"Are you okay being home alone?" Jun asked.
"I'm fine, you've asked three times already," Hana said, waving a hand from behind the couch.
Jun couldn't help but give another round of instructions. "I won't be back for lunch, so remember to cook the food in the fridge. Don't just eat snacks because it's easier. Don't nap for too long and make sure you wash the fruit before eating."
"Okay—"
Running out of things to say and sensing Hana's growing impatience, Jun quickly put on his outdoor shoes. He had to go to Naniwa University for a public lecture. As he headed for the door, the virtual housekeeper on the wall chimed in, "Sensei, it's going to rain today. Don't forget to take an umbrella."
Jun grabbed a deep blue umbrella from the stand by the door and left.
Shortly after Jun was gone, Hana switched off her game, tossed aside the controller, and got up from the couch. She tied her hair back, changed her clothes, and grabbed a small bag. She switched her shoes at the door and the virtual housekeeper, recognizing her, also chimed in: "Madam, it's going to rain today. Don't forget your umbrella."
So, Hana took a smaller red umbrella from the stand.
Jun was going to Naniwa University for a lecture, and coincidentally, that was Hana's destination as well. But she wasn't planning to attend Jun's lecture. She wanted to explore the campus on her own. She chose not to tell Jun because she knew he would insist on taking her around, maybe even make her wait in his office, worrying if she was bored. That seemed like too much hassle. Going by herself was far more convenient.
Once she stepped out of the residential area, Hana summoned an empty self-driving car at the stop, mimicking what she had seen Jun do before. These public cars came with one-seat, two-seat, or multiple-seat options and drove themselves, making them the most common and convenient choice for most people's commutes. Excited to try it for the first time, Hana hopped in and fiddled with the controls for a bit.
Although she knew how to drive, she opted for the auto-pilot feature, given the modern advancements in vehicles. After setting her destination, she relaxed and enjoyed the scenery along the way.
Hana had researched that although Naniwa University had strict security, it was rather lenient with faculty, allowing entry to their partners and children as well. So, she could simply swipe her ID card to get in.
The weather was gloomy but rain-free, although the wind was strong and the temperature had dropped a bit in the past few days.
Upon reaching the historical-looking gates of Naniwa University, Hana followed a group of chatty young students inside. She swiped her PT for identity verification and successfully entered the campus.
Naniwa University had a sprawling campus. Not far from the entrance was a huge map with QR codes, which you could scan to get a digital map of the campus on your PT. Hana scanned the code and reviewed the campus buildings on her device, thinking to herself how handy this feature was for people with a poor sense of direction. Students these days had it much better than back in her time.
Hana wasn't sure where Jun was teaching, but she planned to visit the Naniwa University Library. She had recently researched the qualifications needed to continue working as a preschool teacher and was daunted by the lengthy list of subjects she would need to study. It felt like her student nightmares were coming back to haunt her. However, she had one strong point: once she made up her mind to do something, no matter how difficult, she would see it through. Giving up in the face of challenges was not in her vocabulary; she was more of a tackle-problems-head-on kind of person.
So, today, her main objective was to find some reference books in the library, reputed to have the most comprehensive collection in all of Tokyo.
Following her map, she located the Naniwa University Library. The building consisted of three overlapping spherical shapes of decreasing size, all clad in a silvery exterior. Only when she got closer did she notice the beautifully cut glass windows adorning the façade. Inside, the library was very well lit; she could only imagine how ethereal and bright it would feel on a sunny day.
Walking from the campus entrance, Hana encountered numerous students. A large group had just finished classes and were heading back to their dorms. The atmosphere buzzed with youthful energy. Inside the library, there were even more people, but everyone maintained a quiet demeanor. Those who spoke too loudly were promptly shushed by their peers. Despite the crowd, it was significantly quieter than the outside.
Hana glanced at the signs on the first floor, hesitating between the physical books and the e-books sections, but eventually headed for the area with physical books first.
Most students here had a relaxed demeanor, some sitting at tables while others leaned against bookshelves, leisurely flipping through pages. Hana located some titles from her list but upon assessing their heft and thickness, decided to abandon the physical book section and venture into the area dedicated to e-books.
This section had even more students, and it was clear that most were there for research or references. A quick scan around the room revealed at least a dozen students looking utterly desperate, probably wrestling with essays or assignments.
It made Hana realize that although many things in the world had changed, some things remained the same—like the ever-present agony of students stuck with assignments.
