{ FiC } If you could see me now
Chapter 5 Part B
Takizawa residence~ the day after the next.
Takizawa sat in the quite dinning hall having lunch only with Taguchi. He looked down at his food and shook his head as he thought about the other three missing from the dinning hall. He knew for the past two days Ueda continued to fuss and mother over a reluctant Kame, making sure the younger felt as pain free as possible. While Koki guarded Kame’s door to make sure that the young boy would not attempt to step foot out of his room for the next two weeks until his wounds have fully healed.
Osada announced herself as she slid the doors open. She bowed at the door before she informed Takizawa that there was a male guest at the front door waiting to see him. Takizawa asked Osada “Did he give you a name?”
She nodded and replied “Yes master he does. He calls himself by the name of Nishikido Ryo-san and he is here to apologize on behalf of his friend to Kame.”
Takizawa nodded at the familiar surname so he asked Osada to guide the waiting guest into the small reception room where he will greet him.
Ryo sat stiffly in the small tatami room and waited for Takizawa to appear. He bowed politely to Osada when she served him a cup of warm tea. He lifted the cup to drink, but before the brim of the cup could touch his lips. Takizawa entered the room bowing at Ryo and announced himself.
“I am Takizawa Hideaki. How may I help you today, Nishikido-san?” Takizawa asked before kneeling in front of Ryo.
Ryo placed the cup back down onto the wooden tray and bowed back at Takizawa saying “It is a great pleasure to finally meet you in person Takizawa-san even though I have come on behalf of my friend to apologize to both you and Kamenashi-kun. Please accept our humble apology for injuring your pupil Kamenashi Kazuya-kun on at the Saturday markets.”
Takizawa nodded and said “Yes, I have heard about the incident from both Koki-kun and Ueda-kun.”
“Both of them must have been rather angry when they returned home.” Ryo stated.
Takizawa looked rather amused after hearing Ryo’s statement and thought quietly to himself “Angry would be an understatement.”
He remembered that Saturday afternoon when the two had placed a sleeping Kame back into his room. Ueda described in full detail regarding the accident that happened to Kame, while Koki interjected and rephrased Ueda’s words using extremely colorful, vulgar and threatening words to describe both the incident, as well as Ryo and his friends.
He cleared his throat and said to Ryo “From what I have been told, it seems to be an accident that could have occurred to anyone during the time and I have spoken to Kame myself. He agrees with me that no one was at fault. Therefore your friend’s apology is not necessary.”
Ryo looked down at the package in his hand and said to Takizawa “Thank you for being so understanding. Before I take my leave there is one more thing. My friend has asked me to deliver this to Kamenashi-kun in person. If you don’t mind, would you allow me to see him?”
Takizawa looked at the item that Ryo was referring to and gave his permission telling Ryo, “Of course. Please follow me.”
Ryo stood to follow Takizawa, but stopped when Takizawa paused at the door of the reception room. Takizawa turned to look at Ryo and decided to give the man a word of caution before he enters into a protected zone. Ryo bit his inner cheek to stop himself from laughing as he knew whom exactly Takizawa was referring to.
Koki stood in front of Kames’ bed room door with both arms folded against his chest and he had a menacing stare ready to receive their guest if he enters the room. Especially after he found out from Taguchi that they had a guest in the reception room called “Nishikido Ryo-san.”
Taguchi ran back to where Koki stood and informed him “Koki, they are coming up the stairs. Apparently Nishikido-san wanted to return something back to Kame.”
“He is going to have to get past me.” Koki spat out.
Takizawa was the first to enter Ueda’s room and stood in front of Koki, asking him to make way for their guest to enter Kame’s room. Koki stood stubbornly at the door and refused to budge from his spot. Ryo stood beside Takizawa and bowed to Koki saying “Tanaka-san. Please allow me to see Kamenashi-kun, as I have something important to return to him.”
Koki looked at the dark-blue package that Ryo was holding and he was ready to snatch it out of Ryo’s hands, but the man had quick reflexes, moving the box out of Koki’s grasp with ease.
Ryo knew Koki was not about to give in so he shouted out loud “KAMENASHI-KUN, CAN YOU HEAR ME? I HAVE SOMETHING TO RETURN TO YOU FROM MY FRIEND. KAMENASHI-KUN! DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID?”
