Junkowaswatgtelevisiohephafewminutesbeforemidnight.Keisukesatintheeroftheroomwearingheadphones,eyeshalf-closed,headswingingbadforthashislongfingersflewoverthestringsofhiselectricguitar.Heractigafastpassageandobviouslyhadhephonewasringing.Junkopickedupthereceiver.

    “DidIwakeyou?”MiyakeaskedinhisfamiliarmuffledOsakaat.

    “Nah,”Junkosaid.“We’restillup.”

    “I’matthebeach.Youshouldseeallthisdriftwood!Wemakeabigohistime.edown?”

    “Sure,”Junkosaid.“Letmegeclothes.I’llbethereintenminutes.”

    Sheslippedonapairoftightsandthenherjeans.Ontopsheworeaturtlenecksweater,auffedapackofcigarettesintothepocketofherwoolencoat.Purse,matches,keyring.ShenudgedKeisukeinthebackwithherfoot.Hetoreoffhisheadphones.

    “I’mgoingforabohebeach,”shesaid.

    “Miyakeagain?”Keisukeaskedwithascowl.“You’vegottobekidding.It’sFebruary,youknow.Twelveo’cloight!Yoingtogomakeabonfirenow?”

    “That’sokay,youdon’thavetoe.I’llgobymyself.”

    Keisukesighed.“Nah,I’lle.Givemeamioge.”

    Heturnedoffhisamp,andoverhispajamasheputonpants,asweater,andadownjacket,whichhezippeduptohis.Junkoedascarfaroundhernedputonak.

    “Youguysarecrazy,”Keisukesaidastheytookthepathdowntothebeach.“What’ssogreataboutbonfires?”

    Thenightwascold,buttherewasnowindatall.Wordslefttheirmouthstohangfrozeninmidair.

    “What’ssogreataboutPearlJam?”Junkosaid.“Justalotofnoise.”

    “PearlJamhastenmillionfansallovertheworld,”Keisukesaid.

    “Well,bonfireshavehadfansallovertheworldforfiftyth