Hana found an empty reading terminal, swiped her PT, and began searching for books according to her list. True to its reputation as Tokyo's most extensive library, every book on her three-page list was available here. Even more convenient, she could copy all the materials directly to her PT.
In the year 2063, the sharing of reading materials was incredibly widespread. Many books were available without any restrictions; you didn't even need to buy them. If you were willing, countless specialized books from all over the world in various fields could be accessed for free electronically. Physical books, on the other hand, were comparatively expensive and mostly purchased for collections.
After copying her research materials, Hana decided to sample a modern college lecture while still at the library. Naniwa University offered early childhood education as a major, and you could not only read books at the library but also watch teaching videos from different disciplines.
The self-study conditions here were genuinely excellent.
The reading terminal Hana chose was in a corner near a window, where very few people were around. As she sat with her headphones on, listening to a lecture, a bright flash of lightning crossed the sky outside, followed by a deafening thunderclap that seemed to explode right beside her.
Glancing out the window, she noticed it had started to rain. Students below were running to take cover.
Two girls arrived at the reading terminals next to her. They hurriedly swiped their PTs and started searching for reference books. One girl whispered a complaint to the other: "I told you to hurry up. By the time we find all the reference books our teacher assigned, Professor Sato's public lecture will be over!"
Hearing the name "Professor Sato," Hana turned to look at them. She was sure they were talking about her husband. The girls didn't notice her. The one who had been complained at rolled her eyes and retorted, "You can watch the recorded lecture later, what's the rush? And why do you insist on attending live? The video is clearer."
"You don't get it; the live sessions have a unique feeling! Professor Sato has been coming to campus less and less for public lectures. Last time, I just happened to go home and missed it!"
"What's with you literature majors? You're more obsessed than fangirls. I know Sato Sensei is your universally acknowledged old man crush, but do you really have to be so excited?'"
"Ugh, what's not to love about our 'Professor Sato?' If he were twenty years younger, I'd marry him!"
Hana: "..."
Hearing this, her companion had a look of utmost disbelief. "Dream on, friend. Face reality. No heartthrob, young or old, is ever going to be interested in you."
"Can't a girl dream?"
The two girls giggled softly, quickly finished copying their books, and left hand-in-hand, completely unaware that the wife of the 'Professor Sato' they'd been discussing was right beside them.
Hana stood by the window, watching two floral umbrellas rush into the pouring rain, heading towards a cluster of buildings hidden behind green trees.
Jun was probably giving a lecture over there.
Smiling, Hana raised an eyebrow, thinking that young people really were full of energy, speaking and acting with a youthful blend of foolishness and charm. Mid-smile, a thought struck her. 'When I look at these teens and young adults, I see that naive spirit. Does Jun see me the same way—like some clueless kid?'
After finishing two online courses, Hana glanced at the time. She stood up, shut down the reading terminal, stretched lazily, and picked up her bag to go eat in Naniwa University's cafeteria.
The third cafeteria was closest, so she headed straight there.
The rain was heavy, and by the time she reached the cafeteria, the hems of her pants were a bit damp. Unfazed, Hana was lured by the delicious smells wafting from various food stations. She finally chose a stand advertising authentic Oden stew.
While waiting for her food, Hana overheard a few young guys chatting. They had messy hair and yawned continuously, appearing as though they'd just rolled out of bed.
Normally, she wouldn't pay attention, but one of them mentioned Sato Sensei. He said, "Thanks to Sato Sensei giving a public lecture today, our professor went to attend, so our morning classes got rescheduled. If we'd had to wake up early after gaming all night for attendance in my class, I'd have died."
"Yeah, man, we should give thanks to Sato Sensei. May he give more public lectures to lure Professor Lyu away so we can be spared."
"Huh, so Sato Sensei is like 'kiting the monster,' huh?"
The young guys laughed and joked.
Hana chuckled as well, amused by their 'kiting the monster' comment. Hearing the laughter, the relaxed youngsters turned and saw an attractive woman behind them, looking a bit sheepish.
Just then, the food stand called their number. They grabbed their takeout and moved aside, making way for Hana. As she was about to make a payment, the vendor said, "We don't accept other payments here; only campus cards."
Hana: "…"
She looked around, planning to ask some kind-hearted kid to swipe their card for her and then she'd wire the money. However, as she turned, she spotted 'Sato Sensei' hurrying by.
'What are the odds of bumping into him in such a crowded place?' Seeing him slightly furrow his brows, she waved at him.
"Do you have a campus card here?"