Girl Next Door

Chapter Five

Kyosuke and Risa's neighborhood was a quiet suburb in Tokyo, far enough from the city's hustle-and-bustle. Very few vehicles move in and out of the streets, so children can play around the neighborhood without any serious accidents.

Kyosuke was born and grew up here. On the other hand, Risa's family came from Okinawa, having moved here when she was four to ensure the girl's bright future. The two children immediately became friends.

The sound of swallows chittering could be heard as the two teenagers walked along a sidewalk in the neighborhood. Cherry blossom petals blew around in the fragrant breeze. Risa walked with her hands behind her back, humming a tune. Kyosuke, meanwhile, put his hands in his pockets. He was waiting for Risa to start the conversation.

"Well," said Risa, "talk to me."

Kyosuke didn't quite know what to say next. He felt as if this was a girl he just met.

"O-Okay," he replied to her. "How... are you...?" He thought he sounded stupid having said that.

"I'm fine, thank you," she said with a sweet smile, albeit Kyosuke sensed a bit of sarcasm in her voice, and he chuckled. Risa giggled.

"Seriously," said Kyosuke, half-smiling, "you and I need to get to know each other again."

"Yeah," replied Risa, twirling a strand of her hair.

Kyosuke and Risa have been walking for two minutes now. Kyosuke's confidence grew with time.

"So," he proceeded to ask her, "are American boys... hot?"

"What??" exclaimed Risa, having been caught by surprise. "Why would you ask me that?"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" said Kyosuke, startled by Risa's reaction. "Just, I wondered if you ever met anyone--"

"I already told you I didn't," answered Risa, putting her fists on her hips. "Why must you keep asking me that? Can we change the subject please?" She half-smiled at him awkwardly.

"Right, sorry," Kyosuke apologized.

A short silence between them was interrupted by another question by Kyosuke.

"Risa?"

"Yes?" replied Risa.

"What made you come back?" was the question.

Another moment of silence.

"Sorry," said Kyosuke. "I shouldn't have asked that."

"No, it's fine," said Risa, looking rather melancholy.

Kyosuke looked down. Risa's face was obstructed by the auburn locks that fell from her head.

Then she spoke.

"America is an amazing country. The education they give can guarantee you a secure future. Well, at least that's what Dad thinks. That's why he sent me there to study after I graduated elementary school. And you know what? Dad was right. Education in America is amazing. I loved it there."

Kyosuke by now had felt uneasy. Guilt almost overcame him for having asked that question.

"But," continued Risa, "the other reason Dad sent me there is that he will always be wanting to see me after work. See, Dad works almost eighteen hours a day and it pays off. But the truth is, I kept crying every night just thinking about home. Home. Tokyo. I miss my friends the most, especially you, Kyosuke."

Kyosuke was shocked when he heard those words. "M-Me?"

"Yes. I couldn't bear to be away from you guys anymore, so I asked Dad if I could continue my studies here in Japan. I knew how much Dad had to sacrifice just to get me good education, but I couldn't help it. And Dad, I owe him a lot for letting me go back to Japan by myself. I love him so much."

Kyosuke's heart felt the weight of Risa's words. He spoke.

"Wow. That must have been hard for you both."

A moment of silence followed.

"Well," Risa's voice broke the silence, "I'm here now, and I'm very happy." She smiled the sweetest of smiles since she got back. Kyosuke had to smile back.

"Yeah, me too," he said, rubbing the back of his head.

 As they walked, Risa looked around. She saw a little boy and a little girl playing tag around the corner, both cheerfully running and laughing.

"Look, Kyosuke," she said, indicating the children, "they look just like us. Tee-hee."

"Yeah," Kyosuke replied, laughing softly.

"Hey, Kyosuke," said Risa with an enthusiastic expression.

"What is it?" Kyosuke asked her.

 "Let's go to that place."

"What place?"

"Come on, follow me." She held onto Kyosuke's wrist and ran off with him behind her.

Kyosuke wondered where Risa was leading him to. The two ran through an area full of cherry blossom trees. The trees grew thicker as they went further in. Later they reached a place where the trees blocked the sun so that very few rays of sunlight hit the ground. In the middle of the spot was an old water fountain, probably of European build. Kyosuke looked at it and felt nostalgic.

"Remember this place?" Risa asked him.

"Yes," Kyosuke answered. "We used to play around here when we were kids."

"Yeah," replied Risa. "You were the one who first brought me here. What a beautiful place. I can't believe I still remember how to get here."

"I know," said Kyosuke. "It's been a while since I last went here. The fountain still works though."

"Yeah," said Risa as she ran her fingernail across the brim of the fountain. Kyosuke saw her smiling as if she was eight years old again. He walked near her and looked into the fountain.

Cherry blossom petals covered the surface of the water. Kyosuke then proceeded to clear the water with his hands. Then he saw his and Risa's reflection looking back at him. The two then looked at each other and looked away blushing.

"Let's go home before Mom does," said Kyosuke, smiling awkwardly.

"Y-Yeah," replied Risa. "I have to go home too. Grandma might be waiting too long.

So the two young people made their way back to the neighborhood and back to Kyosuke's house.

"Thank you, Kyosuke," said Risa as Kyosuke opened the gate to his house.

"F-For what?" Kyosuke wondered.

"For this. I had a great time. For once I felt like a kid again." She smiled at him gently.

"Me too," replied Kyosuke. "You're welcome." He smiled back at her.

"I guess I'll be seeing you," said Risa, brushing her hair over her ear.

"Yeah," said Kyosuke. "Bye."

Risa then turned around and walked away to her house. As she opened the gate to her house, she looked back at Kyosuke and smiled as she entered her front yard and closed the gate behind her.

Kyosuke smiled with confidence. This day was the best he ever had since Risa's return the previous day. He got to remember his childhood thanks to Risa and the short walk they had together. Deep inside, he wished it would have lasted longer. "Risa..." he thought, "thank God you're back. Now I wouldn't have to be alone anymore. Thank you."

He entered his front yard and closed the gate behind him.