An Unexpected Reunion

[nebulancer]

 An Unexpected Reunion

[The phone buzzes.]

Eichi: Ah, hello? This is Horimiya. Sorry for calling so late in the night. I’m looking forward to getting to see you with the four of us tomorrow! Ah, I’ve sent you information on the restaurant through email. Let’s all have a nice meal together! Then, thank you and I hope to see you soon.

[He turns off the phone.]

Eichi: *sighs with relief* It’s finally tomorrow. I hope he’s not in low spirits… It’s so… unlucky. The company he worked so hard to get into went bankrupt? Even though he’s such an accomplished person… Why is the timing always so horrible?

[Someone knocks on the door.]

Eichi: Yes~ It’s open!

[The door opens.]

Issei: Eichi, are you busy right now? 

Eichi: Nope, I’m fine. What’s up?

Issei: Thanks for contacting the agency a while back. I got a message saying “You were a great help.”

Eichi: What a relief that it was solved peacefully. You got the message directly from the studio’s staff member?

Issei: Yep. We exchanged contact info a while back.

Eichi: Wow…! You’ve gotten friendly with the people in the work locations, haven’t you!

Issei: I asked them questions about cameras before. It wasn’t about work, but they politely taught me lots of different things. That’s when we exchanged the info.

Eichi: I see! Isn’t that nice?

Issei: Mmhmm. Ah, want to see the picture that I took when I went location filming with everyone before?

Eichi: Yes, definitely! It’s from when we went to the mountains, right?

Issei: Yeah! Hold on a moment… [He taps on his phone.]

Eichi: Eh? Isse, didn’t you take it on a single lens reflex camera last time?

Issei: I transferred the info that I took on the camera over onto my phone so I could see it with this. Ichiru helped me out with it… Ah, found it! This one.

Eichi: ...Wow…! This is beautiful…!

Issei: If I adjusted the settings well, I think I could’ve brought out the sense of the fog better, but…

Eichi: You think? I feel like it’s pretty enough already!

Issei: Ah, that’s right! Also, there’s… this one. The picture that Ichiru took a while back.

Eichi: Eh!? That’s amazing. It’s so cool!! This is Shibuya, isn’t it?

Issei: Yeah. [Tapping on phone.] Also, I like… this one.

Eichi: Uwahh… It’s so stunning. When did Icchi get so good…?

Issei: I lent him my camera for a bit of time before. Ichiru’s always liked fiddling with machines, and he’s also good at drawing. I figured that he’d be good at taking pictures, too.

Eichi: *sad* So both of you are the artistic type. You two might become twin photographers at this rate.

Issei: Eichi, you’re exaggerating.

Eichi: *sighs* You two are going to try out a bunch of new things to challenge yourselves and eventually be capable of doing all sorts of things… I feel like I’m getting left behind.

Issei: That’s not the case at all! It’s just that… for the longest time, we could only do the things that allowed us to survive.

Eichi: Isse… 

Issei: We didn’t have time to spare to do anything unnecessary. We thought that was normal. When we came here at first, we were happy enough with just a roof over our heads and with a bed to sleep on. I thought that I absolutely had to become a good talent, so that I’d never have to worry about a place for Ichiru to come home to.

Eichi: ...And now?

Issei: Every day’s so fun for me! I can do work with everyone. I like singing! And I’ve even made a goal for myself. I’m… I’m sure, someday, I’ll catch up to both you and Shu! *bashful* I-I guess. Since both of you are looking ahead and keep on walking forward, I might not be able to achieve that in my whole lifetime. But, maybe… I think I’ll be able to keep looking forward and continue living with just those feelings. That’s why, Eichi… Thank you so much.

Eichi: …*sniffles* *sobs*

Issei: ...Eichi? What’s wrong?

Eichi: *congested* Nah— It’s a little— *sniffles* I’m tearing up…

Issei: Eh! Wh-What happened!? Ahh, what do I do… Here, a handkerchief.

Eichi: Khh— *sniffles* Shorry. Thanksh. Huuh… Ff… hhuu…

Issei: I sort of feel bad about this. I must not… be good enough, huh? In the beginning, you gave me so much already, and I can’t repay you no matter what I do the rest of my life.

Eichi: Khh… *sniffles* ISSE—!! [He hugs Issei.]

Issei: Oof! Wha— What is it? What’s wrong?

Eichi: *sniffles* I… You gave me a hundred times the happiness just now! Thank you so much, Isse!

Issei: Uh-um… I don’t really get it, but… Isn’t a hundred times a little bit of an overestimate?

Eichi: Ffh—! Then, two hundred times!

Issei: Hehe… That’s twice as much.

[The door opens.]

Ichiru: The heck are you shouting about?

Issei: Ah. Ichiru.

Eichi: ICCHI—! I LOVE YOU TOO, ICCHI~!

Ichiru: Wh-what’s up with your weird mood?

Issei: Ahh. Apparently, it’s because I said a lot of different things. Also, Eichi said that the pictures you took were cool.

