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Going to Murakami's late at night was not the best idea in the world, but as a frequent visitor, my company is not rejected. In fact, sitting here having a nice conversation with Mr. Murakami over pizza gyoza was much better than sticking around near my always-fighting-parents. It's almost as if Mr. Murakami was my father. He treated me like his own daughter, too. Of course, we're not family by blood, it's just more of a family by social connections.
"Hey Mr.Murakami? Can you tell me more about Japanese culture? Last time I was here we discuss the language, but I know there is much more than the language, food, and clothing.", I asked. This is normally how our conversations go. I come in, order some food, kick back a bit, have small talk with Mr. Murakami, then jump right into a Japanese culture lesson. It is very fascinating to learn about this culture. There is a lot of history and modern day things to learn about.
"Hmm... Let's see, you might like the topic of nature. First of all, Japan has a lot of urbanized areas but it is heavily urbanized between Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Japan. Most people think that Japan is a heavily populated megacity. But in all truth, it is a lie. In fact, over two thirds of the country is covered by forested mountains and hills.", Mr. Murakami started our lesson.
"Really? There's more than two thirds of nature covering Japan?", I asked amazed. Mr. Murakami nodded with a soft smile.
"Yes. Japan has a mountainous interior that is made up of mostly volcanoes. Japan also houses the world's longest coastline and they offer a lot of recreational activities. Sheer cliffs, forests, and waterfalls make up gorges. There are hundreds of waterfalls that are across the country like the Nachi Waterfall. Those- Oh! Raphael, what brings you here at this time of day?"
I was so engrossed in the lesson I never heard the door open and someone step inside the shop. I turned around and came to face the figure cloaked in a trench coat and hat. I got slightly irritated that I had my lesson interrupted by a random stranger. I felt my eyebrows furrow a bit and my mouth twitch into a moment-lasting snarl.
The guy in the trench coat handed Mr. Murakami an order token and waited patiently as he felt it and went to make the food for the order. When he disappeared, the stranger sat down next to me and spoke.
"You know Mr. Murakami?"
"Yeah, why?", I replied with a little growl within my words.
"Why are you growling? I didn't do anything but walk in and order food. Stop acting like I'm gonna hurt you." His eyes turned toward me and I was able to see neon green eyes beneath the hat. They were ablaze with anger. He was pissed off, but so was I.
Until Murakami came back with the order, the stranger sat glaring fiercely at me and vice versa. The stranger wrapped his hand around his food and started eating. I couldn't help but notice that he only had three fingers and his whole hand was green. I didn't care. I wanted to continue my lesson with Murakami.
"Mr. Murakami, can you continue what you were saying about nature? You can't leave me hanging onto a topic like that."
"Of course, (Y/N). So, coming back from where we left off, those waterfalls were a very important part of the culture because they were spots for religious ceremonies and they hold long histories of Japan." Mr. Murakami continued. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see the stranger lean in when Murakami said 'Japan'. I twisted my head just enough to give him an expression saying 'Mind your own business'. He glared.
"I'm afraid I have to cut this lesson short (Y/N). I have to clean up and close the shop. You can stay a bit longer, if you wish." Murakami excused himself from the counter. I said my thanks and stayed seated at the counter. The stranger turned to me.
"You're interested in the Japanese culture?"
"Yeah, why? You have a problem?"
"No. But I could help give you lessons. I know enough about the culture to give a lesson on almost everything there is to know about Japan and its culture." My expression faded into a curious one.
"You know about the Japanese culture? And you're willing to teach me all about it?", I looked him up and down before saying, "Sorry, but I don't take free lessons from guys who wear trench coats and hats covering their faces, and who don't give their name first."
He look a bit irked about the trench coat and hat comment. But he quickly responded with his name, "Raphael. My name is Raphael Hamato. Yours?"
"(Y/N). (Y/F/N)."
"You promise not to scream? You know, if I do decide to show myself?"
"I have nothing to scream about."
Raphael stood up and walked to the door, and started taking off his coat and hat. There, standing in front of me, was a six foot tall mutant turtle. I wore an expression saying 'Does it look like I care?'. He smiled and sat eased himself back into the seat next to me. We ended up accidentally falling asleep while we were talking about Japanese art.
