Chapter 1: Rukasu Okami

Letters Episode 1: “Rukasu Okami”

(Narration)
“It’s been ten years since that dreadful day. My mom and I had just finished getting groceries from the local convenience store, and on the way home, she was shot by someone in an alley right in front of me. I didn’t even get to see the guy’s face. The police never caught him. Of course they didn’t. Great job, guys.

I still remember the last words my mom said to me before she died. She told me to ‘stay out of trouble.’ Yeah, real helpful, huh? It’s not easy to follow advice like that when you’re missing the person who gave it. I wish I could’ve heard the rest of what she had to say, but life decided that wasn't an option.

After that, my sister, Yuki, passed away from cancer. We were pretty close, so that was a whole other kick in the gut. Everyone told me there’s this thing called 'hope,' but I’m starting to think that word was just made up to make people feel better. If hope was real, then my mom and sister would still be here. But that’s just what I think.

And then, my dad left. He didn’t even give me a reason, but can you blame him? I was probably a lot to handle. Ever since then, it’s just been me, taking care of myself.

So, fast forward to today. I live in a crappy apartment I can barely pay for with my even crappier job. I make sushi for a living. Yeah, sushi. I don’t know anyone around here, except for this old guy who lives next door. Every morning, he tries to say something to me before I leave for work, but it’s like listening to a broken record. I can never understand a word.

Anyway, life’s boring, I guess. So… I need to get ready for work. Again.

(Alarm goes off)

Rukasu: groans Ugh, that alarm. It’s like a torture device with a snooze button.

(Rukasu gets dressed)

Rukasu: No food again. Typical. I should probably just start eating the floor. It’s probably more nutritious at this point.

(Doorbell rings)

(Rukasu opens the door)

Mail girl: cheerfully Good mo-

Rukasu: slams the door Nope. Not today, little rat.

(A few minutes later, Rukasu is locking his door to leave for work)

Old man: Ru...

Rukasu: deadpan What.

Old man: grumbles something unintelligible

Rukasu: sighs Whatever, grandpa.

(Later at work...)

Kyohi: enthusiastically Hey, Rukasu! How’s it going today?

Rukasu: grunts in acknowledgment

Kyohi: cheerfully Lovely day, isn’t it?

Rukasu: blank stare

Kyohi: laughs Silent treatment again, huh?

Rukasu: Let me ask you something, Kyohi. Is your job just to annoy me every morning, or is this some kind of personal mission?

Kyohi: mock thinking Hmm, now that you mention it... I’m not sure. What exactly is it about me that bugs you so much?

Rukasu: Everything.

Kyohi: raises an eyebrow Like what?

Rukasu: Like that for one. You keep asking “Why?” like you’re some kind of philosopher.

Kyohi: laughs Come on, I’m just messing with you! Lighten up a little!

Rukasu: snorts Yeah, sure. If "lighten up" means “suffer in silence.”

Kyohi: Anyway, the boss wants me to tell you someone new will be working with us soon!

Rukasu: groans Great. Another poor soul to join you in your daily mission of “Let’s Annoy Rukasu.” Honestly, I’m starting to feel sorry for them already.

Kyohi: grinning Doesn’t that include you, too?

Rukasu: Nope. I’m quitting the second that newbie walks in.

Kyohi: mock horror Oh no! Then how will you pay for your precious little apartment?

Rukasu: grits teeth I’ll just... I’ll sell my organs or something! I don’t care!

Kyohi: chuckling Well, good luck with that.

Rukasu: throws hands up in exasperation How the hell do you know I live in an apartment?!

Kyohi: innocently Friends look out for each other, you know?

Rukasu: deadpan I’m not your friend.

Kyohi: pauses You’re right...

Rukasu: nodding Glad we’re on the same page.

Kyohi: smiling wide Because you’re my best friend!

Rukasu: stares, dumbfounded What? Wait—hold up. What?!

Kyohi: laughs Gotcha! Anyway, aren’t you excited? A new friend, a new vibe! It’s going to be great! More active, right?

Rukasu: groans I don't care. Leave me alone now.

Kyohi: mock pouting Okay, but just one more thing...

Rukasu: sighs dramatically What?

Kyohi: holds up a sandwich Did you eat yet? I’ve got one more sandwich if you want it.

(Kyohi hands over the sandwich)

Rukasu: squints No. I don’t want your food. It’s probably got germs on it or something.

throws it on the ground

Kyohi: watching in horror Ah, man! Now it’s literally going to taste like dirt!

Rukasu: shrugs Well, I didn’t want it anyway.

Kyohi: laughs Guess I’ll see you around then.

(Later after work…)

Rukasu: walking down the hall, mumbling I don’t need this sandwich. I don’t care. I’m not hungry.

(Rukasu pauses, picks up the sandwich from the floor)

Kyohi: appearing out of nowhere Told you you’d like it!

Rukasu: eyes wide Wait... I thought you went home already?!

Kyohi: grinning I forgot something. But seriously, you should eat. You look like you haven't eaten in days.

Rukasu: snaps What’s that supposed to mean? I already told you, I’m not eating your damn sandwich!

Kyohi: shrugs Then what are you going to do with it?

Rukasu: grabs sandwich, walking toward the trash Throw it away, obviously.

Kyohi: sighs That’d be such a waste. You sure?

Rukasu: rolls eyes Yeah, who cares?

Kyohi: smiling Well, I assume you care, since you picked it up after all.

Rukasu: grumbling Fine. Whatever.

(Rukasu throws the sandwich in the trash)

(A few minutes later...)

Kyohi: looking in the trash Hmm... I guess he didn’t throw it away after all!

(Later, outside Rukasu's apartment...)

Rukasu: stares at the mess Seriously? The mail girl threw all my mail everywhere. More trash to clean up... Fantastic.