Kame’s door slid open unexpectedly with a loud “thud”. Both Ryo and Koki stopped in their tracks and looked at Kame who was sitting on his futon, wrapped underneath his blanket and staring at them. Kame laughed softly when he saw both Ryo and Koki as they remained in their comical poses. Ryo could be seen holding a dark-blue package in his left hand, standing on tip-toes trying to keep it far away from Koki’s reach. While Koki had himself crouched on the ground as though he was ready to tackle and push Ryo Over.
Ueda stepped out from behind the sliding doors and cleared his throat at both Koki and Ryo. When Ryo saw Ueda, his face lit up into a bright smile, which made Ueda blush and look away from Ryo, directing his gaze on Koki’s back. Koki turned around and glared accusingly at Ueda for sliding open Kame’s bed room door. Ueda shrugged his shoulders at Koki and defended himself by saying to Koki. “Kame wanted me to open the door. I have told him ‘no’ but he insisted that he wanted his belongings back.”
Ryo threw a grateful look at kame and started to walk towards him. Koki was about to stop the man from moving, but paused when he heard Kame call out to him “Koki please, just let Nishikido-san come in. I’m sure he will leave as soon as he has spoken with me.”
Hearing those words Koki allowed Ryo to step forward into Kame’s room. Ryo bowed deeply to Kame before kneeling in front of him. “Sorry for causing all the commotion as my friend gave me strict instructions to deliver this only to you.”
Kame bowed back and replied “Thank you for coming today. I am sorry that my friend Koki was rather rude to you. He means no harm.”
Koki could be heard in the back ground making a snorting noise after he heard what Kame said.
“Where is your friend today?” kame enquired about the dark haired boy with large sorrowful eyes. What he remembered the most was the older boy’s warm and firm hand that held his.
“He unfortunately has been sent on a long journey with his family to Kyoto for a few months as they are trading merchants. He has informed me that he would not return until the middle of summer.” Ryo lied.
Kame looked at Ryo with disappointment in his eyes. He gave Ryo a wavering smile saying “Oh… I see…. I was actually hoping that I would be able to see him again.”
Ryo was rather taken aback by Kame’s words so he thought quickly before replying “My friend has informed me that he too would like to see you again before he left, but due to the unforeseen circumstances, he cannot meet you until he returns to Edo. He wanted me to deliver this to you. I have informed him that I would be more than happy to send any of your messages to him. Of course, that is if you had any.”
Kame’s smile widened at the thought and said “If you don’t mind me troubling you to send him a letter from me that would be wonderful.”
“No trouble at all. Kamenashi-san as I would be frequenting this place more often than not.” Ryo replied while fixing a steady gaze at Ueda who stood behind Kame.
When Ueda’s cheeks reddened, Ryo redirected his gaze to Kame and placed the dark-blue package on the tatami floor pushing it gently towards Kame, so that the item lay in front of his futon. Kame bowed to Ryo and accepted the package.
He pulled the tied cloth apart with Ueda’s help to reveal his honey-coloured jewelry box that he thought he had lost at Shitamachi markets on Saturday. He smiled and lifted the box with his right hand, as he lifted the box he saw a letter addressed to him. So Kame rested the box on top of his blanket and set the letter aside to read afterwards. He opened the lid of the jewelry box and looked inside. When he did, Kame was surprised to see a small red brimmed spin-top nestled in between freshly plucked cherry blossom flowers. He than picks up the letter ready to open and read it but decided against it and placed it back on top of the cloth as he still had a room full of inquisitive audiences.
Takizawa could see Kame’s discomfort so he smiled to the others and said “I think we should give Kame some privacy when he reads his letter from Nishikido-san’s friend.”
He smiled warmly at Ryo and said to him “It would be a great pleasure if you would stay for the rest of the evening and join us for dinner. I am sure Kame would love to get out of his stuffy room tonight and have dinner with the rest of us.”
Kame looked at Ryo and nodded keenly. Ryo looked over at Ueda who currently kept himself busy by setting up a table for Kame to write on; preparing ink, rice paper and a calligraphy brush for Kame to write with. While Koki stood in the same position until Ryo took his leave with Takizawa. Ueda asked Kame “Did you want me to stay and help you write?”
“No. Thank you Ueda-kun, I should be able to manage that with no problems.” Kame smiled brightly at Ueda.
Ueda then informed Kame “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call out to me.”
