The Onsen Trip
Everyday Together · Level A2+
"You still haven't heard from Quiet Signal Records about the music demo?" asked Takumi. "It's been two months." He took a deep breath and let the cooler mountain air calm him down. Pushing Daichi wouldn't get him anywhere.
"I haven't," said Daichi. "Relax. These things take time. Don't worry about it and enjoy this fresh air. Even though it's summer, up here it isn't so humid." He smiled and picked up his overnight bag.
"It's still pretty bad." Takumi wiped his forehead.
The forests around the back of the hotel shook gently in the breeze. "Are you sure Akira said he couldn't come? This place is quite peaceful. And wasn't he looking forward to this?" Takumi grabbed his bag and reached for Kaoru's suitcase.
Daichi shrugged. "It's the Obon weekend, and he had to go to his wife's family's house," he said. "We'll get together afterwards."
The two of them went into the lobby of the hotel and paused at the wide-open space. "Wow! This place is beautiful. I think I can smell the onsen from here," said Takumi.
"See. You're already beginning to relax," chuckled Daichi. "Where were you, Yui?"
"I was signing up for some of the activities," Yui said. "You should join me."
"Maybe later." Daichi flopped into the lush lobby chair. "It might interfere with my plans to do nothing."
Kaoru came back from the front desk and took her bag from Takumi.
"What's wrong, Ka-chan?" asked Yui. "You look like someone stole your onigiri."
"I asked if we could get two double rooms," said Kaoru. "But the woman there said they're fully booked. We have to share. Also, nobody can show us to our room."
"Well, I'm just glad Daichi booked a room here months ago," said Yui. "It won't be too weird if the four of us share a room, will it?" she asked Takumi.
"It's okay," said Takumi. "I promise to be a gentleman." He put his hand on his chest.
"I'm not going to make that promise." Daichi shook his head without moving from the chair.
"I wouldn't expect you to." Kaoru turned to Takumi. "But you, I'll hold you to your promise."
"Don't worry." Takumi bowed.
After checking in, Daichi got four keys and took them to their room on the third floor.
"A tatami room and a bed," said Takumi. "Pretty nice." He went to the window and opened the curtain. "Wow! There's a golf course over there. I haven't played in years."
"Yui and I'll share the bed," said Kaoru. "Just don't elbow me in the night, Yui."
"I might. I'm a restless sleeper." Yui giggled, putting her bag in the corner.
"That leaves the futons for us." Daichi opened the closet by the front door and pulled out a yukata. "I made sure to get three, just in case. You're not going to roll around the room, are you?"
"I'm good," said Takumi. "So, what are we going to do here?" he asked.
Kaoru pulled out a list. "I checked the website and found lots of activities. There's a tennis court, golf, a hike in the forest, and more. They even have a pool along with an onsen," she said. "I'm not sure about the mixed onsen, though. That might be too much."
"Why is that?" asked Takumi.
Kaoru's face turned red. "Even if they have bathing suits, that's a bit too traditional for me," she said.
"Well, I'm just going to take it easy," said Daichi. "It's too hot to go outside. I'll stay at the onsen. Work has been very busy recently, and I need to relax." He turned to Kaoru. "You should too."
"This is me relaxing," said Kaoru. She folded her paper and put it away.
"I'd hate to see what happens when you let your hair down," Daichi said, shivering.
Kaoru glared at Daichi.
"Well, I want to try the baking class I saw on the website," said Yui. "They have a special class on the local food, and it starts in an hour."
"But you're always baking." Kaoru crossed her arms. "We should do something together."
"The baking class is this afternoon," said Yui. "We'll still have lots of time."
"I'll play a game of tennis with you, Kaoru," said Takumi. "Just let me get my sunscreen." He opened his bag.
"You enjoy yourselves." Daichi waved by the door with a yukata under his arms. "I'm going to the onsen." It closed behind him with a click.
"That man is so annoying," said Kaoru. She turned to Takumi. "Are you ready?"
