Seiji’s Viewpoint:
I looked at the watch and then looked around the mall. I asked Mikoto to meet me at the D.O. café in the mall. As I sipped water from my cup, I thought about what to say. Mikoto was the one girl I knew that didn’t fawn over me because of my looks or the accomplishments I had. I remembered during my first year, an entire horde of girls almost trampled me to the ground as I exited the classroom. Thought Incidents like that declined, I still saw girls who greeted me because of the reputation I had. Mikoto walked up and I waved my hand. She took the seat opposite mine and then smiled.
M: Sorry for the wait. I needed to do something for my dad.
SJ: No. It’s fine. I’ve been here for five minutes.
M: I still made you wait. I feel like I should make it up to you somehow.
SJ: No, it’s fine.
M: Are you sure?
SJ: I’m positive. You’ve already done so much for me.
M: I haven’t done that much. So what did you want to talk about today?
SJ: Actually, I wanted to talk about the watch you gave me.
M: It looks nice on you. Perfect fit.
SJ: It’s a really nice watch but is it okay that it was so expensive.
M: It’s no problem at all. It’s a gift.
SJ: But I feel bad getting such a nice gift without giving you anything.
M: I’m telling you. It’s fine. I was busy with the managerial work for the sports team so I had Ryuu deliver it to you.
SJ: Mikoto, is there something special about this watch?
M: What do you mean?
SJ: I feel like that you gave me this watch for something other than a gift.
M: Oh, I see your point. Well in that case, I like you, Seiji so I thought I would get you something.
SJ: You like me?
M: Yeah. Why not? You’re honest and hard working. All the girls love you.
SJ: Wait, was that a confession just now?
M: No, not at all. I’m just telling you the truth. But maybe it might be that one day. But right now, it’s just a friendly gesture from me to you.
SJ: I appreciate that, Mikoto. I’ll take good care of it.
M: Is that all? Man, I feel so much pressure right now answering those questions. Let’s go out and do something.
SJ: What do you have in mind?
M: You tell me, Seiji.
SJ: How about we go down to the beach. It’s a little chilly but there might be fun things to do there.
M: Beach in the fall? Well, Seiji, I’ll take you up on that offer. I can have the driver take us there. SJ: Is it okay?
M: Of course. Let’s go.
The car took us to Kazuma Beach and I walked on the sand. Though the season was fall, the temperature was still warm and I felt the sun on my skin. It felt nice and I saw Mikoto running alongside the water.
M: It’s been a long time since I’ve been here.
SJ: Oh yeah? I’ve been here maybe twice with Nakadachi. We were here last year having a barbeque with other people.
M: Was it fun?
SJ: Yeah. It was really pretty too. The night sky was amazing.
M: I want to see them sometime.
SJ: Maybe we’ll have a chance soon.
M: Maybe. Let’s keep walking.
SJ: How has the work been?
M: It’s been fine. Taiga requests a lot of stuff but this is my second year so I’m better at it now.
SJ: I remember your first year Taiga yelled at you because you forgot one document and it was the most important one.
M: I made a lot of mistakes. I wasn’t too sure how it all worked. But now, I know so it’s not that bad.
SJ: Or that time you mixed up the rosters and made it hard for everyone to know what they were supposed to do?
M: Could you stop bringing up those painful memories?
SJ: But you’ve improved and you’re good now.
M: Thank you. It’s been a nice talk. I have to get back now. Do you need a ride?
SJ: I would appreciate it but I’m fine walking back.
M: No. I insist that I give you a ride. Come on.
Mikoto dropped me off at the dormitory and then waved goodbye from the window. Nakadachi, standing outside the school gates, smiled at me and then placed his arms around my shoulder.
ND: So you’re not getting the girls, huh?
SJ: Man. Nakadachi, shut up!
ND: But with Mikoto right there, you’re saying it’s not possible.
SJ: We had a talk and established that we’re friends.
ND: Go for it, Seiji! Charge forward!
SJ: Nakadachi, you are the worst friend I have.
ND: That hurts, man.
SJ: No, but maybe, Nakadachi, maybe.
I walked back to our room and Nakadachi went to his desk. He started doing his homework and then stopped. He went on his computer and started calling Nex and Ryuu. Ryuu hung up immediately and Nex, tired of Nakadachi’s rambles, hang up as well.
SJ: Just do your homework.
ND: Fine.
I sighed and then listened to music while lying back on my bed. Another usual day, the “King of Bullshit” doing his work last minute. Though I guess, I did learn something important today.
