C2 Chapter 2: Nakadori street and Ameyoko outing: Rice bowls and Takoyaki-June

Ryuuji watched Cara watering her plants, dancing in step, her bouncy curls swaying with the music. His day off routine was normally quiet. He often enjoyed drinking coffee and watching the various foot traffic before cleaning and trying to relax . His days off were usually quiet to the point of being almost boring. He was what his relatives called a workaholic, but in all honesty was it really working if he loved it? He sipped his mocha iced coffee, the sweet taste coating his mouth as he watched her, unable to keep from smiling. The divider was down, giving him a view of Cara’s small wooden table and chair.

Cara’s morning routine woke him up faster than the coffee, however. He found the woman’s routine amusing. It was on this rare day, she had the day off. She had only been there for a month, but he found her refreshing. Often on his days off, or when she was allowed to work from home, he’d hear her record player. It was mainly a nonstop set of City pop, which he found interesting,given she hadn’t been around for the creation of the music genre. It would play at a respectable level throughout the day, switching to American RnB during lunch. She hummed to herself, shuffling to her music as she watered her plants. Today she had Omega Tribe on and was even chipper than usual; twisting her hips, switching between Charleston, mashed potato and headbanging. Ryuuji watched quietly, trying to stifle his laughter with his hand as he drank his coffee. Cara didn't seem to care that Mrs. Fujiyama stared at her, her mouth open as Cara watered her plants. She danced around, spraying her small herb garden with water, her full skirt, floating up like a jellyfish. He still couldn’t help but notice how well she filled out the dress. It looked like she had been poured into it. It was a simple yellow summer dress; however it popped against her espresso colored skin. Her glowing skin made him stare in awe, especially with her long curvy legs that were shown more and more with each occasional twirl.

“Ohayo, Ryuuji.’’

“Morning.’’ he answered,hoping she hadn’t noticed him staring.

“How are you?’’

“Enjoying the sun and iced coffee.’’ he said taking another sip.

“That’s good.Coffee is a godsend. I can’t function without it.’’ she said pointing to the Aqua blue tumbler of iced coffee.

“Nice outfit. You look like you are definitely ready for the summer heat.” Ryuuji said coolly. What he was thinking said otherwise. Enchanting was the word he should’ve said, but it seemed too forward. He wasn’t sure if she had a boyfriend or not. Cara couldn’t help,but smile. She’d been into the vintage aesthetic since she was 19,but Seth only liked her in 1950s wiggle dresses. Said it made her hips wide and hit her curves in all the right places, as opposed to her fit and flare dresses which made her look fat from the waist up. His words.Not hers.

“That's the idea.I like the atheistic. ‘’

“The flirty,popped out of a cute vintage catalog kinda aesthetic?’’ he asked,slightly teasing her. She couldn’t help ,but laugh.

“Yep. Mainly 1940-70s.Lots of dresses and skirts.Jeans in the winter though.’’

“How long have you been dressing like that?’’

“About 5 years.Makes me feel a lot more like myself. I was always odd in school and I got into fashion thanks to my grandmother.’’

“I bet you were interesting in college, though. So Vintage loving, City Pop listening woman? Quite a lot of excitement.’’ he joked.

“Yeah. I like what I like.What music do you like?’’

“J-Rock. Covet.’’

“Covet? Well, well didn’t strike you as one who likes covet. Their music is awesome to fall asleep to when I can’t sleep.’’

“I mainly want to get better at string picking.’’

“You play a guitar?’’

“On occasion. A man has to have hobbies.’’ Ryuuji said as Cara set down the watering can. Ryuuji chewed on the inside of his cheek, before continuing.

“Cara-I-um-There's a fabric and clothing shop over on Nakadori street. There are a couple of vintage dresses there. You might want to check it out.’’

“Thanks for the recommendation. I was thinking of wandering around on my day off today. I’m surprised to see you out here. No work today?’’

“No. My cousin, nephew and niece are handling today.’’

“I-I could take you there.’’ he said after a few seconds. Cara smiled, trying her best not to be nervous around the idea. She didn’t want to impose on him.

“I don’t want to impose.’’

“It’s not trouble. I could use the distraction. I don’t want to seem like an overbearing relative.’’ In truth, he was right. He didn’t want to seem overbearing. Cara and this outing was just the distraction he needed. Otherwise, he’d wander around Tokyo until he couldn’t stand it anymore.

“Can you be ready in 5?’’

“Yep.’’ Ryuuji said as he stood up.

“Alright. On one condition.’’

“Hmm?’’

