Ozone Station is not unlike other railway stations that you may encounter in major countries but in Metropolitan Japan you may find similar countries with similar influences such as Singapore and the Philippines. Both were being occupied by Japan before and some stayed back to build their own community over the years.
Such as Ozone Station, it has a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and convenience stores and a huge and spacious Oz Garden underground mall beneath it. There is a garden, a museum and sports dome within walking distance to it and a sprawl of budget and luxurious hotels around as well.
Akira and I were walking around in the business district window shopping at Kinokuniya, a super mega bookstore that ranges from paperbacks to hardbacks, fiction to non-fiction as well as covers languages from other countries as well.
Akira was browsing some paperback novels at the 'Romance' section and she was reading the back of the novel that was unfortunately shrink-wrapped. The cover was of a teenage couple and the title was "I will wait for you on the other side." The paperback novel was about 1 inch thick or so.
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Seeing her hold the book and reading the title made my emotions that I suppressed to rise once more. I had no choice but to turn away and walk over to another aisle. There in the corner was a self-service kiosk where one can sit and have a cup of AGF Blendy Cafe Latory Coffee, Mocha or Tea to read their purchase.
Even I who had never made any purchase; but as an author of a WN; it do entitle me to have an AGF Blendy Cafe Latory Mocha Latte.
I helped myself to the above and sat down on a circular table meant for 3. Sipping on the piping hot drink managed to soothe my imperfection. I was thinking of what the hell this Leap was about especially it managed to exploit my emotions so deep that it affected my next Leap.
Akira came back to me at the refreshment area with the book tightly clutched at her chest. The price tag I saw was ¥1, 589 which was considered quite alright for a paperback with around 120 - 180 pages thick. The most important is the clickbait title and its flashy book cover design. Any girl would fall for it.
"Do you want the book...? Go ahead and buy it then... Since we are here, would you like me to get someone to unwrap for you so you could read a page or two?"
I saw that Akira was biting her lower lip and clutching the book close to her chest. Through her body language, one can read without even saying a single word that she really desires the book and would not let it down no matter what.
"Aahh... Let me guess; you wished to get a reward by your excellent swimming capabilities earlier right...? Then let me have the honour of rewarding this book to you then... Come, let me have the book and I get someone to gift wrap it for you... No need to unwrap the plastic to read; you may read it at home then... "
With that, she made a quick bow and handed the book outstretched in two hands. I told her to pick a wrapping gift and a ribbon and to come back to me and reassured her that I will not read the synopsis of the paperback novel.
With that, she turned around and choose the wrapping paper and a ribbon at the 'gift section' and came back a while later. The book was placed facedown when I took from her as I can't bear the words of the title drilling at my mind and arousing my sorrow.
I quickly finished my drink and return the used porcelain cup to the washing area; took the book and placed it under my arm and head straight to the checkout counter.
"Autograph the first page of the book and say something in it. It's customary for those who buy books for their girlfriend."
She whispered to me and handed me a glittery ink gel pen as the salesgirl carefully unwrap the plastic shrink wrap and placed the book before me.
I turned to the first title page and wrote the date and time stamp, then a remark for Akira to keep up with her progress signed my name and annotated my full name in bold below my signature. I blew on the writings for some time to let the ink dry before I closed the cover. I handed the paperback novel to the sales girl and she began to wrap it up like a dumpling before attaching the ribbon at the corner.
I paid slightly over ¥2,100 for the book, wrapping paper, ribbon and wrapping services and promptly handed the gift over to Akira. She clutched it against her chest, thanked me and bowed slightly again. I gestured to her and made our way above ground to take the train back to our dorm.
On our trip back while sitting next to one another, we took a selfie on our phone cameras with her holding the book and use making comical faces as we took one photo after another till we reached our stop. We alighted and laughingly compared the selfies we took while walking back.
When we reached the entrance of the dormitory, she conveyed her thanks to me once again and slightly bowed again. I scratched the back of my head awkwardly not knowing what my next reaction would be...
Should I kiss her forehead... Should I kiss her lips... Should I embrace her... Should I pat her head... Or should I chest bump her like what Bros do...? I was in a dilemma on what should I when she turned around, glanced at me and smiled before entering her premise.
When she was out of sight and had closed the door after her, I stepped back and retreated to my own dorm. The only problem is I do not know which floor I am in and which room I should be entering into and worse... Which bed I should occupy on...!
Ara ma...!!!