A treat for saengie (Part 2 of 3)
Back to Part 1
Nagoya
They arrive at their next destination hours later with Nakamaru looking too happy that his van is still alive after the long trip. He doesn’t even look tired after driving for so long. The others don’t share his sentiments. "I wish I wasn't in such a hurry to leave Ueda’s place," Nino mutters.
The others can only nod. Yamapi doesn’t think that saying "I told you so" is a good idea right now, even though he knows he’s right. He doesn’t have the energy nor the will to pick a fight, especially with an exhausted-looking and probably murderous Nino.
-----
When they set out to tour the city the next morning, they are all in better spirits than when they arrived. They don’t even complain at the single bedroom Nino managed to procure for all 8 of them to sleep in. Walking around the city brightens Yamapi’s spirit, even if it is smaller and less metropolitan than the Tokyo streets he had left. The past few weeks spent in the countryside might have been peaceful but nothing beats the city, not in Yamapi’s point of view.
"AH!" Tegoshi exclaims. "A street artist!"
Nino looks at the person Tegoshi is skipping towards and his eyes widen. "Oh-chan?" Yamapi hears him whisper before he breaks off into a sprint, running past an excitable Tegoshi. The others look at each other questioningly before following them in a slower pace.
They watch as the man Nino called "Oh-chan" looks up at Nino and breaks into a sleepy smile as he waits for Nino to catch his breath. When he does, Nino suddenly grabs Oh-chan into a fierce hug. "A post card would be nice you know," they hear Nino say as he squeezes the other man tightly. Oh-chan laughs sheepishly.
"I forgot."
Nino breaks out of the hug and looks at Oh-chan’s face carefully. "You’ve become darker since the last time I’ve seen you. What the hell have you been doing?"
"Fishing."
Nino laughs. "Of course, how can I forget that you can live just by fishing and drawing?" He seems to have finally realized that the others have been there the entire time. "Oh, sorry. Guys, this is Ohno Satoshi, my best friend from way back."
Ohno bows slightly. "Hello. Oh." His eyes stop at Tegoshi’s still excited form. "You were the one running a while ago. Would you like me to draw you?"
"You would?" Tegoshi asks.
Ohno nods. "I can draw the rest of you too, if you want," he says, sitting back on the folding chair Nino pulled him off from.
Nino grabs Ryo’s arm and hands him a thousand yen bill. "Here, buy some snacks. Bread and tea, preferably. When Oh-chan starts drawing, he doesn’t stop to eat or drink. I’d rather keep an eye on him while I’m here." He looks at the others. "You guys go around and enjoy the city, but be back here in about an hour or two. He should be done sketching by then."
---
When they return two hours later, Nino and Ohno are chatting, Ohno’s right hand flying over the canvas and his left clutching a half-eaten bun.
"...and Matsujun exploded when he realized that Aiba had kidnapped his refrigerator," Yamapi hears Nino tell Ohno. Ohno’s small face crinkles up as he giggles. "Oh, you guys are back," Nino says as a welcome. "Take a look at what Oh-chan has done."
Ohno smiles shyly. "It’s only half-way done with the coloring."
Nino rolls his eyes. "Who cares? They just wanna see the sketch, right?" Nino glares at them, daring them to say otherwise.
Tegoshi nods, his curls bouncing. "I want to see the sketch! I can’t really draw-" ("Finally, he admits it," Massu mutters under his breath; Nakamaru stifles a laugh) "- so I wanna see!"
Ohno nods and flips the canvas. Yamapi has to stop himself from gasping, but the others aren’t as hesitant. On the canvas is half-done painting of all eight of them, laughing and walking down the street from which they had just left. What surprises Yamapi is how happy he looks and how his happiness isn’t as sparkly and shiny as the others’. The detail is astounding, especially since Ohno has only seen them for a few minutes. From the bright smile on Massu’s face to the laugh lines on Ryo’s, he had managed to capture them all in a few strokes of charcoal. He had even managed to capture Tegoshi’s half-perm and Koyama’s gangly limbs.
"Wow, Yamapi’s eyes are dead-looking!" Ryo says as he takes a closer look at the drawing. Yamapi glares at Nino accusingly.
Nino puts his hands up in a "who, me?" gesture. "That’s how Oh-chan saw it. I didn’t have any say about it."
"My eyes aren’t dead," Yamapi mutters under his breath. Yoko steps into his line of sight and moves closer until they are about nose-to-nose. Yamapi recoils. "What?"
"They do look kind of dead. But they’re much more alive than when I first saw you." Yoko steps back. "That break at Ueda’s did you good."
"You should have seen him before we left for the trip," Koyama says. "If you want to imagine how he looked then, try imagining your life as a very loud and very bad song on repeat. He had that sort of resigned, angry look on his face."
Yoko makes a face. "That sounds horrible."
"And it sounds just about right," Ryo says as he returns the canvas to its proper position in front of Ohno, whose hand quickly resumes painting. "We should leave you two to catch up some more. We be back in two hours OK?"
Nino nods. "Make sure you bring back food!" he shouts at their retreating backs.
-----
By sunset, they go back to the park, only to find Nino and Ohno missing. After Ryo hangs up, he informs them that the pair had gone back to the hotel room, and that they should get some ramen for Ohno.
Clutching bags of take-out and ramen, they go back to their room to find it littered with bread wrappers and cans of coffee and tea. On the bed are Nino and Ohno, sleeping side by side like children. By the floor is a completed painting of their group with the van that had taken them to this place. Koyama smiles and pulls a blanket over the pair.
They proceed to clean the room with Massu in the lead. Yamapi picks up the painting and sets it by the dresser mirror.
-----
The pair wakes up an hour after their arrival, with Ohno crying out for ramen. "I should take you all fishing," Ohno says through a mouthful of reheated ramen. Nino makes a desperate "no" sign behind the oblivious man.
Ryo takes the hint. "We’re in a hurry, so we should get going tomorrow." Nino makes a relieved face, which he quickly turns into a smile when Ohno turns to him with a pout.
"But I wanted to show Nino my boat!"
"You have a boat?" Nino exclaims. "Just how addicted are you to fishing?"
Ohno shrugs. "I earn enough to get a boat, so I went and got one." He stares at a spot on the wall wistfully. "I’ve always wanted one."
"I thought what you wanted was to build a house by yourself and open up a bread shop?"
"I already did!" He looks at Ryo. "Thanks for buying bread from my shop, by the way!"
Nino makes a choking sound. "I don’t hear from you for five years, and now you’ve gone and done all you’ve wanted! Last time I heard, you were still looking for a chainsaw!"
Ohno scratches his head. "I’m sorry, but I lost my phone and address book a few years back. I don’t remember your new info, so I couldn't tell you."
"And you still haven’t figured out how to send email through a computer," Nino adds with a laugh. Ohno nods.
"But I got lots of good information from Sho-chan and MatsuJun. By the time I’d lost contact with them, the bread shop was already on its way to opening."
"Why didn’t you tell me?" Nino reaches down to pinch Ohno’s bum.
Ohno looks unfazed. "You never asked."
Nino grabs the ramen bowl from Ohno’s hands, gives it to a gaping Koyama, and tickle-attacks Ohno. "Do I need to ask?" Nino demands of a badly squirming Ohno.
"I’m sorry!" he gasps in reply.
Nino stops his attack. He stands up, walks over to the drawers and grabs a hotel-issued pen and paper. He scribbles on it, stomps back, and shoves the paper into Ohno’s pocket. "Written there is all of our new addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. For god’s sake, please contact MatsuJun and Sho before they die from worrying about you." He straightens up. "Before I leave though, can you show me your hand-made house, your boat, and your bread shop? And can you make a new painting? I have some new pictures of Sho, MatsuJun and Aiba-chan for you to paint."
Ohno beams in his usual sleepy way and nods.
----
When they leave, they carry with them two paintings by the renowned painter Satoshi, bags of bread from the popular bread shop Arashi PAN, and pictures of a small boat with a painting of a storm cloud on the side and a small wooden cottage by the sea. They give Yamapi hope that no dream is too far-fetched for it to come true.
Kyoto
Compared to those they have taken before, the road to Kansai seemed so long.
"Stop somewhere, quick!" Massu exclaims three hours into the trip.
"What? Why?" Ryo asks from the driver’s seat.
"I need to go to the toilet."
"What the fuck? Didn’t we stop somewhere just an hour ago?" Nino snarls.
"I still need to go to the toilet."
Tegoshi giggles, "That’s what you get for drinking so much water, Massu"
Massu pouts. "But it’s hot."
"Massu, it’s an air-conditioned car," Nakamaru points out.
"It’s still hot."
Ryo grunts. "Fine, but you’re driving until Kyoto."
"Wait a sec!" Yoko shouts. "We’re going to Kansai?"
"Weren’t you listening a while ago? Yes, we’re going to the Kansai region next." Ryo sighs. "Man, it’s been so long since I’ve spoken in pure Kansai-ben. I mean, people here don’t understand me when I start speaking in Kansai-ben."
"Ryo," Koyama interjects "we do understand Kansai-ben."
"Besides, you’re the one who said you wouldn’t speak it while in Tokyo," Yamapi says with a small laugh.
