Chapter Text
"She's in the shower," it's dad who picks the phone. "She was waiting for your call the whole evening and just went in." He gets up from the couch and walks to the bathroom. A glimpse of the TV flashes on the screen as he turns. The news is on, as always.
"Honey, it's Jean."
He doesn't catch mom's words from inside the shower and he doesn't think dad does either. But he says, "She won't be long now."
"Hmh." He nods.
"Are you all settled?"
"For now, more or less. Took a shower, changed, ate a sandwich."
"How long did it take from the airport?"
"Umm… About forty minutes I think? Not sure though. I didn't check."
"Aah," dad makes it back to the couch. "Make sure to get the rail pass, nothing beats the rail services in Hizuru."
"Yeah, I was thinking maybe Wednesday. I have to go to the university tomorrow. To submit my documents. "
"And? How's the apartment?"
"Good. The building's old, but very well-maintained. And well equipped, there's even a coffee maker."
"Old building? Then it must be cold in winter." Mom shows up, a towel wrapped around her head.
"Not that old. And there's a heater. So, I'm sure that won't be a problem. And it's really close to the university. I won't have to go to class sleep deprived."
Mom breathes a sigh to let him know she isn't entirely convinced. "If that's what suits you. You never listen to me anyway." Dad moves aside to make room for her on the couch and she sits down.
"Only don't bring me a Hizuruan daughter-in-law. That I don't think I'll be able to handle that at my age."
"Mom, once again, that's racist!"
"How is it racist?" She looks at dad, probably looking for support. "I'm not saying they're bad or anything like that. But when people have different upbringing, different... cultural backgrounds, it can be very difficult to get along. Didn't you see Jess? Didn't you learn anything from it? Your aunt warned her again and again and she didn't listen. Now look how that turned out for her?"
"For god's sake, mom! I've barely been in this country for three hours." He exhales. "First, just because Jess' marriage didn't work doesn't mean that's what happens to everyone. Didn't grandma and grandpa dislike dad at first because he came from the south?"
Mom turns to dad who gives a small shrug. As if to say, he's got a point. And she opens her mouth but closes it without saying anything.
"And second, I haven't even turned twenty four yet. I don't plan to get married until I'm at least thirty. So, rest easy. I'm only here for my master's and will be back home in a year. Single and unattached."
Mom gives that look which tells she'd very much like to say something but decides not to.
"Since your mom is here, show us your apartment."
He checks the cart once again. Shampoo, conditioner, face-wash, body-wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving foam, moisturising lotion, detergent, fabric softener (does he really need it though?), coffee, eggs, bread, milk, butter and banana. Yeah, that's all.
Jesus fucking Christ! The lady in front of him! Did she do the whole year's shopping today? Who needs that much stuff?
He looks around, trying to kill time.
A kid is throwing a tantrum in front of the chocolate shelf. Guess kids in Hizuru aren't much different from kids in Paradis. He looks away, his gaze brushing past the fruits section. And then backtracking the very next moment.
There's a girl, checking an apple. A basket in her left hand. Most of hers face is hidden from view by her long black hair. Falling over her shoulders, hanging over her back, a contrast against her yellow dress.
She turns her head a little, putting the apple in the basket. And he catches a glimpse of her face.
And goddammit that face!
"Sir?"
"Sir, will you please move forward?"
"Excuse me, sir?"
Oh fuck!
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he pushes the cart ahead, face getting hot. How long was he staring, really?
.
.
.
He scans the store once again. But she's nowhere to be found. Despite his deliberate slow steps, he reaches the exit. With a sigh, he walks out. Leaving behind his black-hair lady.