1Av2

I stared upward, browsing over the highest shelves of music displayed. I was at my favorite CD shop. The place was a little hole in the wall fill from top to bottom with CDs and other music merchandise. I always found hidden gems here. While looking over everything for something new, my eye caught a specific album I had been looking for. I mulled over whether or not I should try and grab it by myself. I wasn't exactly short but the CDs were still above a comfortable arm's reach. I was sure to cause a disaster if I tried to grab at it, after all I was rather clumsy. Scanning the store I checked to see if there was anyone available to help me but the only worker was busy sorting through some merchandise.

I continued looking at the CDs surrounding the Kinoko Teikoku album and I began to want it more and more. I decided to look around a bit more and wait until the worker was free. I was far too embarrassed to go straight up to him and ask for help, nor did I want to distract him from his work.

15 minutes passed by and I ended up right where I was before. I couldn't stay here all night and I wanted that album. I stared it down and said silently to myself, "I'm going to get this album." I took a deep breath and without taking my eye off the prize I stood on my tip toes, moving forward against the shelf, careful not to knock anything off. My hand just barely grazed the side of the CD. I still can’t grab it. I debated in my head what to do but suddenly just felt the need to act. I pushed myself forward by moving myself upward with my other leg. This of course didn't end well. I start feeling myself lose my balance. I tried my hardest to regain my balance but it was all happening so fast and I started to plummet towards the ground. I let out a soft cry of fear and in response I heard a voice call out something and before I knew it I felt someone catch me.

In front of me I saw the shopkeeper looking at me and trying to figure out what happened. I glanced up and saw a man, about 20 or so holding me. My face began to turn red from the embarrassment of making a scene. I can't believe I did that. Why did I do that? That was dumb. I knew what was going to happen.

"Are you alright?" his soft voice broke me out of my mental rant. I tried to say something but failed to make any audible noises. I moved off his support and stood back up on my own, his grip letting up but still guiding me to my feet.

"I... um..." I finally decided to just nod. He gave me a smile that was so warm it reflected onto me making my heart beat a little faster.

"So what was it you were trying to reach?" I stared at him blankly, trying to find words.

"T-this album." I pointed at the title.

"Oh? I love Kinoko Teikoku!" He was only bit taller than me but effortlessly reached it and held it out for me. "I bet you have good taste in music wanting an album like this."

"It the only album of theirs I was missing and is my favorite." I weakly answered. Moving my gaze from the CD I looked over his features as we shared some idle conversation. His posture was casual and his tone gentle. Something about him just seemed so warm and inviting. Nothing about his looks particularly stood out aside from his fair beige skin. His eyes were a cool grey that matched his overall attitude. It was as if everything about him was just subdue and calm. It felt relaxing just being in his presence. I knew that wanted to get to know him.

We talked for a bit about our favorite musicians and had quite a bit in common. I had completely moved away from my typical shy persona and felt I could really open up to him. I didn't fear I was getting too excited when a certain name was mentioned or anything. Everything about him was so safe.

"Hey wanna go to a cafe or something and continue talking?" I eagerly asked.

"Sure, that sounds like a great idea."

I bought my CD and we walked down the street looking for a cafe to stop at. It was chilly outside but I dressed for the occasion so it wasn't too bad. I enjoyed the cold but was looking forward to drinking a hot mocha to warm me up. I stopped as we came up on a little cafe on the corner of the street.

"Oh, this place is great! It has really good pastries too."

"I've seen this place a lot but never actually stopped inside. I hope they have good soup because I'm starving.." he commented as he opened the door for me.

We went up the the counter and ordered. We sat down at a table that was next to the glass wall exposing the street outside giving us a show of all the city lights.

"You know, I haven't even asked your name yet." He chuckled.

"Oh I guess I haven't either. Well I'm Anon. It's nice to meet you."

"Kyousuke.” The name was fitting. It was quite common and average but had a nice ring to it.

“So do you live around here?” he asked, opening up conversation after a few minutes of silence. I nodded.

“Yeah I live and work here in Bunkyo. I moved here a little less than a year ago. What about you?”

“I’m going to Tokyo University actually. I live close to the campus.”

“Oh wow. That’s pretty amazing.”

“I worked hard to get in is all. I had to go through a lot for it.” he stopped for a moment. “Do you mind if I ask what you’re doing in Japan?” It’s not surprising he pointed this out considering I’m an American and probably look out of place. I thought over my words carefully, still a bit unsure what to say exactly.

“I just needed to get away from where I used to live.” I said looking out the window.

“Where was that?”

“In America.” We both fell silent for a while as I watched cars go by and the light reflect onto the window in chaotic ways. I started to feel bad for not knowing what exactly to say.

“Do you work?” He asked, cutting through the silence.

“Yeah I do.” I turned back to him. “I work at a restaurant as a cook close to where I live. It’s a family run restaurant that’s really tasty. I’m learning to cook there.”

“So you enjoy cooking?”

“Yup I do. It’s nice making delicious good for someone. Anyone can appreciate a good meal and everyone needs one. It’s fulfilling cooking for people as well as just making something for myself.”

“That seems very kind of you to like making things for others.” Again he gave me one of those warm smiles only this time we were looking each other in the eyes. It was overwhelming and I felt myself begin to breath harder. I quickly looked down and at my mocha and took a sip, trying to not make my flustered expression noticeable.

“Do you have any other hobbies besides music and studying?” I asked trying to distract myself from the embarrassment.

“Over the years I’ve grown to really like visual novel and anime.”

“I’m not a big fan of visual novel, but I quite like anime. I haven’t watched much lately though. I’ve been more into video games lately. I enjoy just getting lost in a different world sometimes.”

We shared some more idle conversation about our favorite games and series before the cafe was closing. We both had places to be the next day so we decided it would be best to head home for the night. Walking outside of the cafe we were met with a chilly night and I felt myself shiver from the cold. Kyousuke turned to me.

“Would you wanna exchange mails? I’d be fun to do this again sometimes or maybe go hunting for some CDs together. “

I felt myself unable to find words, so like before I nodded. I wasn’t used to being asked this considering most my friends are from online communities and chat rooms. I haven’t met anyone since I moved either so it was the first time someone asked me.

We finished up exchanging information  

“Alright then, see you tomorrow.” Kyousuke said as he closed his phone.

“Yeah it was fun.” We hung there for a moment just sorta smiling at one another before Kyousuke added, "You know I haven't done something like this in a while. It was really nice. Thanks." My heart skipped a beat hearing this but I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe it was because I really needed something like this too. We said our goodbyes and he turned around and walked the other way. I stood there for a moment watching him walk away and felt myself blushing with a stupid grin on my face. I nearly skipped all the way home I was so happy. It had been forever since I had enjoyed my time with someone else.