"Yamapi, did you know? Shige’s from Osaka too! He starts speaking in Kansai-ben when he drinks or when he gets angry," Koyama informs him.
"He does?"
"Yamapi!" Nino exclaims, "He’s your assistant, you should at least know that!"
Yamapi looks away guiltily, "I guess I never asked."
"It’s on his application form," Koyama says, "but I guess you didn’t need to know about that." Koyama shrugs as he pulls out his phone. Yamapi squirms uncomfortably as the van is filled with awkward silence.
Which is then quickly broken when Koyama exclaims "Eh? Why did Shige send me a ‘duck you’?"
Nino bursts out laughing. "He probably didn’t check his message before he sent it."
"What do you mean?"
"Have you ever used the auto-spell function on your phone?"
"Yes, what about it?" Koyama asks as he quickly types out a reply.
"Ever tried spelling the word ‘fuck’ with it on?"
Koyama’s fingers stop moving as he looks at Yoko with an affronted expression. "No, why? Why would I need to say that?"
"Well, the word isn’t included in the built-in dictionary. It automatically spells out ‘duck’ instead."
"DUCK YOU! DUCK MY LIFE!" Tegoshi starts shouting at the top of his lungs. All of them burst out in hysterical laughter.
"I still need to go to the bathroom!" Massu shouts over them.
-----
Massu pulls over front of a traditional inn run by a friend of Ryo’s. Yoko’s eyes widen with recognition. "You guys never told me we were staying here," he says.
"Why? Did we need to tell you?" Ryo asks as he opens the door. "Maru-chan! It’s Ryo! We’re here!" he shouts at the entrance. The others look at each other worriedly. Is it ok to shout at such a place?
Turns out they need not worry as someone whom they assume to be "Maru-chan" bounces out of the corridor and engulfs Ryo in a bear hug. "Ryo-chan! It’s been a while. How are you?" he says in fast Kansai-ben.
"Stop talking like that," Ryo replies, also in Kansai-ben. Yamapi realizes belatedly that Maru-chan could be speaking in another dialect.
"Aw, don’t be like that. Besides, I’m in Kyoto; I should be speaking in Kyoto-ben here. You, on the other hand, are speaking in that Osaka-ben you’re so proud of," Maru grins as he picks up the bag by Ryo’s feet. He turns to look at the others. "Ah, excuse my rudeness. My name is Maruyama Ryuuhei, your caretaker for your stay here," he says with a humble bow and a more formal-sounding Kyoto-ben. "This way please. You may leave your bags in the car and the keys with me. I’ll make sure to take care of them for you."
"Thank god, some good service," Nino mutters.
"And whose fault was it that we’ve been getting horrible service from every hotel we stay in, huh?" Ryo retorts as he follows Maruyama into the inn.
"I don’t really mind. It’s like a school trip, the way we squeeze in one room! I like it!" Tegoshi butts in before Ryo and Nino start bickering again.
Yamapi wonders if Ryo acts the same way with his boss when they work. He wouldn’t want that from someone who works for him. Except maybe for Shige and Koyama, but they work with him and have nearly as much bossing power in the company as he does. The two of them certainly have the right to have such an attitude towards him, but for some reason, they don’t. Thinking again, he does want them to treat him as a friend, instead of treating him as the scary boss.
He has grown closer to them that he wouldn’t mind them talking to him like friends.
-----
Maruyama leads them through the narrow corridors and into a spacious room. "This will be your room, gentlemen. Please enjoy your--" he finally sees Yoko at the very back of the group. "Kimi?"
Yoko smiles at him sheepishly as he raises a hand in greeting. "Hey, Ryu-chan. Long time no see."
Maruyama breaks into a wide smile. "Kimi, it is you! It’s been a while... oops!" he quickly bows low. "I’m extremely sorry for my rudeness. Please, step inside and enjoy your stay. Feel free to call on me if you need anything," he says as he bows and steps out of the room.
"Wait!" Yoko cries out. "Ryu-chan, why don’t we have a small chat? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you; I’m sure you’ve got loads to ask me."
Maru looks questioningly at Ryo, who just shrugs. "I’ve got a few questions to ask you too, if you don’t mind." Ryo smiles at Maru. "Besides, I’m extremely curious how you know Yoko."
Maru breaks into a wide smile. "Gimme a sec, lemme ask the boss if I could stay." He slides the door shut.
Ryo looks at Yoko. "Why’d he call you Kimi?"
Yoko sighs, obviously not wanting to talk about it. "My real name’s Yokoyama Kimitaka."
Ryo raises an eyebrow. "And how do you know Maru?"
Yoko shifts his eyes, focusing at the wall behind Ryo. "I knew him back in high school, when he managed to pass the entrance exam into Osaka Junior High. It was the only high school that he managed to get into. He took long train rides back and forth from Osaka to Kyoto everyday to go to school, before he got fed up and told his parents that he wanted to bunk at a friend’s house instead." He looks at Ryo. "How about you?"
Ryo's eyes are wide. "Wait, you went to Osaka junior high? I went there too! I went there when Maru-chan was in second year."
"He went there when I was a senior," Yoko shrugs. "I guess we just missed each other, huh?"
Maru then bursts into the room--as much as he could with a sliding door--and exclaims, "Kimi! Ryo-chan! I can stay for a while! I’ve got loads to ask you guys! But first, I wanna ask: how did you know each other? I mean, I'm pretty sure you don't know other back in junior high! And Kimi!" he turns to glare at Yoko. "You haven’t contacted me in two years! And Ryo-chan!" he then turns to Ryo to glare. "You haven’t come back to visit since you moved to Tokyo back in high school until now! That’s not very nice!"
Ryo grins lopsidedly as he scratches his cheek, refusing to meet Maru's eyes. "I’m sorry. Keep meaning too, but I couldn’t really leave work. And back then, if my parents knew I was back in Kansai, they’d drag my ass back home."
"That’s what you get for running away from your parents’ house." Maru grins. "But I’m glad to see you back." He looks at Yoko. "You! What happened to you? They said back at Osaka that you left a year ago! What happened?"
Yamapi feels like they shouldn’t be there to hear that particular story. Their presence have made the uncomfortable conversation even more uncomfortable. "I'm going out to look at the sights. The rest of you are coming with me."
Ryo stands up, "I’m coming with you. Maru-chan, I should leave you and Yoko. We can catch up some other time."
"Thanks, guys," Yoko says. Nino just pats his head as he follows the others on their way out.
-----
The night is peaceful as Yamapi looks up into the sky as he sits in the hot spring. Beside him, Yoko watches the moon, as if it held all the answers. Yamapi takes a deep breath before breaking the terse silence. "Why are you asking rides from random drivers you don’t know?"
"I’m looking for myself."
Yamapi laughs under his breath. "Aren’t you too old to be going on a soul-searching trip? I don’t understand the point of going into a soul-searching trip. I mean, aren’t you yourself, and your soul is with you?"
Yoko snorts. "I don’t expect someone like you to understand, rich boy."
"Hey, I’m no rich boy!" Yamapi pouts.
Yoko shrugs. "I don’t really want to talk about it. Let’s just say I want to get away from my old life and look for something."
"What are you looking for? What are you trying to get away from?"
"Stop asking questions and you won’t get lies. Besides, aren’t you on a soul-searching trip yourself?"
"There are seven of us. What makes you think we’re on one?"
"Okay, then, let me ask you something: what are you doing?"
"We’re going on a roadtrip through Japan." Yamapi answers without thinking.
"Why?"
Ryo steps into the pool and answers for him. "Because he needs to relax and let go. We’re not on a soul-searching trip."
Yoko snorts. "Aren’t you just going with him, just to make sure he does find himself?"
"Why does he need six people to go with him for that, two of whom actually work for him?" Ryo shrugs. "His life is just a bad song on constant playback. He needs to get away. We’re doing nothing like what you’re doing."
"What am I doing? And what makes you say it’s a bad song? Could be just a boring one, right?"
"Well, let’s just say we’re going on a trip to look for something, other than himself, that he never realized has gone missing." Ryo looks at Yoko carefully. "Besides, you’re not really looking for yourself. I’d say you’re running away from something, something that even Maru-chan doesn’t know about, even if he is one of your closest friends."
Yoko just looks away. He doesn’t deny it.
-----
When they are about to set off to their next destination, Maru steps up to Yoko and gives him another bear hug. "I don’t know what happened to you and Hina, and frankly, I don’t really care. Just take care of yourself, okay? And give your brothers my regards when you happen to meet them again."
He pulls out and hugs Ryo too. "You too. Give your regards to your parents. And I’m not sure if you know, but your little sister has two beautiful little boys now. Why don’t you go and visit them; spoil them like the softie that you really are." He grins.
"Take care everyone. And good luck," he says as he closes the door.
Hyogo
"We’re going to Tokushima next, right?" Massu asks from the driver’s seat after losing yet another round of janken.
"No, we’re going to Hyogo," Ryo says as he inputs their next destination on the car navigator.
Nino’s head snaps up. "Why Hyogo?"
"I’ve got some unfinished business. I just realized that Maru’s right, and I should really pay some people a visit."