"Yep!" said Takumi. "Can we explore the hotel a bit first before we play tennis?" he asked. "I want to check out the garden."
"Sounds good," said Kaoru.
"Have fun, you two." The door clicked shut behind them again, leaving Yui alone. "What are you hiding, Dai-chan?" she said to herself.
"You're a terrible tennis player, Takumi," said Kaoru. She opened the door to the room two hours later. "I won all three games."
"I've never really played before," said Takumi. "I like golf, but tennis seemed like too much work." He ran into her. "What are you doing?" he asked.
Kaoru pointed to Daichi. His hair was still wet, and he knelt on the tatami floor in seiza. Yui stood over him, scowling.
"What happened, Yui?" Takumi moved around Kaoru.
"Daichi has something to tell you, Takumi," said Yui.
Daichi hunched forward in his yukata. "I was going to tell him. I was just waiting for the right time," he said.
"Tell me what?" Takumi sat down next to Daichi.
Daichi looked down at the floor. "Quiet Signal Records sent me an email last week," he said in a low voice.
"You don't have to finish. They rejected us, didn't they?" said Takumi. "That's okay. We can continue playing in the small clubs."
"No, they didn't reject us," said Daichi. He swallowed. "They liked my songs and Akira on drums, but they didn't like you."
"Me!" Takumi pointed at himself.
"Why is that?" Kaoru sat down next to Takumi.
Daichi looked away.
"Dai-chan. I missed the baking class while I was tracking you down," said Yui. "Tell them what you told me."
"What do you mean?" asked Takumi.
"Dai-chan was extra annoying today, and he escaped the room too quickly," said Yui. "He also never looked at Takumi. That usually means he's hiding something."
"You're right," said Kaoru. "How did I miss that?" She bit her lip.
"I've known him since elementary school. He can't hide anything from me." Yui scowled.
"Hold on," said Takumi. "Let's go back." He turned to Daichi. "Tell me what happened."
"I had a sudden meeting with Quiet Signal Records last week over Zoom," said Daichi. "They loved the demo, but felt that your voice was too similar to mine. They couldn't tell who was singing."
"There's more." Takumi crossed his arms.
"They may have implied that some of your Japanese was strange," Daichi mumbled.
Takumi sucked in a breath. "Continue."
Daichi winced. "They would give us a contract only if Out Of Batteries replaced you."
"That's not fair." Kaoru crossed her arms.
"So," said Takumi. He gripped his pants and twisted.
"I told them I couldn't do that," said Daichi. "You are the heart of the group, but…" He looked away.
"Something else happened," said Takumi. "Tell me. I can take it." A slight smile appeared on his face.
Daichi shook his head.
"Tell him, Daichi Tachibana." Yui tapped her foot in irritation.
"His full name?" Kaoru raised an eyebrow.
"I'm really angry at him." Yui shrugged.
Daichi closed his eyes. "The executive from Quiet Signal Records asked me to invite Akira to the meeting, not you," he said.
"He did," said Takumi.
Daichi nodded.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." Kaoru put her hand on Takumi's knee.
"Why didn't you tell me about the meeting?" Takumi asked Daichi.
"I had a bad feeling about it," said Daichi. "Akira didn't know what to do either, but he wants this chance badly. He left the final choice up to me, but I think he's going to sign with them no matter what."
"I see," said Takumi. "So, bringing us to the onsen was what?" asked Takumi.
"We had the vacation booked, so I thought maybe I could tell you here," said Daichi.
"Why didn't you tell him earlier, Dai-chan!" said Yui.
"That's right!" Kaoru stood next to Yui and put her hands on her hips.
Daichi hunched forward.
Takumi put his hand on Daichi's shoulder. "It's okay you didn't tell me, Daichi," he said, looking at Kaoru and Yui. "Don't get too angry at him."
"Ta-kun!" said Yui. "This isn't fair."
"I agree," said Kaoru. "You started this band together."
"Yes, but Daichi's the better singer," said Takumi.