December 2019
Ryuu’s Viewpoint:
November passed by without notable events. I sat down in our room, looking at everyone assembled. We were having a huge hot pot in our room with numerous guests in attendance. From left to right: Seiji, Nakadachi, Nex, and Hako sat on the side opposite of me. Shitagou and Konomu sat on the left side of the table while the Souhou twins sat on the right side of the table.
R: It’s very festive tonight.
RN: Shut up and serve the food, Tatsumaki.
R: Let’s clam down there. It’s a night for fun. We should all be nice to each other, right, Aiko-senpai?
AK: Agreed!
RN: I call an absolute order on the shrimps! Anyone touches them, I will use whatever power I have to punish you.
AK: Abuse of power! Down with the tyrant! Steal her shrimp!
RN: What? How could you be against me like that, Aiko?
H: I can give you my share, Rin. I’m somewhat allergic to them.
RN: Denshin, again, whatever. I’m hungry.
R: Itsuki how’s the vegetable?
I: Good. We can drop the lettuce in now. Ryuu, hand me the tongs over there.
R: Here you go. Hey, so where’s Mikoto, Seiji?
SJ: She said she’ll come by later with Setsuhi.
ND: Really? This I have to see.
NX: So is this spicy or the normal?
I: The one on the left side is normal while the one on the right side is spicy. But the spicy is pretty good if you can take it.
ND: Nex, take like all of the spicy broth and just pour it down your mouth.
NX: Man, are you trying to kill me?
R: Itsuki, looks like the water’s boiling. I think the lettuce may be good.
I: Okay. Looks good. Who wants lettuce? Ryuu, could you go watch the second burner?
R: Yeah. I got it covered. Hako, lay off the dried vegetables.
H: But I’m so hungry.
ND: Ryuu, how’s the fish ball going?
R: Just started. You’ll have to wait.
I: Fish is done. Hako, here you look hungry, take it.
H: Thank you, Itsuki.
RN: I want my shrimp! I may have to use some executive power to carry out my wishes.
I: Wait, wait! Shrimp is in! Calm down.
SJ: Man, this is so festive.
ND: It’s fun. Nex, you look a little red there.
NX: Yeah. The spiciness is kicking in.
ND: Let me try some of that. Oh shit… this is hot. My head feels so itchy, you ever feel that?
NX: A little. What’d I tell you?
K: Ryuu, the burner!
R: I got it covered, Konomu!
SG: Itsuki, maybe turn the heat down. I hear irregular bubbling.
R: Nice, Shitagou!
SG: It’s no problem.
I: Alright, shrimp is ready! Souhou-senpai, here you go.
RN: Thank you.
There was a knock on the door and Mikoto walked in with an angry looking Setsuhi. Setsuhi glanced at me with a piercing glare and then sat down next to Mikoto. Itsuki transferred his cooking duties over to Konomu and grabbed chairs for our two new guests.
K: Souhou, you still want more shrimp?
RN: Of course. Hand it over.
AK: Don’t give her anymore. She’ll mutate!
RN: Give it up or I will punish you with executive power.
K: Here you go. Aiko, eat some vegetables.
AK: Oh, I will take some of that.
R: Alright, Nex, you still want the spicy thing?
NX: I’m scared but you know what, let’s do it!
R: Yeah! Here we go!
ND: Nex! Nex! Nex!
SJ: I feel like this has somehow turned into a drunk party.
R: But it was because the student council president would never allow it right?
RN: More shrimp!
R: Cause she’s not listening. Nex, are those tears?
NX: No… I’m fine.
ND: Here. I’ll try it too. Shit! That’s some spicy stuff there.
R: I warned you. Here, let me taste it too. Of f-! Damn, I felt my tongue burn just now.
I: Really? I don’t think the base was that spicy.
SJ: I’ve been missing out. Let’s see. Oh! Nope, staying away from that.
S2: You guys are all wimps.
We all watched in amazement as Setsuhi took up a plateful and placed all of it into her mouth through ten bites. After she cleared out all of the food in the spicy base on her own plate, she stared straight ahead at me.
R: Yeah?
S2: Do you have more?
ND: Damn, we got smacked.
NX: Hella hard.
R: Sure. Just wait a minute.
M: Wow, I didn’t know you had it in you, Setsuhi.
S2: It’s not even spicy.
ND: Damn. She really said that.
NX: I am going to cry later because of the spiciness and the bitter defeat I just encountered.
H: It’s alright, Nex.
SJ: Itsuki, aren’t you going to eat?
I: After Konomu’s done.
K: Here you go, Itsuki.
I: Thank you.
RN: Okay. Now that I’ve had my shrimp, I want some beef!
