The patrons got their coffee and made their way back to their daily jobs or to try to get a shower in before work.
We continued working and talked throughout the day.
Once work was over Zac and I found a place to eat dinner. It was a really good seafood and sushi restaurant.
While eating we talked about some other things starting when Zac asked, "So, are you seeing anyone?"
I answered, "Hmm, that's a bit complicated."
"How so?"
"Well, we aren't dating. But, we both clearly like each other."
"How does that work? Has no one asked the question yet? Like in those Rom-Com anime?"
"Not really, though there have been moments where I have been questioning reality."
"Really?"
"Yeah, like we have slept in the same bed. With nothing happening."
"That does sound pretty Rom-Comy."
"Exactly. She knows that I like her and I know that she is at least interested in me. But she also knows how successful I have been. Which has made her feel inadequate. So, she told me that she wants to be at least half as successful as I have.
Since I have made almost 200 million dollars, that's a tall ask.
The only good news is that she is crazy smart and masterful with car engines. She has been designing a new revolutionary car engine that will change everything. Big claim I know. But the preliminary tests have already come through and they back up our claim."
"Wow. Sounds… very power couple. I wish you the best and if you ever get so rich you don't know what to do with all of your money, just remember that I'm here."
"Ha. Yeah, sure. If I take off I'll drag you with me."
"I'll remember that!"
"Yeah, but if it all crashes and burns you better give me room and board while I work for you."
"Eh? Ah… I don't know about that?"
"Gee, thanks, you asshole."
"Haha."
The food was amazing, I ate a ton of sushi.
After eating we said we would talk over InstaPics since I still can't use my phone without wifi. Then we each made our way back to our own lives.
…
The next day around noon I got the message from Ren Shiro the team leader saying that tomorrow the person who would follow me out would be ready to leave.
I spent the day wandering around Tokyo.
I saw things that were both amazing and horrifying. In this giant sparkling city there are bright lights that distract you from the deep dark looming shadows that exist in this city.
Every city, and every country has both good and bad things.
It's just in cities that shine so bright, the darkness looks all the worse.
The bright side shows the diversity of the shops and goods available, as well as the politeness of everyday citizens.
The dark side is the clear failure of the system to their youth. I saw teenage girls that had run away from home and had nowhere to go or any system to help them. So, they had to sleep on the streets and even sell themselves out.
Prostitution is illegal in Yamato, but allowing a girl to have a shower, eat whatever she wants from the fridge, and sleep in a warm bed. All of that in exchange for sleeping together isn't illegal. The age of consent is 16.
In this country, this is just another normal part of their society. Even if I don't like it or don't understand, it's not my place to do anything. I can only grit my teeth and avert my eyes. Life is unfair in the cruelest of ways sometimes.
They were born in a developed country and should have had a privileged life befitting of the country. But, here they are being exploited, struggling just to survive on the streets.
But like I said, life is unfair. I guess a developed country doesn't mean it's a paradise.
I was back at the hotel after eating out. The somber mood persisted as I watched TV before falling asleep while the TV played in the background.
…
The next morning I woke up early, I wanted to take one of the first trains out. But, I had to wait for my "chaperone".
I waited at the train station for her to show up.
She showed up right on time. We didn't have time for proper introductions. We just confirmed that the other was who they said they were.
"Are you the person I'm waiting on from the government?"
"Yes."
"Alright, then we better hurry or we will miss the train."
With that we walked to the train in silence.
Once we were on the train we made our proper introductions.
"Hello, I'm sure you already know my name but I'm Elijah Ambrose. It's nice to meet you."
The lady tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiled and said, "Yes, My name is Kitsumi Kiyo. Like wise. It's nice to meet you."
Since the train was starting we had to take our seats and secure our luggage.
The train launched from the station and we were away on our 5 something hour ride. Once we were up to speed, I decided to pull out my breakfast.
Most trains do not have any food available on board. Sometimes there are vending machines and carts. But most carts have been discontinued. In fact it is even considered rude to eat on the normal commuter trains.
Good thing we are riding the bullet train, which is acceptable to eat on. They were selling train lunch boxes at the station which caused me to look into it. Which I'm glad I did or I would have been very hungry on this trip.
So, I bought a few rice balls, a few stuffed breads, and a lunch box that will warm up over time to room temperature. That will be ready to eat later.
I pulled out the rice balls and bit into a nice seaweed and salt rice ball. Delicious. What a nice way to start this journey.