“I’ll buy you lunch.’’ she stated seriously.

“I won’t complain to those terms.’’ Ryuuji said as Cara walked into her apartment. She ran her hand through her hair, trying to shake that worry.

“Cara,just relax.It’s just two friends going out to chat.’’ She told herself.

Ryuuji was met by Cara at the door, who ushered him in.

“Give me a few minutes.’’ Cara said as she ran into her room to grab her purse.

“No worries.Take your time.’’ Ryuuji walked into the hallway, admiring her apartment. Ryuuji smirked at the anime and old retro posters on her living room wall. She had an old record player next to the couch. The corner near the sliding door leading to the patio was littered cleanly with a table holding a sewing machine and scraps of fabric. Next to it was a homemade dress form, holding a robin blue dress.

“Woah.That’s beautiful.’’ he murmured.She poked her head out of the closet, happy with the compliment.

“Thank you.It’s been a bit plain. I’m hoping to find some fabric to add some color.’’ she said as his eyes fell to the box of records.

“My grandad gave it to me.’’ she said as he stared at the small box of vinyls next to it. He stooped down.

“May I?’’

“Sure,just be careful.’’

“You like Jazz?’’ he asked, thumbing through the box.

"Mmmm.Mainly Billie Holiday and John Coltrane. My mom would play them when me and my brothers were getting ready to fall asleep. And my grandparents did the same to her and her siblings.’’

“No City Pop vinyls?’’ he asked, teasingly. She shook her head, letting out a slight laugh.

“No.I haven’t gotten around to looking for some albums. I usually hook up my phone to the record player, but I definitely want to buy a few albums.’’

“Oh?Any in particular?’’ he asked curiously.

“Omega Tribe.My mom would play it on her phone when I was starting to learn Japanese. Helped with recognizing vocabulary and translating. Anri since she sounds so pretty and I love all her songs. Oh and Toshiki Kodamatsu. His Summer Romance album is one of my favorites.’’ Cara said as she held her white flats. Ryuuji made a mental note on the vinyl names.

“Ready to go.” she said as he stashed the vinyls safely back next to the record player he followed her out. They walked down the stairs greeting the few neighbors they met, before exiting the apartment complex and heading down the street towards the

“So what assignment are you working on this week?’’

“I need to write a piece on Ameyoko. The boss wasn’t too specific,so it means I get free range on the topic, as long as I focus on at least three spots.’’

“I can give you some recommendations while we head over there. I’ll even show you a couple of my favorite spots if you want to after we stop by the shop.’’

“Really? I don’t want to take over your day off.’’

“It’s no trouble.’’

“It’s far enough to where I won’t drive my relatives crazy.And It’s been awhile since I visited.Ameyoko sounds like a good summer outing.’’ Ryuuji answered reassuringly as they walked. He needed to be out of his apartment. Playing tour guide was just the right idea.

The shop at Nakadori street was a brightly colored store. It had a bright yellow and teal sign on the front, enticing customers. The shop was filled with various women, bustling through the store, admiring fabrics and summer dresses on display. Cara smiled, trying to hide her excitement as she ran her fingers over a peach vintage dress. Ryuuji stepped back,watching the woman’s eyes flicker back and forth between fabric bolts,before noticing a summer dress.

“That’s pretty.’’ she said to herself as he walked up behind. It was a seablue

“You’d look very cute in that.’’ Ryuuji said, pointing to a peach colored sundress. It was simple with a sweetheart neckline, short sleeves and a flared out skirt.

“Your girlfriend would look very cute.’’

“Oh we’re not dating.’’ Ryuuji said quickly a blush appeared on his cheeks.

“Just-just a friend.’’ he said as the sales clerk .

“I hope your girlfriend doesn’t get mad that you’re out with a lady.’’

“I’m not dating. Not anymore.’’ he said after a few seconds.

“That makes two of us. Thank you by the way.’’

“For what?’’

“Coming here with me.I’m a bit self-conscious. I was honestly surprised to find a dress that fit me. I’m pretty curvy.’’ Ryuuji stopped,groaning.

“Oh no. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-’’ he apologized.

“No no I-I’m glad. I ended up buying some fabric on discount, so I can finish the dress. I really appreciate it. I may speak Japanese, but I feel intimidated going and exploring at times.’’

“Why? You speak Japanese well?’’

“Just- I’m a gaijin. I can handle the stares,but it’s nice when it’s not being directed at me. It can be a bit overwhelming. And well, I’m not exactly skinny. Finding clothes can be tricky here.’’

