It Will End In A Kiss

Connections

(ROBIN)

I pulled Blu inside the restaurant. It was empty and I expected that. Lunchtime is over and this restaurant usually serve only lunch and dinner. They opened at 11:30 am for lunch, closed it at after three hours of serving and will open again at 6 in the evening.

Coming here at 3:30 pm and expecting to be served is the height of disrespect. Anyone else will be turned away. If they insist like I did, they might even receive a dose of dirty sink water and that's the kindest punishment you will receive. If they call the police to pick you up, no one will blame them.

Anyone will be turned away. But Akages are not anyone. My family name is not just anyone. We are not in that category.

"This way, Master Keito." Mr.Asa, the owner and chief chef of this place, guided us to a private room where a low table and cushions on traditional wooden floor are waiting for us. "You can wait here and we will serve your food in a minute, Master Keito," he said in Nihonggo.

"Serve us anything that was left during your lunch service, Mr.Asa. We will eat whatever you will serve because I know they will be delicious." I said, also in Nihonggo.

Mr.Asa frowned at me, looking displease. "If you think I will serve leftovers to you, you are insulting my honor, Master Keito. I hope you are not insulting my honor,"

I gave him a cheeky grin. "Oh, I am insulting your honor. So you will be challenged and serve us your best," I winked at him.

Mr.Asa's frown vanished and he laughed delightedly. "You are just like your uncle. Wise beyond his year," Mr.Asa said with a sigh. "When will he come and visit us?"

"Soon," I said. My grandfather will die soon so that means Uncle could start visiting people important to us and our family instead of staying at the hospital.

"We will anticipate his visit. Thank you, Master Keito. Please, you and your companion can sit down now." Mr.Asa ushered us inside the private room and closed the door behind us.

"Sit down," I told Blu.

Blu sat on the cushion by the table and I sat opposite from him. He started looking curiously around his surroundings, "This all feels so authentic. Even that divider..."

I also looked at the divider he was pertaining.

"That's because it is authentic. Its called a shoji. Its made of wood and paper. Using shoji as a screen or divider started around 400 BC." I said.

Blu gave me a stunned look. "400 BC? As in before Christ?"

"Yes,"

"Wow," Blu was impressed. He sat straighter when the door of the private room opened and a woman came, bearing a tray with ceramic teapot and teacups on it. The woman knelt at the side of table and served the drinks to us by placing a cup in front of us and pouring a light green liquid in it. "It's green tea, Master Keito. Good for digestion and will sooth your stomach." She said in Nihonggo.

"Arigatou, Hina." Hina is Mr.Asa's daughter. She is older than me by ten years, I think. "By the way, who was the man who greeted us in the entrance?" I asked.

"He is a new one. Hired just months ago. Don't worry, Otosan already lectured him. We hope you enjoy your stay here," she said before standing and bowing to us.

"We will," I nodded. Hina went out of the room.

"What is this?" Blu asked while staring at the green tea.

"Green tea." I said.

"Oh. I thought its something more..."

"Japanese people usually drink tea or plain water during meals. If its a special occasion, its wine or saké. Traditional restaurants like this serve tea or fruit wine. Not necessarily alcoholic. If you are looking for softdrinks, you won't find it here."