Chapter 15: Dinner at the Katayama's
Minami no Hanashi : Yume - Prelude
Outside the high school
-(Jun) Yo!
-(Minami) Hey, man who toys with other people's worries.
-(Jun) Ohh, you're still on that?
-(Minami) Just wait till I tell my dad.
A cold shiver ran down his spine.
-(Jun) Y-You're not really going to do that, right? It was just a joke!
-(Minami) Pff.
Minami glanced out the window and saw Sanae. She waved at her, so Minami rolled down the window to talk to her.
-(Minami) Need a ride??
-(Sanae) No! I've got some unexpected errands to run. But thanks!
-(Minami) Oh, okay! But actually, it wasn't a question. Get in!
During the ride, Minami recounted everything that happened with Ayemi. There were laughs, and more laughs. Eventually, Jun and Minami accompanied Sanae on all her little detours. And then it was Minami's turn to be dropped off.
Outside Minami's house
-(Minami) Oh, mom's waiting by the door.
-(Jun) Uh-oh… What does that mean?
-(Minami) Are you coming to say hi?
-(Jun) Yeah, sure! Let me park, and I'll be right there.
A few minutes later
-(Minami) Hi, mom!
Azumi grabbed Minami and hugged her like a plush toy.
-(Azumi) Aww, my darling!! I've captured you!
In Azumi's warm embrace, Minami felt enveloped in affection, like a plush toy cuddled by her mother. These tender and sweet moments warmed her heart, transforming her face into that of a joyful child finding comfort in maternal arms.
-(Azumi) How are you? Everything seems fine there!
-(Minami) Yep!
-(Azumi) Alright, off you go!
-(Minami) Bye, Jun! And thanks!
Minami rushed into the house, while Jun got out of his car.
-(Jun) Hey!
-(Azumi) *Smile* Jun!! How are you??
-(Jun) I'm doing great, and you?
-(Azumi) Are you joining us for dinner tonight?
-(Jun) What?
-(Azumi) The girls will be thrilled! And it'll give us a chance to talk!
-(Jun) Um… Is Mr. Katayama home?
-(Azumi) Shinsuke? No, he's still at work! He'll be back soon.
-(Jun) Is he aware? I'd prefer he knows if I'm dining here.
-(Azumi) Oh, he already knows! I don't do anything without informing my husband. And he's okay with it!
Jun swallowed hard, dreading the moment of confrontation with Mr. Katayama. Because indeed, every encounter with this character is, for Jun, a deadly ordeal.
-(Azumi) I've cooked a very, very good meal on top of that!
Azumi's face was radiant with joy. It was an irresistible invitation.
"She's so caring and warm!!" Jun thought.
Mrs. Katayama had a gentle face, and her voice was calm and soothing.
-(Azumi) Do you accept?
-(Jun) Yes!
-(Azumi) Wonderful!! The girls will be delighted!
Jun then entered the house and took off his shoes. Azumi offered him a pair of slippers, still smiling.
-(Jun) Thanks. I'm having dinner with the Katayama family tonight… Just thinking about it makes my whole body shake.
Of course, this isn't Jun's first time, it has happened before. However, he faces an unexpected situation because two threats loom over him. What if Narumi decided to spill the beans about what happened this morning? And if Minami, out of revenge, told her father about the prank Jun pulled on her? These two questions occupy the available space in his brain. But surprisingly, he manages to keep his cool…
Jun stood still in the hallway. Narumi looked at him, puzzled.
"What are you doing?"
-(Jun) Mentally preparing myself.
The younger girl smiled proudly.
-(Narumi) I see my warning this morning really got to you.
She patted his shoulder, still smiling, and continued, "Come on, relax, I won't say anything, silly!"
-(Jun) I trust you.
The tone Jun took in his response was so serious that the stakes seemed to be life or death. It exasperated Narumi.
-(Narumi) You're being way too serious... I just asked you to relax.
-(Jun) You don't seem to understand the seriousness of this evening. My entire life is at stake.
-(Narumi) Oh la la~ I don't see why you're so on edge, my dad can be scary sometimes-
-(Jun) Sometimes?!
-(Narumi) But I've never seen him hit anyone. She assured, shrugging her shoulders.
-(Jun) Of course not, he doesn't need to. And it's not like he's going to hit someone in front of his daughter... Well, I hope?
-(Jun) But I guess I can relax a bit since he's not home y-
Suddenly, Shinsuke opened the door.
-(Narumi) Oh! You're already here?! Mom! Dad's here!
Azumi, who was in the living room, heard her and replied: "Okay! Help him with his things!"
Narumi took Shinsuke's bag and carried it upstairs to his room. He took off his shoes, and meanwhile, Jun was thinking, as usual.
-(Jun) Well, that didn't last.
-(Shinsuke) Good morning, Jun, how are you?
-(Jun) Very well, and you? He asked with a smile.
They exchanged a handshake and stared each other straight in the eyes, leaving a silence. Until Minami came down the stairs and saw the two men shaking hands without moving in the middle of the hallway. Intrigued, Minami asked them, "What are you guys playing at?"