"But Ryo, you lived in Osaka, didn’t you?" Yamapi asks.
Ryo shrugs, "I’ve got a friend from Hyogo that I need to visit to. I owe him as much."
-----
Three hours later, they arrive in front of a house with a nameplate reading ‘Yasuda’ at the gate somewhere in Hyogo. It’s a normal looking house-one with a normal family and probably a normal dog-except that when they open the door, muffled guitar music fills the air. Yamapi suddenly doubts the normalcy he assumed to be there.
Ryo rings the bell and the strumming stops. When the door opens, Yamapi assumes that some rocker-looking scary person would come out.
The person who steps out, however, is like a smaller version of Massu with wild blonde curls and a wide smile. "Ryo-chan! It’s been a while!" he speaks in a high-pitched voice.
"Hey, Shota. Been a while. May we come in?" Ryo says sheepishly.
Yasuda Shota just grins and opens the gate. "Come in! Although I suggest parking your car in the garage. Gimme a sec, I’ll just open it."
They jump when a garage door he never noticed beside the gate opens. Nakamaru quickly grabs the keys from Massu and hops into the van. The rest of them follow Ryo into the house.
Scratch normal; inside, the house looks like a madman (or maybe someone with Massu’s taste in colors) painted the walls and took over the interior design. An older woman Yamapi assumes to be Yasuda’s mom smiles at them and offers them tea. "Ah, Ryo-kun! It’s been a while!"
Ryo bows in greeting. "It’s been a while. I’m sorry I’ve never had time to visit."
"No worries. I’ve heard all about your stories from Shota. I hear you’re working in Tokyo now as well."
Ryo nods and introduces everyone, including his boss and Nakamaru who has just entered the house. Shota laughs. "You’re his boss? How do you manage to make him work?"
Nino smirks. "I have my ways."
"Then I shouldn’t worry," Shota says. "Mom, we’re going up my room, okay?" he motions for them to come up with him.
When they enter the room, Yamapi squints at the wall color. If the living room looked insane, the bedroom is at least ten times worse. Massu looks delighted. "I like your room, Yasuda-san!"
Shota grins. "Just call me Shota! If you call me by my surname, my entire family will think you’re talking to them! And thanks! I like your clothes! Do they sell those in Tokyo?"
Massu nods. Shota sighs, "It would be nice if we had clothes like that here. I have to make my own clothes just to get the style and color I want."
Massu gasps. "You make your own clothes? They’re so nice, they look store bought!"
"Thanks!" Shota grins. "And close the door, or the music will disturb the neighbors." Tegoshi, who’s at the back, quickly closes the door.
"You’re a musician now?" Ryo asks as he takes a seat at the bed.
Shota nods as he slings the guitar over his shoulder. "Oh, how rude of me. Sit down! Just pick a space on the floor or the bed or a chair somewhere!" he says before starting to play.
A familiar tune plays through the air. Koyama then makes a surprised sound. "Oh my god! I love this song!"
"Oh yeah?" Shota grins. "I wrote it! I write music for bands and musicians in Tokyo."
"But the song writer’s name isn’t ‘Yasuda Shota’. It’s-"
"Chipa? Yep! That’s my public name." Shota grins as he plays a riff. "Someone named ‘You’ usually wrote the lyrics. Although it’s been a while since he’s written for my songs."
They turn to look at Yoko, who grins at them shyly. Shota looks at him, then the others. "What’s going on?"
Yoko doesn't look at Shota in the eye. "I’m ‘You’. I used to write lyrics for your songs."
Shota stops playing and squeals. "Oh my god! You’re ‘You’?" He bounds up and pulls a surprised looking Yoko into a hug. "I’ve always wondered why you stopped writing! It’s been, what, around two years since you’ve last written for me? I’ve always wondered why you suddenly dropped off the face of the earth!"
"Sorry," Yoko says.
"Small world, huh?" Ryo grins. "If I’d stayed in Osaka, I’d probably would have met you too, Yoko. Seems like everyone I know in Kansai also knew you. Speaking of which," he turns to look at Shota, "where’s Baru?"
"Oh god, don’t tell me you know Baru too!" Yoko groans. Ryo just smirks at him.
Shota looks down. "He’s another one I haven’t heard about for some time. He left to try to get a contract in Tokyo, but I never heard from him again."
"What? But he’s like my favourite indie vocalist! What the hell happened to him?" Ryo exclaims.
"I haven’t heard from him since you stopped writing," Shota says, looking intently at Yoko.
Yoko looks away guiltily.
Osaka
"Dammit, I told you, I don’t wanna go back to Osaka!" Yoko shouts from the back. Yamapi wishes that he had two extra arms to cover his ears and drive at the same time.
"Ignore him," Nino tells him from the passenger's.
"We’re not going to Osaka for you! We’re going to Osaka for me! Get over it already, geez," Ryo shouts at Yoko.
Yamapi is curious. Why is Yoko so adamant about not going back to Osaka? If it were Ryo, he would understand. Ryo did run away from his parents back in high school. That’s how they met the angry short man. That was also when he met the other guy, one he would much rather not think about.
He shakes his head off of his thoughts and concentrates on driving.
-----
When they arrive at a hotel in Osaka city, Ryo jumps out of the van and sprints through the lobby and to the front desk. The others step out and help the bellboy unload their bags into a trolley, while Yamapi hands the keys to a valet driver. Nakamaru looks at this exchange tearfully as Massu comforts him with soft pats on the back.
When they reach the lobby, Yamapi sees a tall man in an expensive suit and Ryo talking in fast Kansai-ben. Ryo reaches up to ruffle the tall man’s hair, ignoring the other man’s protests. The staff in the hotel look on the exchange with obvious surprise.
Nino nudges the bell boy, who looks just as surprised. "Who’s the guy in the suit?"
"That would be Ohkura-sama, the owner of this hotel," he says with a low bow.
When they come closer, they hear the rest of the conversation. "You’re welcome! Please, stop, I still have to go to another boring meeting with some stuck up people," Ohkura whines as he pushes Ryo away and fixes his hair.
Ryo laughs. "You’re one of them stuck-up people now, Tacchon."
Ohkura groans. "Don’t remind me." He smiles widely at Ryo. "I'm glad you’re back in Osaka, Ryo-chan. And please," he bows low, "enjoy your stay at Hotel Ohkura." He straightens up and grins at the rest of them. "I’ll be with you to catch up soon, but for now, the stuck-ups await me." He nods at his staff with a small smile and a wink. "And guys, please don’t tell my father about this little incident."
The hotel receptionist swoons when Ohkura turns to leave.
-----
"You guys go ahead and enjoy the sights and sounds of Osaka city. We’ll be back," Ryo informs the others as he drags Yamapi and Yoko away. Koyama shoos them away and telling them to please inform him if they aren’t coming back for dinner.
"Where are we going?" Yamapi asks Ryo once they’re out of earshot.
"First, we’re going to my parents. Which I need you for. Then, we’re gonna look for his," he jerks his thumb at Yoko.
"What? I thought we were going here for your shit!"
"Well, we’re here, we might as well figure out what your shit is." Ryo stops and grabs Yoko’s arm when he starts to run away. "You’re not running away this time. I ran away ten years ago and I’m facing it head on now. It’s been far too long, and it’s about time I did." Ryo shrugs. "I don’t know what your shit is, and frankly, I don’t care. I don’t care if it’s heartbreaking, if it’s painful, or if it’s too much. We all have baggage to carry, and your wangst is getting to my nerves." Ryo looks down on the ground, sighing. "Watching you made me realize that I should get back too." He turns on his heel and starts walking ahead.
Yamapi looks at Yoko. "I’m here for you too, you know. I may not know you as well and for as long as I have known Ryo-chan, but the time we’ve spent together is enough to make me accept you as a friend as well." Yamapi smiles. "And I think I can venture a guess as to why we’re on this trip." Yoko looks at him questioningly. "The question is whether or not he’s ready to come back home." Yamapi mutters to himself as he moves to follow Ryo.
-----
When they arrive at a house with a nameplate bearing the name Nishikido, Yoko whistles. "That’s a damn fine place you ran away from."
"It looks nice, but it was horrible back then." Ryo says before taking a deep breath.
Just as he was about to press the bell, a female voice speaks out. "Ryo-nii?"
They turn around to see a woman carrying a small child while another young boy clings to her leg. Ryo awkwardly raises his hand. "It's been a while, Saya."
The woman smiles. "It is you! Come in, I’ll call mom and dad out." She opens the gate and lets them in. Yamapi turns to see Ryo rooted to the spot. "What’s wrong, Ryo-nii?" she asks.
"Oh, don’t you run away now!" Yamapi exclaims as he grabs Ryo’s arm. Ryo stumbles through the gate.
They walk through the vast gardens and into the house. "Oh, you may leave your shoes on. I’ll go and get the others. You," she points at Ryo. "Sit on the sofa, play with your nephews, and wait for mother and father." She hands over her sons to a shell-shocked Ryo. "These are Ryota and Akira, written in the same kanji as your name. I’m not very original, but I know that I love and miss my older brother." She smiles at her two sons. "You two play with Ryo-jichan while I’m away, okay?"
