I should be expecting a call from Okami soon.
The sidewalk is flooded with bustling people. The savory scent of smoke and sizzling meat swirls through the air. In the grey light of midday, with cloudy skies and the perfume of rain, I should probably forget about what just happened.
For some reason, I can’t.
What was that ? I ask, as she leads me through the crowded street.
What ?
Thather. Skullcrusher.
There is a faint twist to Veah’s mouth. Her name is Sakura. We’ve been friends for years.
No, not that. Her kissing you.
Oh, my God. I sound like a jealous girlfriend.
Actually, never mind, I say, stomping ahead of her. Rain flecks my cheeks. I don’t care.
But Veah catches my hand, and she pulls me around.
Her eyes are searing as she asks, Do you have a problem with it ? Because if you have a problem with it, you should say something. You should tell me.
And what ? I scoff, tasting rain. You’ll just stop kissing other girls for me ?
I expect her to laugh, maybeto grin.
She doesn’t.
She says, All you have to do is say the word, Kaya, and I’ll stop kissing other girls for you.
Youwhy would you do that ?
The rain coats her face in a glossy sheen. Isn’t it obvious ?
No ! I snap. I’ve never really had time for relationships. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t even know if you like me.
I move to turn around, to keep walking, but
Her hand reaches out, cupping one side of my face.
And I lean into her, that touch. Almost unconsciously.
I like you, she whispers, her eyes wide, her pupils encircled by lightning that matches the sky above. Okay ?
She likes me. She likes me ?
Okay, I whisper, and I suddenly want her to know. I
A thought, unbidden, jumps to mind.
I had a sex dream about you.
I can’t speak, can’t breathe, much less tell her what I want to
She takes my sudden silence for an answer, and she draws back slightly. Something darkens her gaze, and she smiles, even as it feels like there is a canyon growing between us. Is that . . . is that disappointment ?
Come on, she says distantly. I think we should take a little detour before Okami calls. Raincheck on the date ?
Yeah, I say numbly, and the sky is pouring. Raincheck.
Veah climbs the steps of a one-story house and knocks on the door. Rain drips off the gabled rooftop. I see a faint golden light inside.
I want to ask whose house this is, but somehow, I hold myself back.
The door opens, and I see a woman with fine silver hairs. Middle-aged, with laugh lines and a familiar smile.
Okasan, Veah says, almost hesitantly.
The woman named Okasan motions for Veah to come inside, speaking in Japanese. All I manage to discern is Heaven-chan.
The house inside is small and lovely. The wood is dark in colour, with rich tapestries lining the wall and floral candles perched in every nook.
There is a man sitting at the kitchen table, squinting at the newspaper.
When he drags his eyes up, he is speaking in Japanese. Hani, gai wa ameda yo ki o tsukenai to nureru wa yo.
Then he looks up.
Heaven-chan, he says, hushed.
The pattern of rain on the rooftops fades as the man rises to his feet, the chair creaking. He is standing in front of Veah, tall and broad, and it looks almost as though he might overtake her. Despite the fact that I once saw her take out ten armed men with one hand, in this man’s shadow, she seems . . . smaller. Shy. But when he reaches out suddenly, pulling her into a tight embrace, I realize there are tears in his eyes.
Otosan, she says, her voice breaking.
Heaven-chan, he whispers, resting his head against the top of her hair.
Who are these people ?
Veah pulls back, and I see the shine of tears in her eyes, though she doesn’t let them fall. Kayadesu, she tells them, nodding to me. Kaya doesn’t understand Japanese, so it would probably be better if we talked in English for now.
Who is this ? says the man in a roughly accented voice.
The woman’s lips are pursed. She is wearing a kimono with lacy gold dragons, and her face is bright with something like astonishment.