Neither of them answered her because indeed, a battle was taking place, but no one could see it. They continued shaking hands.
-(Jun) It's a test. There's no doubt about it, my years at Unmei High School have led me to the following conclusion: If you find yourself facing someone more imposing than you and they start acting weird, it's a test! He thought with conviction.
-(Minami) Huh?
Suddenly, their endless handshake came to an end. Shinsuke broke the silence with a serious tone and a respectful look: "Well, you've matured."
-(Jun) Thank you, sir! Hehe, I suspected as much. I must continue on this path and validate all the checkpoints!
-(Minami) You guys are really weird...
-(Azumi) Everyone!
She said it. "Everyone!", it is said that this phrase is audible to more than a kilometer for those familiar with the Katayama family. This signal is Katayama Azumi's signature phrase, like a matriarch elephant, it guides the herd. The bodies of those familiar with the Katayama family act on their own, automatically straightening up in a military manner.
-(Azumi) We'll eat in 20 minutes! She announced with a smile on her face.
Shinsuke went up to his room.
-(Minami) Okay! Come on, Jun, I need you for something. She pointed up the stairs.
Jun, following Minami, nodded, "Okay!"
-(Azumi) Narumi, come help me with the table.
-(Narumi) Coming!
20 minutes later...
-(Minami) It's time to eat.
-(Jun) Yes! I've missed Mrs. Katayama's dishes!
Jun and Minami went downstairs.
-(Azumi) Everything's ready! -(Narumi) Which side does Jun sit on?
While looking at Jun with a smile, Azumi replied: "Next to me, of course!"
Shinsuke sat at the end of the table like a family leader, Azumi and Jun sat to his right while the two Katayama sisters sat to his left. Everyone sat down at the same time. This was not intended.
-(Everyone) Bon appétit!
Everyone ate in silence. Which made Jun even more nervous.
-(Jun) Um, what's going on? Why isn't anyone talking? I mean, I know we're here to eat but still! Please, talk!
Jun was surprised, he used to eat at the Katayama's when he was younger. Meals were lively and never boring. But today, it's the opposite. Is it my fault? Am I bothering after all these years? These are the thoughts occupying the space available in his brain.
He whispered to himself: There's a problem. Am I being tested by the entire Katayama family? No, I have to act like everything's normal and eat normally. …
Shinsuke, with a gargantuan and authoritative aura, addressed Jun: "How's work going?"
Panic-stricken, he exclaimed in his thoughts: AHHHHHHH! I KNEW IT, THIS IS A TACTIC USED BY THE GREATEST!
Jun displayed a calm face. A calm that no storm could disturb.
"It's going very well, I received compliments from Mr. Watanabe after finding out what was wrong with his car engine."
The tactic Jun talks about is used by the most experienced oral examiners at Unmei. Its operation is simple: not uttering a single word for at least a minute before asking the first question. It builds pressure on the student and destabilizes them. A cunning tactic.
-(Shinsuke) Good.
-(Jun) First checkpoint validated.
-(Narumi) Can you pass me the water?
-(Minami) Here you go.
-(Shinsuke) By the way, isn't the rent too high?
-(Jun) No, at first I was quite apprehensive, but it seems the boss is very generous with his employees. I earn enough to afford some little pleasures from time to time. Hehe with that, I show him that I am responsible and earn a good living.
-(Shinsuke) Good.
-(Jun) Checkpoint validated!! Everything is going smoothly! I think I'm going to make it-
-(Shinsuke) What were you doing this morning?
This question was the worst for Jun.
-(Jun) Huh? WHAAATTTTT? This is the end.
Narumi looked confused, wondering why her father was asking such a question. Could he be aware of everything?
-(Narumi) But I didn't say anything.
Azumi, as usual, had a smiling face. Not a malicious or vicious smile, but a genuine, gentle smile.
Minami was like in a movie, watching the whole spectacle while enjoying her meal.
-(Jun) Well, keep calm. I'm naive, what did I expect? We weren't discreet at all. It was sure we were going to be spotted. So what do I do? If he asks the question, it means he saw us, and in that case, I can't lie about what I was doing this morning. We shouldn't overlook the possibility that he not only saw us in front of the house but also followed us! So in that case, he knows absolutely everything and I have to honestly say what happened... Hehehe, that's what a novice would do, which I am not! Indeed, Mr. Katayama just asked me what I was doing this morning, but he didn't specify which one! And yes, between 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., or even 11 a.m., I have the embarrassment of choice! So now I will unveil to you Satoshi Jun's secret technique, I named it: the Stealthy Response! This consists of playing on the turn of the question asked to respond in a way that suits you. Here I will simply, naively, deduce that he's asking me what I was supposed to do this morning at work since his first question was about my job when I know very well which "morning" he's talking about. Now all that's left is to respond naturally.
Clarification: this reflection lasted only 1 second.
-(Jun) This morning? I started with diagnosing problems on a vehicle we received a few days ago. My morning was quite light compared to usual, I finished it by cleaning the garage tools.
Shinsuke looked at his wife. Then he smiled with pride.
-(Shinsuke) I see.
Jun was intrigued and especially very surprised.
