Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko:Volume3 Chapter3

Chapter 3 - The Girl Under the Eave

Status: Incomplete

40% completed (estimated)

   

On the night that began that bizarre summer.

The stargazing had ended, and that Yashiro, who somehow ended up under the Touwa's porch and refused to leave, had finally been driven out; the time was eleven o'clock.

In my room, the cellphone rung. The ringtone wasn't short, so it wasn't a text message.

I picked up the phone to check the caller ID. “Ohoh!” This had to be first phone call we've had.

Sitting on the bed, back against the wall, I prepared myself for a war of attrition and accepted the call.

The voice that came was, as usual, gently soothing.

“Hello, is it Niwa-kun?”

“Ryuushi-san is speaking.”

“I told ya to call me Ryuuko.”

“Oh! It's now definitely the real Ryuushi-san.” To my knowledge there isn't a fake one though.

“I told ya to call me Ryuuko~ Say Ryuuko!”

It might end up being a vicious cycle, so let's try changing the direction of our conversation.

“What about Mifune-san?”

“...”

“You don't like it?”

“If ya wanna call me that, might as well call me Ryuushi~ But my name is Ryuuko!”

“Got it, got it~ ...So, uh, what do you need?”

I broke the cycle. Mmm~ Ryuushi-san deliberately coughed a few times on her end, and I, too, adjusted my pose. The insects' cries from the open window appeared just a little like the ringtone.

“Mm~ Like, when ya just can't keep your eyes closed trying to sleep, y'know~ So I tried calling ya.”

“I don't see how they relate, but… Maybe you just slept too much during the day?”

“Wow, your thoughts sure are full of dream… Ah! 'I can't sleep for there is no dream'! Doesn't that sound super cool?”

“Clap, clap, clap.”

“Heheh~ Thank you, thank you… Actually, I'm a little nervous, in more ways than one.”

“Hm?”

“Like a pun, you peel me?”

“Before I correct your misusage of pun, I don't 'peel' you.”

“I just bit my tongue a little! Aww, it hurts~ I can taste the blood!”

The sound of rolling echoed. It would appear Ryuushi-san was lying on her bed as well. Ryuushi-san in her pajama…

I almost started imagining, but didn't I see her wearing one last month when she came over? Well, I guess it was Erio's pajama.

“Phew~ If a blood truck was around, nobody would be too upset.”

If you were bleeding so much, wouldn't it be better to go into the hospital instead of waiting for an ambulance to be around?

“So, what could possibly make you so nervous that your life is on the line?”

“Well~ Cuz… This is my first time calling you, Niwa-kun.”

“Hm, that's right.”

“That's enough to make me lose it!”

“I-is that right?” Now that she's emphasizing it, I'm feeling embarrassed too.

“Talking on the phone is, y'know, a little bit more embarrassing than the usual. Like, ya are right next to my ear and whispering to me and stuff, don't ya think?”

“Hm. Yeah, a little I guess.” I played tough, but hearing her say that, even I'm becoming conscious of it.

“Or like a hamster-sized Niwa-kun cuddling on my shoulder, heheh.”

“The fact that that sentence didn't end in a question concerns me.”

“Oh yeah, something else too.”

“Nice to see you hearing half of what I say as usual.”

“My basketball club is actually having a game next week.”

“Wait, 'your' basket ball club?”

“What I mean is sometimes I feel like it's mine.”

“So you're the captain of the team, but only in your mind.”

“Yep! That's exactly what I mean, Niwa-kun!”

Well, no, it was just a silly joke… Is that a normal thing for an athlete to dream about?

I guess so, since I too once yearned to become a football captain too.

“I will then, as promised, visit you on the day of the game.”

“Oh, but there lies the problem, missis! Ah, I mean, Niwa-kun!”

She's smacking something. Her pillow?

“Oh, just by the way, sorry about this morning. Something suddenly came up.”

“No, that's fine.” And I felt like it'd be trouble if she and Erio met. “So, what is the problem?'

