Setting - Akari

8/9/2019 Setting - Akari

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• 2. Setting : Write a poem or a story that takes place in a dream .

Title : Akari ( Story )

April , 1936 , the eleventh years of Showa era …

The cherry blossoms are blooming and the weather is pleasantly mild . I can smell the

fragrant sweetness of plum trees and cherries through my window in my room . I can sense

that the spring is coming as all of these deliver the first signs of spring .

“Hikari , where are you ? , ” said Suzuko , a sister who is 3 years older than me .

“I’m in here , Suzuko-neechan .” I can hear that she is running towards me with speed , as if

something is chasing her behind her . Her footstep running on the rōka can be heard loudly .

Our house is made of wood and clay , it is surrounded with a beautiful garden . When it is

raining , we can listen to the pouring rain clearly as our roof made of tiles . She slides over

the shoji and running again . “ What’s wrong , neechan ? Is there anything bad happened to

you ? ” , I asked her eagerly .

“Hikari , this is not about me , it’s about you , I heard that you went for omiai , is that true ?

Are you sure you are going for it ? If you don’t like the guy you can directly tell okaasan ,

I’m sure she will understand it . You are so young , only 16 , there must be a lot of things that

you want to experience . Let’s go and look for okaasan , we can talk this over .” She said all

of these in one breathe and I can see that she is pretty exhausted after she delivered her

message .

“ Neechan , don’t you worry about it . I’m fine with it , okaasan said that he will only marry

me after I finished my study , in fact , he is also still studying in a military school . He is a

good guy , I’m sure he will treat me well in the future . Here it is , his picture … ,” I hands



over a picture of Junnosuke to Suzuko . She grabs it immediately , eager to look at the picture

of my fiancée .

“ Oh ! Oogaki Junnosuke ? ” she exclaimed in disbelief .

“Do you know him , neechan ?” I asked in a state of curiousity .

“Of course I know him , Hikari . He is our old neighbour and he is from a famous military

family . He is a good boy , you are so lucky to get him . I’m so happy for you , my darling .

It’s a good thing that he entered the military school , it runs in their family blood .” Suzuko

explained about Junnosuke which I do not know . I never see him and during the omiai , only

his father came .

“ I guess so . By the way , neechan , I’m sure you will be leaving me soon to get marry . I’m

going to be lonely by that time .” I said in a low tone , trying to tease her as I know she has

someone that she adores so much .

“Ish … I’m not as pretty as you , Hikari . By the way , who wants me as their wife ?” she said

in a cheerful tone . “ If you are not pretty , how come Kousuke will attracted to you ? Hihihi

… , ” I’m teasing her again , this time , her face quickly turned into as red as tomatoes . She

is so shy and speechless at the moment . “ Errr … Kousuke is like my talking partner . There

is nothing special about me and him .” She is denying the fact that she is actually like her so

much that her heart could explode . “ Although I have some feeling for him , for now I think

it’s better for me to concentrate on my study .” She adds some other details about her feelings

. “ I think it’s better for neechan to ask him what’s his feeling towards you , so that you two

could start dating .” I added .

“ I heard my name is being mentioned , is there anything I can help ?” Kousuke is standing

near the shoji . His face is blur , he has no idea what we are talking about . “ Actually ,



Suzuko-neechan is …” I tries to reveal the thing to Kousuke in a joking manner but Suzuko

immediately caught me from behind and screamed : “ DON’T HIKARI !!!! ” I burst out

laughing and promised that I won’t say it . Kousuke is here to teach Suzuko Germans . “ Next

time Kousuke need to teach me Germans too ya .” I said that to Kousuke . He smiled and said

: “You are so hardworking and cute girl , Hikari .” My heart is fluttering when I heard that . I

look at the Junnosuke’s picture and it falls down to the floor .

