Chapter 8

Otome Road~Episode II~ 2005/12/13 00:12 Ikebukuro. As a citizen of more rural lands, this single word conjures many images into my head. Images of fashion and coolness. A neighborhood full of young people. Perhaps it’s only just a giant business park. Then there was that guy on Ainori who called himself “the wolf of ’Bukuro.” And something about a king in the West Gate Park. I never actually watched that drama, though. But, on the other hand… I never knew there was actually a real Otome Road. I’m sitting in a family restaurant on the way home from Otome Road now. I was forced to carry Y-ko’s numerous purchases —and it was a pain. More to the point— the cart was unbelievably heavy. I can only assume the bags are full of BL books and magazines. How much did she sink into this trip? I hope she doesn’t leave them all at my place. These things floated through my head as I carried the cart up the stairs. The restaurant is mostly empty. Hang in there, manager. Don’t let the recession get you down. We were guided to the nonsmoking section by the waiter and finally got off our feet. See? See what?! Y-ko proudly began to show off bits and pieces of the stuff she had in the absolutely packed cart. What’s with all the titillating, suggestive, can-you-see-it-or-not art? … No, no! You don’t need to show me. I’m perfectly fine! I really don’t want to be looking at these gaudy illustrations in a diner, and especially not before I eat!! Plus, you bought wayyyy too much, lady. So, Y-ko-san, you’re saying that you read Jump every week and also buy the volumes? I mean, that’s cool and all. I think Death Note is pretty good, too. Ah, yes, I understand. That’s how I feel when I buy porno magazines. Of course, what she’s buying are essentially porno mags, too. H-hey! Don’t shout! Hold it in… Don’t let it out!! With unclouded eye? Uh… Didn’t the guy from the movie Princess Mononoke say something like that? (← trying to escape my immediate reality) I’m not going to respond. I’m going to ignore her and drink my water. But it should be against the rules to make Bruce Lee facial impressions. It’s supposed to be “Don’t think, feel,” not “Think, don’t feel.” No, you weren’t! You were completely 180 degrees wrong!! This is not doing Bruce Lee any kind of justice!! … Pardon? …… Errr… What the hell do you mean by that? … Hmm? … Which would mean… … Unbelievable.