Mizu Shojo (The Tale of Rii and Ruu)
This is where our story begins. In a small town near Honshu, Japan lived two friends, but they were closer than friends. Rii Sanada was twenty-one years old, about five-feet tall with long black hair with caramel streaks and dark blue eyes. Ruu Takijo was twenty years old, about five-foot-six with short black hair with turquoise streaks and piercing green eyes. Separated during their childhood by Rii’s parents’ jobs, they were reunited when fate tossed them back together. Now I, their loyal neighbor, live to tell the tale of their intertwined destiny.
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January 11, 2011. Outside Apartment 17-M, Togaya Building. Ruu Takijo.
“Sosen-sempai, I’ll be back late tonight, its Daisuke’s birthday and we’re planning his surprise party for tomorrow.” I told Sosen. Sosen Inari was my neighbor, and she was always checking in on us. She claimed it was because my parents had asked her to keep a keen eye on me while they weren’t in town.
“Alright, Takijo -chan,” Sosen replied. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Bye, Sosen-sempai.”
“Oh, wait, Takijo!” Sosen called after me. “Takijo, could you please pick me up some more green tea and ramen? I’ve run out again.”
“Yes, Sosen-sempai, no problem.” I bowed.
“Alright, Takijo -chan, I will see you tomorrow. Enjoy your party. And stay safe!” Sosen said with a parental tone. Sosen was always looking out for me. When I was sick, she would call in to my school and notify them, and then she would make me ramen and tea.
Turning the corner outside my building, I reached into my messenger bag and pulled out my iPad. Absorbed in the book I was reading, I didn’t notice the light green motorcycle coming at me while I was crossing the street. The driver was clad in ripped skinny jeans, a loose tank top, a worn leather jacket and black leather boots. She stopped suddenly, leaving unsightly skid marks on the road, and nearly toppled off her bike.
“Dammit!” The girl hissed. “You idiot, can’t you watch where you’re going?”
I was taken aback. Me, the idiot? I was the one who was already in the crosswalk. She was the idiot. “Who’re you calling an idiot, idiot? I was already in the freaking crosswalk!”
“Hey, watch your mouth, butthead.”
“Butthead?” I chuckled. “After ‘idiot’ that is your marvelous comeback?”
“Yes.” She said, faking hurt. “It’s a proud member of my vocabulary.”
“I’m Ruu. Ruu Takijo.” I extended my hand.
“I’m Ryo, but I prefer to be called Rii. Rii Sanada.” She looked at my outstretched hand, then reluctantly took it. Then it struck me. Rii? Rii Sanada? I thought, my mind screamed out. Rii freaking Sanada?! It couldn’t be. My Rii moved to the United States almost seven years ago, and we’d lost contact a few months back. A sharp tap on my forehead brought me back to reality.
“Rii?” I managed to choke out. “Rii Sanada?”
“Umm, yes?” Rii eyed me suspiciously. “Are you deaf?”
“Rii Sanada, daughter of Hiroto and Tomi Sanada?” She nodded. “Sister of Hiro Sanada? Best friend of Ruu Kana Takijo?!”
Rii’s eyes widened. “Ruu? Takijo -chan?” She dropped her helmet and hugged me. “Ohmygosh Ruu, I’VE MISSED YOU!”
