3 02 - Lost

After I enter the house, I go straight to the couch. I let myself fall down, because I know that there is a soft couch to catch me. My face slumps flat, "I'm tired," and mutter, prolonging the 'i' sound. "Really, really tired."

Then, I shift my body to a position where I can be comfortable. As I find my cushy set-up, I can feel that I'm falling to sleep. I want a long and peaceful sleep.

Minutes after when I drifted to sweet dreams.

🌙🌙🌙

I groan when I hear the doorbell rings.

Ah, a visitor . . .

But I'm still sleeping. I don't want to get up from my sleep.

So then I ignore it.

But it continues buzzing and ringing.

Ugh. That's annoying.

Even it's hard for me to stand up, I force myself to do it. I end up sitting on the couch, though my head hurts and eyes are still half-open. I repose my hand to the arm of the couch and concentrate my strength, then I propel myself to rise up.

"Please wait a minute!" I say aloud to the visitor.

I sigh. Who would visit at this hour? And I'm just new here and there's no way I immediately have acquaintances. If ever this visitor is a thief, then that person wouldn't persistently ring the doorbell.

I do some quick stretching before I start walking. Noticing the surroundings, it's already night. I turn the lights on, and then make my way to the main door.

Immediately, but carefully, I open the door. I peer outside and sight a woman who's friendly smiling at me.

"Hi." I smile back to her.

"Oh, hello, dear." she greets, "Did I bother you or something?"

"Uhm, no. Not really, ma'am." I say with a slight shrug. "Do you need anything? Please do come inside."

"No need, no need." and she chuckles while shaking her head. "By the way, I live next door."

On a fast cue, I gaze at the house next to ours. So that's her home?

"Really?" I say in surprise, keeping my smile. "It's so nice to meet you. We're actually new here."

"Yes, I have heard, dear," she answers back with her gentle tone. "So, here's a little present." Then, she lifts a small paper bag, extending it to me.

I gladly take the present. With my curiosity, I take a look inside. It's a food container, and I'm sure there's food inside.

"It's just a meal for dinner." She says, "I thought of sharing it you, our new neighbor."

I smile gratefully. "This is more than enough, ma'am. I am overwhelmed. Many thanks for this." I know it's so simple, but it touches me.

"I'm happy that you like it." Again, she gives her best motherly smile. "So then, I'll be going. If you need anything, you are welcome to our place."

"I'll keep that in my mind, Mrs . . ."

"Mrs. Tsukishima." She replies.

"Mrs. Tsukishima," I repeat with a nod. "I'm pleased with your hospitality."

She laughs softly, "I'm delighted to hear that. I'll go first."

"Sure. Thank you again." I remind her as she starts leaving. I watch her leaves first before I enter inside again.

I head to the dining area and place the food on the table. Sitting on the chair, I remove the lid of the food container. It leaves me in awe when there is pork fillet sauced with oyster sauce; rice topped with black sesame seeds; and sauteèd veggies for the side dish.

As expected to Japanese's cuisine.

Exactly, I'm hungry. I'm thankful for Mrs. Tsukishima for giving me dinner.

I give thanks to the food first, before I dig in. The food is so great. And that's the only thing I can say. It is so great.

I can't help to think about Mrs. Tsukishima's family. I'm sure that having a thoughtful and caring like her is absolutely wonderful. Then I remember mom. Yes, she cooks for me and that is all. We eat in silence. You could hear the clanging little sound of plates and spoons and forks.

I didn't know how can I survive that silence and awkwardness. She won't ask me of any questions, because she knows that I only speak disappointments and failures.

I sigh and erase all the lonely thoughts inside my mind. It's a bad habit thinking about frustrations while eating.

I continue eating, though I lose half of my appetite.

I sink my shoulders down as I try to shove all the remaining food in my mouth and swallow it all.

When I'm done eating, I stand up, go to sink, wash the dishes, dry them up, and put them on the plate holder.

Picking my luggage left in the living area, I head upstairs to my room. I open my luggage with a loud zip. I get my clothes—pajama, sleeved shirt, and undergarments—and head to the bathroom.

I decide to have a quick shower and then head to sleep. For tomorrow's schedule, I want to check my new school. From what I can recall, it is the Karasuno High School.

🌙🌙🌙

The morning arises and I'm ready to go.

I smile in front of the vanity mirror, checking myself if I look fine.

I tuck some strands behind my ear and let my long brown hair falls. I have full-bangs and naturally wavy hair. If I am to ask, I really love my hair.

And . . . I do not put any make-up on my face. Well, because it's not really my thing. For me, putting make-ups is troublesome. I have to spare lots of time just to fixed my face (if ever). I'm fine being ugly.

I'm wearing a simple loose top and ripped jeans and a pair of ankle strap shoes.

Okay, now I'm ready to go.

I look at my digital clock places on my side table, and it's 1:30 PM. Ah, it's late. Well, I woke up late, that's why. Also, I cleaned the whole house and organized some of my stuff.