I don’t understand why the General came over for the omiai . Okaasan told me that

Junnosuke is not as perfect as I am , this I do not understand as the most females fond of

military guy as their husband . I could not say anything despite from agree with the

arrangement . I need to sacrifice for this family , I need to work hard to make this relationship

works . Only by doing this , I can stay calm and peaceful . As a daughter of a mistress , I also

have rights to live peacefully . I won’t be able to find a better man than Junnosuke .

Junnosuke is outside of his house . The rain is pouring down on him .

“ Are you Oogaki Junnosuke ?” said the girl .

“ Eh … From Hozumi family , by any chance , are you Hikari ?” Junnosuke stuttered for the

first time seeing his fiancée .

The girl smiled and said , “ I’m Akari , Hikari’s twin sister . I come to see how handsome my

sister’s fiancée is . She is smiling again and left . Her attitude left Junnosuke with blankness .

I’ve met Junnosuke . He is a cheerful boy .

Akari



I am so shocked that Akari actually went to see him behind my back . I kept on thinking why

did she did that on my way running to Junnosuke’s house . She make me embarrass with

myself .

“Err … You ! Goo … Good afternoon , Junnosuke .” I said it in a very pathetic way . I can

feel my face is burning when our eyes met . “ Which one of you is here now ?” Junnosuke

said in confusion . “ It’s Hikari here .” I said it shyly . “Oh … this time is Hikari’s turn .

Awesome , both of you are so identical . I’m Junnosuke , nice to meet you .” He said

politely . “ Ah , yes ! I’m Hikari Hozumi !” I said it in a rush .

“ I’m so sorry because I do not come and see you earlier . Honestly , I seldom went back

home and my dad never talk about you before , so this omiai is still a shock for me . I’m

really sorry .” He explained . I am happy that he is such a truthful man , “ Do Akari says

anything that is unpleasant to you ?” “No , he just here to ask me something , that’s all .”

Junnosuke convinced me . “ We were living separately since we were kids , when I know that

she came to see you , I’m worried , I have no idea what is she trying to do .” I tried to explain

about Akari to him , hoping he will understand the situation better . “ Oh , that’s the story .

Are you living with your family right now ?” He asked . “ Kind of ,” I said . “ I lost contact

with Akari when we were kids , I can’t see her when I need her , but we always exchange our

letters secretly . She knows where I live and sometimes we will meet up . We meet in the

afternoon when there is no one in the house . However , I always not at home in the afternoon

, so there’s always a letter on my table .”

“When she knows about us , she came and see me ,” Junnosuke added .



“ Yes , she always worry about me . I always write letter to her to tell her my condition .” I

said .

“Hmm … twins , kind of fun isn’t it ? Normally when we have twins , one will alive and

another one will die . Luckily , both of you survived and able to meet each other although

were separated before . Both of you must have a very strong feelings of each other

existence .”

I can see that Junnosuke is admiring our spirit of sticking together even when we are

separated . Even though we are separated , our hearts and thoughts will always near to each

other .

“Junnosuke will be here during holiday right ? So that we can meet ,” Kousuke asked me . “

You want to get marry to someone whom that you love doesn’t it Hikari ?” He added . “ Yes ,

he will be here and for your information , yes , I do want to get married to someone that I

love .” I answered him . Like Suzuko-neechan , I also want to marry someone that I love and

can take care of me .

I still remember the first day I step into this house , it was when I was 10 years old and it was

the first time I saw okaasan . She loves kids and in this house , I have a sister which is cute –

Suzuko . In this house also , I met Kousuke . He works for Hozumi’s family . He taught us

how to study and always praised me . The relationship between Kousuke and Suzuko is very

close and people always tease them . From that moment , I knew that Suzuko-neechan is in

love with him . I loved Kousuke but neechan loves him too , what should I do ? I keep

thinking until one day I asked neechan what’s her feeling , but before she could answer ,

okaasan said : “ Since you are in love with him , why don’t we pair you two up ? There is no

one that is able to ruin your happiness .”



I knew that actually okaasan never forget the hatred that she kept because of my mother . She

kept me with her just because of otoosan ask her to . I couldn’t say anything . I guess this is

what a daughter of a mistress will be treated as . I couldn’t express my feelings to others ,

except Akari , my sister , my friend , my life mate .