Kame nodded as he picked up his letter. Ueda exited the room and pulled on Koki’s sleeve as he passed by. Koki gave Kame a sideway glance before he walked behind Ueda.
When everyone had left the room, Kame unfolded the letter and started to read what his new found friend had written to him.
To Kamenashi Kazuya-kun,
My thoughts have been about you ever since I came home from Shitamachi and those thoughts became stronger when my friend Yamapi handed your wooden box over to me that evening…..
This reminds me of your injuries…..
Are your wounds healing well? Are you still feeling a lot of pain in your left arm?
I have wanted to come and see you myself the next day but my family circumstances would not allow it so I send my friend Ryo in my place instead.
Please accept my humble apology again for bumping into you and making you fall.
I am returning your jewelry box back to you and inside I have placed two different gifts for you to keep you company while you stay indoors to heal.
The first item is a Spin-top which I am sure you would have seen it before in Shitamachi markets, but for me it was the first time I have ever seen an item that small, which could keep me fascinated for long periods of time. Thus, I bought it for myself as a keepsake. Now, I wish for you to keep it, as you are the first and only person that made my heart and mind spinning fast when I injured you.
Secondly, the cherry blossoms that I have placed inside the box. They are meant only for your eyes. This morning as I sat outside on my verandah looking at the cherry blossom trees, I thought of you. I wish to share the view that I see in front of me before the flowers disappears. So I thought if you could see the flowers, you would be able to feel like you were outdoors, viewing the beautiful spring blossoms too.
Kamenashi-kun, many have called me a foolish idiot.
Would I be a complete fool if I asked you to be my friend even though you have only met me for a short time?
From a foolish boy with hopeful thoughts,
….Jin.
Kame laughed out loud and felt touched by Jin’s thoughtfulness, as well as the older boy’s willingness to share his thoughts with him. Kame picked up the calligraphy brush set in front of his futon. He held the bush, poised and ready to reply Jin’s letter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jin stood outside his study room doors, gazing at the full moon that was half covered by clouds. Yamapi was no where to be seen as he had been sent on an errand by Kaoru. He felt lonely in the room by himself as Jin never liked being by himself for a long period of time. He turned around and started pacing back and forth in his study room waiting impatiently for either Ryo or Yamapi to come into the study room.
Yamapi slid open Jin’s room door quietly thinking that the he might have fallen asleep. Only to be met with the sight of Jin and a female servant holding onto a somersaulting doll that they bought in Shitamachi markets. The girl placed the doll on the highest platform and tipped it. Jin wasn’t even concentrating as the doll performed somersaults down its wooden platform stairs. He was drawing circles on the floor with his fan and sighing. Yamapi walked to where Jin sat and knelt to announce himself. Jin turned his head to look at Yamapi and smiled feeling grateful that his friend had returned to accompany him. Jin dismissed the female servant while they waited for Ryo.
Both Yamapi and Jin started feeling restless as the night grew longer. Jin said in a frustrated voice to Yamapi “Why is Ryo taking such a long time to return?”
Yamapi mumbled under his breath “Ryo is probably too busy trying to woo Kamenashi-kun’s friend.”
“Pardon?” Jin tried to clarify.
“Nothing, I’m sure he would be home soon.” Yamapi said.
Ryo appeared standing at the door as Yamapi said those words. Jin turned to look at his cousin standing at the door and rushed to Ryo like a happy child finally receiving his treat.
“So, how is Kamenashi-kun?” Jin enquired.
Ryo replied “He seems happy when I saw him this afternoon. Takahashi-sensei came to visit Kemanashi-kun today too. He said Kamenashi-kun’s wounds are healing well but it would most likely leave a small scar.”
Jin stood silently listening and than asked Ryo “Did he mention anything about me or the letter.”
“Yes he did Jin. He was very happy to see your letter.” Ryo said with amusement, he paused before teasing Jin “By the way, he was even happier to see your gifts, especially the cherry blossoms.”
Jin groaned inwardly, feeling embarrassed that Ryo had been able to see the gift that he privately placed in the box for Kame. Yamapi looked at Jin quizzically and repeated Ryo’s words. Jin tried to ignore Yamapi and said to Ryo “Besides that Ryo…… what else did Kamenashi-kun say?”
Ryo replied “Well I’m not too sure…” before Ryo could finish his sentence Jin interrupted him with an uptight expression on his face saying “What do you mean by ‘not too sure’?”