"Do you want to give up?" asked Kaoru.
"No. I'll never give up, but I won't stand in Daichi's way," said Takumi. He took a deep breath.
"Are you okay?" asked Kaoru.
"It's a lot to take in," said Takumi. "I'm going to go for a walk through the garden and clear my head."
"I'll come with you," said Kaoru.
"No! Sorry. That was too strong." Takumi stepped back. "Thank you, but I want to be alone for a bit." He picked up his key and left the three in the room.
Takumi sat on a bench, leaning forward, his mind blank, and his smile gone. In the garden, someone had raked the white sand, leaving large circles around the central rock. A small bird landed on top, scratched its wing and took off.
"What are you thinking about?" Kaoru handed Takumi a can of coffee.
"Thank you." Takumi smiled. "I'm not thinking about anything."
Kaoru sat down next to him. "Really? You've been staring at the rock for twenty minutes."
"Were you watching me?" he asked.
"No!" Kaoru said. "I wanted to get a drink and saw you sitting here. It's hot, so I thought you might be thirsty." Her face was slightly red.
Takumi nodded. His smile wavered, but stayed.
"I tried calling you earlier, but you ignored me," said Kaoru. "This wasn't the first time I've seen you like this, but you always answered before. I was getting a little worried."
"Sorry. I had a lot on my mind," said Takumi. "I don't mean to worry you."
"Wouldn't blame you for wanting to fly away," said Kaoru, pointing at the bird.
"Yeah. I guess the rejection was a bit difficult to swallow. A clear 'yes or no' would have been much better. Mom tried to tell me that Japanese people don't always say what they mean, but sometimes things get a bit too overwhelming."
"I don't follow?" Kaoru scratched her head.
"Japanese people are very polite, and often they don't want to hurt another person's feelings. I get that all the time at work, especially when I make a mistake." Takumi leaned back. "Americans are more direct with what they want. Mom and Dad often fought about small things. She hinted at something she wanted, but Dad never understood. It helped that Dad was pretty easygoing, but sometimes, they wouldn't speak to each other for days."
"I see. Silence is a common Japanese punishment." Kaoru opened her can of coffee and took a drink. "Speaking of which, Yui is punishing Daichi right now," she said.
"How?" asked Takumi.
"She brought some cookies for us, but is eating his." Kaoru covered a smile. "Daichi looks like he's going to cry."
"Serves him right," said Takumi, chuckling. "Come on. Let's go save him."
"Why do you want to?" asked Kaoru. "He had a secret meeting and lied about it. He needs to get punished."
Takumi opened his coffee. "Finding out about the meeting hurt. That's true. But Daichi was never going to keep the secret."
"How do you know?" asked Kaoru.
"While I may not have your history with each other, he came to an onsen with you and Yui," said Takumi. "There was no way he could keep it a secret from you two. He wanted to be found out."
"Well, I've known him since high school, Yui much longer," said Kaoru.
"That was clear the day I first met you three. Come on." Takumi led Kaoru back to the room. Yui was still sitting in the chair by the window, eating a cookie. Daichi was sitting on the bed staring at her.
"How was the onsen, Daichi?" asked Takumi.
Daichi sat up. "Huh? It was great. Why?" he asked.
"I think it's time we all went," said Takumi. "We're on vacation, after all." He clapped his hands and smiled.
"But aren't you upset at me?" asked Daichi.
"I'm upset about Quiet Signal's request," Takumi said. "Not you. My singing has been rejected many times. It's not the end of the world. I'm used to it. Besides, I have a pretty thick skin. I can try something else."
Daichi opened and closed his mouth.
Kaoru stared at Takumi.
Takumi's smile broke slightly, but he recovered. "You were going to tell me, weren't you?"
"Of course I was," said Daichi quickly, then looked away. "Maybe on the last day."
"Telling me now is better," said Takumi. "Everything is in the open."
"I haven't made a decision yet," said Daichi. "Don't worry about Akira. He has his teaching job, and the salary is better."