“Hikari ! Hikari ?” Kousuke called .

“Are you Kousuke ?” the girl asked him . “ What are you doing in here Hikari ? Aren’t you

suppose to be in school at this time ?” Kousuke asked .

“I’m Hikari’s twin sister , Akari . It’s a pleasure to meet you here , why don’t we take a sit

and talk ?” Akari invites Kousuke to have a drink with him .

“ I never knew that Hikari has a twin sister . Although both of your face are the same , the

way both of you talk are totally different .” he said to Akari .

“ The way we were being brought up is different , so there is nothing to be surprised of ,”

Akari said it in a serious tone and Kousuke seemed shocked after listening to her

explanation .

“ So I guess you have heard about Hikari’s omiai ?” Kousuke tried to start a conversation .

“ Hmm … what do you think about it Kousuke ?” Akari said .

Unable to tell the truth .

Hikari



“ I think it is something that is good and we should be happy about . I heard that he is a good

guy .” Kousuke answered her firmly .

Junnosuke comes to my house . He is delightful and cheerful as always .

“ How was military school ? It must be very strict ,” I said to him .

“ Yes , I need to wake up at 5 o’clock in the morning everyday . I’ve get used to it nowadays as

whenever I went back to my grandfather’s house , he will wake up at 4 in the morning and he will

scold me if I wake up late .” Junnosuke tells me his story about his life as military school student . I

loves to look at his facial expression when told me his story . I feel connected to him .

“ I thought all military students will be disciplined when they at home …” I said .

“ At first , yes , it is , but sooner or later , all of us will get lazy ,” he added .

“ Don’t you scared when you are in the battlefield ?” I asked him curiously .

“ Hmm … I don’t know what I feel but when they ask me to go , I’ll just go .” He answered me

casually . I admire his courage but I do worry about him . “ You … do not afraid of death ? Hmm

… I’m sorry for asking you such a silly question ,” I answered foolishly . “ Of course I’m afraid of

death . If I stay at home also there is nothing can be done , I keep on eating . Hehehe … But I’ve

been living independently since my young age , so everything that’s happening to me is destined in

my life , I never plan to be involved in the battle . My grandfather once said that suicide will

guaranteed hell , does that mean that war is a kind of suicide and I will never see heaven ? I don’t

know …” He paused for a while and continue . “ As a women , you must think that this topic is too

heavy right ?” I look at him and said , “My mother passed away when I was 10 years old , so this

issue is kind of bothered me .”



“ Err … passed away ? So the one at home is …” Junnosuke questioned me curiously .

“My mother was a mistress of Hozumi family . After she passed away , I was brought into the

family . Honestly , I can’t tell anyone about this matter .” I sighed . He look at me and asks : “

That’s the story . So that’s the time you and Akari were separated ?” I nodded and he continues . “

Pity you , you must felt lonely and alienated during that time .” I’m so touch by his concern . He is

really a good guy . “ Yes … but … but I know , even though we were far away , there is someone

who is still remember me . That’s the reason why I’ve never been worried .” I said in certain . “ Yes

, I’m sure there is ,” he added .

It’s raining cats and dogs outside . Tonight is going to be a very cold night . I wonder why the

rain never stop pouring down . The strike of the rain on the rooftop sounds like the static

noise made by the radio . It’s very quiet and yet lonely , just like that day . The day when my

mother passed away . I heard some noises , but the roka is too dark at night . I walk by

leaning to the wall and suddenly I felt that the distance from my room to the room is very

far . I slide over the shoji and I saw Kousuke in there , he was so shocked seeing me stand

still in front the sliding door . “ Why are you here ?” I asked him immediately .

“ I wanted to go back home but it’s raining heavily . I’ve got my permission to stay here

tonight . Why are you still awake ? It’s late at night now ,” he explained .

“ It’s night and dark … I’m worried … I thought Akari is looking for me ,” I said .

