A Mark That Lasts Forever

Denial | 否定 section 2

On Sunday morning, I put on a new tank top over my favorite pair of jeans and head to the sink to brush my teeth. After gargling, I automatically reach for hair wax and begin unscrewing the cap before my hand freezes.

Do I really need to do my hair today? I'm only seeing my roommates. I can stand to look a little rough.

I attempt to twist the cap back on, but my hand stops again.

Well, I already have the wax out, so I might as well style my hair just a little bit. It probably wouldn't hurt to put on some cologne too while I'm at it.

After spending more time than originally planned in front of the mirror, I grab my wallet and head to the kitchen to wait for Shun. He's frowning when he rounds the corner of the hallway, so I try to lighten his mood by cheerfully asking, "Ready to go?"

"Sure," he grumbles as he heads straight for the front door.

I follow behind him, trying to retain my smile despite feeling a tad bit disappointed that he barely even glanced at me.

He leads the way to the grocery store. A bittersweet feeling sinks in when we enter. I remember the last time we were here together and how all I wanted was to run away from Shun. Somehow I managed to turn the tables and now he's the one trying to run away. I peek at his unenthusiastic face as he trudges toward the alcohol.

"What should we get?" I ask as I join his side in front of the refrigerated shelf.

"Get whatever you want," he mumbles.

I skim the cans and bottles. "Do you have any recommendations?"

"Huh?" He looks confused at first, but his expression softens when he looks at me. "Oh yeah, I forgot you can't drink."

I nod and smile.

"Have you ever tried any of these?" he asks.

"Nope."

"Okay. Well, you can probably drink chuhais." He points to a shelf of cans with colorful labels decorated in fruits.

"Which chuhai is good?" I ask.

"It depends on what flavors you like." He picks up a yellow can. "Do you like lemon?"

"Yes," I nod.

"Then here you go." He places the can in my basket and turns away from me.

"Is one enough?" I ask.

"I don't know. Did you feel anything after the shot those girls fed you?"

I look up, trying to recall how I felt that night. All I can remember is the worry I felt toward Shun. "I don't think so."

"Then you probably need like ten more of those if you want to get buzzed."

"Ten?!"

He smirks as he reaches for a taller can with STRONG printed across it. "Or you could get yourself a couple of these."

I take the can from him and observe it. "Will this get me drunk?"

He shrugs. "If not, it'll at least get you tipsy."

I place the drink in my basket and reach for two more.

"You had really never tried alcohol before coming to Tokyo?" he asks, looking up at me with skeptical eyes.

"Nope," I reply.

"Not even a sip?"

I shake my head. "I wasn't really interested in alcohol before."