AK: Seconded! Beef!
H: Bring on the beef!
R: Challenge accepted! Konomu, are you ready?
K: Let’s do it!
R: Wow look at the water boil! It’s amazing.
S2: Tatsumaki, I would prefer the first serving of that.
R: Right away, Setsuhi.
NX: I’m gonna avoid that for now.
ND: Nah, I got this. I will overcome the challenge.
R: Setsuhui, here you go! Nakadachi, are you sure?
ND: Do it!
NX: I’m warning you, Nakadachi.
ND: Fu-! Too hot. Seiji, water, wa-
SJ: Right here. Damn, you look bad.
ND: Okay. Nex, I’m done. I lost.
NX: Course you would. Look at Yoshimura just eat all of that without even a sweat.
R: She is a beast. Alright, Rin-senpai, Konomu is telling me that the beef is done.
RN: Give it now!
AK: Yeah!
Our hotpot continued on like that for thirty more minutes. After all the food had been served and everyone full, I fell back onto my chair. I snapped open a can of herbal tea and drank it, watching everyone in the room. Seiji, Nakadachi, and Nex all played a card game, throwing down cards. Setsuhi stared out the window and occasionally took a sip from her can of soda. Konomu and Mikoto were talking while Itsuki and Shitagou chatted. Hako was being lectured by Rin while Aiko waved her hand to stop the process. I stood up and walked over to Setsuhi.
R: Setsuhi.
S2: Tatsumaki, why would you still insist on calling me that?
R: Your name is pretty. Why else?
S2: Your compliments do nothing. Be glad that I am willing to talk to you.
R: I am grateful.
S2: That fence was no accident. But I guess I do owe you thanks for knocking me away. Very unexpected of you.
R: You’re welcome.
S2: Tatsumaki, your name brings misfortune.
R: Does it now?
S2: It does which is why I would like to avoid talking to you.
R: It’s amazing how you can make people feel so bad, Setsuhi.
S2: Take it as a compliment if you’d like, Tatsumaki.
R: I will. But Setsuhi, I want to ask you question.
S2: What?
R: Why so cold to everyone?
S2: Because bonds fracture easily. Now, I’ll leave, Ryuu.
R: You called me by my name.
S2: Perhaps this conversation has turned my opinion of you. However little it was.
R: I will thank you deeply then, Setsuhi.
Setsuhi gave no response and only stared out the window with a serious gaze. I walked over to Itsuki and handed him a key.
I: What’s this for?
R: For my file cabinet. I want you to destroy it.
I: Like make it gone.
R: Yeah.
I: Okay.
Setsuhi finally left the room along with Mikoto and the twins. Itsuki left the room to take care of the task and I started to wash the dishes. Konomu stayed behind to help and while we cleaned up, she started to talk to me about Setsuhi.
K: You should be careful about Yoshimura.
R: Why do you say that, Konomu?
K: She has a distant aura around her which I dislike. It’s for your own safety.
R: Konomu, you’ve given advice over the years but I have to disagree with you on this one.
K: Well, Ryuu, It’s just my advice. Take it if you like. But this is one of the more serious things I’ve talked to you about.
R: Okay, Konomu, I can see that you’re serious about this.
K: Just be careful, Ryuu. The fence incident has already proven that.
R: The fence? How do you know about that?
K: Itsuki told me.
R: Okay. Well , I’ll keep that in mind then.
K: Please do. Looks like we’re almost done. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ryuu.
R: Thanks for the help.
Konomu nodded and then left the room. Itsuki walked back in and he nodded. I picked up the supplies and materials from the table and then placed them back into the cabinet. Itsuki wiped off the table and then cleaned up the rest of the room. Shitagou rose up from her seat and walked over to me.
SG: Ryuu, I have a question for you.
R: Go ahead.
SG: Setsuhi, I believe it was. What kind of person is she?
R: Very distant and cold. Why do you want to know?
SG: I don’t know. She has a strange presence. Well, maybe I’m thinking too much about it. Just be careful, Ryuu.
R: I’ll keep it in mind.
Shitagou exited the room and everyone had left. Itsuki turned off the lights and I stared up at the ceiling. Konomou and Shitagou both warned me about Setsuhi which I thought strange. Setsuhi was hiding a secret so maybe that was the reason they warned me. I shook my head and then went to sleep.
Itsuki’s Viewpoint:
B: Itsuki, we need a shrimp plate.
I: Got it. La, could you give me that bag over there?
B: Hey, five minutes!
I: Yeah! La, hand me that plate over there. Let’s see, spices are right here. Okay, La, I need you to sprinkle this on here and then put it into the wok.
