tighter around him.
Josh burst into laughter, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, I can see why you'd think that," he said, his voice laced with a hint of playful sarcasm. "It does have a bit of an apocalyptic vibe, doesn't it?"
Drake's brow furrowed. "Apoca-what?" he questioned, his confusion evident.
Josh smirked, shaking his head at his brother's lack of vocabulary. He turned his attention to the statue, his eyes widening in recognition. "Oh! I think... I think that's the Venus de Milo!" he exclaimed, impressed by the unexpected presence of such a renowned artwork.
Komi, her curiosity piqued, took a closer look. She recognized the iconic statue from her art history classes and smiled, a sense of wonder washing over her. She quickly jotted down a message on her notepad:
"This is a beautiful courtyard. I see the Venus de Milo is here too."
Josh beamed as he read her note. "Yeah," he agreed, "whoever designed this place has excellent taste."
Noticing the inviting bench nestled beneath the statue, Josh gestured towards it. "Koko ni suwatte kudasai," he said with a gentle smile. (Please, have a seat here.)
Komi nodded gratefully and followed him to the bench. They settled onto the cool, weathered wood, a comfortable silence falling between them. Josh leaned back, taking a deep breath of the fresh air, a sense of tranquility washing over him. He glanced at Komi, noticing the tension easing from her shoulders.
Good, she's starting to relax, he thought, pleased that he had found this quiet haven for her.
Komi leaned back as well, closing her eyes for a moment as she savored the peaceful atmosphere. The courtyard was a welcome respite from the overwhelming stimulation of the mall. It reminded her of the small, hidden gardens she sometimes found tucked away in the bustling cityscapes of Japan. She felt a sense of gratitude towards Josh for his thoughtfulness and understanding.
"I'm so glad the Premiere Galleria has places like this," Josh mused, his gaze sweeping over the tranquil courtyard. "Just a nice little spot to appreciate nature and fine art." He leaned back against the bench, a contented sigh escaping his lips.
Komi, observing his relaxed posture, penned a question on her notepad:
"Do you come to places like this often?"
Josh smiled and nodded. "Hai," he replied in Japanese. "Yukkuri shite shizen o ajiwau no ga suki desu." (Yes, I like to relax and enjoy nature.)
Komi's smile widened, and she wrote another message:
"That's good. It's always a good idea to appreciate nature from time to time. It's good for the body and mind."
"Sō desu ne," Josh agreed. "Nihon ni mo kono yōna chīsana supēsu wa aru nodeshou ka?" (That's true. Does Japan also have small spaces like this?)
Komi nodded and quickly penned a response:
"Yes. Japan has many such places. Our shrines are probably the best examples. They have some of the most beautiful gardens you'd ever see."
Josh's eyes lit up with understanding. He knew exactly what she meant. The Shinto shrines, with their serene gardens and emphasis on nature, were an integral part of Japanese culture. He had read about Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, which revered nature and spirits. It was fascinating to learn about the cultural context behind some of his favorite video games, with their references to kitsune foxes and yokai spirits.
"Itsuka korera no jinja o otozurete mitaidesu ne," Josh responded, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Totemo utsukushikute subarashī desu." (I'd love to visit those shrines someday. They sound beautiful and amazing.)
Komi beamed at his genuine interest in her culture and quickly penned another message:
"That would be wonderful. I just know you'd love it."
Josh's smile widened, his heart warming at the connection they were forming.
Meanwhile, Drake, in his corner of the courtyard, was feverishly flipping through the Japanese phrasebook, his brow furrowed in concentration. He glanced up, noticing Komi's relaxed demeanor and the easy banter she shared with Josh. A surge of determination coursed through him. Time to work a little magic, he thought, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He straightened his posture, puffed out his chest, and sauntered towards the bench where Josh and Komi were seated. This time, he was armed with a fresh arsenal of Japanese phrases, and he was determined to win Komi over with his linguistic prowess.
Drake plopped down beside Komi, his sudden appearance startling her.
"Hey there," he greeted, his voice smooth and flirtatious. "It's me again."
Komi's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on Drake with a mixture of surprise and apprehension.
Josh raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his brother's renewed attempt to impress Komi.
"This time, I've got it," Drake announced confidently, his eyes sparkling with determination. He looked directly at Komi, his gaze unwavering despite the familiar intensity of her stare. He took a deep breath, steeling his nerves.
"Komi," he began, his voice steady, "watashi no oheso ni wa kurimukōn ga haitte imasu." (I have creamed corn in my bellybutton.)