“Mm~” She grumbled. “Originally I was gonna practice till I was perfect so that I could participate more in games… But if I did, forget about this summer, it'll probably be after I graduate! That's why I'm nervous.”

“Hm… I don't see what the problem is though.”

“But, y'know, if I'm not playing in the game I told you to go, isn't that just terrible? That's why I want to be sure.”

“So that's how it is… I see.”

I had the same experience too. Despite not wanting to, I recall the parents that came all the way to watch the game that their son never got to play in, while helping to take care of other people's kids.

“That's what's been keeping me from sleep! That's all!”

“Okay, I get it~ I understand now.”

But there is still nothing that I could do to help.

Even if there is nothing I can do, shouldn't I still say something to comfort her?

“Then I'll pray for you. I wish Ryuushi-san could play in a game.”

“Ahaha! If I can choose, I'd rather have you cheer for me! Prayers are for the gods, but I will be hearing you cheers, right?”

'And I told ya to call me Ryuuko!' Even through the phone, I could feel how relaxed she was with that phrase.

I've became a hopeless addict to that 'I told ya~'

“If I get to play and kick butts in the game, can I expect some rewards from ya? Just kidding, heheh~”

With a refreshed laughter, she decorate her request for something other than spiritual support.

“A reward, huh… Is there something you want? If it's something within my ability, that is.” You're gonna have to dig deep to find that bar though.

And who'd wish for something so far in the negative? That's just how it is, hahah.

“Mm~ Then~ How's going to the festival together sound? It's getting a little awkward for me to go on my own~”

“Wouldn't that be a reward for me?”

“Eh?”

I kept my voice down and mumbled, so Ryuushi-san couldn't hear me.”

“Please, don't mind me. Not that I care about conveniency, but is the festival you're talking about held in this town?”

Even with the window open like that, I've never heard any festival music come in.

“Um, the biggest one is on the thirteenth of August, I think? I remember it being held on that day every year. I use to go there with the Onee-san from around, it was so fun~”

“Oh.” If it's the thirteenth, then it'd be in three weeks.

“Ugh~? Ya were playing baseball without knowing about this, Niwa-kun?”

“Know about what?”

“The last game of the amateur baseball decides whether the city or shopping district gets to conduct the event. I don't know who made the rule either, but apparently it was to avoid conflict or something. Dad told me if the city wins, it'd harder for the shopping district to go to the festival, and vice versa.”

But the city usually wins~ Ryuushi-san casually added.

The real deal in three weeks Maekawa-san was talking about — the match that has everything to do with the festival?

Ah~ So we're just doing practice games now? But it already seems like the shopping district has a high chance of losing this year too. And if that were the case, can I still go the festival on the thirteenth?

“Oh, soz. I know we're rolling around like a square, but...”

“Hm?” I guess I'm already used to Ryuushi-speech. I didn't even bother asking.

“About cheering. Touwa-san, would she show up? ...I'm just wondering.”

“...I don't think she will. Probably.”

Hm~ Ryuushi-san is oddly concerned with Erio. If I try to point this out, things might become more complicated.

And to keep whatever atmosphere we have going, I am always mindful of staying away from that. It isn't easy, but it is what I want to do.

“I see~ Then, okay. I know it sounds bad to say things like this, uh, um, sorry. I don't really know what I'm saying any more.”

“...Ahaha.” It's the wisest to not ask any further, right?

“Oh yeah~ Speaking of baseball, I wanna talk about Nakajima-kun.”

The conversation took an L turn right then. What we just talked about wasn't going to end up anywhere sunshine and butterfly, so I tried to end it. And now we're talking something I was personally very interested about, so I said nothing.

But from her startled she was then, I'd never guessed that Ryuushi-san would be the one to bring this up.

“So what's the matter?” I curled up in preparation for any comment.

Perhaps anxious, I heard she swallow. Then…

“Nakajima-kun… I confessed to him this March, only he shot me down.”

...It's one of my predictions, but not one I had betted on.

“I see… That is… A shame.”

“Eh? For me?”

“No. For Nakajima.”

This is Ryuushi-san we're talking about here! She doesn't stand out, yeah, but she's certainly someone special amongst all these people.