When she is out of sight, Akira looks at Ryo with wide eyes. "Jichan!" he mumbles happily. Ryota moves off of Ryo’s lap and sits on the space between Ryo and Yamapi.
Ryo just watches this wordlessly. Yamapi laughs at the sight. "It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this quiet." He looks at Ryota. "Hey there, Ryota-kun. I’m Yamashita." He offers a hand, which Ryota looks at for a few seconds before shaking it. "How old are you and Akira-kun?"
Ryota looks up and Yamapi suddenly understands why she had chosen her sons to be named after Ryo. They look like Ryo from when he was only up to Yamapi's shoulder, except without the constant glare. Ryota puts up a hand "I’m 5, Akira is 2"
"Oh! You know how to count with your fingers!" Yoko exclaims. "I didn’t learn that until I reached like first grade or something."
Ryota grins. "Mama always said I was smart!" Yamapi ruffles Ryota’s hair.
"Ryo-bocchama!" an elderly woman bearing a tray of tea suddenly exclaims.
Ryo lowers his head. "Nana, it’s been a while!"
Nana puts down cups of tea before all of them and gives a small bow before grabbing Ryo’s face and kissing both cheeks. "Ryo-bocchama! I thought I’d never live long enough to see you back here!" Nana just smiles gently. "I’m happy to see you’ve grown up so well!" She clicks her tongue. "You’re too thin! What do they feed you in Tokyo?"
"I eat just fine, Nana." Ryo gently smiles. "You’ve grown old since the last time I’ve seen you."
Nana clicks her tongue again. "Still with the horrible mouth! I thought I brought you up well, but I guess you still retained the toungue you’ve managed to inherit from mistress." She stands up. "I must be off. This household is absolutely useless without me. Excuse me," she bows down before leaving.
"Who’s that?" Yamapi asks once she had gone away.
"That’s Nana. She’s the head help, and the one who practically brought me up when my parents were too busy to take care of me."
Yoko whistles again. "A mansion and an army of househelp. You’re one big-ass bocchama"
"Jiichan!" Akira suddenly exclaims. Yamapi looks up and sees an old couple with a striking resemblance to Ryo entering the living room. He and Yoko quickly get up on their feet and bow in greeting. Ryo just sits there with a terrified expression on his face, not noticing how much Akira is squiming in his arms. "Jiichan! Baachan!" Akira shouts again, pulling Ryo’s hair.
Ryo snaps out of his shock and loosens his grip on Akira. He pulls Akira up with him when he stands up. "Mother, father, it’s been a while," he says with a small bow.
Ryo’s mother runs up to them and engulfs Ryo and Akira in a big hug. "Ryo! I thought I’d never see you again! I heard from your old friends that you were well, but I didn’t want to believe it." She looks up and down at Ryo. "You’re skinny, but that’s to be expected. And look at you, you’re taller than me now!"
"Ryo," Ryo’s father says. Ryo looks down.
"I’m sorry, father, for not contacting you."
Ryo’s father removes Akira from Ryo’s hold and hand him over to Yamapi. "Please hold him for a while." Ryo’s father smiles at him before glaring at his son.
SMACK
Ryo’s father slaps his son’s face so hard that Ryo stumbles. Ryo puts up a hand on his cheek.
"That’s for making us wonder if you’ve died or something for the past ten years!" His eyes soften. I came to terms with you never coming back three years after you’ve left. but at least, give word so that we can stop worrying." He straightens and takes a deep breath. "I know that what we said was too harsh, and for that I’m sorry," he bows down low in front of Ryo. Ryo’s mother does the same.
Ryo rushes to pull his parents up. "No, it’s me who should be sorry. Please, don’t lower your heads. I’m not worth it."
Ryo’s mother starts to cry. "How can you not be worth it? You’re my son! One that I thought I'd lost because of my carelessness and my constant comparison of you and your brothers." She engulfs Ryo into a big hug.
Ryo clings to her, looking more at peace than Yamapi had ever seen him before.
-----
They leave the Nishikido household filled to the brim with tea and cheer. Yamapi and Yoko burst out into laughter when they close the gate. Ryo glares at them. "What?"
"Man, all of you look alike!" Yoko chokes out. "You, your mom, your dad, your brothers, your sister, your nephews, your neice, EVERYONE!"
Yamapi doubles over, laughing. "I now believe you. I thought you were kidding, but now that I’ve met them, it IS funny. It makes me want to look for Jin and show him your family picture."
Ryo grins at Yamapi. "I thought you’d never say his name out loud ever again?"
Yamapi stops laughing.
-----
"Well, here we are! It’s not as grand as your mansion back there, but this used to be home." Yoko spreads out his arms to present a rundown building. "In one of these apartments, me and my family used to live. I’m not sure where my brothers are now. May we please go now?"
Ryo glares at him. "We aren’t leaving until you’ve figured it out. What about your parents then?"
Yoko looks away. "My dad left when my youngest brother was born. My mom died a couple of years ago."
"I’m sorry," Yamapi says. "Ryo, maybe we should stop now?"
"No. Well then, we’re going to your mom’s tomb. We’re gonna pay her a visit, something I'm pretty sure you haven’t done since you left."
A man interrupts their conversation. "Kimi?"
They turn around to see a couple carrying bags and a baby. The man grins. "Kimi! It is you! I haven’t seen you in years!"
"Oh hey there, Hina. Ayako. Been a while," Yoko mumbles.
Ryo nudges at Yamapi. "Think there’s something here?" he whispers. Yamapi nods.
Hina nods towards the apartment. "Wanna come into our place? You know, to catch up?"
Before Yoko can refuse, Ryo answers, "Sure. You guys want help with those?"
Hina grins. "I think I’ve seen you before. But sure, although we live right over there." He nods towards a house near the apartment. "Come on!"
Ayako walks over to Yoko. "Kimi-kun, have you met our son? We wanted to get you as his godfather, but we didn’t know where you were."
Yamapi sees Yoko look at her sadly. "Yeah, sorry. What’s his name?"
"Takashi, written in your name’s kanji." Ayako smiles at him. "It’s the least we can do."
-----
When they leave the Murakami household, Yamapi and Ryo still haven’t figured out what the hell Yoko was so worked up about. Although Yoko does look like he’s about to combust.
"What’s up?" Ryo asks, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Yoko sighs, his head lowering than usual. He doesn’t shrug off the hand. "Let’s go to mum first, okay?"
He speeds up through the graves before stopping before one. They pay their respects as well.
Without opening his eyes, Yoko speaks up. "I’ve always liked Ayako-chan, from the first time I met her in kindergarten until I left. But I never told her, never told anyone. Not even Hina, had been my best friend since junior high. I knew Hina also liked her, he told me as much. I even gave him fucking advice, since he knew Ayako was a childhood friend of mine. I guess it’s my fault for not making the first move.
"A week after they got married, I received a call from my dad, saying that he wanted to get my brothers from me and my mom. I was pissed, since he had the gall to claim them after he left us all alone with all his fucking debts and made me and mom work hard to pay them off on top of supporting ourselves and putting my siblings through school. I even had to drop out of high school to work! My mom became so stressed that one day, she just collapsed on the way to the grocery. I was working then, so I when I heard about it, I wanted to rush out of work to be at her side. My brothers called me to say that they were with her, and they would keep me posted. Three hours later, mum died."
"A few days later, that bastard called me up to tell me that he was picking up my brothers. I shouted at him, saying that my brothers wer) old enough to figure out what they wanted. He said that someone like me, with no education and no future, couldn't possibly provide a better future for brothers. My brothers told me later that they would)move out and put themselves through college. Said something about not wanting to go with the bastard and wanting me to make a future for myself. When they did, I didn’t know what to do. I felt I had nothing left to live for then. So I left. That was about two years ago. Been hitch-hiking through Japan ever since, doing odd jobs here and there to keep me afloat."
Ryo and Yamapi say nothing. Yoko looks at the two of them with a tearful smile. "I’m glad I met you guys."
"So you’re staying here?" Ryo asks in a hopeful tone.
Yoko's eyes sparkle. "Are you kidding? I’m sticking with you guys until I figure out what to do next!"
Yamapi grins. "Welcome aboard, then!" Ryo groans as Yamapi and Yoko do a high five.
-----
They get back to the hotel right before it goes dark. They find Nino and Koyama having their usual smoke at the café by the hotel lobby. "You’re back!" Koyama exclaims.
"Damn right!" Yoko grins. "Listen up! I’m sticking with you guys until Tokyo or something!"
"And we’re ready to take off to Tokushima now." Ryo says.
Nino groans. "It means that I have to ride another god-forsaken boat again, doesn’t it."
"I think there’s a bridge link somewhere." Koyama says as he checks his phone. Yamapi looks at it wishfully. "No, you may not borrow this."
"Aw, Ryo-chan, I just arrived and you’re leaving already?" Ohkura pipes up from behind Ryo.
Ryo jumps up in the air in surprise. "Don’t do that!" He smacks Tacchon on the head.
"So," Ohkura grins. "How are ojisama and obasama? Are they doing well?"
"Damn rich boys," Yoko mutters under his breath.