He flashed a confident grin, anticipating Komi's admiration. But her expression remained unchanged, her brow furrowed in confusion. Josh, on the other hand, could barely contain his laughter, his lips twitching with amusement.
"What?" Drake asked, his shoulders slumping slightly.
Josh burst into a fit of giggles, while Komi, ever polite, simply wrote another message on her notepad:
"I don't understand. Why do you have creamed corn in your bellybutton?"
Drake's jaw dropped, his face turning ashen. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. He buried his face in his hands, groaning in frustration. "Not again!"
Josh chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye as his laughter subsided. Noticing Drake's dejected posture, he felt a pang of sympathy and placed a comforting hand on his brother's knee.
"Hey, it's okay, Drake," he said reassuringly. "Everyone makes mistakes, especially when learning a new language."
Drake looked up, his cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "But how could I mess up twice in a row?" he lamented. "I thought I had that phrase down."
"Just keep practicing, and you'll be an expert in no time," Josh encouraged, his voice filled with optimism.
"Pfft," Drake scoffed playfully. "I don't know how you got so good so fast, though."
"It didn't happen overnight, I'll tell ya' that," Josh explained. "It took weeks and weeks of language courses and practice to get it right. With enough effort, you can do it too."
Drake crossed his arms, a petulant expression on his face. "I don't have time for weeks and weeks of lessons," he grumbled. "I wanna be fluent now."
Josh chuckled, shaking his head at his brother's impatience. It was so typical of Drake to want instant gratification.
Josh's eyes darted to his watch, his eyebrows shooting upwards. "Aw, geez!" he exclaimed. "We better head to the theater now. The movie's starting in thirty minutes!"
"Totally," Drake agreed, his eagerness returning. "Don't wanna miss this."
Josh glanced at Komi, who was now gazing at the Venus de Milo statue, a look of serenity on her face. The gentle breeze ruffled her hair, creating a picture of tranquility that warmed Josh's heart.
"Komi-san," he said softly, and Komi turned her attention to him with a curious tilt of her head. "Ima kara gekijō ni mukaimasu. Daijōbu desu ka?" (We're heading to the theater now. Are you okay?)
Komi nodded, a gentle smile gracing her lips. She quickly jotted down a message:
"Yes, I feel much better now. Thank you."
"That's good," Josh replied, relieved.
"Well, let's get going then," Drake chimed in, gesturing towards the exit.
The trio made their way out of the courtyard and back into the bustling mall. The crowds had thinned somewhat, much to Komi's relief. As they walked, she instinctively stayed close to Josh, finding comfort in his calm presence. Drake, observing their closeness, felt a pang of jealousy.
What does Josh have that I don't? he thought, his frustration growing. She should be all over me by now. I'm Drake Parker, for crying out loud!
His fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. But he didn't care; that didn't hurt nearly as much. The sting of rejection, even from someone he had just met, was a bitter pill to swallow.
If only I were better at Japanese, Drake thought glumly, his gaze fixed on the tiled floor. Then maybe she'd actually like me. He sighed, a wave of frustration washing over him.
Finally, the trio arrived at the bustling entrance of the Premiere Theater. The lobby was alive with activity, movie posters adorning the walls, the scent of popcorn filling the air, and the excited chatter of moviegoers creating a vibrant atmosphere. Komi's eyes darted around, taking in the sights and sounds of this unfamiliar environment.
As they navigated through the crowd, Komi felt the familiar sting of eyes on her. A group of boys, seated at a nearby table, were staring at her with undisguised admiration. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she instinctively moved closer to Josh, seeking refuge in his calming presence. The boys, noticing her closeness to Josh, quickly averted their gazes, their expressions shifting from admiration to disappointment. Komi breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the momentary reprieve from unwanted attention.
"Komi-san," Josh announced with a proud grin, gesturing towards the bustling lobby, "koko wa Puremia eiga-kan desu. Watashi wa koko de hataraite imasu." (This is the Premiere Theater. I work here.)
Komi's eyes widened with interest. She quickly jotted down a response on her notepad:
"That's really cool! I bet it's fun to work at a movie theater."
"Totemo tanoshī desu. Taihen'na shigoto desu ga, yarigai no aru shigoto desu," Josh replied, his Japanese fluid and expressive. (It is very fun. It's a challenging job, but it's rewarding.)
Komi smiled and wrote another message:
"That's wonderful. It's great that you have a job you enjoy."
Josh beamed, his heart swelling with pride. He was happy to share his passion for the Premiere with Komi and see her genuine interest in his work.
