Chapter 7 – House Lake Toya

Tanabe Yuuchi parked the white van he was driving right in front of a building with a modern classic style with wood elements. Rather than a resort or inn, it looked more like a western-style resident's house with a large garden. The brown color of the building looks very well with the current autumn mood. The wood elements give a warm impression in the cool autumn breeze of Toyako.

From inside the inn, an innkeeper in a collared t-shirt with long sleeves combined with the same colored trousers helped unload their suitcases. He picked the guest's suitcases carefully but still deftly.

“Welcome back, Miss Takashi.” The petite man greeted Mika intimately.

“Thank you, long time no see.” Mika replied with a warm smile, even though her face seemed a little doubtful. Looks like Mika is trying to remember whether she knew this staff before or not.

“Come, let me take you to each room.” That man invited his guests to enter. Seeing Mika who was having trouble carrying her luggage, he immediately took over her luggage. Meanwhile, Yama and Hikaru carried their suitcases after refusing to be summoned by other staff.

“Ah then I'll go first. You guys just call me if you want to be driven somewhere. Thanks to Miss Takashi, I have lots of free time.” Uncle Yuuchi excused himself before the three of them entered the inn.

During the approximately 2-hour journeys from Shin-chitose to Toyako, that 56-year-old man had many stories to tell. Starting from introducing himself, regarding the lodging they will be staying at, to some interesting places they can visit while in Toyako.

From Uncle Yuuchi's story, Yama and Hikaru also got the answer that this inn was indeed one of the inns belonging to the Takashi family. No wonder Mika is not too concerned about the cost of renting a room here, because it is certain that she has permission and special access to stay overnight without paying.

Now, everything made sense. That’s why Mika only talked about the flight tickets, Hikaru thought.

There are at least 3 inns belonging to the Takashi family in Toyako, and they will occupy one of the best and most preferred inns for visitors because of its proximity to Lake Toya. Uncle Yuuchi also explained that for the next 3 days, they would be the only guests at this inn because Mika didn't like the crowded atmosphere of the inn. Because of that, Uncle Yuuchi, who is usually in charge of escorting and picking up visitors to the inn, is less busy.

On their way, there are many inns with large gardens along the shores of Lake Toya. Visitors often refer to these inns as Lake House Toya. Although from the outside it looks like an ordinary two-story residence, in fact the inside of these inns are equipped with facilities that are usually found in star-rated downtown hotels.

“Wow, it feels luxurious, but still warm and comfortable. Doesn't it feel like home?” Hikaru couldn't hide his amazement as he just stepped into the main entrance.

Like other inns, near the entrance, there is a simple reception desk with dim lights that gives a warm impression. There was only a female staff member who greeted, checked the guest list and handed over the room key. That female staff wore formal clothes like a hotel receptionist in general. Her greetings and smile seemed neat as if they had been programmed.

“This is the key.” After greeting the three guests, the woman behind the table handed three keys to the petite male staff who was now accompanying them.

The first floor of the inn is divided into several sections. On one side, there are rows of sofas with soft cream colors. That part is styled like a family room, but its function is certainly as a lounge for guests to just sit back or wait for a room key if they haven't made a prior booking.

In another corner, there is a long table with an elegant looking porcelain teapot and cups on it. There is also a wooden board that reads “Feel Free to Drink”, which means that the drinks served can be enjoyed by guests at will. Not far from there, there are 4 round tables with a pair of chairs. It gives the impression that the corner is like a mini café.

Another wider corner is used as an entertainment room, where there is a billiard table and some arcade game machines commonly found in Game Center. Although it looks festive, it seems like this angle is the least used. The reason is, of course, that guests prefer to do activities outside, visit local tourist attractions or enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Toya instead of locking themselves in the inn.

“Do you all want to rest and drink coffee first?” Seeing the gaze of Yama and Hikaru engrossed in sweeping every corner of the inn's first floor, the male staff who escorted them finally offered the three of them to have their coffee first.

“Ah, I think we should put these things first while looking at the room atmosphere. What do you think?” Hikaru who woke up from his amazed gaze, then delivered his suggestion and asked Yama and Mika.

“E-eh, yeah, I guess you're right. We'll keep this suitcase first.” A slightly surprised Yama agreed to Hikaru's suggestion.

“Okay.” Mika responded briefly and looked back at the staff, gesturing for the man to immediately show their respective rooms.

“I see. Then, let's go straight to the second floor.” He again led the way down a wooden staircase that was no less elegant than any other interior.

Based on Uncle Yuuchi's brief explanation while on his way, the inn's second floor only consists of six rooms, 3 of which face the lake and the other 3 face the front yard. Of course, the rooms facing the lake are often contested by guests because the balcony views are considered more beautiful.

Hikaru actually has no problem getting any rooms. After all, being able to stay at this inn for free is already an advantage for him. However, considering that Mika had requested that this inn be temporarily vacated during their stay, it was certain that the three of them would have a room overlooking the lake.