Furthermore, I'm about to leave. I get out of the house and make sure that everything is locked properly.

I inhale and exhale. It's summer here in Japan and it's hot, yeah. I also have my umbrella, so no worries.

I start to walk . . .

. . . but then I realize that I do not know where I'm going.

My destination is the Karasuno High School, and here I am, clueless where the school is located.

I sigh irritably. Talk about being stupid.

And yes, I can use GPS, but my phone is not designed to have a GPS connection.

Ah, talk about being the unlucky loser.

I sigh again. I guess I have no choice. I continue walking without any direction.

Looking at the bright side, strolling on a place that I'm not even familiar with, is not a bad idea. Getting lost is an adventure.

All right! I'm getting hyped!

So then, I end up in a crossroad. I look in all directions. Forward is the continuation of pavement at the back. On the right, I see a bridge, and on the left is a high slope. I sigh, I couldn't see anything else.

Okay! I should rely on luck!

"Eenie meenie minee mo~" I sing while pointing the three ways, "tell me where should I go?" and end with a tune.

My finger lands on the left where the high slope is. Then, I go to that route. On my way, I see somewhat looks like an old convenience store. Curiously, I head inside.

The smell of smoke and spearmint greets me. What a great welcome. I wave off of the smoke and sight a shady guy sitting on the counter, reading a magazine.

He is smoking—obviously. He has shoulder-length blonde hair, pulled back by a headband and piercings on his ear. To put it short, he looks—

"I know what you're thinking." he suddenly says, not even glancing up at me. "I'm oh-so-scary, am I not?"

"Cool," I say with an astonishing look. He's a mind-reader.

He raises his eyes and lifts a brow at me. "Huh?"

"You look cool . . . I guess." I trail.

He only releases another puff and resumes on reading.

"Why are you smoking?" I ask.

And he just ignores me.

"You should stop smoking." I continue.

His eyes flicker to me again, then back to the magazine.

I muffle my face. I'm speaking with the wind, yeah.

"Smoking is bad for your health." Still, I prompt.

"I know," mutters him.

"You're going to die soon."

He heaves a heavy sigh and rises from his seat, setting the magazine on the counter along with his cigarette, and then he glares.

His height towers me. I should be scared, but I just stare at him and do my closed-eye smile to annoy him more.

"Here I am trying to get a break from those idiots, but you're just like that shrimp." He sighs again.

"Shrimp?" I wonder.

"Get what you want, pay for it of course, and get out. You are probably late for school." the owner says in a grumpy tone. "Wait, did you cut class?"

"Err . . . No."

"Liar. Although school is boring, you still have to attend."

"Uwah . . ." I respond silently yet mocking, "Now yer try'na lecture me."

The man clicks his tongue, "Just go to school, you still have an hour."

My eyes lit up. "You know my school, old man?"

I don't know if my eyes are tricking me, but a vein of rage appears on his forehead.

"Lass, you're just new here, aren't you?"

"Yuh . . ." I nod my head, innocently looking at him.

He lets out another sigh. "It is just up to that slope."

"Uhm . . . that way, I can find the Karasuno High School?"

"Correct. Then take one left then go right. After that, go straight ahead, down the slope."

"Ah, this place surely has lots of slopes."

"Gee. You surely have lots of questions." and he grumbles, "Just leave already."

Of course, I got a little surprised. I give him an irritated look. "Nice consumer service."

"Oh, thanks." He replies dryly and goes back to his seat.

Whatever. I say to my mind and leave the place.

One left and one right. Then go straight down the slope. Yosh.

I continue walking. I roam my eyes around the area. All of the houses look the same, but different in the way they are painted. I feel so unfamiliar, yet fascinated. This place will be my new place to live in.

While sauntering, I saw some rustling around the bushes. A cat appears right in front of me.

Wah~ a cutie!~

I'm about to pet it but it suddenly hisses at me and runs away!

"Noooo. Wait! I'm friendly!" I shout to the cat and try to chase it.

Wait, what is the Japanese word of the cat? Uhm, uhm . . . I think, it's neko. Oh, yes! Neko!

"Neko, neko-nyaaan!" I call, following where the cat is running.

The cat is so cute with his black fur and pale blue eyes. I have always wanted a cat. But mom doesn't like having pets inside the house, because she's allergic. That's why I never had one.

Luckily, I'm not sensitive to pets. So whenever I'm out of the house, met a cat, I usually chase after them and pet their heads. That's the most adorable thing for me.

I keep of catching the cat, not I until I realize something.

Standing up straight, I form a facepalm on my face. Gosh, I'm lost. Automatically, I scratch the back of my head, "I'm really stupid." and mumble to myself.

I sigh irritatedly. Let me deal with it.

Again, I continue walking, and it leads me to a place where there is a playground. Maybe, I'll take a rest here.

I sit on the swing. This is so nostalgic.