“Akari ? No , it’s only me . The noises that you heard it’s me doing my work . I’m

calculating the marks for English test . Do you want to see it ?” He asked .

I look at the paper and saw Suzuko’s name . I felt the world is spinning and I fainted .



“ Akari ? …” , Junnosuke asked the girl . He continues , “ Hahaha … I know how to

differentiate both of you . By the way , you did not answer my question last time . Does

Hikari has anyone that she likes ?” . Akari looked at him said , “ Yes , she has someone that

she likes but she can do nothing to get him . I can do nothing to help her , only can listen to

her problems … I’m sorry , I come and see you so sudden …”

“ Akari … you are worried because of you are her sister ,” he said .

“Hikari can be honest only when she talks to me . I’m the only person that understand her

feelings .” Akari ended the conversation and quickly leave the place .

“ Yes Hikari , it is such an unbelievable right ? Otoosan and Uncle Tarui has already agree .

I’ll be Kousuke’s wife . I feel like I’m dreaming Hikari !” Suzuko said . She is happy with the

wedding and Kousuke is the lover of her life . I felt so hurt deep inside my heart , I like

Kousuke too , but why I couldn’t express my feeling like Suzuko did . I’m blank for a

moment and said , “ Congratulations neechan !”

In the living room , okaasan and Uncle Tarui is discussing about the wedding .

“I heard that Hikari is not feeling well this lately , so I suggest to held the wedding as soon as

possible ,’’ said Uncle Tarui .

“ I agree , Tarui- san ,” said okaasan .

“Hikari ? Why don’t you bring your umbrella ? You will get sick like this .” said Kousuke.

“I’m Akari .” she said .



“ Hikari , don’t you dare to hide your bandaged hand ya . Okaasan saw you with Kousuke at

the town . You are really a mess-maker ! Bitch ! You and your mother are the same !”

Suzuko said angrily .

I run away with confusedness in my head . Where is Akari ? Where is she when I needed her

the most ? Akari , where are you ? This is Hikari , do you hear me ? I need to see you . Please

come and see me Akari ! Akari … Akari … Akari is not here … Where is she ?

Tap ! Junnosuke ran towards Hikari as she fainted on the ground .

“ It doesn’t look like her handwriting … ,” said the General . “ But Masako … her mother

send Hikari to her okaasan to take care of her . I know nothing about her . After she was born

, her okaasan take care of her ; that’s all the information I have about her .”

“In Europe and America , the lifestyle of each individual is different . Sometimes they create

a character which is not real to soothe their life … Most probably , Hikari is suffering with

this kind of mental illness , father ,” sain Junnosuke .

“ Is she sick ?” said the General .

“ I’m not sure about this either …” said Junnosuke .

“ But if this is the case , I think that her mental disturbance is stronger than the physical …

Like her biological mother , who killed herself and then tried to kill Hikari … I’m just afraid

that Hikari will kill herself … When I went to see her last time , she didn’t say much . When

you told me that her mother died of suicide , I’m worried .” the General told Junnosuke about

what he knows about Hikari .



“ Huk … huk …Isk … Isk …” I cried in sleep .

“Hikari … Are you okay ?” Okaasan said .

“ Okaasan , where is Akari ?” I asked her .

“ Let’s go to the hospital , Hikari . We need to treat your illness …” said okaasan .

“ I don’t want to go ! I don’t want to go there ! Don’t leave me alone … please , okaasan …

don’t you worry anymore . I won’t do this kind of mistakes again . Okaasan ! I’m sorry …

all of these are my illusion and Akari … Akari is not real …” I begged her .

“ Hikari , it’s better for you to take a bath before you take your medicine . I’ve already

prepared the hot water for you ,” said Suzuko .

“ Suzuko-neechan … I don’t have any special relationship with Kousuke . Kousuke and

neechan are my precious brother and sister . Therefore , I want both of you to live happily

ever after .” I assured her .