On to Part 3
Nagoya
They arrive at their next destination hours later with Nakamaru looking too happy that his van is still alive after the long trip. He doesn’t even look tired after driving for so long. The others don’t share his sentiments. "I wish I wasn't in such a hurry to leave Ueda’s place," Nino mutters.
The others can only nod. Yamapi doesn’t think that saying "I told you so" is a good idea right now, even though he knows he’s right. He doesn’t have the energy nor the will to pick a fight, especially with an exhausted-looking and probably murderous Nino.
-----
When they set out to tour the city the next morning, they are all in better spirits than when they arrived. They don’t even complain at the single bedroom Nino managed to procure for all 8 of them to sleep in. Walking around the city brightens Yamapi’s spirit, even if it is smaller and less metropolitan than the Tokyo streets he had left. The past few weeks spent in the countryside might have been peaceful but nothing beats the city, not in Yamapi’s point of view.
"AH!" Tegoshi exclaims. "A street artist!"
Nino looks at the person Tegoshi is skipping towards and his eyes widen. "Oh-chan?" Yamapi hears him whisper before he breaks off into a sprint, running past an excitable Tegoshi. The others look at each other questioningly before following them in a slower pace.
They watch as the man Nino called "Oh-chan" looks up at Nino and breaks into a sleepy smile as he waits for Nino to catch his breath. When he does, Nino suddenly grabs Oh-chan into a fierce hug. "A post card would be nice you know," they hear Nino say as he squeezes the other man tightly. Oh-chan laughs sheepishly.
"I forgot."
Nino breaks out of the hug and looks at Oh-chan’s face carefully. "You’ve become darker since the last time I’ve seen you. What the hell have you been doing?"
"Fishing."
Nino laughs. "Of course, how can I forget that you can live just by fishing and drawing?" He seems to have finally realized that the others have been there the entire time. "Oh, sorry. Guys, this is Ohno Satoshi, my best friend from way back."
Ohno bows slightly. "Hello. Oh." His eyes stop at Tegoshi’s still excited form. "You were the one running a while ago. Would you like me to draw you?"
"You would?" Tegoshi asks.
Ohno nods. "I can draw the rest of you too, if you want," he says, sitting back on the folding chair Nino pulled him off from.
Nino grabs Ryo’s arm and hands him a thousand yen bill. "Here, buy some snacks. Bread and tea, preferably. When Oh-chan starts drawing, he doesn’t stop to eat or drink. I’d rather keep an eye on him while I’m here." He looks at the others. "You guys go around and enjoy the city, but be back here in about an hour or two. He should be done sketching by then."
---
When they return two hours later, Nino and Ohno are chatting, Ohno’s right hand flying over the canvas and his left clutching a half-eaten bun.
"...and Matsujun exploded when he realized that Aiba had kidnapped his refrigerator," Yamapi hears Nino tell Ohno. Ohno’s small face crinkles up as he giggles. "Oh, you guys are back," Nino says as a welcome. "Take a look at what Oh-chan has done."
Ohno smiles shyly. "It’s only half-way done with the coloring."
Nino rolls his eyes. "Who cares? They just wanna see the sketch, right?" Nino glares at them, daring them to say otherwise.
Tegoshi nods, his curls bouncing. "I want to see the sketch! I can’t really draw-" ("Finally, he admits it," Massu mutters under his breath; Nakamaru stifles a laugh) "- so I wanna see!"
Ohno nods and flips the canvas. Yamapi has to stop himself from gasping, but the others aren’t as hesitant. On the canvas is half-done painting of all eight of them, laughing and walking down the street from which they had just left. What surprises Yamapi is how happy he looks and how his happiness isn’t as sparkly and shiny as the others’. The detail is astounding, especially since Ohno has only seen them for a few minutes. From the bright smile on Massu’s face to the laugh lines on Ryo’s, he had managed to capture them all in a few strokes of charcoal. He had even managed to capture Tegoshi’s half-perm and Koyama’s gangly limbs.
"Wow, Yamapi’s eyes are dead-looking!" Ryo says as he takes a closer look at the drawing. Yamapi glares at Nino accusingly.
Nino puts his hands up in a "who, me?" gesture. "That’s how Oh-chan saw it. I didn’t have any say about it."
"My eyes aren’t dead," Yamapi mutters under his breath. Yoko steps into his line of sight and moves closer until they are about nose-to-nose. Yamapi recoils. "What?"
"They do look kind of dead. But they’re much more alive than when I first saw you." Yoko steps back. "That break at Ueda’s did you good."
"You should have seen him before we left for the trip," Koyama says. "If you want to imagine how he looked then, try imagining your life as a very loud and very bad song on repeat. He had that sort of resigned, angry look on his face."
Yoko makes a face. "That sounds horrible."
"And it sounds just about right," Ryo says as he returns the canvas to its proper position in front of Ohno, whose hand quickly resumes painting. "We should leave you two to catch up some more. We be back in two hours OK?"
Nino nods. "Make sure you bring back food!" he shouts at their retreating backs.
-----
By sunset, they go back to the park, only to find Nino and Ohno missing. After Ryo hangs up, he informs them that the pair had gone back to the hotel room, and that they should get some ramen for Ohno.
Clutching bags of take-out and ramen, they go back to their room to find it littered with bread wrappers and cans of coffee and tea. On the bed are Nino and Ohno, sleeping side by side like children. By the floor is a completed painting of their group with the van that had taken them to this place. Koyama smiles and pulls a blanket over the pair.
They proceed to clean the room with Massu in the lead. Yamapi picks up the painting and sets it by the dresser mirror.
-----
The pair wakes up an hour after their arrival, with Ohno crying out for ramen. "I should take you all fishing," Ohno says through a mouthful of reheated ramen. Nino makes a desperate "no" sign behind the oblivious man.
Ryo takes the hint. "We’re in a hurry, so we should get going tomorrow." Nino makes a relieved face, which he quickly turns into a smile when Ohno turns to him with a pout.
"But I wanted to show Nino my boat!"
"You have a boat?" Nino exclaims. "Just how addicted are you to fishing?"
Ohno shrugs. "I earn enough to get a boat, so I went and got one." He stares at a spot on the wall wistfully. "I’ve always wanted one."
"I thought what you wanted was to build a house by yourself and open up a bread shop?"
"I already did!" He looks at Ryo. "Thanks for buying bread from my shop, by the way!"
Nino makes a choking sound. "I don’t hear from you for five years, and now you’ve gone and done all you’ve wanted! Last time I heard, you were still looking for a chainsaw!"
Ohno scratches his head. "I’m sorry, but I lost my phone and address book a few years back. I don’t remember your new info, so I couldn't tell you."
"And you still haven’t figured out how to send email through a computer," Nino adds with a laugh. Ohno nods.
"But I got lots of good information from Sho-chan and MatsuJun. By the time I’d lost contact with them, the bread shop was already on its way to opening."
"Why didn’t you tell me?" Nino reaches down to pinch Ohno’s bum.
Ohno looks unfazed. "You never asked."
Nino grabs the ramen bowl from Ohno’s hands, gives it to a gaping Koyama, and tickle-attacks Ohno. "Do I need to ask?" Nino demands of a badly squirming Ohno.
"I’m sorry!" he gasps in reply.
Nino stops his attack. He stands up, walks over to the drawers and grabs a hotel-issued pen and paper. He scribbles on it, stomps back, and shoves the paper into Ohno’s pocket. "Written there is all of our new addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. For god’s sake, please contact MatsuJun and Sho before they die from worrying about you." He straightens up. "Before I leave though, can you show me your hand-made house, your boat, and your bread shop? And can you make a new painting? I have some new pictures of Sho, MatsuJun and Aiba-chan for you to paint."
Ohno beams in his usual sleepy way and nods.
----
When they leave, they carry with them two paintings by the renowned painter Satoshi, bags of bread from the popular bread shop Arashi PAN, and pictures of a small boat with a painting of a storm cloud on the side and a small wooden cottage by the sea. They give Yamapi hope that no dream is too far-fetched for it to come true.
Kyoto
Compared to those they have taken before, the road to Kansai seemed so long.
"Stop somewhere, quick!" Massu exclaims three hours into the trip.
"What? Why?" Ryo asks from the driver’s seat.
"I need to go to the toilet."
"What the fuck? Didn’t we stop somewhere just an hour ago?" Nino snarls.
"I still need to go to the toilet."
Tegoshi giggles, "That’s what you get for drinking so much water, Massu"
Massu pouts. "But it’s hot."
"Massu, it’s an air-conditioned car," Nakamaru points out.
"It’s still hot."
Ryo grunts. "Fine, but you’re driving until Kyoto."
"Wait a sec!" Yoko shouts. "We’re going to Kansai?"
"Weren’t you listening a while ago? Yes, we’re going to the Kansai region next." Ryo sighs. "Man, it’s been so long since I’ve spoken in pure Kansai-ben. I mean, people here don’t understand me when I start speaking in Kansai-ben."
"Ryo," Koyama interjects "we do understand Kansai-ben."
"Besides, you’re the one who said you wouldn’t speak it while in Tokyo," Yamapi says with a small laugh.