"Whatever you decide, I'll accept," said Takumi.
Yui stood up. "Are you sure, Ta-kun?"
"Yes." Takumi's smile grew bigger. "Let's go take a bath."
Daichi sniffed his armpit. "You're right. I need another one. I think Yui caused me to sweat off three kilograms."
"You still deserved it." Yui snorted.
"Maybe. Can you forgive me?" Daichi asked.
"Ta-kun forgives you, so I'll think about it," said Yui. "It's too late for the final baking class, anyway. I'll have to do it tomorrow."
"Excellent," said Takumi. "Afterwards, let's get something to eat. I'm starving."
The three went to the door. "Are you coming, Ka-chan?" asked Yui.
"I'll catch up." Kaoru never took her eyes off Takumi. "I just have to make a call."
"See you down there," said Daichi.
Kaoru watched the door close. "What are you hiding, Takumi?"
After Takumi stepped out of the onsen room, he went to the vending machine in the corner. The others were still in the bath, but soaking for a long time wasn't that much fun. Besides, keeping the smile on his face was starting to hurt.
He bought a juice and sat down on a bench facing the window, watching the sun as it went low over the valley, covering the golf course in shadows. A few minutes later, Daichi came out and bought a chocolate milk from the same machine.
"The water was really good, wasn't it?" Daichi sat down beside Takumi.
"It was," said Takumi. "You don't have to be nervous. I'm not angry at you."
"Really. It feels like you are," said Daichi.
"It shouldn't." Takumi forced a small smile. "Maybe I'm still a little angry at the Quiet Signal."
Yui came out of the women's onsen and walked over to the two sitting by the window. "Hey, have you seen Ka-chan? She didn't come in."
"She said she was making a phone call," said Daichi. "Maybe she was sneaking in some work."
"Am I going to have to eat her cookies, too?" Yui sighed.
Kaoru came into the onsen waiting area. "There you three are," she said. "Come on. I've booked a different place for dinner."
"What do you mean?" asked Takumi.
"You'll see," said Kaoru. She led them out of the main onsen building.
The front desk woman bowed deeply to them as they left. Outside the hotel air conditioning, the humidity hit them hard.
"This place is better than Osaka, but it's still too hot. Where are we going?" asked Yui.
"A rotenburo down the street," said Kaoru. She lifted her head into the breeze as the wind moved her hair around her face.
"An outdoor bath." Takumi glanced at Kaoru and licked his lips. He shifted his gaze to the path ahead. A red face now would kill the mood.
Kaoru tucked her hair behind her ear and pointed to a sign at the corner. "Yes. They had a space free for dinner."
"But we just had a bath," said Daichi. "Three in one day is a bit too much even for me."
"Speak for yourself, Dai-chan. I'm going to need another one after this." Yui wiped her forehead.
"You'll love it," said Kaoru. She led them down the path to a smaller building hidden behind a bamboo grove.
"This is a mixed bath," said Yui. "We can't go in there!" Her face turned red.
"Don't worry. They provide bathing suits, and the wash areas are separate. The front desk woman said the food here is delicious." Kaoru went inside.
"When in Rome," said Takumi. He followed her in.
Daichi looked at Yui. "I'm still not being a gentleman."
"And I'm not going to give you any more cookies this weekend," said Yui. She followed the other two in, leaving Daichi standing outside.
"Women. I'll never understand them," Daichi said, following Yui.
Takumi and Daichi sat neck-deep in the open-air bath, looking at the countryside. Rice fields stretched up the side of the mountain, surrounded by older-style houses. A mountain range, covered in dark green trees, filled the space behind the fields. The sun was setting, painting everything in red and orange colors.
"This is wonderful. I never knew soaking could be this comfortable," said Takumi. "I could stare at nature all day."
"You Americans, always in a rush," said Daichi. "Scenery like this needs to be enjoyed." He was quiet. "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you sooner about what Quiet Signal Records wanted. When they asked to meet without you, I thought it would be bad news."
