I woke up early since it was the D–day. Tsubaki's hand was under my shirt, and her legs were interlocked with mine as if she had invented a new MMA move. I was annoyed, but she was asleep like a log. Haiko was also in bed. I prepared their breakfasts. Even though I wouldn't participate in the interview, I was still going to join.
I was super nervous, but trying to ignore it, I drank my espresso with toast, sausages and scrambled eggs. I left a note for Tsubaki to eat her share.
The morning air was chilly, but not as cold as my heart. It felt like I could freeze at any moment.
I arrived at the department, hung my coat and bag, put on my lab coat, prepared the documents, and got ready for the Zoom call. Tsubasa-sensei was a bit late, but she had shared the meeting link a day prior.
It was May, but my hands were frozen from nervousness.
Ting — "Jellyfish26" has joined the Zoom call.The microphone was on, but the camera was off. I smiled at the username.
"So you still like jellyfish?" I said out loud, though my microphone was off.
"Aomi, this is your last chance. You can't bomb this. Get a grip!!!" I heard a smack on my face.The voice from the other side was nervous too.
"Your microphone is on," I typed in the chat, then didn't hit send.Instead, I wrote: "Good luck and be yourself. I am looking forward to this." And hit send.
"Heh? Who?"Then she quickly turned her microphone off.
"I am your future lab fellow," I sent.I imagined her confused face and smiled just as Sensei entered.
"Morning. All set?" Sensei asked.
"Yes, Sensei!"
"Why don't you join from your PC as well? I won't ask you to turn on the camera," she said with a serious expression.
"Okay, okay, I will," I sulked a bit.
Ting — "Blue Trevally.J" has joined the meeting.I had changed my name.
A tightness formed in my chest, and as I adjusted my microphone, a screen popped up.
It was Aomi.
It's her.
She is here.
I backed away in shock and almost fell from my chair, but I steadied my breathing and composure. My heart was beating so loudly.
She was beautiful and magnificent—just like she was five years ago. I had imagined her every single day, but seeing her like this… I could die right now. I wanted to reach out and touch her. I placed my finger on the screen as if caressing her. Thank God I was seated in the back so Sensei couldn't see me.
"I can't wait to see you in person," I mumbled.
Sensei and Aomi introduced themselves and discussed the research proposal, her education background, and other details.
"So, Yazawa-san, why our lab?" Sensei asked.
Aomi looked a bit puzzled but answered immediately and confidently:
"During my final year research, I cited many of your published papers. Your work on creating a pollution-free and eco-friendly environment is admirable, and I want to be part of this cause."
I was hoping she would mention my name. I am so selfish.
"Especially your published research from last year about jellyfish and carbon cycling—their blooms and climate changes—with Nanase-san helped me make my resolve to join your lab. I am looking forward to it."
Nanase-san!!!!Heh? Huh? Eh??????
She read my papers and cited them???I was screaming internally.God, I am ready. Please send the grim reaper.
"That's amazing that you're following our work. It'll help you settle in, and I read your review articles on my research, especially the one regarding jellyfish," Sensei said, and I shook all thoughts away to focus on the meeting.
"I find them very fascinating and mysterious. There is so much we know, yet so much we still need to understand. I'm sorry if my reason wasn't grand," Aomi said, hesitating.
She is amazing and doing what she loves—that's a relief.
"No, no. I want passion. Someone also gave me a similar answer a few years ago, and I believe that we can work together to understand these creatures—captivating, poisonous, yet contributing in so many ways," Sensei said.
Looking at Aomi reminded me of my old self. I used to be like a baby blue trevally hiding behind her tentacles for protection, just like how jellyfish protect their companions while asking nothing in return. Back then, I was afraid of rumours, and she was my saviour.
Click.I unconsciously took a picture of Aomi on the screen.Ugh. I am a creep—but I wanted to commemorate this memory.
"I will email you, Yazawa-san, about the final results. It was nice to have you today," Sensei said.
"Thank you for giving me a chance," she bowed slightly and said goodbye.
Her voice was still melancholic and gentle. I wanted to hear her more. I wish she had a podcast channel. In a flash, the meeting was over.
I let out a sigh.
"Elena! Did you take a picture?" Sensei glared as she turned to face me.
"Heh? Sensei, don't glare at me—you're not Medusa."
"But I will turn you into stone," she said mischievously.
"I mean—you're looking pretty today, Sensei. Especially on the screen."
"Hmph. Don't butter me up. I know where your eyes were fixed."
"Anyway, what do you think about Yazawa-san? Can you manage to work with her?" Sensei asked gently.
"I think so," I replied.
"Such a cold response. Hmph. You're really a brat," she said, sulking.
"Huh, Sensei—lunch is on you then," I replied, grinning.
"Only if you take my class today."
"Why? That wasn't the schedule," I said in a serious tone.
"You're my Research Assistant, don't you remember?" she stressed. Well, it was true. After graduation, I joined Sensei's lab because I didn't want to enroll for post-grad yet. Sometimes I had to help her in lectures too—even though I hated it—but it was my duty.
"Okay, but just one lecture," I replied, and she handed me notes for today's class.
I usually avoid getting involved with students, but as RA, I couldn't ignore it for long, since it would cause trouble for Sensei too. I left the lab after preparing for the lecture. As I walked through the corridors, I remembered the times I used to imagine Aomi walking beside me—and now it might come true soon. Somehow, my mood felt good.
"Good afternoon," I said as I entered the class. It was a short follow-up lecture, and the students were attentive.
Once it was over and I was about to head out, I heard a voice:
"Sensei, please stay for a while and have a talk with your beloved students," a gyaru-looking girl said cheerfully.
Ugh, I hated this, but I couldn't lose my temper. I didn't have the energy for this.
"I'm just a sub for today. Have this talk with Tsubasa Sensei," I replied and left the classroom.
I just wanted to go home and organize my thoughts. I had seen Aomi, and I needed to celebrate. I was craving lasagna for dinner. I should buy treats for Haiko too. I entered the lab—Sensei wasn't there. I grabbed my coat and bag and left.
Ting! I scrolled through notifications. Tsubaki had sent me so many texts. I think she was still drunk. Most of them were stickers and thank-yous for yesterday. I sent a rage-cat sticker replying: Do not disturb.
I opened my gallery, saw the photo of Aomi, and smiled, hoping to see her soon. All my nervousness vanished once I saw her face today.
"I should've taken a video," I muttered. Ehhh, I'm such a creep. I couldn't help but see her face again and again. A knot formed in my stomach, and my face felt hot just imagining Aomi.
"Will jellyfish still protect me? I'm not a juvenile blue trevally anymore. I wish I were," I muttered as I entered the subway.
It was still a long wait. I wished I could describe in words how much I yearned right now—to touch her face, hold her hands, embrace her… all of her. I wanted to have her this time, no matter the outcome. I wanted to tell her how much I love her.