L: Got it. Itsuki, this dish is almost done. Should we move it out?
I: It looks undercooked. Was that what they wanted?
L: I’ll check.
I: Remember to split the shrimp down the middle!
L: I know!
B: Itsuki, could you grab a box of meat from the storage room? La, take over for him.
L: Alright. C’mon, two minutes.
I walked down to the storage room and as I walked through the alley, I felt someone following me. I stopped and then started walking backwards. I saw the flash of black around the corner and I pulled out my phone. I went back outside into the light and saw a crowd of people. I put my phone back into my pocket and then returned to the storage room. I opened the door and looked for the box. Finally locating it, I picked up the box and then closed the door behind me. Walking back up to the restaurant, I placed the box in the kitchen and then took back control in the kitchen.
I: La, cut open the box.
L: Got it. It’s really cold.
I: Should be. Think Ryuu brought in that shipment.
L: Really? Too bad it’s not his shift today.
B: Itsuki, can you go out and take orders?
I: Could it wait three minutes? I’m still preparing this dish.
B: Okay. Let’s see, Yee, go out there and take the orders until Itsuki’s done.
Y: Of course. Itsuki, I’ll expect you to take over.
I: I will. Just need to finish this meal.
Y: Alright.
I finished cutting the shrimp with a knife and then looked for the spice I needed. Sprinkling a small amount, I garnished the shrimp with ginger and green onion. Passing it to La, I took off the white kitchen apron and then took a notepad from the counter. Passing by Yee, I nodded and he headed back into the kitchen. Walking over to a table with two men in suits, I asked them for their order.
I: Hello. My name’s Minshou Itsuki and I’ll be your server today. What would you like?
P1: Tatsumaki Ryuu. He will soon be in danger.
I: I’m sorry. Could you repeat that order again?
P2: I think that he’ll be taken out soon. Minshou, will you be able to survive?
I: Ah you would like to hear my recommendation. Well, the shrimp dish is very good today. I think I would recommend that and maybe some noodles.
P1: Minshou, be careful. I believe that we may have to lay down the law today just to show our strength.
P2: Agreed.
I saw the two men pull out their guns and place it on the table. I flipped the table cloth over and then covered their guns. They started to stand up but I pulled out toothpicks from a nearby dispenser and hurled it at their arms. It pricked their skin and blood started to flow out. I kicked the chair towards their legs and forced them to sit down.
I: I believe that you would like the shrimp today. It’ll be five minutes.
P1: You dare-
I: Please be quiet. You’ll distract the other customers.
P2: You will-
I: Sir, I think you need more tea. Let me see if we need to refill.
I opened the lid and then checked inside. Knocking the tea pot over, I spilled the hot tea onto the man sitting on the right side and then as I wiped the table off, I snapped the towel against both of their fingers.
I: Excuse me but I believe you’ll need to move tables. I will take care of the cleanup here. Boss, the situation is not perfect at all.
B: Gentlemen, I believe this will be a better location for you.
Boss forcibly moved the two men over to another table and I picked up the entire tablecloth by the edges and then hauled it over my shoulders. I walked to the back and then unpacked the tablecloth. I checked the two guns and then took out the cartridges. I looked at the magazines in the flickering light and then shoved them into the incinerator. I picked up the two handguns and then shoved them into my pocket. I emptied the rest of the contents into the incinerator and then returned to the front. I approached the two men in suits and then returned their guns in secret, the view away from other customers.
I: Sir, I believe you left behind that at the other table.
P1: Thank you. It was important. Now, about the food…
B: Because of the table shift, this meal will be free of charge.
P2: I appreciate that.
Boss gave them a secret glare and then returned to his office. I took the dishes from the kitchen and then placed them on the table of the two men.
I: I hope you enjoy your meal.
P1: This doesn’t mean the end.
P2: We will be back.
I: Well I hope you have a nice day.
P1: Hmm, Minshou Itsuki, we’ll remember your name.
B: How is everything?
Boss appeared out of nowhere, his shadow covering the two men. He carried drinks and placed them onto the table. He then wrote something on a piece of paper and then placed it down.
P1: I understand.
P2: We’ll leave soon.
I returned to the kitchen and sat down, taking a break. Boss walked in and then placed a piece of paper in my right hand.
B: Consider it a gift for today’s troubles. Don’t worry.
I stared at the check and then slipped it into my back pocket. I stared up at the ceiling and thought about the men’s words. If trouble would come, Ryuu would handle it but I wondered about the conflict arising. It seemed our past would always come back to affect us.
Lantern Dragon Works 