"It's okay," said Takumi, smiling. "Don't worry about it."
"You should worry about it, and stop it with the fake smiles." Kaoru came out of the women's wash area. Yui followed her, both wearing a towel wrapped around a simple black bathing suit.
"I'm not fake smiling," said Takumi, watching the two women set the towel aside and get into the hot bath.
"Even I can tell that's fake." Daichi shook his head.
"Stop lying to us, Takumi," said Kaoru.
"What!" Takumi sat up in the water and glanced at the other two. They were both frowning.
"I talked to your mother an hour ago," said Kaoru. "She told me that when you hear bad news, you shut down and stop trying. You hide your pain with silly phrases and plaster a stupid smile on your face." She touched his arm. "You can't give up."
Daichi looked at Takumi. "Is this true?" he asked.
Takumi stared at Kaoru. Could she feel his heart racing in his chest? "You talked to my mother?"
"Yes. Remember, she and my mother were good friends. I met her a few times, years ago, when she came to Japan," said Kaoru. "I think I woke her up, but she didn't care after I told her what happened. She's very worried about you."
"It's okay to be upset, Ta-kun." Yui stretched out in the bath. "That's why we're here."
Kaoru brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "That's why I suggested this place," she said. "You can't run from your feelings here."
"You know, Takumi, sometimes you act more Japanese than we do," said Daichi. "It's okay to let your emotions out."
"Listen to him." Yui splashed Daichi. "When he stops telling jokes, he really means it."
Takumi put a towel in the water. "I wasn't running. Honest. But…" he sighed.
"Tell me what you want, Ta-kun," said Daichi, fluttering his eyelashes.
"For you to never call me that again." Takumi gave a genuine grin. He wrung out the towel, placing it on his head.
Kaoru, Daichi and Yui splashed him with water, forcing him to protect his face.
"Be serious," said Kaoru.
Takumi took a deep breath. "I hate that you had the meeting without me, but I understand why you were trying to protect me. Thank you for telling me, even if you had to endure Yui's anger."
"She was really scary," said Daichi. "I thought I was going to die under her stare. Then she ate my cookies!"
"Hey!" said Yui, puffing out her cheeks.
Takumi raised a fist. "However, I'm not going to give up my music. If Quiet Signal Records doesn't want me and you want to sign with them, go for it. I'll find someone who does."
"I don't want them either," said Daichi. He put his hand on Takumi's shoulder. "As I said, this is what Akira's wanted for a long time. He'll probably go for it, but I was scared to tell you. The girls were right. You got me to send the demo. Without that, none of this would've happened. I need you."
"Thanks," said Takumi quietly.
"Remember that," said Kaoru.
"That I need Takumi?" asked Daichi, confused.
"No, that the girls are always right," said Kaoru.
Takumi looked at Daichi. A laugh started slowly in the back of his throat, getting louder by the second. Daichi joined him.
"It's true," said Kaoru, frowning.
Yui started to laugh as well. Kaoru rolled her eyes and started chuckling.
"I think this is the first time I've seen both of you without makeup," said Takumi.
"Scary, aren't they?" said Daichi.
"No. They both look great," said Takumi.
Kaoru and Yui splashed Takumi again. "Don't get used to it," they said at the same time. Both their faces were red.
"I won't," said Takumi. He looked into Kaoru's eyes. "Thank you for calling my mother, but you do realize that she'll think we're dating," he said.
Kaoru shook her head. "We're not there yet," she said.
"Yet?" said Daichi. "Is there something I don't know about?" He smirked.
"Shut up and watch the sunset," said Kaoru. Her face turned even redder. "Dinner's in an hour."
"Thank you for this," Takumi said to Kaoru. Yui and Daichi turned towards the sunset.
Kaoru squeezed his hand and turned back to the sky. "Stop talking."
Takumi watched her face as the shadows grew longer and the sun disappeared behind the mountains. The sky turned a deep orange, dragging the clouds with it as darkness fell. "Beautiful," he said.