“Ah... Wuu… Then, if it was for Niwa-kun… Um, uh…”

“Hah? What did you say?”

“Nothing~! And I thought we were gonna have the best summer ever, but we haven't done anything yet!”

“That's because you're always so busy~ But isn't that a good thing?”

“Mm~ But still...”

Then we talked everything about nothing, until one of us finally yawned.

We talked about Ryuushi-san running away from home, and when I met an alien (lol).

These meaningless prattling faded, like stars in the dark sky.

The next morning followed.

Under the influence of having no baseball game and talking for too long, I woke up late.

Scratching my unkempt head, I walked down the stairs; I circled the entire house once, in case Meme-san was already up. Yet, someone who I shouldn't be able to see again sat naturally in the house, making me doubt my vision.

In the living room, Yashiro chowed away at her breakfast, her mouth filled with fried egg and grilled eel.

Like a bear stuffing itself before hibernation.

And instead of the space suit, she wore a shirt and skirt that probably belonged to Meme-san. Is this kid taunting me, like 'space ship launched! Totally carefree!'?

Whether it's her outfit, skin, or hair, they're of a pale colour expressible in just black and white.

Perhaps she took a shower earlier, her hair damp with moisture. Enjoying the hotel service too, you little turd?

On the other side of the table, a smiling Meme-san sudden raised her head up from watching the voracious girl. “Good morning~ Mako-rin!”

“Who's the person even more abnormal than what you just called me?”

“Hm?” A scowling Yashiro with puffed up face turned over. The mysteriousness her almost silver hair and face exudes was reduced by sixty percent, while her friendliness increased… I would hope not. That aside.

I looked over to Meme-san to demand an explanation. She blinked crazily with her eyes, probably because dust got into her eyes. In some interpretation it could also be winking, but I'd like to ignore this possibility.

“Mako-kun, if you don't eat now, someone's gonna eat 'em all~”

“Is it because there is someone eating my food?”

“You shouldn't be so mean to your friends, Mako-kun. Oh and by the way I think your 'tsun' for your aunt has been going on for a little too long. Your aunt has been charging for too long, now her power's leaking!”

Are you perhaps mistaking your ageing with something else?

“She's just a sketchy kid, not my friend.”

“I found her collapsed under the porch when I was doing laundry this morning.”

“I was sleeping.”

“So I brought her in.”

“Wahahahah!”

“Ahahahahah!”

Stop laughing! Stop being so chummy! And stop bringing kids in!

Are you one of those grandmas from the old stories? You shouldn't be so kind. Looking closely, the spacesuit costume hung on the laundry pole in the yard — the source of nightmare appeared to drift in the breeze.

I saw Erio too… Swinging a broom. What's she doing?

“We don't have a baseball bat for her to practice with, so that's the best we got.”

“Oh.” Baseball practice, huh. Does she like amateur baseball that much?

In the front, Erio; in the living room Meme Oba-san and Yashiro. What a strange sensation.

I hope I never get use to it.

It is as though we are now forced into the parallel world that 'Yashiro is a part of the Touwa family.' Is it because she fit so well in here? There's a force not to be reckoned with.

Meme-san squinted gently at Yashiro's symmetrically-split hair.

And when she almost chocked, she'd hand her a cup of barely tea like a loving mother.

...Um, isn't this a bit too much? Did she give up on her gap-moe in favour of mother-saint character?

To calm myself down, I sat on the chair on the right side of the desk while glaring at Meme-san.

“So, why did you let some fishy kid into the house?” At least be cautious around something like this!

Well, maybe she's a little more trustworthy than your kid from some times ago, but still.

That's not saying a whole lot if you're comparing two people in the same negative, right?

Meme-san held her breath, skipping out on oxygen supply for a bit; when her cheeks turned red, she covered her mouth and looked away.

“I-I didn't let her in because she called me a Onee-san!”

“…” My head hurts. This morning is ruined.

“Fufufu, I've hypnotized this women. This, too, is thanks to my super power.”