"Yamapi, did you know? Shige’s from Osaka too! He starts speaking in Kansai-ben when he drinks or when he gets angry," Koyama informs him.
"He does?"
"Yamapi!" Nino exclaims, "He’s your assistant, you should at least know that!"
Yamapi looks away guiltily, "I guess I never asked."
"It’s on his application form," Koyama says, "but I guess you didn’t need to know about that." Koyama shrugs as he pulls out his phone. Yamapi squirms uncomfortably as the van is filled with awkward silence.
Which is then quickly broken when Koyama exclaims "Eh? Why did Shige send me a ‘duck you’?"
Nino bursts out laughing. "He probably didn’t check his message before he sent it."
"What do you mean?"
"Have you ever used the auto-spell function on your phone?"
"Yes, what about it?" Koyama asks as he quickly types out a reply.
"Ever tried spelling the word ‘fuck’ with it on?"
Koyama’s fingers stop moving as he looks at Yoko with an affronted expression. "No, why? Why would I need to say that?"
"Well, the word isn’t included in the built-in dictionary. It automatically spells out ‘duck’ instead."
"DUCK YOU! DUCK MY LIFE!" Tegoshi starts shouting at the top of his lungs. All of them burst out in hysterical laughter.
"I still need to go to the bathroom!" Massu shouts over them.
-----
Massu pulls over front of a traditional inn run by a friend of Ryo’s. Yoko’s eyes widen with recognition. "You guys never told me we were staying here," he says.
"Why? Did we need to tell you?" Ryo asks as he opens the door. "Maru-chan! It’s Ryo! We’re here!" he shouts at the entrance. The others look at each other worriedly. Is it ok to shout at such a place?
Turns out they need not worry as someone whom they assume to be "Maru-chan" bounces out of the corridor and engulfs Ryo in a bear hug. "Ryo-chan! It’s been a while. How are you?" he says in fast Kansai-ben.
"Stop talking like that," Ryo replies, also in Kansai-ben. Yamapi realizes belatedly that Maru-chan could be speaking in another dialect.
"Aw, don’t be like that. Besides, I’m in Kyoto; I should be speaking in Kyoto-ben here. You, on the other hand, are speaking in that Osaka-ben you’re so proud of," Maru grins as he picks up the bag by Ryo’s feet. He turns to look at the others. "Ah, excuse my rudeness. My name is Maruyama Ryuuhei, your caretaker for your stay here," he says with a humble bow and a more formal-sounding Kyoto-ben. "This way please. You may leave your bags in the car and the keys with me. I’ll make sure to take care of them for you."
"Thank god, some good service," Nino mutters.
"And whose fault was it that we’ve been getting horrible service from every hotel we stay in, huh?" Ryo retorts as he follows Maruyama into the inn.
"I don’t really mind. It’s like a school trip, the way we squeeze in one room! I like it!" Tegoshi butts in before Ryo and Nino start bickering again.
Yamapi wonders if Ryo acts the same way with his boss when they work. He wouldn’t want that from someone who works for him. Except maybe for Shige and Koyama, but they work with him and have nearly as much bossing power in the company as he does. The two of them certainly have the right to have such an attitude towards him, but for some reason, they don’t. Thinking again, he does want them to treat him as a friend, instead of treating him as the scary boss.
He has grown closer to them that he wouldn’t mind them talking to him like friends.
-----
Maruyama leads them through the narrow corridors and into a spacious room. "This will be your room, gentlemen. Please enjoy your--" he finally sees Yoko at the very back of the group. "Kimi?"
Yoko smiles at him sheepishly as he raises a hand in greeting. "Hey, Ryu-chan. Long time no see."
Maruyama breaks into a wide smile. "Kimi, it is you! It’s been a while... oops!" he quickly bows low. "I’m extremely sorry for my rudeness. Please, step inside and enjoy your stay. Feel free to call on me if you need anything," he says as he bows and steps out of the room.
"Wait!" Yoko cries out. "Ryu-chan, why don’t we have a small chat? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you; I’m sure you’ve got loads to ask me."
Maru looks questioningly at Ryo, who just shrugs. "I’ve got a few questions to ask you too, if you don’t mind." Ryo smiles at Maru. "Besides, I’m extremely curious how you know Yoko."
Maru breaks into a wide smile. "Gimme a sec, lemme ask the boss if I could stay." He slides the door shut.
Ryo looks at Yoko. "Why’d he call you Kimi?"
Yoko sighs, obviously not wanting to talk about it. "My real name’s Yokoyama Kimitaka."
Ryo raises an eyebrow. "And how do you know Maru?"
Yoko shifts his eyes, focusing at the wall behind Ryo. "I knew him back in high school, when he managed to pass the entrance exam into Osaka Junior High. It was the only high school that he managed to get into. He took long train rides back and forth from Osaka to Kyoto everyday to go to school, before he got fed up and told his parents that he wanted to bunk at a friend’s house instead." He looks at Ryo. "How about you?"
Ryo's eyes are wide. "Wait, you went to Osaka junior high? I went there too! I went there when Maru-chan was in second year."
"He went there when I was a senior," Yoko shrugs. "I guess we just missed each other, huh?"
Maru then bursts into the room--as much as he could with a sliding door--and exclaims, "Kimi! Ryo-chan! I can stay for a while! I’ve got loads to ask you guys! But first, I wanna ask: how did you know each other? I mean, I'm pretty sure you don't know other back in junior high! And Kimi!" he turns to glare at Yoko. "You haven’t contacted me in two years! And Ryo-chan!" he then turns to Ryo to glare. "You haven’t come back to visit since you moved to Tokyo back in high school until now! That’s not very nice!"
Ryo grins lopsidedly as he scratches his cheek, refusing to meet Maru's eyes. "I’m sorry. Keep meaning too, but I couldn’t really leave work. And back then, if my parents knew I was back in Kansai, they’d drag my ass back home."
"That’s what you get for running away from your parents’ house." Maru grins. "But I’m glad to see you back." He looks at Yoko. "You! What happened to you? They said back at Osaka that you left a year ago! What happened?"
Yamapi feels like they shouldn’t be there to hear that particular story. Their presence have made the uncomfortable conversation even more uncomfortable. "I'm going out to look at the sights. The rest of you are coming with me."
Ryo stands up, "I’m coming with you. Maru-chan, I should leave you and Yoko. We can catch up some other time."
"Thanks, guys," Yoko says. Nino just pats his head as he follows the others on their way out.
-----
The night is peaceful as Yamapi looks up into the sky as he sits in the hot spring. Beside him, Yoko watches the moon, as if it held all the answers. Yamapi takes a deep breath before breaking the terse silence. "Why are you asking rides from random drivers you don’t know?"
"I’m looking for myself."
Yamapi laughs under his breath. "Aren’t you too old to be going on a soul-searching trip? I don’t understand the point of going into a soul-searching trip. I mean, aren’t you yourself, and your soul is with you?"
Yoko snorts. "I don’t expect someone like you to understand, rich boy."
"Hey, I’m no rich boy!" Yamapi pouts.
Yoko shrugs. "I don’t really want to talk about it. Let’s just say I want to get away from my old life and look for something."
"What are you looking for? What are you trying to get away from?"
"Stop asking questions and you won’t get lies. Besides, aren’t you on a soul-searching trip yourself?"
"There are seven of us. What makes you think we’re on one?"
"Okay, then, let me ask you something: what are you doing?"
"We’re going on a roadtrip through Japan." Yamapi answers without thinking.
"Why?"
Ryo steps into the pool and answers for him. "Because he needs to relax and let go. We’re not on a soul-searching trip."
Yoko snorts. "Aren’t you just going with him, just to make sure he does find himself?"
"Why does he need six people to go with him for that, two of whom actually work for him?" Ryo shrugs. "His life is just a bad song on constant playback. He needs to get away. We’re doing nothing like what you’re doing."
"What am I doing? And what makes you say it’s a bad song? Could be just a boring one, right?"
"Well, let’s just say we’re going on a trip to look for something, other than himself, that he never realized has gone missing." Ryo looks at Yoko carefully. "Besides, you’re not really looking for yourself. I’d say you’re running away from something, something that even Maru-chan doesn’t know about, even if he is one of your closest friends."
Yoko just looks away. He doesn’t deny it.
-----
When they are about to set off to their next destination, Maru steps up to Yoko and gives him another bear hug. "I don’t know what happened to you and Hina, and frankly, I don’t really care. Just take care of yourself, okay? And give your brothers my regards when you happen to meet them again."
He pulls out and hugs Ryo too. "You too. Give your regards to your parents. And I’m not sure if you know, but your little sister has two beautiful little boys now. Why don’t you go and visit them; spoil them like the softie that you really are." He grins.
"Take care everyone. And good luck," he says as he closes the door.
Hyogo
"We’re going to Tokushima next, right?" Massu asks from the driver’s seat after losing yet another round of janken.
"No, we’re going to Hyogo," Ryo says as he inputs their next destination on the car navigator.
Nino’s head snaps up. "Why Hyogo?"
"I’ve got some unfinished business. I just realized that Maru’s right, and I should really pay some people a visit."