“Nothing wrong with that. Hell I’m impressed at you being able to sew. It means you get to create something that will be just for you.’’

“ I did find a dress that fit. Seth never liked the flowy dresses.He liked me in curvier, body hugging outfits.’’

“Your ex?’’

“Yeah.My ex.’’ she said, realizing she had admitted that. Ryuuji watched for a second as her eyes lost it’s excited sparkle,before returning.

“You honestly look nice in anything, Cara. You’re very beautiful.’’ Ryuuji admitted.

“Thank you,Ryuuji.’’ Cara said softly.

“Your welcome.’’

“Lets get some food.My treat.’’

“But I owe you lunch.’’

“We’ll split it. Lunch is on me, you buy dessert.Sound fair?’’

“Alright.’’

“So what do you want to know about Ameyoko?’’

“You’re favorite spot to eat.’’ Ryuuji laughed at her excitement.

“That’s pretty difficult. There’s not really one I can pin down given the amount of shops.’’

“Hmm.That’s true. I heard there are over 400 shops in that small section.’’ she said as she stopped at the crosswalk. She thought seriously, her nose crinkling as she thought, causing Ryuuji to nearly laugh.

“Maybe I should start with sweet shops there. Work our way backwards.’’ he said causing Cara to look curious.

“Oh?’’ Ryuuji nodded.

“Ameyoko short for “Candy Store Alley” because of all the candy stalls in the area, when sugar was hard to obtain after the war.’’

“Interesting. I heard it sold to a lot of Americans,at least that’s what my grandpa told my dad when he was stationed in Tokyo during the occupation.’’ she admitted.

“Mmhmm. That too. It’s a pretty popular tourist spot.’’

“But I want to highlight spots known to locals. And you're as local as they come.You’ve been here since-’’

“2012.About 13 years. Went here for college and stayed ever since.’’ he said as they walked to the station.

“Ok,so I’ll determine the food choices based on top picks from you.’’

“Seems fair.’’ he said as they neared the station.

“Have an idea of what you want to eat?’’ he asked as they stopped at the ticket booth.

“ Ok. I want Kaisen-don. Where should I go?’’ she asked as he went about buying their tickets.

“Minatoya.Definately.’’ he said firmly, retrieving the two tickets.

“Let’s go there.’’ she said smiling as they descended the stairs to the Sagamihara Line.

He watched her take photos of the Tokumori bowl, excitedly staring at the squid and Salmon from her dish, as he paid for the rice bowls and a 4 pack of Takoyaki.

“Mayo or no?’’ he asked, motioning to the Takoyaki.

“Everything. Put everything on it.’’ Cara said with a mouthful of rice. Ryuuji wanted to laugh at the sight; Cara looked like an excited child, cheeks chubby with rice, eyes dancing with excitement. He topped the Takoyaki with aonori seaweed, mayo and a liberal amount of bonito flakes.

“That’s a lot of bonito flakes.’’ Cara commented as she watched the smokey flecks dance on the Takoyaki.

“Yeah.I guess I overdid it. Sorry.’’ he said as she dug in.

“Don’t be. I appreciate that you know what you like. Hope you don’t mind me with fishy breath.’’ she said plucking out an octopus ball with her toothpick.

“As long as you don’t mind my fishy breath.’’ he repeated.

“So how often do you go to Ameyoko?’’ she asked.

“Probably once a month. I would go at least once a week when I was off during summer break in university.’’

“Must’ve been expensive.’’

“Not if you know where to look.’’ he grinned,spearing apiece of Takoyaki with a toothpick.

“So what do you want for dessert?There’s a fruit stand.’’ Cara said as she threw her bowl away.

“I need something unhealthy after that.’’ he admitted,eyeing the ice cream stand farther down the street," he admitted.

“Why do I get the feeling you were the kid who snuck sweets after dinner as a kid?’’

“And you weren’t?’’ he asked,causing her to smile.

“Oh no I was. I always would sneak chocolate bonbons when my dad wasn’t looking; but I can’t help,but imagine you sneaking KitKats when your mom wasn’t looking.’’

“Because I did. Mainly Meiji chocolate. My dad has a sweet tooth so it was easy to hide the evidence.’’ he laughed

“How about ice cream?’’ he asked as he walked next to her.

“Sounds like a very good idea. Lead the way.’’ she said.

“Matcha ice cream will help cleanse the palate.’’ he said as he paid for the ice cream cones.

“I was supposed to pay for dessert.’’

