Page 97 of Pandion

“I think I saw it on the shelf over there.”

“I guess I could send them a message and see if they’re around. I don’t really have much to say to them.” He found his reader and connected it to his port. “I could ask them for details, but I don’t think that would change anything.” His nonchalance was perplexing, considering how upset he’d been to find out his parents had known about his DEFD. He sent out the message and disconnected the reader.

“You’re surprisingly chill about this. I’d want to give them a piece of my mind if I were you.”

“If they’re around, and we go meet them, you’ll see what I mean when I say it’s a waste of breath.” Kagesawa put the reader into his pocket and lifted his bags. He was done with packing, and to his credit, it wasn’t even noon yet. That he’d managed to locate all of his scattered belongings was no small miracle.

It only dawned on Harumine when they arrived at Aoyama-itchome Station that Kagesawa had indeed said Aoyama. A stone’s throw away from the station, Kagesawa pointed out a modern three-storey detached house overlooking a park, with a garage, three cars and a backyard. Considering the location and what he was staring at in disbelief, Harumine refused to even guess the value of this piece of property.

Kagesawa, in his usual worn out getup, looked very out of place at the front gate of this house. Harumine himself felt like he should have been wearing at least three, maybe four designer suits on top of one another to not feel like a beggar.

“Let’s hope they’re actually home because I didn’t bring my keys.”

Kagesawa rang the doorbell.

“Yes?” A female voice from the intercom.

“It’s Tsuyoshi. Can you let me in?”Ah, crap, I forgot about her.

“What? I don’t know anyone by that name.” She sounded much too spiteful to be serious.

“Please? I know it’s been a while. Let me in, OK?”

“Fine.” The gate opened.

Kagesawa let Harumine in and followed even less enthused than before, if that was possible.It’s my sister. I don’t know what she’s doing here. She’s usually abroad most of the year.

The door was left ajar. Kagesawa opened it for Harumine, either to be a gentleman or to delay for a few more seconds before having to walk in himself.

“Mum and Dad aren’t here yet, but they’re coming home for dinner.” By the sounds of it, Kagesawa’s sister had already headed off into the kitchen.

Kagesawa guided Harumine towards the stairs.

“Will you be staying until then, or are you here to pick something up? Money? You’re here for money, right?” She, a fairly beautiful and well-dressed woman in her early forties, returned to the entrance hall. “Oh, who is he?”

“Harumine Satoru. Satoru, this is my older sister Kagesawa Reika.”

“Nice to meet you.” Harumine gave her a polite bow. She raised her brow, inspected Harumine from head to toe and turned back to her brother.

“A link?”

“Yes.”

“What are you here for? To show him off? He’s not much to look at, no offence.” She seemed genuinely puzzled, even annoyed. The atmosphere was getting tense and uncomfortable. Harumine wondered if the parents were going to be as off-putting. This probably hadn’t been a good idea.

“He’s prettier than your ugly face.” Kagesawa’s response made Harumine do a double-take. After a moment of heavy silence, Reika snorted.

“I’ll give you money if you need some. It’s no problem.” She smiled and gave Kagesawa a hug. “Come by a little more often. I’d like to know what you’ve been up to.”

“I don’t need anything. Satoru suggested I stop by before we head out of town since it might be a while before it’s safe to travel again.”

“Ooh, right. I heard something on the news. I landed two days ago, so I haven’t really had the chance to catch up. I’ll be leaving for Italy again early next week. How are you holding up? Are you sure you don’t need some money?” She seemed friendlier now that she’d been insulted.

“I’m fine.”

“Are you staying for dinner at least?” Before Kagesawa could respond, she started ushering him and Harumine up the stairs and continued, “Change out of those rags and show your friend around. Dinner’s at six. I need to go do a thing.” She was as quick to retreat as she was pushy, and she hummed something as she disappeared back into the kitchen.

Don’t mind her.Kagesawa climbed up the stairs. Harumine followed.Here’s my room, assuming they haven’t converted it into an office.Kagesawa opened the door to one of the bedrooms.

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