Adrift

12

Yamada Mamoru

A year ago

Sometimes, I wish I could just be like my dog. She does not comply with the concept of time like humans do. For her, everything that's happening now is what just matters. Plus, she's also the most patient being I've ever known. If only I am as patient as her then maybe I won't feel so bad waiting for a person to come already for what seems to be two hours already.

"I don't think he'll come, Tatsuo," I say.

My new friend, Tatsuo looks at his wristwatch and scratches the back of his head. I have no idea why he would even commit to waiting for a person he barely knows. This is why he gets bullied easily. He believes in people too much.

"That's too bad, I wanted to meet him," he frowns. I pick up my flip phone and see a notification with Aoi's name. The time on it says it just arrived. Let me guess. He'll probably say something about forgetting things he has to do with his girlfriend.

Mamoru, Maki is in trouble along with Hatsumomo. Come here to the forbidden street. - AOI

Well, my guess is correct. At least, a portion of it. Tatsuo's head tilts down as he tries to look at my phone screen. I take it near to his face and he looks at me with eyebrows meeting together.

"Seems serious. I could help too. That place is very near the red district." he offers. I try to downplay it and tell him it must be a prank but he insists. Says he feels something bad about it. I guess he's right. Aoi rarely asks for help and whenever he does, it's always true. Maybe, I'm too judgmental?

Tatsuo and I pedal in our bikes towards the forbidden street. On our way there, we go to shortcuts that I've only been to for the first time. Since Tatsuo is the one leading, he swerves to the most unusual alleyways. Those that are empty, cramped and weirdly too silent.

"How come you know of these routes?" I ask him. He brushes it off and tells me that he is just born with street talent. I never understood this as this guy is pampered with a rich family. Then again, he's the younger brother of the scary Tatsuya. The one who would shoot demonic glares as a norm.

As we arrive, the skies transitions to reds and purples. Signifying the coming of the night soon. The idea of still being here at this street at night scares me to the gut. Not far from here, I could see a street filled with red light businesses. Their unlit and gigantic signage is too difficult to miss. Some are even one of those seedy love hotels that you can see get recommended by creeps handing out posters at sketchy streets.

Aoi Chigusa stands beside a light post. His face is oily with sweat. I can see his shoulders jerking from time to time. Before we even reach him, he runs towards us.

"Otomo and the others refuse to come. I'm so glad you came."

Tatsuo offers a hand for shaking. Aoi awkwardly takes it and gives him a handshake. "Erm, I'm glad you brought someone too. We need all the help we can get."

"What the hell is happening Aoi? Why are we here?" I shoot him the important question with the best agitating voice I muster. He places both of his hands on my shoulder and peers at me straight in the eye.

"Remember, when I told you that the girls seem to be earning a lot these days right?" He starts. His voice is shaky yet soft. As if he's scared someone's spying on us. He keeps looking at his sides when he talks.

"No way!" is the only thing I could say out of surprise. Is he talking about those red light jobs offered to young girls? What the hell! Sure, they're tempting and easy money however it's also a difficult enter. I grab Tatsuo close and request him, "Hey, could you ask your brother as back up? This seems pretty serious." I run a hand on the sweat developing on my forehead.