They walk past the crowd. It still fascinates Zoe how there are numerous languages she can't decode. Instead of making her feel insecure, however, it piques her interest.
The simplicity of conversing with others in this place also intrigues her. Nevertheless, if it weren't for Kaito and Jesse, she doubts that she'll have a consistent set of friends.
I'm lucky to have met them.
Her thoughts wander back to an embarrassing conversation from the previous night, triggered by the notion of 'luck.' The persistent issues with Seth continue to bother her, and she despises how it nags at the back of her mind, especially when she's away and can't do anything about it.
On the train to Ginza, Zoe unconsciously grunts and stomps her feet.
"Whoa there," Marie puts her arm around her shoulders. "Don't let it get to you. He's never going to bother you again."
Everybody's eyes are on Zoe.
"Ah, no, I'm not thinking about him." And then they give her questioning looks. She contemplates whether she should tell them about what's going on with her and Seth.
That they aren't official, but he always gets a say on what she should do with her life.
Ah, it just sounds so foolish.
Zoe still doesn't want to lose Seth. She just wants change. She wants to know where she stands in his life and to feel like she's her own person, too. That they are equals.
"I'm alright. I'm only a little under the weather because of my cold."
"I told you to take my meds," Kaito interjects with a mark of irritation.
"Onii-chan is mad," Taylor teases, provoking a glare from Kaito.
"Onii-chan?" Zoe repeats.
"It's 'older brother' in Japanese," Jesse explains.
Ah, great. It seems like she's the only person who is oblivious to the language. She tried to study Japanese vocabulary but being unable to use it led her to forget instantaneously.
"Don't call me that," Kaito snaps.
"Why not? You're always acting like an older brother," Taylor utters and wraps his arm around Kaito's shoulders. "He constantly phoned to remind me to do my papers last semester. It's like having my Mom here except I receive no allowance."
Marie joins in, reminiscing, "Yes, I remember when I forgot my Suica card. He nagged me all the way to Shimo-Kitazawa. What a pain."
They continue to make fun of Kaito, yet amidst it all, Zoe has an epiphany. She realizes that Kaito's actions have been purely driven by his kind nature from the very beginning. She also remembers him saying that he has a little sister.
Stupid, stupid her for drawing a line during her first night. That line didn't need to be drawn; as Kaito said, he isn't interested.
They get off at Ginza station which is still bustling at night. They cross the street, and then enter a crowded food park. Once more, the diversity astonishes her. The menus offer a variety of dishes from different continents. Latin American music is playing in the background, giving out an even more energetic vibe. People speak in their native tongues, chatting and laughing and cheering. The atmosphere itself exhilarates her.
They climb upstairs and occupy the vacant seats on the rooftop, giving them a view of the Tokyo skyline. The noise still resonates, making the city feel more alive than ever.
"Can I go first? My throat is dry," Jesse pleads.
"I'll go with you," Marie says, then shoots a look at Zoe. "Did you see anything you like?"
YOU ARE READING
The Spring I Met You
Romantik"Things that are special, though temporary, tend to last longer in our memories," Kaito says. Zoe recalls the Hanami party that they had and everything that has happened since she arrived. She remembers every detail perfectly. She nods slowly. "You'...