Ichiru: DAHH! Didn’t I freakin’ tell you not to show those to anyone else~!

Issei: Ehh? But they turned out so well. It’s a waste that you don’t want to show them to anyone.

Ichiru: *pouty* And you say that sorta thing at the drop of a hat.

Issei: It’s nothing to be that embarrassed about.

Ichiru: *incredulously* EMBA— I’m n—

Eichi: I want that picture, too! I’ll brag to Shu once he gets back home!

Ichiru: HAAH!? Why are YOU the one bragging to him!?

Issei: *pouty* Exactly. You can’t do that. I’m going to brag to Shu.

Ichiru: Aren’t you two… embarrassed about saying these things?

Eichi: I have nothing to be embarrassed about! I’m a proud and dignified doting parent! You know, I just absolutely LOVE you two!

Ichiru: WHA— What sorta things are you spouting out all proud-like and everything!? ...Jeez…

[The door opens.]

Shu: I’m back.

Issei: Ah, Shu! Welcome home.

Shu: *amused* ...What are you three doing? [Walks toward them.]

Eichi: Shu, listen~!

Ichiru: *nervous* SHU! Eichi’s heading into even weirder and weirder territory with how he’s acting, so don’t come over here~!

Shu: Am I going to be the only one left out? Don’t make me feel sad by saying those things, Ichiru.

Issei: Since all of us are gathered up already, let’s talk things out in the living room.

Ichiru: Right now!? We got work first thing in the morning tomorrow!

Shu: That sounds good. Staying up late once in a while doesn’t sound bad, either.

Ichiru: *pouty* This, coming from the guy who’s always telling us to sleep early?

Shu: *sad* Don’t say that. Let me join in.

Issei: Ah, Shu’s sulking.

Shu: *chuckles* Cat’s out of the bag, huh?

Ichiru: Pfft, fine. There’s no way out of this.

—

Shu: Then, we’ll be excusing ourselves here today. Thank you for your work.

Eichi, Issei, Ichiru: Thank you for your work!

—

Ichiru: It’s finally overrrruuugh~... *yawning*

Shu: You sound sleepy. 

Ichiru: Mm, what would you expect? It’s ‘cuz everyone stayed up so late talking like thaaauugh~... *yawns*

Issei: *yawns* Shu, you’re the same as always.

Shu: Well, I can get by on losing sleep for just one day.

Eichi: As expected of you.

Ichiru: Your eyes were totally red today, Eichi~

Eichi: Yes. They were. I’m reflecting on my mistake.

Shu: It ended without problems, so it’s fine. He doesn’t have to drive the car today, either.

Issei: I’m looking forward to the meal.

Eichi: But I’ll have to hold back on the alcohol~ I’ll probably get drunk since I’m so sleep-deprived.

Shu: Wouldn’t it be fine to let loose once in a while?

Eichi: Eeh~?

Ichiru: Today, we’re going to the restaurant where we first met Eichi, right?

Shu: Yeah. It’d be easier for us to talk things out in a reserved private room, too.

Eichi: Since we might end up talking about work.

Issei: Ohh. So that’s why you went with that place before, too.

Shu: That restaurant was the place where I’d asserted that I couldn’t leave QUELL to anyone except Eichi. But today, we’ll be consulting with someone aside from Eichi about the managing work. It’s a strange feeling.

Issei: Mm. I hope he’s a good person.

—

[QUELL nears the restaurant.]

Eichi: As always, standing in front of such an extravagant restaurant gets me so nervous…!

Ichiru: What should I get~? First is definitely meat, right…!

[Chattering and complaints come up.]

Shu: Hm? That’s…

Man: *angrily* What in the world is going on!?

Employee: I-I’m terribly sorry about this!

Ichiru: Sounds like a dispute.

Eichi: Doesn’t seem pleasant at all.

Issei: I wonder what happened?

[QUELL approaches the scene of the argument.]

Man: Today is an extremely important meeting for my business! Are you going to take responsibility if my negotiations don’t go well!?

Employee: I’m very sorry, truly sorry about this!

Shu: Excuse me. What’s wrong?

Employee: You’re… Izumi-sama! Thank you very much for everything you’ve done.

Man: You’re telling me that you’ve disregarded me, yet you have a place for these brats!?

Employee: W-well, th-that’s…

Shu: If I’m not prying too much, could you please tell me what’s happened?

Employee: A-ah… Yes. Due to an error from the reservation system, a double booking occurred… and there is a guest we can’t provide a seat for…

Man: Do you think in the slightest I can forgive such a shoddy excuse!?

Ichiru: Ya don’t have to shout so loudly, y’know…

Man: WHAT’D YOU SAY, YOU LITTLE—

Issei: If you shout like that, you won’t be able to converse in a way that’d solve the problem.

Man: Tch. You can’t even understand how I’m feeling, and you’re mouthing off to me.

Eichi: U-um! If this could be solved with us giving up our seats, then… Hey, Shu. How about it?