I remember the times when I was a kid. I would sneak out of our house and then go to the playground. And whenever I went back to the house, my nanny would be mad of me.

Yes, I had a nanny. But mom fired her, because she couldn't watch me well. And it was my fault why she was fired. I said sorry to her, but my nanny told me that there was nothing wrong to have friends and play as normal kids do.

Like what I have said, mom is a strict person. She won't let me go out of the house. By the time my nanny got fired, mom started to take me to her office, and in that place, she would place textbooks on the table and let me answer them.

I won't say that my childhood was a nightmare. I had fun times also. Though claiming my freedom through a "kinda" rebel way.

I yawn and shake all the thoughts on my head. That is the past, and those memories have nothing to do in my present life.

I start to swing. It feels good. But it'll be better if I have friends to ride on this swing.

I had friends in middle school. Yet, as time went by, their interaction towards me was slowing changing, until we never talked to each other. I have no idea whose fault was it. I also don't know if I'm the one who changed or simply them.

I heave a sigh. Another bad memory.

Now, now. I wonder what time is it. Then I check the time to my phone. It's 2:45 o'clock in the afternoon. As I thought, it's a bad idea to get out of the house and get lost.

Either way, I will stay here for about fifteen minutes.

Just swinging and swinging. I'm not aware of all the thoughts have crossed on my mind. They make feel blank and numb. Only staring to nowhere and nothingness. It is so silent, yet calming and comforting. I can hear the squeaking sound of the swing when it moves. There are no people also. It is just me and my silence.

Time flies so fast, even though I haven't done things. This is the perks of having a daydream. You will be on the other dimension for free and then time will move fast.

Anyway, I stand up. Now, it's time to go home.

Inhaling a good amount of air, I collect all the courage. I hope something good will happen and it will lead me back to the house.

Minutes of walking, reckoning with my instincts, I lead myself to a meat shop. It says 'Shimada Mart'. The good thing, there's a man in front of the shop, sweeping the ground.

Okay. Although I'm not a sociable person, I have to do this. This is an important matter, so it's a must. And I think, I'm confident with my socializing skills. Just face them with a small smile and friendly aura.

I go near the man and clear my throat, "Excuse me, sir." then I speak.

The man quickly turns around for about 180 degrees, "Yes? What can I help?"

Observing him, he has the aura of a gentle and kind man. He's wearing brown-rimmed eyeglasses and white polo with a brownish-orange apron. And his hair is black, cut in the middle, showing his forehead.

"Can I ask for direction, sir? Uh, well . . . I'm lost."

"Sure." He replies, "What are you looking for?"

"My house," I say sheepishly.

"Do you know what is the block of your house?"

His question makes me laugh warily, "Hehe . . . That's the problem. I don't know what it is."

Is there an award for being stupid? I'm good at it.

I notice him jolted because of my dumb reason. Then he sighs. "Aww. I guess there's nothing can be done about this."

"Yeah . . ." I sigh along with him.

"Hey, miss." The man calls me, "What made you think to go out of your house, where in fact, you're just new here?"

"Uh . . . I want to check my school to be, the Karasuno High School," I say. "Since I'm still unfamiliar, I wandered to a convenience store and talked to the owner. Gee, that old man is sure grumpy, but he gave me the direction though."

"Was the guy blonde and has piercings?"

"Yes!" I tell him. "You're right."

"That must be Ukai."

"Hah?" I give him a questioning look.

"Nothing, nothing." he chuckles, waving his hands in mid-air. "As you said, you were going to the Karasuno?"

"Correct, sir. But I kinda messed up with the direction."

At the back of my head . . . Liar. You ran like a madman, chasing after a stray cat.

Geh.

"I see." he utters, "Does your house is near to the convenience store?"

"Yep."

"Okay, I know where you live. Though it's sort of far from here."

"Ohhhh . . . Amazing." I say, astonishing while nodding.

"Hahaha, that's nothing, lass," he answers, smiling. "Anyway, go inside for a bit. I will finish something before I guide you home."

"Thank you very much!" I reply back and bow a little.

"Okay, okay. Come on." Then he enters the shop and I go next to him. He asks me to sit on the vacant chair and wait for him to finish cleaning.

I patiently wait. He sells meat—pork, beef, chicken and other stuff. Business like this will click, I guess.

While staying here quietly, all of a sudden, the chimes of the shop rings, signaling someone comes inside.

"Sorry for the intrusion!" says the one who visited.

"Oh? Is that you, Tadashi?" I hear the owner speaks on the other side.

"Yes, Shimada-san." The Tadashi guy responds.

I gaze to the guy. He has the average built, tall guy, a greenish-browned-haired guy that has a flyaway piece of hair sticks at the top, and has freckles. He's with the other guy, and they are both wearing a black uniform.

Cool, black.

I check the other guy. The familiar guy who wears glasses, short blonde hair, white headphones on his neck . . .

"Wah. The guy from yesterday!"

Not even controlling myself, I say that aloud.