"So, Mr. Hitowari. What did you mean by technically not lost?" Mao looked up at Ryomen, "Please don't call me 'Mr.' I'm only nineteen." Ryomen chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Oh, so you're a year older than me." Mao smiled. I always wondered how grandma was able to see with her eyes closed. "Well, I'm a tenant of...wait, does that apartment even exist yet?" Ryomen thought aloud. Mao tilted her head at Ryomen's words. Mao opened her eyes slightly, looking around the area, taking note of the wooden buildings and narrow roads.
"An apartment? Here? This area is filled with traditional houses. I don't think there are any apartments nearby. I'm sorry if that bothers you, Ryomen." Mao closed her eyes. He seems confused, too. Could it be possible that he's from somewhere else? His accent sounds a bit off, but it's not like any foreign accent I've heard before. Maybe he's mixed? Or maybe he's just a traveler who got turned around. Whatever the case, he seems harmless enough. "If you need somewhere to stay, I could ask my father. We have an extra room in our house. It's not much, but it's better than being out here alone. Besides, it's getting dark, and the streets aren't safe these days...with all the gang fights happening." Mao offered, slightly looking around the area.
"Okay, gr...Mao. But I won't need to worry about any gangs. I can handle myself perfectly against some random thugs." Ryomen cracked his knuckles. "By the way, is there an apartment complex in Shibuya owned by a woman named Tamaki Kobayashi? Wait, no, that was my landlord, what was her grandmother's name again?" Ryomen scratched his head. Mao tapped her lip, shaking her head gently. "I'm afraid I don't know of any such place or person. Shibuya is quite far from here, most people stick to their own neighborhoods." Mao bowed slightly, her long silver hair swaying gracefully.
He mentioned a place called Shibuya, which I've only read about in books. It's in Tokyo, isn't it? And that name...Kobayashi...it sounds familiar. Maybe one of the families from my history classes? But the way he talks, it's like he knows them personally. This is all very strange, but he doesn't seem dangerous. In fact, he might be able to protect me if we run into any trouble from those gangs... "So, what brings you here to Osaka, Ryomen?" Mao tilted her head. "Just going back home from visiting my grandma," Ryomen answered. Mao's eyes opened ever so slightly at Ryomen's mention of visiting his grandmother. She straightens up and nods, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Ah, family visits are always important. Who knows when we'll see our loved ones again, right?" Mao gazed off into the distance for a moment, lost in thought. "My grandmother lives in another district, but I try to visit her every weekend. Unfortunately, I can't today because of the tensions between the Meiyu-kai and Yamaguchi-gumi clans. It's not safe to travel far." Mao sighed, closing her eyes. While walking and talking, the two heard a faint rumble in the distance, followed by shouting and the sound of breaking glass. Mao's expression turns serious, and she looks around nervously.
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"You should come with me. My house isn't far from here. We can wait out whatever is happening over there." Mao grabbed Ryomen's hand, leading him to her home. He mentioned having a grandmother here, too. How odd...first he was talking about an apartment in Tokyo. Could it be that he's also from a wealthy family? Or is he lying to me? No, his face doesn't look like someone who lies easily. He seems genuine, but something is definitely off about him. Still, it's best to get him off the streets before the fighting gets worse. Mao looked over Ryomen slightly. Too bad we're leaving. I really want to get active and curb stomp some people. Welp, let's see what grandma's childhood home looked like in this time period. Ryomen sighed.
As the two walked together, Mao pointed out various landmarks along the way, from the local market to the small shrine tucked away behind a row of houses, and even the cherry tree-lined path leading to the park. Mao explains that her family has lived in this area for generations, and she's grown up knowing its ins and outs like the back of her hand. "Do you have any siblings, Ryomen? I have two younger brothers who are always causing trouble." Mao asked. Grandma had siblings? Ryomen cocked his brow. I wonder if he has anyone close to him. He looks strong, but also a bit lonely. Maybe I can make him feel welcome here...even if it's just for tonight. "I have two little twin sisters. Their names are Emiko and Bao." Ryomen answered.
"Twins? I heard that they could be quite the handful. I'm guessing that you were a major help with taking care of them?" Mao giggled slightly, "Oh, you have no idea." Ryomen sighed. As Ryomen and Mao approached her house, she gestured towards the traditional wooden building with a small garden in front. "This is it. Please, come inside. My parents won't be home until late due to work." Mao opened the door and led Ryomen into the dimly lit genkan, slipping off her shoes and hanging up her bag. "Please, take your shoes off and follow me." Mao looked over her shoulder. "Okay." Ryomen took off his white Air Forces. Grandma's house doesn't really change in the future. Mom most definitely made it more modern. Ryomen followed Mao to the living room.
"Would you like something to drink?" Mao asked, "Sure." Ryomen sat down. After ten minutes, Mao came back with two cups of tea. "Could be better if...actually, I rarely drink tea. I mostly drink coffee." Ryomen sipped his tea. "I apologize for us not having any coffee. Would you like something else to drink?" Mao asked, "No, I'm okay with this." Ryomen answered. "While drinking his tea, Ryomen felt something in his pants pocket. Is that...my phone and charger? The Motorola wasn't invented until 1973. Ryomen finished his tea. "I'm making some mochi, would you like some when it's done?" Mao sipped her tea, "I would." Ryomen nodded.