Jin stared intensely at Ryo waiting for his reply. Ryo burst out laughing and replied “He said for me to tell you thank you for your gifts and here. He has written a letter to you.”
Ryo pulled a letter addressed to Jin out from inside his Kimono and waved it in front of Jin. Jin seeing the letter in front of him burst into a smile, he took the letter out of Ryo’s hand and mumbled out “Thank you.”
Yamapi watched Jin with expectant eyes, waiting for Jin to open the letter and read it in front of them but that never happened as Jin started to walk towards his bedroom door. Before he got further Ryo called out to Jin and said “I just have a few things to tell you before you read that letter Jin.”
Jin turned around to look at Ryo again, waiting to hear what Ryo had to say. “For your information Jin, I have told Kamenashi-kun that you and your family are merchant traders and that you have gone on a short expedition to Kyoto therefore you will not return to Edo until after a few months.”
“Why did you say that to Kamenashi-kun?” Jin enquired rather angrily.
“Because we can’t tell him that you are actually the mayor’s son and I would suggest for you not to either, for both of your safety. Think about it Jin, you have only met Kamenashi-kun not long ago, you don’t even know what sort of person he is and most of all, you and he are both of different social status. You have already broken part of the rule by becoming friends with him.” Yamapi explained for Ryo to Jin and he paused to allow those thoughts to sink into Jin’s mind.
When Jin seemed to have understood what Yamapi was saying. Ryo continued, “In addition, I told Kamenashi-kun a few months because by then, you would have reached adulthood and you would be able to visit him at your free will. I have also informed him that I would be more than happy to help you pass letters to each other till then.”
Hearing those words, Jin gave a small smile and thought to him self ‘At least they are not completely against me being friends with Kamenashi-kun. Even if it means that I have to hide my real status from him….. I still want his friendship.’
Jin nodded at the two and said “I understand what you are saying. I promise I won’t tell him my real identity.”
Yamapi watched and knew Jin was sulking, he remembered the fake family name that he had made for Jin when they introduced themselves to both Ueda and Koki, So he said “You could always use the family name ‘Yabuki’ that I have made up for you.”
Jin arched his eyebrow at Yamapi when he heard the odd name. Yamapi defended himself and said “We had to make up a name for you that Saturday when Kamenashi-kun’s friend asked about you.”
Ryo nodded in agreement. Jin narrowed his eyes at both of them and said sarcastically “Thanks for being such thoughtful friends…..”
Yamapi and Ryo grinned at Jin before bidding him goodnight, leaving Jin to enter his bed room. Jin sat on top of his futon, closets to the side where the lantern stood and he opened Kame’s letter to read.
To Jin-kun,
I have to apologize for not addressing you properly. I hope I have not offended you. As you have not left me with a family name to write, therefore I had to call you ‘Jin-kun’…
In case you have forgotten, I shall remind you. Jin-kun I do not blame you for what had happened to my left arm like I have told you before. It could have happened anytime to anyone.
My arm is healing well according to Takahashi-sensei. I have not felt much pain in the left arm lately as my dearest friend Ueda-kun has been making sure that I have been getting sufficient pain relief.
Thank you for your concerns and your thoughtful gifts.
You have guessed right, as I have been and will be spending most my time indoors healing my left shoulder, as both my friends Koki-kun and Ueda-kun refuses to let me out of the house until the stitches has been removed. So I am certainly grateful to you for providing me with gifts to entertain myself.
Truthfully I was surprised to see the spin-top inside the jewelry box as it brings back warm memories for me. Now that I know it is one of your treasured keepsakes from Shitamachi, I shall treat it with care and keep it safe until I meet you again.
The cherry blossoms are beautiful. Coincidently I was supposed to go with both my friends that Saturday night to view the cherry blossoms in a park close to the river side before the blossoms stopped blooming. Thank you for sharing the flowers with me. Now I feel like I have not missed out on seeing the cherry blossoms this spring.
I have been informed by your friend Nishikido-san that you will be away from Edo for a while. I hope you would keep yourself safe while you are far away in Kyoto.
Until we meet again.
Your friend,
Kazuya-kun.
Jin smiled joyfully to himself as he reads Kame’s letter over and over again until he drifted happily to sleep. Jin dreamed about sharing his thoughts and visions with his new friend Kame for the months to come.
Chapter 6 (Jin Turns 15, What happends when they finally meet face to face for the second time?)
