Freshly out of Naha Airport, Kamiru found himself standing in awe before the vastness of Okinawa. Compared to the austere mountains of Hokkaido, everything here felt light, almost ethereal. The air was warm, a gentle salty breeze played with his hair, and the sun hit with an intensity he had never experienced before. Okinawa was worlds away from the snow and cold, and the thought alone brought a smile to his face.
(Kamiru's thoughts): Damn, this place is a whole other world. No snow, no mountains to climb, just sand, water, and people who probably couldn't care less about skiing records. Just… paradise.
He walked through the modest airport hall until he spotted his uncle Shoei. In his forties, Shoei was slightly chubby and wore a tank top that proudly read "Beach Life." His oversized sunglasses gave him the look of someone straight out of a budget action movie. Next to him stood an old, faded van that had clearly seen better days.
Kamiru shook his uncle's hand, feeling slightly awkward.
"Thanks, Uncle Shoei… really."
Shoei gave him a grin, revealing a set of slightly yellowed teeth.
"No worries, kid! Hop in the beast, and let's show you what Naha's got to offer!"
Kamiru glanced at the van, horrified.
"Is this… this junk heap for real?" he muttered.
Shoei nodded proudly, puffing out his chest.
"You bet! Not the newest model, but she runs!" He gave the roof a hearty pat, which resulted in a worrying creak.
(Kamiru, whispering): "Runs, yeah… or prays its way down the road."
Reluctantly, Kamiru climbed into the van, silently pleading for his survival. The engine roared to life with a sound that betrayed its age.
"Alright, to the city center!" Shoei announced.
The van jolted forward like a lame horse, its every shudder betraying the state of its internals. Kamiru clung to his seat as the steering wheel wobbled ominously.
"Uncle… is the steering wheel supposed to move like that?"
Shoei laughed, shrugging nonchalantly.
"Hey, as long as it stays on, we're good! Relax, kid!"
Every turn felt like a flirtation with death. The brakes screeched like banshees, and each acceleration sent vibrations through Kamiru's entire body. He clutched the door handle for dear life, half expecting to be flung out the window.
"Seriously, Uncle Shoei, what is this… death trap on wheels?"
Shoei grinned as though Kamiru had just complimented him.
"Ah, you'll get used to it. This baby's got character!"
The situation might have been a nightmare if not for the sight of the ocean stretching along the road. The endless blue water, the palm trees swaying gently by the roadside, and the waves kissing the sandy beach stole Kamiru's breath away.
"Not bad, huh? You're not on your snow pile anymore, kid!" Shoei declared with a smirk.
(Kamiru, sighing): "Yeah… it's different, I'll give you that."
He kept his eyes fixed on the sea, trying to calm his nerves after the rollercoaster ride disguised as a van. Shoei seemed oblivious to Kamiru's anxiety, instead shooting proud glances at the scenery as if he owned it, paying minimal attention to the road.
"Alright, kid, here's the deal! I'm letting you crash at my place, so heads-up: I run a bar around here, the Splash. It's where all the big shots come to party—swimmers, surfers, divers. Let's just say I've seen some stuff!"
"A sports bar?" Kamiru raised an eyebrow. "That sounds… intense. Why's it called Splash?"
Shoei's grin widened.
"Splash, like the sound you make when you wipe out on your surfboard! The motto's simple: Drink, laugh, and try not to remember tomorrow what you did today! It's a little paradise for the sporty, the rowdy… basically, the real ones."
(Kamiru, retorting): "The real ones… or the unhinged."
Shoei shot him a mock glare.
"Easy there, little penguin. With your uptight vibe, you could use a serious chill-out session!"
Kamiru glared back.
"And you, 'Uncle Midlife Crisis,' maybe I don't need to yell in my boxers in the middle of a bar to prove I've got guts!"
Shoei roared with laughter.
"That's the spirit, kid! But seriously, what brings you here? Running away from the snow, or are you secretly hoping to find yourself down here?"
Kamiru sighed, annoyed.
"I came for school, okay? Back in Hokkaido, I was surrounded by ski champions, and… well, let's just say it wasn't my thing. Here, I'm hoping to focus, study in peace. Away from the chaos and the noise."
"So, in short, you ran away from the snow… and mommy and daddy?" Shoei teased with a provocative grin. "Come on, admit it—you got bullied back there!"
"Bullied? Seriously, are you stuck in 2005 or something? And if we're talking stuck, have you seen this van? It's a moving relic. A sled on an ice track would be safer!"
Shoei rolled his eyes, laughing.
"Hey, kid, this van and I go way back! She may creak and groan, but she's never let me down. It's like an old girlfriend—she whines, she rattles, but she's always there for you."
"Yeah, well, she whines so much I thought my head would pop off," Kamiru shot back.
The two kept exchanging jabs for the rest of the ride, their banter growing increasingly spirited. Shoei laughed louder with each retort, and even Kamiru found himself loosening up. Despite the chaotic atmosphere, there was something oddly comforting about not being judged, even if his uncle was a "professional embarrassment."
Finally, they pulled up to a vibrant building by the beach. The Splash was a tropical-style bar with a large terrace overlooking the ocean, colorful umbrellas, surfboards mounted on the walls, and string lights adding a festive charm.
"Tadaaa! Welcome to the Splash! Pretty sweet, huh?" Shoei announced with pride.
Kamiru stayed silent, impressed by the place's rustic charm. The exterior showed its years of use, but it radiated warmth and energy.
Shoei led him inside, where the lively atmosphere continued: wicker seats, a wooden bar covered with beach-themed trinkets, autographed photos of local athletes, posters of surf competitions, and even some coral and seashells adorned the walls.
"Kind of a mess," Kamiru remarked, glancing around. "But it's got a cool vibe… I bet it's nice for people to hang out here after practice."
Shoei grabbed a massive beer stein from the wall, waving it around with a laugh.
"This here's the Winner's Mug! You finish a crazy challenge, you get to drink out of this for the night! I rarely bring it out, but for you… I might make an exception."
Kamiru rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. It was cheesy and loud, but strangely inviting.
Shoei then led him upstairs to a small room.
"Here's your spot! It's got a beach view, prime real estate. Made some room for you to settle in."
Kamiru dropped his bags in the modest but clean room, stepping to the window to take in the stunning view of the ocean. The setting sun bathed the space in golden light.
(Kamiru's thoughts): At least the view makes up for everything else… Looks like I might survive here. For now.
He unpacked, lay on the bed, and let the sound of the waves lull him into a peaceful sleep.
A few hours later, he woke groggily to strange noises. Opening his eyes, he spotted a silhouette—his uncle. In his room. Naked. Dusting the furniture.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, UNCLE?!" Kamiru screamed in horror.
Shoei turned nonchalantly, as if this were perfectly normal.
"Cleaning, kid! Always better when you're comfortable. Relax, you'll get used to it!"
Kamiru curled under the covers, praying this nightmare wasn't real as Shoei whistled a cheery tune and continued dusting.
(Kamiru's thoughts): What the hell… Okinawa, you've officially become the land of lunatics!
Kamiru sighed, realizing his new life was going to be… full of surprises.