“As Miss Takashi's request, we have prepared the three rooms facing directly to the lake. This is the key.” That man then handed over 3 room keys to Mika.

“You have done well. Thank you.” Mika accepted the keys while giving some tips.

“Then have a good rest,” the petite man excused himself to continue his other work. “You can call me if you need anything.” He added, before disappearing down the stairs.

Mika then gave Hikaru and Yama the keys to their respective rooms. The three of them agreed to arrange their luggage first before gathering back at the mini café they saw on the 1st floor to plan what things they would do for the next 3 days.

***

The clock showed 2.30 PM when Mika was busy flicking through various brochures on the coffee table while occasionally sipping her coffee. Mika specifically asked a staff inn to collect these brochures which she would use as a tool to learn more about the best tourist spots in Toyako. Even though Mika has seen some information from the internet, it would be even more fun reading the brochure with her two friends.

Yama and Hikaru approached Mika almost at the same time. Because each table is only provided with a pair of chairs, Hikaru has to pull one more chair from another table, so he can join the same table with his two friends.

“Coffee? Take it first.” Mika pointed to the coffee pot and cups that were lined up beautifully on the long table not far from where she sat.

“Okay. How about you?” Yama who was already seated then got up again to get coffee. He didn't forget to offer it to Hikaru too.

“Yeah.” Hikaru nodded.

Just as Yama was leaving to get coffee, at that time a middle-aged woman dressed as a waiter complete with an apron came bringing 3 pieces of cheesecake for her guests.

“Everything is according to your order, miss.” That woman then bowed, preparing to move 3 plates of cakes from the tray she brought to the table which was now full of brochures.

Realizing that the brochure was a problem, Mika quickly tidied it up until finally there was enough room for the waiter to put the three plates of cake she was carrying.

“Ah, thanks Aunt Miharu. You’re the best.” Looks like that woman is familiar with Mika. The way of she's speaking was clearly different when compared to the way she spoke to the man who was carrying her suitcase earlier.

“It is my duty, miss. So glad you came again. It seems like you haven't visited this inn for so long.” That woman smiled warmly at Mika, showing wrinkles on the corners of her eyelids.

“Yeah, that’s true. Maybe this House Lake is my father's place that I rarely visit.” Mika thought for a moment, she seemed to be trying to remember the last time she had been to this place.

“Maybe then Miss Takashi was 17 years old.” As if she could read Mika's mind, she tried to help Mika remember.

“Eh? Really? It's been so long. “ Mika laughed crisply. It was rare for that girl to laugh like this.

“So, where's your boyfriend?” Now that woman turns her gaze at Hikaru and Yama in turn.

“Boyfriend? Oh, what are you talking about? They are just my best friends.” Mika quickly corrected that woman’s words and laughed a little loudly. Her laughter sounded very forced and seemed awkward.

Is she embarrassed? Hikaru thought.

“Looks like you misunderstood. I'm Nishigawa Hikaru, we've been good friends since high school.” Hikaru who was also surprised finally introduced himself to correct the mistaken guess of the maid named Miharu.

“Really? You two doesn’t date? You guys look good together.” That woman shook her head in disbelief as she looked at Hikaru closely. “Hmm, then it must be another handsome guy.” Her gaze now shifted from Hikaru to Yama who had just returned with two cups of coffee in both hands.

“Eh? What’s wrong?” asked Yama with a confused face.

“No, he isn't either. Oh, Auntie, don't be like that.” Despite responding with smiles and laughter, but Mika seemed uncomfortable with what Aunt Miharu said.

“Oh, sorry, looks like I'm rambling, huh? Then please enjoy your cake. Later, I will cook something delicious for your dinner.” She finally resigned. Secretly, Mika let out a sigh of relief as Aunt Miharu's figure began to disappear from her sight.

“So … how?” Yama immediately opened the conversation according to the topic they would discuss.

“Ah yeah, here … I've asked for some brochures for you to read. Maybe there is a place that catches your eye and you would like to visit?” Mika handed the flyers to Hikaru and Yama. “Just have a look. Today we use the best possible time to rest. Okay?”

Hikaru and Yama nodded in agreement. The two of them were busy reading the information on the brochure casually while occasionally sipping their coffee cups.

“So, now we'll just enjoy the atmosphere of this inn, right? I want to try that arcade machine. It's been a long time since I played.” Yama's eyes lit up at a lit arcade machine in another corner of that room.

“No problem, go ahead. But, I will probably go to the famous Toyako Hill Onsen this afternoon. Do you want to come?” Mika asked Hikaru.

“Ah … no, I'll be lazing around in my room.” Hikaru replied quickly.

“All the way to Toyako and you guys just want to play arcade machines and just be lazy? Come on!” Mika cursed with a mouth full of cheesecake.

***

[to be continued]