Chapter XCV: Tailgating, Part 2
Kota can feel the awkward tension building as Tengen and the others arrive at the mall, disrupting his peaceful day with his family. He's trying to find a way out of the situation when his mom, who's been browsing nearby, overhears their conversation. She steps in, curiosity clear on her face.
"Kota, what's this about?" his mom asks, cutting through the uneasy air.
Before Kota can explain, Tengen steps forward, that familiar smirk plastered on his face. He flamboyantly waves his hand in the air as if putting on a show.
"Ah, Mrs. Mizushiro! We were just discussing our plans for the weekend. We're organizing another group project sleepover, and I was just telling Kota that he should join us again. But you know how he is, always so busy with 'research' and other things."
Kota's mom raises an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusement and skepticism. Tengen's tone makes Kota feel like a fool, and his face heats up in embarrassment. He wants to protest, to tell his mom that he really doesn't want to go, but Tengen's manipulation has already done its job.
"Oh, Kota, don't be so antisocial. You should go with your friends!" his mom says, smiling warmly, completely unaware of the real reason he doesn't want to join.
Kota glances at Tengen, who's now smirking bitterly, as if he's just won some twisted game. The flamboyance in his expression makes Kota's stomach churn.
"Be sure to be early on Friday," Tengen says, his voice dripping with satisfaction. He gives Kota a smug look before turning to leave with the others.
"We've got a lot to prepare."
Kota watches them walk off, his mind racing. He pulls out his phone, immediately opening a chat with Akiko.
Kota: "Tengen just manipulated my mom into making me go to the next sleepover."
Akiko replies almost instantly.
Akiko: "What?! Again? Ugh, I hate how he does that. Do you want to talk about it tonight? We can have a video call if that helps."
Kota: "Yeah, I could really use that."
Later that night, Kota sits on his bed, his phone propped up in front of him as he talks to Akiko over video chat. Her soft voice is a source of comfort, and as they talk, the weight of the day starts to lift off his shoulders.
"Don't let him get to you, Kota," Akiko says, her face full of concern.
"You know Tengen loves to mess with people, but you don't have to let him win."
"I know," Kota replies, running a hand through his hair.
"It's just hard, especially when he ropes everyone else into it. I feel trapped."
Akiko smiles warmly.
"You're stronger than you think. Just get through this weekend, and it'll be over soon."
Kota sighs, feeling a little better after their chat. Akiko always knows how to make him feel less alone.
"Thanks, Akiko. You always know what to say."
"Of course," she replies, her voice softening.
"I love you, Kota. Stay safe there, okay?"
"I love you too," Kota says, feeling a warmth in his chest.
"I'll try."
Fast forward to Friday night. Kota waits at the park, nervously checking his phone. A message from Akiko pops up, and her words give him a small boost of courage.
Akiko: "Stay safe there, my Ai. I love you as always. Cheer up!"
Kota can't help but smile, despite the situation. He quickly reacts to the chat, sending her a heart emoji in return. Just then, Enmei arrives, greeting him with a tired wave. They don't talk much, just exchange looks that say enough—neither of them wants to be here.
A few minutes later, Tengen pulls up in his father's car, looking as smug as ever. He rolls down the window and grins.
"Hop in, boys. We've got a long night ahead."
Kota feels a pit form in his stomach as he climbs into the car. They pick up Hanako on the way, and the car ride is filled with their casual chatter, mostly between Tengen and Hanako, while Kota and Enmei sit in awkward silence.
At Tengen's house, the night proceeds just as Kota feared. They start preparing ingredients and cooking again, but by the time the clock strikes midnight, exhaustion has set in. Asahi is passed out on the sofa, snoring lightly. Tengen and Hanako have disappeared into Tengen's room, leaving the others to fend for themselves.
Kota, too wired to sleep, heads out to the terrace, needing some fresh air to clear his head. As he stares out into the night, the soft sound of footsteps approaches, and soon Gin joins him.
The silence between them is comfortable at first, both of them just sitting in the cool night air. But it doesn't take long for the tension to bubble up, and Kota decides to break it.
"This group…" Kota starts, his voice low,
"it feels like some twisted dictatorship or something."
Gin, "Yeah, tell me about it"
Kota, "Like Bro, where's the justice in all of these?"
Gin, "I agree, but remember what they said about Social Justice. Social justice is "neither communism, nor despotism, nor atomism, nor anarchy," but the humanization of laws and the equalization of social and economic forces by the State so that justice in its rational and objectively secular conception may at least be approximated. In which, we have our rights to exercise justice"
Kota, "You know, the whole bloody thing sounds something like a dictatorship"
Gin snorts, shaking his head.
"More like North Korea."
Kota chuckles bitterly.
"Or anarchy. The whole thing is out of control."
Gin leans back, his arms crossed as he considers Kota's words.
"You're not wrong. But if anything, it's a messed-up version of capitalism. Everyone's out for themselves. It should be a democracy, but there's no way that'll ever happen with Tengen around."
Kota nods, feeling oddly relieved to have someone else who understands how he feels. He and Gin are exactly close, but in this moment, they're united again against a common enemy.
They each grab a glass of coke and hold them up, clinking them together in a mock toast.
"To surviving this last group project," Kota says with a wry grin.
"And after that, we're done with them."
Gin smirks.
"Deal. Let's finish this and get out while we still can."
Kota, "By the way, whatever they are paying us, it's ok"
Gin, "It's not about the money, it's about freedom"
They then drink their glasses of coke over the bright night sky.
The next morning, the group is exhausted but ready to sell their food. Everyone's given five trays to take home and distribute. The air is thick with the tension of what's left unsaid between them all, but for now, the focus is on getting through the day.
Each member of the group is tasked with taking home five trays of food, their portion to sell. Kota carries his trays home, already counting down the days until he's free from Tengen's manipulations for good. The weekend may have been rough, but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
The day of selling arrives, and Kota steels himself for what's to come.