watchfob

“the train station’s a weird place,” ryuji says. he’s tapping his toe against the sidewalk, hands restless in his pockets. “like, it’s fine during the day, yeah? i commute and all, and there are tons of people around, it’s whatever.”

he chews his lip and looks out across the station square. an ad lights up the night, streets shiny with rain reflecting back the image of an LED soda bottle.

“but sometimes. i go at night. wait on the platform for the last train.”

akira inclines his head to show that he’s listening, but ryuji isn’t looking at him. he’s not looking anywhere.

“it’s weird, man,” he continues. “shops closed, nobody’s there, ‘cept a couple other people if you’re lucky. didn’t use to bother me, until – ”

he stops short. his shoulders, already rolled, hunch forward even more.

“you know.”

akira nods.

“the lights are all on, but man. those tunnels? past the platform? those tunnels are dark. it feels like…” ryuji licks his lips. “like i’m bein’ pulled in.”

a car drives by. akira curls his fingers into fists, then flexes them. the soda ad switches to one for potato chips.

“i don’t like goin’ down there alone.” ryuji’s voice is low.

“do you do it often?” akira asks, not wanting to know the answer. already knowing the answer. “go down there alone?”

ryuji lets out a dry laugh.

“i only go alone.”