[Novel: Venus Syndrome] [291] Working at the US Military Base PX
Chapter 1: Working at Yokota Air Base
Riko Takekuma put her passport in her bag while getting ready in the morning.
“...It’s a job in Tokyo, so why a passport? I don’t get it.”
Today’s work site was the US Yokota Air Base. She was told it was an exhibition at the PX—a place called a shop.
But when she thought of a shop, she imagined a station kiosk or a small store in a hospital. Even imagining herself standing there in a dress didn’t quite click.
She took the Toei Asakusa Line from Nishimagome and transferred to the Yamanote Line at Shimbashi. She switched to the Ome Special Rapid at Tokyo Station, then to the Hachiko Line from Haijima.
The scenery outside the window gradually became more suburban.
When she got off at Higashi-Fussa, the letters “YOKOTA” appeared across the fence. Even though she was supposed to be in Tokyo, there was definitely a border that felt like a “national boundary” there.
When she arrived at the gate, she was stopped by a guard in camouflage. She presented her passport and filled out some forms. When she took off her prosthetic arms and placed them on the tray in front of the metal detector, a cold sensation remained on her shoulders. After passing through the detector, she put her prosthetics back on. Once she hung the pass around her neck, she felt exactly like she had finished going through airport immigration.
Before long, a huge glass-walled building appeared before her eyes. The place called the PX—the shop—was far beyond Riko’s imagination; it was an American shopping mall through and through.
The moment she stepped into the building, Riko’s eyes widened in surprise.
Although it was called a PX—a shop—the scene that spread out before her was exactly that of an American shopping mall.
A sporting goods store, shelves of brand-name bags, a cosmetics counter, and a food court.
“...This isn’t just a ‘shop’ anymore, it’s a full-blown department store.”
She whispered to herself and shrugged.
The Felice exhibition was set up in one corner. Inside a space partitioned by white cloth, Riko stood as a mannequin instead of a plastic one.
Dressed in a sleeveless gown, she adjusted her posture, and gazes naturally gathered on her.
“So beautiful…”
An American woman passing by exclaimed with wide eyes.
“Thank you…”
Riko returned a smile, looking a little embarrassed. With English skills around Eiken Grade 2, this much was no problem.
“Is this… wedding dress?”
“Yes. Wedding dress… brand Felice. From Tokyo.”
As she answered while slowly choosing her words, the woman nodded happily, saying “Tokyo!”, and even called over a friend.
When asked “Material?”, Riko searched for the words for a moment.
“Uh… satin, and tulle…”
She pronounced it with some anxiety, but it seemed the other person understood well enough.
She couldn’t explain it fluently. But the luster of the dress and the texture of the sheer fabric made up for her lack of words.
Above all, this body—her standing posture as a mannequin without arms—was what caught their eyes.
She stood for a while, returning simple English every time the audience changed.
“Size… small, medium…”
“Rental, or order made.”
Even if she was stumbling, if she conveyed it sincerely, smiles were returned.
Eventually, the exhibition time ended, and the staff came to adjust the dress.
Riko relaxed her shoulders and let out a breath.
—Even though I’m supposed to be in Tokyo, the language and culture feel like I’m in a completely different country.
Chapter 2: A Peek-a-Boo Burger
After finishing the exhibition and leaving the base, Riko suddenly stopped.
“Since I’ve come all the way to Yokota…”
What came to mind was the eccentric reviewer that Yumi Yakuno had shared in the Torukomi group chat. (Episode257Story) This eccentric person had also written about “Freedom Burger’s” in front of Yokota Air Base.
At the gate of the US military base, there is “Freedom Burger’s”.
The freedom to combine thick and thin meat patties.
I, a mere nobody,
dislike the standard flavors of chain stores,
and find the commercialism of “limited-time offers” laughable.
However, this “Freedom Burger’s”,
standing tall before the gate of the US Yokota Air Base,
grants its customers infinite freedom,
and is not to be missed.
Observing closely,
displayed in the shop are beef, chicken, soy meat,
bacon, pineapple, peanut butter,
and even kimchi, chili oil, and jalapeños.
[The Bizarre Combinations of the Day]
=================================================
・Kuroge Wagyu beef patty + pineapple + teriyaki sauce
・Chicken patty + avocado + peanut butter
・Soy meat patty + kimchi + chili oil
=================================================
In my humble opinion,
it is a symphony of “sweet and salty”,
a battle of “spicy and smooth”.
It is reminiscent of the ancient Roman Empire’s “fish sauce + honey”.
And, the customers inside the shop,
young people with blue hair,
bearded veterans,
tattooed laborers,
each biting into their own bizarre combination and letting out hearty laughs.
Ah, “Freedom Burger’s” is not something to be debated for the quality of its taste.
It is a holy meal that allows one to chew on “freedom”.
Seeing the regulars gathering one after another,
I, an old man, bowed my head in respect in my heart,
and took my leave in a hurry.
Since I’m here, I might as well go.
When she opened the door to the shop, the savory smoke and the smell of spices rushed in all at once.
Even before she sat down, Riko’s eyes widened at the sight that jumped into the corner of her vision.
At the next table, a young man was biting into a thick beef patty sandwiched with pineapple.
The girl sitting diagonally across was dripping with a bright red sauce made of kimchi and chili oil.
The man who looked like a veteran further back was slathering peanut butter on chicken and laughing heartily.
—What is that… they’re actually eating it.
Riko glanced sideways and shrugged. But the moment she looked back, a smile spilled onto her lips.
She ordered the combination written in the review at the counter.
Kuroge Wagyu + pineapple + teriyaki sauce.
She opened the paper wrapping and took a bite, feeling nervous. The sweetness and saltiness collided, and the acidity stimulated her tongue.
“...It really is a strange taste.”
She muttered, and glanced around again. Everyone was heartily stuffing their faces with bizarre burgers, and not a single person looked embarrassed.
—It’s not about whether it tastes good or bad, it’s about “eating freedom”.
When she thought that, the strange hamburger suddenly felt endearing.
While adjusting her prosthetic arm by the window, Riko took another bite.
Her profile looked just a little bit happy.
#AINovel #Novel #VenusChild #VenusSyndrome
#RikoTakekuma
#WeeklyShortShortNote #PeekABooBurger