“Consider it payment for keeping me out of my uncle's hair. You can pay me back later.’’ He said, handing her an ice cream cone. She nodded, taking it eagerly, licking it after taking a photo of the quickly melting treat.

“You care about the shop very much. That’s admirable.’’

“They appreciate it,but I know they’re happier when they don’t have to worry about me working.

so much.’’

“Sorry.I didn’t mean to bug you with negative talk.’’

“No.It’s alright. I’m more of a listener.’’ Cara watched as he ate his ice cream,the two of them walking to the station.

“If you need to vent,you can vent to me.’’ she said

“What are you doing after?’’ he asked as they came into view of the train station.

“I’m gonna work on the assignment tonight. Hey Ryuuji?’’

“Yeah?’’

“I had a good time. Even if it was mostly work related. I hope we can do it again.’’

“I’d like to as well. I’m going to run an errand. You ok getting home alone?’’

“Yep. Don’t worry about me.Ja ne.’’

“Ja ne.’’ he responded,watching her walking inside. He turned and walked away from the train station to the route that he often walked in the morning to the shop. The clock in the center of downtown chimed, signalling it was 5pm. He hadn’t realized he had spent the entire day with Cara. He smiled to himself, pleased at being able to be of help to her.He winced knowing he’d be bombarded with worried coworkers the moment he’d arrived,but he wanted to check up on them. At least that’s what he told himself. He sighed as he turned the corner, the shop coming into view.

Ryuuji walked in finding the place quiet. Many of the regulars were seated and scattered throughout the 2-story shop.His eyes fell onto his sister, sipping beer at the bar,chopsticks gracefully depositing gyoza to her mouth. Sachiko eyed him like a cat having caught a mouse and he instantly grew suspicious of his older sister. She normally would have been pissed seeing him here on his day off.

“Sachiko,what’s the look for?’’ he drawled,instantly concerned. Her smile grew, instantly reminding him of Pennywise.

“I think you know.’’ she answered,pulling her long hair into a ponytail.

“I really don’t.Shota,how’s the day been?’’ he asked while walking to the kitchen. Sachiko frowned, following after the man as he went behind the counter, grabbing an apron.

“Don’t change the subject, little brother. And isn’t today your day off?’’ Ryuuji stopped for a split second, before tying the apron around his waist.

“It is,but-’’

“Nuh uh.Gimme.Honestly,I swear.’’ Sachiko said immediately, gesturing towards the apron. Ryuuji groaned, handing it over.

"Sachiko, let him help. He's been away all day, and he’ll have to take inventory anyway.’ Shota responded, shaking water out of two servings of cooked ramen.

“Nuh uh.Shota don’t encourage him. And Ryuuji don’t change the subject either.Answer the question.’’

“I’d answer it if you had a question to give me.’’ Ryuuji said as Sachiko dragged him to the empty seat next to her.

“Shota,can I get a serving of Gyoza and some Tantanmen?’’

“Sure. Beer too?’’ Shota answered enthusiastically.

“Yes.’’

“Ryuuji!’’ Sachiko whined exasperatingly.

“Chotto Matte,Sachi.I can’t answer if you don’t stop whining and give me an actual question.’’

“Who was that?’’ Sachiko said outright, sitting at the counter.

“Who?’’ Ryuuji asked,not paying attention as he took his beer.

“The cute lady in yellow that I just saw with you in Ameyoko-’’ Sachiko said as he choked on his beer. Sachiko watched her brother stiffen up,knowing where she was going immediately. Like a flock of seagulls having spotted an unattended sandwich, Shota and the other workers upfront were crowded around eager for the latest on the gossip,squeezing themselves against the counter.

“When did you-’’ he coughed,wiping his mouth.

“I wanted Takoyaki.So you got a date?’’ Sachiko asked, smiling.

“It’s not a date.’’ he muttered,suddenly annoyed. Sachiko had been overly eager in his private life as of late, and he hated it.

“It looked like it to me.’’ Sachiko said, prying, her smile going up to her eyes.

“Uncle Ryuuji...it’s a date.’’ Tetsuya said seriously.

“Eii. A date implies I directly asked her out. I didn’t.’’ he said quickly,trying to stamp out any ideas.

“Knowing you yes.You would be correct.You did that in highschool.Always the subtle type.’’ Sachiko said, smirking at her baby brother.

“Sachiko, it wasn’t a date. I simply suggested a dress shop. She just wanted to buy some fabric.That hardly counts as a date.’’ he repeated firmly.

“You hung out with her and suggested a place to hang out based on her interest. You bought her lunch. You did everything except kiss her.” Sachiko said, rattling off the items.