Yashiro cockily added another lie.

“You're just kissing her ass, aren't you?” Don't you have any self respect?

“I mean, a weird old lady was coming on to me.”

“My! What do you mean weird!” Meme-san intercepted, but made no comment when her age was mentioned.

“So I had do it. 'Good day, Onee-san!'” She squeezed out a super fake cute voice. “The entrancing voice was needed. She became my subordinate after realizing my magnanimity.”

“I could totally see that happen.”

“But Meme is a not too bad — at least better than you.”

Did she concede because of the food? Skillfully insulting me, Yashiro also complimented Meme-san. The air she gave was like an abandoned puppy wary of humans, only getting close to them because of the food.

I thought about this occasionally, but is the interaction between human and alien not too different from that of human and animals? I can't be the only one who thought that.

Not that I'm equating Yashiro to an alien or a stray dog.

Mumbling something along the line of 'it takes a smart kid to see my true nature~' Meme-san dazed off.

“If it were me, I would extend no mercy to others, unless I have a penchant for them.”

Yashiro decisively declared and shot me a glance. Was she implying that if she were to find me under the porch, she wouldn't help either?

Meme-san blinked twice, and gave her the usual smile.

“Me too. I only helped you because I like you.”

“...Really.”

Timid by her standard, Yashiro looked down.

Her shutting up must be a sign that Meme-san's kindness has gotten to her.

Erio noticed me with a gloomy face and raised her right hand exaggeratedly at me; I waved back discreetly. From the corner of my eye, I saw Yashiro grimace.

“Was it due to her growing up here…? She doesn't appear to be aware of her nature as an extraterrestrial. Looks like she won't be able to become a comrade with a pure alien such as myself.”

That commentary was quite like a certain battle-oriented race! (TL Notes: Dragon Ball Z's Saiyans)

“What, so you're going to stop messing with her?”

“The reason remained unknown, so I must investigate… But I find myself not wanting.”

Again, she grumbled with her incomprehensible talk of 'work.'

Meme-san opened her mouth too, as though joining the conversation while changing the channel randomly.

“It's really hot this morning. It's making me want to go into the fridge again.”

“I won't open it this time.” I'll even cover it with a blanket.

“Alrighty, time to make some breakfast for Mako-kun. Just give me a second.”

Given up on making conversation, Meme-san left the table. I wanted to follow her too, to ask her questions where Yashiro isn't nearby, but I didn't want to leave a non-family member alone in the living room either. Yet, once I see her stuffed cheeks and content smile (that disappeared as soon as we made eye contact) I stood up and left.

Tailing Meme-san in the hallway, I queried at her long, wavy hair.

“Is it actually okay?”

“What's the problem? Even if it's some girl I don't know, it's just letting her sleep for the day and giving her a meal. It's not too different than you or Erio inviting friends over.”

A nonchalant Meme-san kept her pace while announcing her lack of issues with Yashiro.

Setting how careless she is aside — if one of those naive girls in children's stories were to grow up to forty years old, I bet she'd be the perfect example.

Her character of never doubting anyone; her act of showing the good and bad parts of her in front of anyone. This must be why she became a 'big kid.'

“Plus I felt like I got another little sister.”

“Your understanding of the word sister is rather poor.” Confusing that with 'daughter.'

However. “I can't believe how carefree you are.” Aren't I an idiot for not relaxing?

A person who lives in a town that's more like a town than where I came from have a much broader interaction with people. There's a silly, laughable part in that fact — that is, people back home actually understand the rudimentary.

In the country side, there aren't many people. When there aren't people, you become more disinclined to interact with them.

Meme-san entered the kitchen, ignoring her niece's complaints of 'no, that's too much' and dunked more rice into the bowl with a grin. It's that special smile that only appears when she reminisces.

“There is indeed a personal reason.”

“Which is?” Because she wasn't called an old lady? No way.

Suddenly bashful like a young girl, and with a voice that seem to melt together with the morning sun, Meme-san quietly spelled out the truth.

“She looks just like Elliot when he was young. Of course I'd be nice to her.”