Saturday - Tora’s Arrival - 5:00 PM

A black Impala pulled in front of the elegant apartment building at precisely five o’clock. Tora killed the engine to his prized vehicle and stepped out to admire the aged building. The sun was low in the sky, setting a warm orange glow upon its side. Black, wrought-iron fences encased the balconies that accompanied each apartment. It was a very beautiful building, on the outskirts of town.

As nice as the view was, Tora found himself much too concerned with the boy awaiting him inside. Tora passed through the entrance lounge, where he earned himself a few longing stares from several lonely ladies. He wore the black suit he’d picked out, the cuff decorated with golden buttons. Underneath, he donned a white top, the first few buttons undone to showcase his sleek collarbone. A tie hung loose around his neck, the knot lower than what was normally worn. His black hair was straight and messy, just barely touching his shoulders. In the pocket of his suit jacket, a pretty white flower sat against his breast. Around the little flower’s stem he tied a golden ribbon that matched the same one around the bouquet he carried in his hand. Tora was very aware of the women looking his way, but he cared not, when he had someone so wonderful just a few floors up. With that thought, he stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the sixth and highest floor.

“Room 301.” Tora read aloud. He carried in one hand the bouquet, while the other held before his eyes the directions Ruki had supplied for him. He glanced up to the metallic numbers upon the doors until he found the appropriate one.

“Here we are..” He mumbled to himself. A smile overcame him as he approached the door. He lifted a hand to knock.. and stopped. He froze in place. He couldn’t wait to see Ruki, but.. what if he messed things up? He would never forgive himself if he lost this opportunity. His fist quivered with a faint tremor as his knuckles rested against the wood of the door. He hoped he looked okay. He cast a glance down at himself and recalled the women in the lounge. No, he looked good.

Staring at the door, he recalled a time in high school when he went to a dance with a classmate. He’d been worried that the girl wouldn’t like him and he was nervous. His father, who had helped him into his tie, said to him, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself. You’re a man anyone would love to be around, Kitora. Anyone who truly wants to be with you will be just as nervous. All you have to do is be yourself, and do it proudly.” The recollection of his father brought a smile to his face.

“I’ll do ya proud, Papa..” He whispered aloud and knocked on the door with new found confidence.