"But Ryo, you lived in Osaka, didn’t you?" Yamapi asks.
Ryo shrugs, "I’ve got a friend from Hyogo that I need to visit to. I owe him as much."
-----
Three hours later, they arrive in front of a house with a nameplate reading ‘Yasuda’ at the gate somewhere in Hyogo. It’s a normal looking house-one with a normal family and probably a normal dog-except that when they open the door, muffled guitar music fills the air. Yamapi suddenly doubts the normalcy he assumed to be there.
Ryo rings the bell and the strumming stops. When the door opens, Yamapi assumes that some rocker-looking scary person would come out.
The person who steps out, however, is like a smaller version of Massu with wild blonde curls and a wide smile. "Ryo-chan! It’s been a while!" he speaks in a high-pitched voice.
"Hey, Shota. Been a while. May we come in?" Ryo says sheepishly.
Yasuda Shota just grins and opens the gate. "Come in! Although I suggest parking your car in the garage. Gimme a sec, I’ll just open it."
They jump when a garage door he never noticed beside the gate opens. Nakamaru quickly grabs the keys from Massu and hops into the van. The rest of them follow Ryo into the house.
Scratch normal; inside, the house looks like a madman (or maybe someone with Massu’s taste in colors) painted the walls and took over the interior design. An older woman Yamapi assumes to be Yasuda’s mom smiles at them and offers them tea. "Ah, Ryo-kun! It’s been a while!"
Ryo bows in greeting. "It’s been a while. I’m sorry I’ve never had time to visit."
"No worries. I’ve heard all about your stories from Shota. I hear you’re working in Tokyo now as well."
Ryo nods and introduces everyone, including his boss and Nakamaru who has just entered the house. Shota laughs. "You’re his boss? How do you manage to make him work?"
Nino smirks. "I have my ways."
"Then I shouldn’t worry," Shota says. "Mom, we’re going up my room, okay?" he motions for them to come up with him.
When they enter the room, Yamapi squints at the wall color. If the living room looked insane, the bedroom is at least ten times worse. Massu looks delighted. "I like your room, Yasuda-san!"
Shota grins. "Just call me Shota! If you call me by my surname, my entire family will think you’re talking to them! And thanks! I like your clothes! Do they sell those in Tokyo?"
Massu nods. Shota sighs, "It would be nice if we had clothes like that here. I have to make my own clothes just to get the style and color I want."
Massu gasps. "You make your own clothes? They’re so nice, they look store bought!"
"Thanks!" Shota grins. "And close the door, or the music will disturb the neighbors." Tegoshi, who’s at the back, quickly closes the door.
"You’re a musician now?" Ryo asks as he takes a seat at the bed.
Shota nods as he slings the guitar over his shoulder. "Oh, how rude of me. Sit down! Just pick a space on the floor or the bed or a chair somewhere!" he says before starting to play.
A familiar tune plays through the air. Koyama then makes a surprised sound. "Oh my god! I love this song!"
"Oh yeah?" Shota grins. "I wrote it! I write music for bands and musicians in Tokyo."
"But the song writer’s name isn’t ‘Yasuda Shota’. It’s-"
"Chipa? Yep! That’s my public name." Shota grins as he plays a riff. "Someone named ‘You’ usually wrote the lyrics. Although it’s been a while since he’s written for my songs."
They turn to look at Yoko, who grins at them shyly. Shota looks at him, then the others. "What’s going on?"
Yoko doesn't look at Shota in the eye. "I’m ‘You’. I used to write lyrics for your songs."
Shota stops playing and squeals. "Oh my god! You’re ‘You’?" He bounds up and pulls a surprised looking Yoko into a hug. "I’ve always wondered why you stopped writing! It’s been, what, around two years since you’ve last written for me? I’ve always wondered why you suddenly dropped off the face of the earth!"
"Sorry," Yoko says.
"Small world, huh?" Ryo grins. "If I’d stayed in Osaka, I’d probably would have met you too, Yoko. Seems like everyone I know in Kansai also knew you. Speaking of which," he turns to look at Shota, "where’s Baru?"
"Oh god, don’t tell me you know Baru too!" Yoko groans. Ryo just smirks at him.
Shota looks down. "He’s another one I haven’t heard about for some time. He left to try to get a contract in Tokyo, but I never heard from him again."
"What? But he’s like my favourite indie vocalist! What the hell happened to him?" Ryo exclaims.
"I haven’t heard from him since you stopped writing," Shota says, looking intently at Yoko.
Yoko looks away guiltily.
Osaka
"Dammit, I told you, I don’t wanna go back to Osaka!" Yoko shouts from the back. Yamapi wishes that he had two extra arms to cover his ears and drive at the same time.
"Ignore him," Nino tells him from the passenger's.
"We’re not going to Osaka for you! We’re going to Osaka for me! Get over it already, geez," Ryo shouts at Yoko.
Yamapi is curious. Why is Yoko so adamant about not going back to Osaka? If it were Ryo, he would understand. Ryo did run away from his parents back in high school. That’s how they met the angry short man. That was also when he met the other guy, one he would much rather not think about.
He shakes his head off of his thoughts and concentrates on driving.
-----
When they arrive at a hotel in Osaka city, Ryo jumps out of the van and sprints through the lobby and to the front desk. The others step out and help the bellboy unload their bags into a trolley, while Yamapi hands the keys to a valet driver. Nakamaru looks at this exchange tearfully as Massu comforts him with soft pats on the back.
When they reach the lobby, Yamapi sees a tall man in an expensive suit and Ryo talking in fast Kansai-ben. Ryo reaches up to ruffle the tall man’s hair, ignoring the other man’s protests. The staff in the hotel look on the exchange with obvious surprise.
Nino nudges the bell boy, who looks just as surprised. "Who’s the guy in the suit?"
"That would be Ohkura-sama, the owner of this hotel," he says with a low bow.
When they come closer, they hear the rest of the conversation. "You’re welcome! Please, stop, I still have to go to another boring meeting with some stuck up people," Ohkura whines as he pushes Ryo away and fixes his hair.
Ryo laughs. "You’re one of them stuck-up people now, Tacchon."
Ohkura groans. "Don’t remind me." He smiles widely at Ryo. "I'm glad you’re back in Osaka, Ryo-chan. And please," he bows low, "enjoy your stay at Hotel Ohkura." He straightens up and grins at the rest of them. "I’ll be with you to catch up soon, but for now, the stuck-ups await me." He nods at his staff with a small smile and a wink. "And guys, please don’t tell my father about this little incident."
The hotel receptionist swoons when Ohkura turns to leave.
-----
"You guys go ahead and enjoy the sights and sounds of Osaka city. We’ll be back," Ryo informs the others as he drags Yamapi and Yoko away. Koyama shoos them away and telling them to please inform him if they aren’t coming back for dinner.
"Where are we going?" Yamapi asks Ryo once they’re out of earshot.
"First, we’re going to my parents. Which I need you for. Then, we’re gonna look for his," he jerks his thumb at Yoko.
"What? I thought we were going here for your shit!"
"Well, we’re here, we might as well figure out what your shit is." Ryo stops and grabs Yoko’s arm when he starts to run away. "You’re not running away this time. I ran away ten years ago and I’m facing it head on now. It’s been far too long, and it’s about time I did." Ryo shrugs. "I don’t know what your shit is, and frankly, I don’t care. I don’t care if it’s heartbreaking, if it’s painful, or if it’s too much. We all have baggage to carry, and your wangst is getting to my nerves." Ryo looks down on the ground, sighing. "Watching you made me realize that I should get back too." He turns on his heel and starts walking ahead.
Yamapi looks at Yoko. "I’m here for you too, you know. I may not know you as well and for as long as I have known Ryo-chan, but the time we’ve spent together is enough to make me accept you as a friend as well." Yamapi smiles. "And I think I can venture a guess as to why we’re on this trip." Yoko looks at him questioningly. "The question is whether or not he’s ready to come back home." Yamapi mutters to himself as he moves to follow Ryo.
-----
When they arrive at a house with a nameplate bearing the name Nishikido, Yoko whistles. "That’s a damn fine place you ran away from."
"It looks nice, but it was horrible back then." Ryo says before taking a deep breath.
Just as he was about to press the bell, a female voice speaks out. "Ryo-nii?"
They turn around to see a woman carrying a small child while another young boy clings to her leg. Ryo awkwardly raises his hand. "It's been a while, Saya."
The woman smiles. "It is you! Come in, I’ll call mom and dad out." She opens the gate and lets them in. Yamapi turns to see Ryo rooted to the spot. "What’s wrong, Ryo-nii?" she asks.
"Oh, don’t you run away now!" Yamapi exclaims as he grabs Ryo’s arm. Ryo stumbles through the gate.
They walk through the vast gardens and into the house. "Oh, you may leave your shoes on. I’ll go and get the others. You," she points at Ryo. "Sit on the sofa, play with your nephews, and wait for mother and father." She hands over her sons to a shell-shocked Ryo. "These are Ryota and Akira, written in the same kanji as your name. I’m not very original, but I know that I love and miss my older brother." She smiles at her two sons. "You two play with Ryo-jichan while I’m away, okay?"
