Short Story: "An Afternoon in Ura-Harajuku"

This is a story of imagination.

The mid-90s.
We used to hang out at our usual select shop in Harajuku.

We weren't there to buy clothes; we were just looking at the store's figures.

Akira was smoking a cigarette in front of the shop.

"Let's go, Ken."

We said goodbye to the shop owner.

And started walking.

Akira walked while smoking, then tossed his cigarette butt somewhere nearby.

We wandered aimlessly.

Just hitting our usual shops.

"Should I buy this?"
Akira said to me.

"That's cool, isn't it?"

Akira bought the T-shirt.
And we left the shop.

We sat down in front of the GAP for no reason.

"I'm more of a Dunk guy than an Air Max guy. They're super expensive, though. Maybe I'll buy them next month. I'll be broke, but still."
Akira said that and lit a cigarette.

By the time we finished talking, it was evening.

"I've got a shift at the izakaya after this. Let's eat some cup ramen before I go."
I said.

We bought some Cup Noodles.
And sat on the street somewhere, slurping down our Cup Noodles.

"Do you have any dreams?" Akira asked.

"I think it's fun just buying clothes in Harajuku like this," I replied.

I parted ways with Akira.

And headed to the izakaya in Shimokitazawa.