-(Jun) Am I dreaming or did he smile? No, impossible, I've never seen him smile.
And as if the test had just ended, a much warmer atmosphere began to settle.
-(Minami) This is boring, can't we talk about something else?
-(Narumi) In that case, I'll tell you about my hectic day with my friends. She said with a smile.
-(Minami) Oh no, please spare us that, I'd rather you mess with my books.
-(Jun) No, Minami! Let her talk about her day! I'll be able to gracefully dodge your father's tests!
Enthusiastic, Jun encouraged Narumi to talk about her day.
-(Narumi) You see Minami? It's been a long time since Jun has been here, and yet he manages better with me than you do.
-(Minami) Oh yeah, right, he just wants to avoid Dad's questions.
-(Narumi) So, as I was saying-
We spare you this moment.
Later
Everyone was satiated and satisfied with the dinner.
-(Jun) Wow! Thanks for the meal! I missed this!
-(Azumi) Oh no, it's obvious. You can come back whenever you want, Jun!
-(Jun) I'd love to, but I just narrowly escaped death, I'd rather not take any risks! Haha, I don't want to impose too much.
Azumi knew exactly what he meant, so she just smiled at him, not to make things worse.
-(Jun) Well, I think I'll head off. Minami, Narumi, see you next time!
-(Minami) See ya!
-(Narumi) Ciao!
-(Jun) And goodbye, Mr. Katayama!
Shinsuke bid him farewell with a slight smile. This time it was certain, Jun had risen in Mr. Katayama's esteem. He didn't even notice the familiarity the latter had with his daughters because he now considered him an integral part of the family. But also because he received advice from his wife.
-(Azumi) Jun, can I talk to you for a minute?
-(Jun) *Intrigued* Sure, of course.
Outside, in front of the Katayama house
-(Azumi) So, about that meal?
Jun replied with a smile while holding his stomach: "It was really good! As usual, haha."
-(Azumi) Oh no, come on. You know what I'm talking about, right?
-(Jun) Haha... I can't hide anything from her, it's crazy. I won't lie to you, I thought I was a goner.
Knowing all facets of Shinsuke, hearing that made Azumi laugh.
-(Azumi) That's what I thought! You did very well, I think.
-(Jun) Yes, I think it went better than I expected. But it's true that your husband surprised me a bit. He said, feeling embarrassed
-(Azumi) Yes, it's true, to tell you the truth, he wanted to test you. Did you notice?
-(Jun) Yes, I was troubled at first, but I quickly understood-
-(Azumi) If I hadn't held him back this morning, I don't know what would have happened.
Then she laughed, imagining all the scenarios that could have happened. Which wasn't funny to Jun. A shiver ran through his whole being.
-(Jun) Huh? What do you mean you don't know what could have happened? Does that mean he would have done something, and you don't know what that thing is?!!! This man is a ticking time bomb.
-(Jun) I-I mean... yeah...
-(Azumi) Oh, no, I'm just kidding. To be honest, the idea of inviting you came from him. Quite surprising, isn't it?
-(Jun) Excuse me?
-(Azumi) Yes, actually, I defended you so much this morning that he wanted to check in person if I was telling the truth, and I'm happy because you proved me right.
Tears of joy flowed inside Jun, who was moved by Azumi's personality.
-(Jun) Mrs., you're the best! She defended me! DEFENDED ME!! I can die in peace. No, come on, I didn't do anything, it's you who's always right. He said with humility
-(Azumi) Me? Always right?
Azumi then lost herself in her thoughts, probably searching for very distant memories.
"Hmm..."
With a teasing look, Jun interrupted Azumi in her thoughts: "Ha! You see! You can't even remember the last time you were wrong."
-(Azumi) Let's just say I'm good at riddles! She replied with a smile
-(Jun) It's more than just riddles at this level.
-(Azumi) And Minami? She looked very happy.
-(Jun) Oh yeah, speaking of which, I think we've made up, but she might still be mad at me for something else...
-(Azumi) Oh really? What happened?
Jun recounted in detail what had happened at lunchtime.
-(Azumi) I see, I see, there's nothing to worry about, and I'm sure she'd much rather have that little joke than see you move out.
-(Jun) Haha, yes, I suppose... I was surprised by her reaction and that's when I realized you were right all along! But she clearly made it clear to me that it will never happen again. I don't regret it in the end!
-(Azumi) Yes, that's my daughter's style.
-(Jun) Well, on that note, madame, thank you once again for the wonderful meal. I think I'll head off now.
-(Azumi) Yes, you wouldn't want to oversleep tomorrow morning.
Jun then returned to his car, bidding Azumi farewell, and drove off. Azumi, left alone in front of the house, looked into the distance, lost in thought. "You're mistaken about me, my dear Jun. There was indeed a moment when I should never have been wrong."
On the road, in Jun's car
-(Jun) Hmm... I don't know why, but I feel like I've missed something...
At Kenichi's...
Kenichi was drinking beer in front of his favorite TV show. Suddenly, he spat out everything he had in his mouth, startled, and exclaimed out loud with wide eyes, "Wait... But Jun... You don't have a little sister..."
END OF CHAPTER
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