When she is out of sight, Akira looks at Ryo with wide eyes. "Jichan!" he mumbles happily. Ryota moves off of Ryo’s lap and sits on the space between Ryo and Yamapi.
Ryo just watches this wordlessly. Yamapi laughs at the sight. "It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this quiet." He looks at Ryota. "Hey there, Ryota-kun. I’m Yamashita." He offers a hand, which Ryota looks at for a few seconds before shaking it. "How old are you and Akira-kun?"
Ryota looks up and Yamapi suddenly understands why she had chosen her sons to be named after Ryo. They look like Ryo from when he was only up to Yamapi's shoulder, except without the constant glare. Ryota puts up a hand "I’m 5, Akira is 2"
"Oh! You know how to count with your fingers!" Yoko exclaims. "I didn’t learn that until I reached like first grade or something."
Ryota grins. "Mama always said I was smart!" Yamapi ruffles Ryota’s hair.
"Ryo-bocchama!" an elderly woman bearing a tray of tea suddenly exclaims.
Ryo lowers his head. "Nana, it’s been a while!"
Nana puts down cups of tea before all of them and gives a small bow before grabbing Ryo’s face and kissing both cheeks. "Ryo-bocchama! I thought I’d never live long enough to see you back here!" Nana just smiles gently. "I’m happy to see you’ve grown up so well!" She clicks her tongue. "You’re too thin! What do they feed you in Tokyo?"
"I eat just fine, Nana." Ryo gently smiles. "You’ve grown old since the last time I’ve seen you."
Nana clicks her tongue again. "Still with the horrible mouth! I thought I brought you up well, but I guess you still retained the toungue you’ve managed to inherit from mistress." She stands up. "I must be off. This household is absolutely useless without me. Excuse me," she bows down before leaving.
"Who’s that?" Yamapi asks once she had gone away.
"That’s Nana. She’s the head help, and the one who practically brought me up when my parents were too busy to take care of me."
Yoko whistles again. "A mansion and an army of househelp. You’re one big-ass bocchama"
"Jiichan!" Akira suddenly exclaims. Yamapi looks up and sees an old couple with a striking resemblance to Ryo entering the living room. He and Yoko quickly get up on their feet and bow in greeting. Ryo just sits there with a terrified expression on his face, not noticing how much Akira is squiming in his arms. "Jiichan! Baachan!" Akira shouts again, pulling Ryo’s hair.
Ryo snaps out of his shock and loosens his grip on Akira. He pulls Akira up with him when he stands up. "Mother, father, it’s been a while," he says with a small bow.
Ryo’s mother runs up to them and engulfs Ryo and Akira in a big hug. "Ryo! I thought I’d never see you again! I heard from your old friends that you were well, but I didn’t want to believe it." She looks up and down at Ryo. "You’re skinny, but that’s to be expected. And look at you, you’re taller than me now!"
"Ryo," Ryo’s father says. Ryo looks down.
"I’m sorry, father, for not contacting you."
Ryo’s father removes Akira from Ryo’s hold and hand him over to Yamapi. "Please hold him for a while." Ryo’s father smiles at him before glaring at his son.
SMACK
Ryo’s father slaps his son’s face so hard that Ryo stumbles. Ryo puts up a hand on his cheek.
"That’s for making us wonder if you’ve died or something for the past ten years!" His eyes soften. I came to terms with you never coming back three years after you’ve left. but at least, give word so that we can stop worrying." He straightens and takes a deep breath. "I know that what we said was too harsh, and for that I’m sorry," he bows down low in front of Ryo. Ryo’s mother does the same.
Ryo rushes to pull his parents up. "No, it’s me who should be sorry. Please, don’t lower your heads. I’m not worth it."
Ryo’s mother starts to cry. "How can you not be worth it? You’re my son! One that I thought I'd lost because of my carelessness and my constant comparison of you and your brothers." She engulfs Ryo into a big hug.
Ryo clings to her, looking more at peace than Yamapi had ever seen him before.
-----
They leave the Nishikido household filled to the brim with tea and cheer. Yamapi and Yoko burst out into laughter when they close the gate. Ryo glares at them. "What?"
"Man, all of you look alike!" Yoko chokes out. "You, your mom, your dad, your brothers, your sister, your nephews, your neice, EVERYONE!"
Yamapi doubles over, laughing. "I now believe you. I thought you were kidding, but now that I’ve met them, it IS funny. It makes me want to look for Jin and show him your family picture."
Ryo grins at Yamapi. "I thought you’d never say his name out loud ever again?"
Yamapi stops laughing.
-----
"Well, here we are! It’s not as grand as your mansion back there, but this used to be home." Yoko spreads out his arms to present a rundown building. "In one of these apartments, me and my family used to live. I’m not sure where my brothers are now. May we please go now?"
Ryo glares at him. "We aren’t leaving until you’ve figured it out. What about your parents then?"
Yoko looks away. "My dad left when my youngest brother was born. My mom died a couple of years ago."
"I’m sorry," Yamapi says. "Ryo, maybe we should stop now?"
"No. Well then, we’re going to your mom’s tomb. We’re gonna pay her a visit, something I'm pretty sure you haven’t done since you left."
A man interrupts their conversation. "Kimi?"
They turn around to see a couple carrying bags and a baby. The man grins. "Kimi! It is you! I haven’t seen you in years!"
"Oh hey there, Hina. Ayako. Been a while," Yoko mumbles.
Ryo nudges at Yamapi. "Think there’s something here?" he whispers. Yamapi nods.
Hina nods towards the apartment. "Wanna come into our place? You know, to catch up?"
Before Yoko can refuse, Ryo answers, "Sure. You guys want help with those?"
Hina grins. "I think I’ve seen you before. But sure, although we live right over there." He nods towards a house near the apartment. "Come on!"
Ayako walks over to Yoko. "Kimi-kun, have you met our son? We wanted to get you as his godfather, but we didn’t know where you were."
Yamapi sees Yoko look at her sadly. "Yeah, sorry. What’s his name?"
"Takashi, written in your name’s kanji." Ayako smiles at him. "It’s the least we can do."
-----
When they leave the Murakami household, Yamapi and Ryo still haven’t figured out what the hell Yoko was so worked up about. Although Yoko does look like he’s about to combust.
"What’s up?" Ryo asks, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Yoko sighs, his head lowering than usual. He doesn’t shrug off the hand. "Let’s go to mum first, okay?"
He speeds up through the graves before stopping before one. They pay their respects as well.
Without opening his eyes, Yoko speaks up. "I’ve always liked Ayako-chan, from the first time I met her in kindergarten until I left. But I never told her, never told anyone. Not even Hina, had been my best friend since junior high. I knew Hina also liked her, he told me as much. I even gave him fucking advice, since he knew Ayako was a childhood friend of mine. I guess it’s my fault for not making the first move.
"A week after they got married, I received a call from my dad, saying that he wanted to get my brothers from me and my mom. I was pissed, since he had the gall to claim them after he left us all alone with all his fucking debts and made me and mom work hard to pay them off on top of supporting ourselves and putting my siblings through school. I even had to drop out of high school to work! My mom became so stressed that one day, she just collapsed on the way to the grocery. I was working then, so I when I heard about it, I wanted to rush out of work to be at her side. My brothers called me to say that they were with her, and they would keep me posted. Three hours later, mum died."
"A few days later, that bastard called me up to tell me that he was picking up my brothers. I shouted at him, saying that my brothers wer) old enough to figure out what they wanted. He said that someone like me, with no education and no future, couldn't possibly provide a better future for brothers. My brothers told me later that they would)move out and put themselves through college. Said something about not wanting to go with the bastard and wanting me to make a future for myself. When they did, I didn’t know what to do. I felt I had nothing left to live for then. So I left. That was about two years ago. Been hitch-hiking through Japan ever since, doing odd jobs here and there to keep me afloat."
Ryo and Yamapi say nothing. Yoko looks at the two of them with a tearful smile. "I’m glad I met you guys."
"So you’re staying here?" Ryo asks in a hopeful tone.
Yoko's eyes sparkle. "Are you kidding? I’m sticking with you guys until I figure out what to do next!"
Yamapi grins. "Welcome aboard, then!" Ryo groans as Yamapi and Yoko do a high five.
-----
They get back to the hotel right before it goes dark. They find Nino and Koyama having their usual smoke at the café by the hotel lobby. "You’re back!" Koyama exclaims.
"Damn right!" Yoko grins. "Listen up! I’m sticking with you guys until Tokyo or something!"
"And we’re ready to take off to Tokushima now." Ryo says.
Nino groans. "It means that I have to ride another god-forsaken boat again, doesn’t it."
"I think there’s a bridge link somewhere." Koyama says as he checks his phone. Yamapi looks at it wishfully. "No, you may not borrow this."
"Aw, Ryo-chan, I just arrived and you’re leaving already?" Ohkura pipes up from behind Ryo.
Ryo jumps up in the air in surprise. "Don’t do that!" He smacks Tacchon on the head.
"So," Ohkura grins. "How are ojisama and obasama? Are they doing well?"
"Damn rich boys," Yoko mutters under his breath.
On to Part 3