I took the pills into the bath room . I’m thinking of suicide but right away , I thought of the

conversation I’ve had with Junnosuke – “ Suicide guaranteed you to go to hell , you will

never see heaven again if you kill yourselves . Therefore , human have to continue their

lives , no matter how hard it is .” I wonder why on earth God fix human being’s life line ,

only He knows …

In the office near the bathroom , Junnosuke was listening to otoosan’s decision about our

wedding . My heart stopped by the time he mentioned it to Junnosuke . I was walking out

from the bathroom and I accidentally listened to what they said .

“ I’m so sorry son that we have to do this , we have to cancel the wedding due to the

problems occurred ,” said otoosan to Junnosuke .



“I have to get back to school today , I’ll be back again next time ,” said Junnosuke .

“Junnosuke ! Junnosuke !” otoosan called him but he immediately left the room .

I was frustrated . My partner , who listened to my problems , who listened to everything I told

her , comfort me , guide me , is not here with me anymore . Junnosuke … he left me …

everyone is leaving me again …

“Kring … Kring …Kring …” the phone is ringing .

“ Hikari , there is a phone call for you ,” said Suzuko .

“ Yes , Hikari’s speaking …” I answered the call .

“ Hi Hikari , this is Junnosuke . I’ve been thinking about us thoroughly , I’ve talked to both

Akari and Hikari . I’m happy to talk to both of you . So I hope you will agree to my request .

I am happy to be with you , Hikari … Why don’t … we get married ? Later I would like to

listen to Akari’s opinion .” explained Junnosuke .

“Akari is not around anymore …” I said .

“ She’s not back yet ?” asked Junnosuke . He continued . “ Can you ask her to give us some

opinion ? Your relationship is so close and both of you always stick together . So regarding

the relationship between you and me , I hope that she can give her opinion .”

“ Are you sure with your decision Junnosuke ?” I asked him .

“Yes ,” he said .

“ Actually I have a lot of thing that I want to say to you ,” I said .

“Yes , I know that … I hope that everything that happens between us , anytime … I really

hope that you are willing to tell her about us ,” he said .



“ Yes , I promise you Junnosuke …” I said .

“ Tell her what you saw , what you listened , talk to her like you always do ,” he said .

At that moment , I’ve made my decision that I’ll marry Junnosuke , the right man for me , the

man who understand me . And Akari ,where have you been all this while ? I have something

to tell you … Please come out and see me …please …

“ Akari … Is that you ? Akari , wait … wait !” I screamed .

“ Hey ! Hey , Yuki ! Wake up ! You have been sleeping for 3 hours , don’t you have enough

sleep at home ? And now you are screaming like a mad woman , calling for Akari … Who is

Akari anyway ?” asked Yumi , my elder sister , she is a novelist . She’s currently working for

her new novel and I’m helping her with editing .

“ Nothing , I’m just too tired with my school assignment and I had not enough sleep for last

few days . Sorry , neechan !” I’m pleading . “ Ya , by the way , what did you ask me ?

Akari ? I don’t know that name but maybe … I know … I’m having a weird dream ,

something about personality disorder in showa period , is that possible for that period to have

that kind of illness neechan ? Neechan !” , I call her loudly .

“ Oh , Yuki ! Thanks a lot , you gave me some ideas for my novel , I’m going to use your

dream for my novel … Do you know that when you were asleep , I’m completely lost and

blank , I have no idea at all to write my novel , but now that you awake , you gave me such an

idea , thanks Yuki , I owe you this one ,” said Yumi exaggeratedly .

“ You are welcome neechan , I hope you will treat me for dinner this time ,” I told her .

“ Yes , that’s for sure ,” said Yumi .



I wonder what will happen to Hikari , the girl that having personality disorder in my dream . I

hope that she will be happy with Junnosuke and lived happily ever after . May she find her

happiness and peacefulness with Junnosuke !

Glossary :-

Neechan – older sister

Okaasan – mother ( respectful )

Roka – hallway made of wood

Shoji – sliding door made of thin paper

Omiai – blind date arranged by parents

Otoosan – father ( respectful )

Setting - Akari

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