Takizawa residence~ the day after the next.
Takizawa sat in the quite dinning hall having lunch only with Taguchi. He looked down at his food and shook his head as he thought about the other three missing from the dinning hall. He knew for the past two days Ueda continued to fuss and mother over a reluctant Kame, making sure the younger felt as pain free as possible. While Koki guarded Kame’s door to make sure that the young boy would not attempt to step foot out of his room for the next two weeks until his wounds have fully healed.
Osada announced herself as she slid the doors open. She bowed at the door before she informed Takizawa that there was a male guest at the front door waiting to see him. Takizawa asked Osada “Did he give you a name?”
She nodded and replied “Yes master he does. He calls himself by the name of Nishikido Ryo-san and he is here to apologize on behalf of his friend to Kame.”
Takizawa nodded at the familiar surname so he asked Osada to guide the waiting guest into the small reception room where he will greet him.
Ryo sat stiffly in the small tatami room and waited for Takizawa to appear. He bowed politely to Osada when she served him a cup of warm tea. He lifted the cup to drink, but before the brim of the cup could touch his lips. Takizawa entered the room bowing at Ryo and announced himself.
“I am Takizawa Hideaki. How may I help you today, Nishikido-san?” Takizawa asked before kneeling in front of Ryo.
Ryo placed the cup back down onto the wooden tray and bowed back at Takizawa saying “It is a great pleasure to finally meet you in person Takizawa-san even though I have come on behalf of my friend to apologize to both you and Kamenashi-kun. Please accept our humble apology for injuring your pupil Kamenashi Kazuya-kun on at the Saturday markets.”
Takizawa nodded and said “Yes, I have heard about the incident from both Koki-kun and Ueda-kun.”
“Both of them must have been rather angry when they returned home.” Ryo stated.
Takizawa looked rather amused after hearing Ryo’s statement and thought quietly to himself “Angry would be an understatement.”
He remembered that Saturday afternoon when the two had placed a sleeping Kame back into his room. Ueda described in full detail regarding the accident that happened to Kame, while Koki interjected and rephrased Ueda’s words using extremely colorful, vulgar and threatening words to describe both the incident, as well as Ryo and his friends.
He cleared his throat and said to Ryo “From what I have been told, it seems to be an accident that could have occurred to anyone during the time and I have spoken to Kame myself. He agrees with me that no one was at fault. Therefore your friend’s apology is not necessary.”
Ryo looked down at the package in his hand and said to Takizawa “Thank you for being so understanding. Before I take my leave there is one more thing. My friend has asked me to deliver this to Kamenashi-kun in person. If you don’t mind, would you allow me to see him?”
Takizawa looked at the item that Ryo was referring to and gave his permission telling Ryo, “Of course. Please follow me.”
Ryo stood to follow Takizawa, but stopped when Takizawa paused at the door of the reception room. Takizawa turned to look at Ryo and decided to give the man a word of caution before he enters into a protected zone. Ryo bit his inner cheek to stop himself from laughing as he knew whom exactly Takizawa was referring to.
Koki stood in front of Kames’ bed room door with both arms folded against his chest and he had a menacing stare ready to receive their guest if he enters the room. Especially after he found out from Taguchi that they had a guest in the reception room called “Nishikido Ryo-san.”
Taguchi ran back to where Koki stood and informed him “Koki, they are coming up the stairs. Apparently Nishikido-san wanted to return something back to Kame.”
“He is going to have to get past me.” Koki spat out.
Takizawa was the first to enter Ueda’s room and stood in front of Koki, asking him to make way for their guest to enter Kame’s room. Koki stood stubbornly at the door and refused to budge from his spot. Ryo stood beside Takizawa and bowed to Koki saying “Tanaka-san. Please allow me to see Kamenashi-kun, as I have something important to return to him.”
Koki looked at the dark-blue package that Ryo was holding and he was ready to snatch it out of Ryo’s hands, but the man had quick reflexes, moving the box out of Koki’s grasp with ease.
Ryo knew Koki was not about to give in so he shouted out loud “KAMENASHI-KUN, CAN YOU HEAR ME? I HAVE SOMETHING TO RETURN TO YOU FROM MY FRIEND. KAMENASHI-KUN! DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID?”