Shu: Yes, let’s do that. Would that be all right? Would it be fine for us to give him our reservation and bring this issue to a close?

Employee: Th-thank you so much for your consideration… But, um… Shameful as it is to say, we weren’t able to reserve a seat for you as well, Izumi-sama. There are many other customers who are waiting as well…

Shu: *sighs* That’s a bother.

Employee: I’m truly so sorry for this! For the time being, we will be escorting the parties in the order which they’re written for their reservation—

Man: Did you not hear me!? The other party is going to be here any minute now!! You’re telling me that I should tell them to wait in line for two hours after they came here from a far-off place!?

Employee: I’m—! I’m so, so sorry about this! Truly! I apologize to you, too, Izumi-sama… 

Shu: No, it’s fine. We’ll look for a different location, so please don’t worry about it.

Ichiru: By the way, Eichi. Ain’t the person we’re meeting with here yet?

Eichi: Uh— Ahh… I guess not. It doesn’t look like he’s here. I’ll go call him.

[Eichi taps on his phone and calls.]

Eichi: Yes, hi. This is Horimiya. Where are you right now? There’s actually a little bit of trouble where we are...

?: “Ah, I’m also dealing with a bit of trouble myself, see… [He quickly walks over to QUELL, not realizing they’re there.] Please don’t worry and relax wherever you are, Eichi-kun! Until then, could you somehow…”

Eichi: Eh— H-huh!? Yuzuki-san?

[Yuzuki stops next to them.]

Yuzuki: Eichi-kun!

Eichi: I’m glad to see you! Ah, but actually…

Yuzuki: A-aah, I’m sorry. Excuse me. Could you wait just a moment?

Eichi: Huh— Ah, yes… Sure.

[Yuzuki walks over to the source of the conflict.]

Yuzuki: I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I’ve prepared a replacement seat for you.

Employee: Wh-what!? Really?

Yuzuki: Yes!

Man: I said that today was an important negotiation for business, didn’t I? I won’t use a place that was settled irresponsibly!

Yuzuki: I know. I had heard previously that you had a major business meeting to attend to, so... [He taps on his phone a few times.] I would like to talk to you about this hotel’s special room. How is it?

Man: *scoffing* As if the likes of you could… [He takes a look at it.] ...NNH!?

Yuzuki: It’s the highest-grade room at said hotel, and the food is also five stars. The location is also roughly five minutes away from here on foot, so I assume it wouldn’t be very much of a nuisance to your business partner. Neither will the charge. I’ve already checked over the fee for the reservation that could be made for your business.

Man: Uhh— Um. B-but! How did you get such a high-grade place!?

Yuzuki: [Flipping papers] Please try calling this number. It’ll take you to the staff members who have understood the situation. There will be no problem if you were to talk with them about any apprehensions you have after your negotiations.

Man: [Takes the paper.] Who in the world are you…? You can’t do this if you don’t have money, correct?

Yuzuki: That’s not the case. It just so happened that a room had opened up. Mister director, you must be a fortunate person with luck on your side.

Man: Ah… Pfft. Hahaha. Hahahaha! I got it. Let’s settle this with me being in your debt for now. Good grief. You helped me out just now.

Yuzuki: [smiles] I pray that it will be a good negotiation for you.

Man: Thank you. Do you have a business card?

Yuzuki: A-aah… Um, about that. I don’t have it on hand with me today. ...I’m sorry.

Ichiru: ...UUAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

Shu: !? What’s wrong, Ichiru?

Ichiru: PHONE!

Eichi: Eh— What’s wrong with your phone? Did you lose it again!?

Ichiru: ‘S not what I meant! That guy! He’s the dude who picked up my phone before!!

Eichi: WHEH!?

Man: [Addressing the employee.] You. If that man is ever interested in what I do, tell him my contact number anytime.

Employee: Yes, I understand. I’m truly, so sorry that we’ve caused trouble for you tod—…

Man: Enough already. I’ll defer to him and say it’s even for today. Be careful next time, would you? [He walks away and talks to one of his workers.] It’s me. I’ve gotten a different location, so hurry and inform the business partner about the change. The place is… [The door closes behind him.]

Yuzuki: *sighs* Haah… Thank… goodness… 

Employee: Thank you so much…! You really saved us just now.

Yuzuki: N-n-no! I’m the one who should be sorry for going off and doing things of my own accord... Ah. I’ve also procured a number of various restaurants’ reservations, so if you’d like, you could refer them to the other customers—

Ichiru: Hey! Hey, you! [He walks toward Yuzuki.]

Yuzuki: Wheh!? A-aah— Yes? I-I-I’m sorry.

Ichiru: This face… This way of saying “I’m sorry!”... No way I’m wrong.

Issei: Mm! It’s that person from before!

Yuzuki: Huh?

Ichiru: Ya don’t remember us? 

Issei: You helped us out by picking up a phone for us.

Yuzuki: …Oh…… …Nn? Hm…… AaaaaAAAHHH!! [He runs up to the twins.] You’re the… pretty-boy twins from before…!!