“She just liked my company.Don’t read into it so much, Sachiko.’’

“And from what I understand she liked it and wanted to do it again. Sounds like a date. ’’ Sachiko clarified,counting on her fingers, causing the man to bite the inside of his cheek.

“She wanted help with a food article she’s writing about.And what makes you think she enjoyed more than just my company?’’ he asked quickly.

“ Well she was holding your arm pretty tight, little brother."’’ Ryuuji flushed,suddenly feeling heat manifesting where she had clung to him. He slurped up noodles avoiding any more questions.

“Sachiko I just want to eat in peace.Now leave me be.’’

“What does she do for a living?’’ she asked. Ryuuji scoffed. He wasn’t about to bare info to his sister,especially not that Cara was his neighbor. He’d never hear the end of it.

“Sachiko.’’ he drawled, frowning.

“What’s her name?’’ Ryuuji didn’t answer,focusing on his beer and dinner.

“She looked good around your arm.’’ Sachiko teased,smiling. Ryuuji shot daggers at his older sister.

“Please do not meddle. I don’t have time for a love life. I don’t have time.Not right now.’’ Ryuuji hissed,trying to keep from losing his cool as he offered Shota a gyoza.

“You do. You’re not the same person you were three years ago.’’ Sachiko said, reminding him sympathetically as a regular,Mr.Natsume walked in.

“Don’t-Don’t remind me.’’ he said, remembering how badly his last relationship had ended.

“Stop messing with the man.’’ the old man said gently, causing the other younger workers to grin as they went back to work. Ryuuji nodded a silent thanks to the old man. The man nodded before Shota went about making small talk with Ryuuji. Ryuuji threw back the last of his beer,eating the last gyoza,before putting down cash on the counter.

“Well I just came to check on the shop. I think I’m gonna go home now. Otsukaresama desu.’’ Ryuuji huffed,making his way out.

“Otsukaresama desu.’’ the others called back as he exited the shop.

“Ryuuji,you know I want you happy,right?’’ Sachiko said, pulling him back gently. He hugged her,sighing,unable to stay mad at her.

“I am happy, sis.Get home safe. Please don’t meddle. ’’ he said as he walked out.

“You shouldn't have teased him, Sachiko. It’s still something he’s sore about.’’ Toshi responded. Sachiko nodded, feeling slightly guilty at how she teased him.

“I know. I’ll apologize later,but I couldn’t help it. He looked happy,Uncle Toshi.Like genuinely happy. He needs to stop denying his feelings. If he wants to date he shouldn’t feel guilty about it.’’

“But don’t push him. He’ll figure it out.’’ Toshi said, chiding the woman. She sat back down at her seat,sipping her beer,taking the reprimanding. Shota scoffed at his dad,while setting down Mr. Natsume’s order.

“I’m with Sachiko. Ryuuji needs some tough love with this. He can’t just stay stuck in the past. You know how he is.He needs a push,just like he had to in highschool inorder to deal with his dad.This is no exception. If he’s got a shot with a new lady, I say go for it. Bout time Ryuu decided to get back into the game. ‘’ Shota said, dropping his opinion in.

“Can we start taking bets on how long it will take for this to be official?’’ Sachiko teased,causing the two men to become silent. By the end of the night, a wager had been sealed among the staff,much to Ryuuji’s chagrin.

Ryuuji stood in the train, his thoughts swirling like cigarette smoke as the train rocked on the tracks. He wasn’t going to deny the attraction for her.He couldn’t. Not after that realization.After all she was indeed beautiful and charming,even if he had only known her for a month. However, he wasn’t ready to think of romance. He had a shop to think about and then there was the issue of still not being comfortable getting back into romance. His long term relationship of three years had up and ended. Oh it was mutual,but it didn’t mean it was any less painful. Kana had ended it on the basis of no longer being willing to wait around for him. He later found out that she had ended it on the basis of her parents not approving of his career.

Cara seemed nice,but he wasn’t even sure if she felt the same. He wasn’t willing to mess with a nice friendship. He blew a breath, stepping towards the door as his stop was announced. He melted into the throngs of people as he made his way towards the exit. He chewed on his lip, thinking back to how happy she had been and how genuine her smile was when she admitted to wanting to do it again. The rest of the walk was a blur.He felt like he was on autopilot as he unlocked the door,being greeted by May purring. He fell onto his bed,groaning. He did not need any more complications. Why did he need to complicate things? He sat up and went about feeding May,before sitting on his balcony. He was definitely not sleeping tonight.