Kame’s door slid open unexpectedly with a loud “thud”. Both Ryo and Koki stopped in their tracks and looked at Kame who was sitting on his futon, wrapped underneath his blanket and staring at them. Kame laughed softly when he saw both Ryo and Koki as they remained in their comical poses. Ryo could be seen holding a dark-blue package in his left hand, standing on tip-toes trying to keep it far away from Koki’s reach. While Koki had himself crouched on the ground as though he was ready to tackle and push Ryo Over.
Ueda stepped out from behind the sliding doors and cleared his throat at both Koki and Ryo. When Ryo saw Ueda, his face lit up into a bright smile, which made Ueda blush and look away from Ryo, directing his gaze on Koki’s back. Koki turned around and glared accusingly at Ueda for sliding open Kame’s bed room door. Ueda shrugged his shoulders at Koki and defended himself by saying to Koki. “Kame wanted me to open the door. I have told him ‘no’ but he insisted that he wanted his belongings back.”
Ryo threw a grateful look at kame and started to walk towards him. Koki was about to stop the man from moving, but paused when he heard Kame call out to him “Koki please, just let Nishikido-san come in. I’m sure he will leave as soon as he has spoken with me.”
Hearing those words Koki allowed Ryo to step forward into Kame’s room. Ryo bowed deeply to Kame before kneeling in front of him. “Sorry for causing all the commotion as my friend gave me strict instructions to deliver this only to you.”
Kame bowed back and replied “Thank you for coming today. I am sorry that my friend Koki was rather rude to you. He means no harm.”
Koki could be heard in the back ground making a snorting noise after he heard what Kame said.
“Where is your friend today?” kame enquired about the dark haired boy with large sorrowful eyes. What he remembered the most was the older boy’s warm and firm hand that held his.
“He unfortunately has been sent on a long journey with his family to Kyoto for a few months as they are trading merchants. He has informed me that he would not return until the middle of summer.” Ryo lied.
Kame looked at Ryo with disappointment in his eyes. He gave Ryo a wavering smile saying “Oh… I see…. I was actually hoping that I would be able to see him again.”
Ryo was rather taken aback by Kame’s words so he thought quickly before replying “My friend has informed me that he too would like to see you again before he left, but due to the unforeseen circumstances, he cannot meet you until he returns to Edo. He wanted me to deliver this to you. I have informed him that I would be more than happy to send any of your messages to him. Of course, that is if you had any.”
Kame’s smile widened at the thought and said “If you don’t mind me troubling you to send him a letter from me that would be wonderful.”
“No trouble at all. Kamenashi-san as I would be frequenting this place more often than not.” Ryo replied while fixing a steady gaze at Ueda who stood behind Kame.
When Ueda’s cheeks reddened, Ryo redirected his gaze to Kame and placed the dark-blue package on the tatami floor pushing it gently towards Kame, so that the item lay in front of his futon. Kame bowed to Ryo and accepted the package.
He pulled the tied cloth apart with Ueda’s help to reveal his honey-coloured jewelry box that he thought he had lost at Shitamachi markets on Saturday. He smiled and lifted the box with his right hand, as he lifted the box he saw a letter addressed to him. So Kame rested the box on top of his blanket and set the letter aside to read afterwards. He opened the lid of the jewelry box and looked inside. When he did, Kame was surprised to see a small red brimmed spin-top nestled in between freshly plucked cherry blossom flowers. He than picks up the letter ready to open and read it but decided against it and placed it back on top of the cloth as he still had a room full of inquisitive audiences.
Takizawa could see Kame’s discomfort so he smiled to the others and said “I think we should give Kame some privacy when he reads his letter from Nishikido-san’s friend.”
He smiled warmly at Ryo and said to him “It would be a great pleasure if you would stay for the rest of the evening and join us for dinner. I am sure Kame would love to get out of his stuffy room tonight and have dinner with the rest of us.”
Kame looked at Ryo and nodded keenly. Ryo looked over at Ueda who currently kept himself busy by setting up a table for Kame to write on; preparing ink, rice paper and a calligraphy brush for Kame to write with. While Koki stood in the same position until Ryo took his leave with Takizawa. Ueda asked Kame “Did you want me to stay and help you write?”
“No. Thank you Ueda-kun, I should be able to manage that with no problems.” Kame smiled brightly at Ueda.
Ueda then informed Kame “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call out to me.”
