Tide Between Two Worlds

Our Feature Presentation

       The following morning was an open one. The school board called for an administrative meeting with all schools leaving the students with a free day. Unfortunately, the day was a cloudy one with a good chance of rain. Didn't stop a couple of teenagers from visiting their friend. Since all of the parents were out at work, Shuichi allowed his school buddies to come visit him at his home. He owed them anyway.

Kiyoni arrived wearing a pink, nationally-branded lounge pant suit with white sneakers. In one hand was an opened black umbrella in case it rained during her outing and a reusable taupe-colored bag full of snacks such as Pocky sticks, soda, candies, and gummies in the other. Kuronue was coming from the opposite direction in an oversized black hoodie, faded jeans, and sneakers. It seemed like he had nothing to bring since his hands were in the front pocket of his hoodie.

       "Hey, Ikeda," he greeted.

       "Eh...aren't you forgetting something?"

       "What do you mean?"

       "When we said we would stop by, we each agreed to bring something. I held up my end. What about you?"

       "Here," Kuronue pulled out a small device from his pocket, "I brought my mom's fire stick. It has Disney Plus and Netflix on it so we can watch movies and anime and stuff."

       "Ooh! Can we please watch Wakanda Forever?"

       "Eh... I guess..."

       "If the two of you have a change of plans, I'm more than happy to join you," Shuichi announced from his bedroom window.

       "Aw, shut up, dumbass," Kuronue replied, "We're coming."

       Inside the house, Shuichi had already prepared the living room for company. Cups and coasters were placed on the kotatsu table that sat in front of the couch and were joined by an open serving bowl in case popcorn was needed.

       Shuichi acknowledged, "Welcome."

       "Thanks," Kiyoni commented, "Your house looks nice."

       "What's up," Kuronue followed.

       "I'm glad you two could come," Shuichi assured, "I figured I'd owe you some sort of apology for yesterday."

       "Dude, you had us freaking out," Kuronue said, "We didn't know what to do or say."

       "Before we could say anything, your mom made a beeline for you," Kiyoni added.

       "I'm sure," Shuichi confirmed, "Don't worry. I told them everything."

       "Everything?"

       "Everything."

       "Including yesterday," Kuronue asked.

       "Especially yesterday."

       "What did they say?"

       Shuichi sighed in apprehension as he led his friends to the living room, "Nothing other than the disbelief they have about me. I think they're asking the same questions about my parents as I am."

       "My question is what's with those pants? Dude, did you get those from the girls section?"

Shuichi's pajama pants were made of cotton mixed with polyester, spring green in color, and patterned with baby foxes sleeping all over. A sleeping fox on a white t-shirt covered the torso.

       While Kuronue found it funny, Kiyoni approved it, "I have no problem with them. I have a pair like that at home but mine has pearls on it."

       Shuichi appreciated the compliment with a slight blush, "Well, then. At least someone appreciates it."