As the trio approached the theater where Mom, I Shrunk My Brother was playing, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd. Gavin, Josh's coworker, shuffled towards them, his expression as impassive as ever.
"Hey, Josh," Gavin greeted, his voice a monotone drone.
"Oh, hey Gavin," Josh replied. "What's up?"
"There's a skunk down in the basement," Gavin stated flatly. "Would you mind helpin' me remove it?"
Josh stared at him blankly. "Gavin, it's my day off. Can't you handle it yourself?"
"Nah," Gavin deadpanned.
Josh rolled his eyes. Typical Gavin behavior, always incredibly lazy and trying to pawn his responsibilities off on others. But strangely, he always ended up doing the task himself anyway. He's a weird one, Josh thought, but then again, he was always encountering odd characters at the Premiere.
Just as Gavin turned to leave, his eyes fell upon Komi, who was standing quietly behind Josh. His usual impassive expression softened, a flicker of interest sparking in his eyes. "Whoa," he breathed, "who's she?"
Komi froze, her cheeks flushing under his appreciative gaze.
"This is Shoko Komi," Josh explained. "She's a foreign exchange student from Japan. She's staying with us for the week."
"Nice," Gavin commented, a sly grin spreading across his face.
Komi, flustered by his attention, averted her gaze, her anxiety growing.
"Komi-san," Josh said in Japanese, "kore wa watashi no dōryō no Gavin." (This is my coworker, Gavin.)
Komi offered a small, hesitant wave, her cheeks reddening further.
"She's really hot, man," Gavin remarked to Josh, his eyes still glued to Komi.
Drake, overhearing the comment, stepped in front of Gavin, effectively blocking his view. He glared at Gavin, a silent warning to back off. "Josh," he said, his voice laced with impatience, "let's just get to the movie already."
"Oh yeah, it's starting soon," Josh agreed, glancing at his watch. "And I still need to talk to Horatio about the subtitles."
He turned and headed towards the theater entrance, gesturing for Komi to follow. "See ya later, Gavin," he called over his shoulder.
"See ya, Josh," Gavin replied, his voice flat once more. He continued to stare at Komi until she disappeared through the doorway, then shrugged and ambled off in the opposite direction, presumably towards his usual napping spot on the roof.
The trio entered the theater, its dimly lit interior a welcome contrast to the bustling lobby. Komi's eyes scanned the mostly empty rows of seats, a sense of relief washing over her. With fewer people around, she felt her anxiety ease, her breathing returning to a normal rhythm.
"This looks like a good spot," Drake suggested, pointing towards a row of seats in the middle of the theater.
"Yeah, that's perfect," Josh agreed.
They carefully navigated the aisles, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting. Komi, feeling a bit more at ease, followed close behind, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Once they were settled in their seats, Drake leaned back with a satisfied sigh, stretching his arms out along the back of the row. Komi, her heart still pounding slightly, took a deep breath, releasing the lingering tension from her shoulders. The darkness of the theater, the soft glow of the screen, and the relative quiet created a sense of calm that she hadn't felt since arriving in San Diego.
"Alright," Josh announced, "I'm gonna head to the projection room and talk to Horatio about those subtitles."
"Okay, bro," Drake replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he turned to Komi. "I'll keep Shoko company while you're gone."
"Alright, BRB," Josh repeated, heading towards the back of the theater.
Drake watched him go, a sly grin spreading across his face. He had Komi all to himself now, and he was determined to make the most of it.
"Well, Shoko, looks like it's just you and me for now," Drake said, flashing a confident grin.
Komi's heart pounded as Drake's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes sparkling with playful intent. She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her, his flirtatious aura a stark contrast to Josh's gentle demeanor. Drake, despite his bravado, felt a familiar tightening in his chest as Komi's intense stare met his own.
Just stay cool, Drake, he thought, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the Japanese phrasebook, his fingers flipping through the pages in search of the perfect words to impress Komi.
"Komi," he began, his voice smooth and confident, "Watashi no oshiri no naka ni wa eirian ga sunde iru." (Aliens are living in my butt.)
Komi's eyes widened in bewilderment, her head tilting slightly as she tried to process his words. Drake's confident facade faltered, a flicker of doubt creeping into his eyes.
Oh no, not again, he thought, his stomach churning with anxiety.
Komi, ever polite, quickly scribbled a response on her notepad.
"I'm sorry, but did you just say that aliens live in your butt?" she wrote, holding up the notepad for Drake to read.