Kame nodded as he picked up his letter. Ueda exited the room and pulled on Koki’s sleeve as he passed by. Koki gave Kame a sideway glance before he walked behind Ueda.
When everyone had left the room, Kame unfolded the letter and started to read what his new found friend had written to him.
To Kamenashi Kazuya-kun,
My thoughts have been about you ever since I came home from Shitamachi and those thoughts became stronger when my friend Yamapi handed your wooden box over to me that evening…..
This reminds me of your injuries…..
Are your wounds healing well? Are you still feeling a lot of pain in your left arm?
I have wanted to come and see you myself the next day but my family circumstances would not allow it so I send my friend Ryo in my place instead.
Please accept my humble apology again for bumping into you and making you fall.
I am returning your jewelry box back to you and inside I have placed two different gifts for you to keep you company while you stay indoors to heal.
The first item is a Spin-top which I am sure you would have seen it before in Shitamachi markets, but for me it was the first time I have ever seen an item that small, which could keep me fascinated for long periods of time. Thus, I bought it for myself as a keepsake. Now, I wish for you to keep it, as you are the first and only person that made my heart and mind spinning fast when I injured you.
Secondly, the cherry blossoms that I have placed inside the box. They are meant only for your eyes. This morning as I sat outside on my verandah looking at the cherry blossom trees, I thought of you. I wish to share the view that I see in front of me before the flowers disappears. So I thought if you could see the flowers, you would be able to feel like you were outdoors, viewing the beautiful spring blossoms too.
Kamenashi-kun, many have called me a foolish idiot.
Would I be a complete fool if I asked you to be my friend even though you have only met me for a short time?
From a foolish boy with hopeful thoughts,
….Jin.
Kame laughed out loud and felt touched by Jin’s thoughtfulness, as well as the older boy’s willingness to share his thoughts with him. Kame picked up the calligraphy brush set in front of his futon. He held the bush, poised and ready to reply Jin’s letter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jin stood outside his study room doors, gazing at the full moon that was half covered by clouds. Yamapi was no where to be seen as he had been sent on an errand by Kaoru. He felt lonely in the room by himself as Jin never liked being by himself for a long period of time. He turned around and started pacing back and forth in his study room waiting impatiently for either Ryo or Yamapi to come into the study room.
Yamapi slid open Jin’s room door quietly thinking that the he might have fallen asleep. Only to be met with the sight of Jin and a female servant holding onto a somersaulting doll that they bought in Shitamachi markets. The girl placed the doll on the highest platform and tipped it. Jin wasn’t even concentrating as the doll performed somersaults down its wooden platform stairs. He was drawing circles on the floor with his fan and sighing. Yamapi walked to where Jin sat and knelt to announce himself. Jin turned his head to look at Yamapi and smiled feeling grateful that his friend had returned to accompany him. Jin dismissed the female servant while they waited for Ryo.
Both Yamapi and Jin started feeling restless as the night grew longer. Jin said in a frustrated voice to Yamapi “Why is Ryo taking such a long time to return?”
Yamapi mumbled under his breath “Ryo is probably too busy trying to woo Kamenashi-kun’s friend.”
“Pardon?” Jin tried to clarify.
“Nothing, I’m sure he would be home soon.” Yamapi said.
Ryo appeared standing at the door as Yamapi said those words. Jin turned to look at his cousin standing at the door and rushed to Ryo like a happy child finally receiving his treat.
“So, how is Kamenashi-kun?” Jin enquired.
Ryo replied “He seems happy when I saw him this afternoon. Takahashi-sensei came to visit Kemanashi-kun today too. He said Kamenashi-kun’s wounds are healing well but it would most likely leave a small scar.”
Jin stood silently listening and than asked Ryo “Did he mention anything about me or the letter.”
“Yes he did Jin. He was very happy to see your letter.” Ryo said with amusement, he paused before teasing Jin “By the way, he was even happier to see your gifts, especially the cherry blossoms.”
Jin groaned inwardly, feeling embarrassed that Ryo had been able to see the gift that he privately placed in the box for Kame. Yamapi looked at Jin quizzically and repeated Ryo’s words. Jin tried to ignore Yamapi and said to Ryo “Besides that Ryo…… what else did Kamenashi-kun say?”
Ryo replied “Well I’m not too sure…” before Ryo could finish his sentence Jin interrupted him with an uptight expression on his face saying “What do you mean by ‘not too sure’?”