Drake's face paled, his jaw dropping in disbelief. "No..." he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. "Why? Why does this keep happening?"
He slumped back in his seat, his hands covering his face in embarrassment. Komi, witnessing his distress, felt a pang of sympathy. She knew he was trying his best, even if his attempts at Japanese were disastrous.
Josh returned to his seat, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips as he settled in. "Alright, we're good to go," he announced, beaming at Komi. "The subtitles are all set up."
"Cool..." Drake mumbled, his voice muffled by his hands.
"What's wrong, Drake?" Josh asked, noticing his brother's dejected posture. "Did you say something embarrassing to Shoko again?"
Drake nodded miserably, refusing to meet Josh's gaze. "Can we just focus on the movie now?" he pleaded.
Josh frowned sympathetically. While he wasn't thrilled about Drake's relentless flirting with Komi, he also didn't enjoy seeing his brother repeatedly humiliate himself. Especially since this was one of the rare times Drake had actually put effort into learning something outside of his music.
Just then, the theater lights dimmed, and the previews began to roll on the screen.
"Ooh, the movie's starting," Josh said, leaning back in his seat. "Time to relax and enjoy the show."
"Nice," Drake agreed, his spirits lifting slightly as he turned his attention to the screen.
Komi, her anxiety now a distant memory, focused on the screen with a curious smile. She glanced at Josh, who returned her gaze with a warm grin.
"Eiga gishi ni jimaku o tsukeru yō ni iimashita," Josh explained, his voice a low rumble. (I asked the projectionist to add subtitles.)
Komi's smile widened, and she quickly jotted down a message:
"That was very thoughtful of you. Thank you."
"Dō itashimashite," Josh replied, bowing slightly. (You're welcome.) Komi giggled softly at his playful gesture.
Drake, observing their interaction, felt a familiar pang of jealousy. It's not fair, he thought, his fists clenching in frustration. Why can't I be good at Japanese like Josh? He sighed, slumping back in his seat and resting his chin on his hand. Just focus on the movie, Drake, he told himself. You'll figure this out later.
_
As the credits rolled and the lights flickered back on, the trio exited the theater, a comfortable silence settling between them.
"Man, how crazy was that movie?" Drake exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Totally," Josh agreed, chuckling. "I mean, shrinking his parents the first time was bad enough, but to do it again to his little brother? That kid's definitely getting sent to military school if he keeps this up."
Drake burst into laughter. "He wouldn't last a day in military school!"
The brothers shared a hearty laugh, their camaraderie filling the air. Komi, trailing behind them, smiled at their playful banter, even though she couldn't understand their words.
Noticing her quiet observation, Josh turned to Komi with a warm smile. "Wa eiga o dō omoimashita ka, Komi-san?" he asked in Japanese. (How did you like the movie?)
Komi's eyes lit up, and she quickly penned a response on her notepad:
"It was good. It had some frightening parts, but overall, it was a fun movie."
"I see," Josh replied, nodding in understanding. He had to admit, some scenes were a bit intense, even for a PG rating. The thought of the shrunken brother nearly being stepped on, eaten, or sucked up by a vacuum cleaner still sent shivers down his spine.
"Eiga o tanoshinde itadakete ureshī desu," Josh said to Komi, his Japanese pronunciation flawless. (I'm glad you enjoyed the movie.)
Drake, observing their exchange, felt a familiar pang of jealousy. I'm not gonna let Josh outdo me in impressing Shoko, he thought, his competitive spirit flaring. By the end of this week, I'll be just as fluent in Japanese, and she won't be able to resist my charm. He smirked, picturing Komi swooning over his newfound linguistic skills.
As they headed towards the exit, they were stopped in their tracks by the sight of Gavin shuffling towards them, a small metal cage in his hand. Inside the cage, a skunk peered out with beady eyes.
"I got it," Gavin deadpanned, his expression as bored as ever.
The trio stared in bewildered amusement as Gavin continued on his way, the pungent odor of skunk permeating the air.
"Well, that's not pleasant," Josh remarked, wrinkling his nose.
Drake nodded in agreement, his hand instinctively covering his mouth and nose.
Komi, her nose wrinkling at the pungent odor, instinctively raised her hand to cover her mouth and nose. As she did so, her gaze drifted towards Josh, a warmth blooming in her chest. Amidst the unfamiliar sights and sounds, his presence was a comforting anchor. She still couldn't quite place it, but there was something undeniably familiar about him, something that eased her anxiety and made her feel safe. As long as I stay close to Josh, she thought, I know I can navigate this new world.