Jin stared intensely at Ryo waiting for his reply. Ryo burst out laughing and replied “He said for me to tell you thank you for your gifts and here. He has written a letter to you.”
Ryo pulled a letter addressed to Jin out from inside his Kimono and waved it in front of Jin. Jin seeing the letter in front of him burst into a smile, he took the letter out of Ryo’s hand and mumbled out “Thank you.”
Yamapi watched Jin with expectant eyes, waiting for Jin to open the letter and read it in front of them but that never happened as Jin started to walk towards his bedroom door. Before he got further Ryo called out to Jin and said “I just have a few things to tell you before you read that letter Jin.”
Jin turned around to look at Ryo again, waiting to hear what Ryo had to say. “For your information Jin, I have told Kamenashi-kun that you and your family are merchant traders and that you have gone on a short expedition to Kyoto therefore you will not return to Edo until after a few months.”
“Why did you say that to Kamenashi-kun?” Jin enquired rather angrily.
“Because we can’t tell him that you are actually the mayor’s son and I would suggest for you not to either, for both of your safety. Think about it Jin, you have only met Kamenashi-kun not long ago, you don’t even know what sort of person he is and most of all, you and he are both of different social status. You have already broken part of the rule by becoming friends with him.” Yamapi explained for Ryo to Jin and he paused to allow those thoughts to sink into Jin’s mind.
When Jin seemed to have understood what Yamapi was saying. Ryo continued, “In addition, I told Kamenashi-kun a few months because by then, you would have reached adulthood and you would be able to visit him at your free will. I have also informed him that I would be more than happy to help you pass letters to each other till then.”
Hearing those words, Jin gave a small smile and thought to him self ‘At least they are not completely against me being friends with Kamenashi-kun. Even if it means that I have to hide my real status from him….. I still want his friendship.’
Jin nodded at the two and said “I understand what you are saying. I promise I won’t tell him my real identity.”
Yamapi watched and knew Jin was sulking, he remembered the fake family name that he had made for Jin when they introduced themselves to both Ueda and Koki, So he said “You could always use the family name ‘Yabuki’ that I have made up for you.”
Jin arched his eyebrow at Yamapi when he heard the odd name. Yamapi defended himself and said “We had to make up a name for you that Saturday when Kamenashi-kun’s friend asked about you.”
Ryo nodded in agreement. Jin narrowed his eyes at both of them and said sarcastically “Thanks for being such thoughtful friends…..”
Yamapi and Ryo grinned at Jin before bidding him goodnight, leaving Jin to enter his bed room. Jin sat on top of his futon, closets to the side where the lantern stood and he opened Kame’s letter to read.
To Jin-kun,
I have to apologize for not addressing you properly. I hope I have not offended you. As you have not left me with a family name to write, therefore I had to call you ‘Jin-kun’…
In case you have forgotten, I shall remind you. Jin-kun I do not blame you for what had happened to my left arm like I have told you before. It could have happened anytime to anyone.
My arm is healing well according to Takahashi-sensei. I have not felt much pain in the left arm lately as my dearest friend Ueda-kun has been making sure that I have been getting sufficient pain relief.
Thank you for your concerns and your thoughtful gifts.
You have guessed right, as I have been and will be spending most my time indoors healing my left shoulder, as both my friends Koki-kun and Ueda-kun refuses to let me out of the house until the stitches has been removed. So I am certainly grateful to you for providing me with gifts to entertain myself.
Truthfully I was surprised to see the spin-top inside the jewelry box as it brings back warm memories for me. Now that I know it is one of your treasured keepsakes from Shitamachi, I shall treat it with care and keep it safe until I meet you again.
The cherry blossoms are beautiful. Coincidently I was supposed to go with both my friends that Saturday night to view the cherry blossoms in a park close to the river side before the blossoms stopped blooming. Thank you for sharing the flowers with me. Now I feel like I have not missed out on seeing the cherry blossoms this spring.
I have been informed by your friend Nishikido-san that you will be away from Edo for a while. I hope you would keep yourself safe while you are far away in Kyoto.
Until we meet again.
Your friend,
Kazuya-kun.
Jin smiled joyfully to himself as he reads Kame’s letter over and over again until he drifted happily to sleep. Jin dreamed about sharing his thoughts and visions with his new friend Kame for the months to come.
Chapter 6 (Jin Turns 15, What happends when they finally meet face to face for the second time?)