Christina didn't feel a thing when her father told her she'll be moving to Japan to live with her brother. It was only the following Monday that it sank in.

She was leaving her friends.

She was leaving Adrian.

She will not go out every night for midnight walks.

Nor will she enjoy the runs in the forest nearby.

Or listen to music on full blast.

And today she was supposed to let everyone know as if it was normal. As if it will not have an impact on her. By the time she finished daydreaming it was already lunch time and she walked by Adrian as always to sit outside and enjoy the weather.

'Schneider's classes are always so boring. Why do we have to study physics?' – Adrian asked.

'Because that's how education works. They have to test us on something.' – she replied automatically.

'Comes from the one who curses the idea of chemistry! … Are you okay?'- He questioned. It was noticeable that Christina was off today. He could always tell.

'Yeah everything is fi-'

'That's a fake smile if I have ever seen one. What's happening?' - Adrian interrupted. His voice was quiet and his green eyes were full of concern.

Christina was fully aware that when she'll tell him he will show his full support despite his objections. He will understand it was not her choice. He will understand that they will naturally grow distant over time and then they will only be strangers. They didn't want this but that's how it goes.

'I'm leaving.' – Her voice came out loud and clear.

'When?' – He asked understanding.

'Two weeks. To Japan. I'll be living with my brother.'

'Okay then. Do you wanna cry?'

'No.'

'Do you want a hug?'

'No. Let's just have normal until we can.'

'Good cause I was gonna say I want some cake today.' – Adrian replied with a smile. The sadness was gone and the mood was back to usual. As this didn't even happen.

As the weeks went after school Adrian helped Christina to slowly pack. Teasing her and repacking anything she put in the luggage. Then they would go to the coffee house, that they used to go occasionally, order a drink and have some amazing cake. They stayed together as long as they could and occasionally had sleepovers when they didn't want to separate. At the same time Adrian helped to let some close people know that Christina was leaving. Few friends cried, others were simply sad but all said the same thing.

'We'll keep in touch.'

Lies. That's what Adrian said to Christina later that evening.

At some point Christina found herself at the airport making small chat with Adrian. Time was running out quicker than either of them wanted, but they still wanted to stay together as much as they could. Another hour passed and her flight called passengers to board the plane. As they walked slowly holding hands Adrian started to feel the same distress that he saw in her eyes all day long. So before letting her board he hugged her strongly and said that everything will be okay. They will be okay. Then he took off his leather jacket that both of them loved and put it on her, while taking away her hat and putting it on his head.

This was a promise.

'You take care now okay?' - Adrian asked. He needed to know that she will try her best.

'Yeah. And you should get a physics tutor cause boy you suck at that subject.' – Christina replied with a hint of sarcasm, but that was her genuine self and he made sure to remember this. One last hug and they went their separate ways without looking back. There was never time to look back.

Yet for some reason Christina found herself silently crying in the plane.

And Adrian decided that the cake didn't taste that good anymore.

He was never a fan of a bitter taste.

'I'm back.' – Christina said as she entered her now new home. As she was taking off her shoes she heard a faint reply from the kitchen so she headed there.

'How was it then? Did you find any friends?' – Jamie asked as he ate his sandwich with one hand and scribbled something with the other for his work.

Christina had been living with Jamie for over two weeks, but she still felt a bit out of place. Having older brothers, one would think that they would be close, however she only saw him few times a year during holidays. Even now she barely saw him, only at random hours and random days. It was not easy to be a surgical resident.

'It was awkward and felt like a torture, but I smiled regardless. I met few people and I'm having lunch tomorrow with one of the girls. I also apparently have to join some afterschool club.' – She replied. There was no point in lying nor would she be bothered to do so.

'Well that's something. You've been pretty down recently so it's good to hear that you're bonding with people. Have you considered any options for that?' – He questioned. Jamie genuinely wanted his sister to adjust well in Japan. His concern was only that she would refuse to do so.

'I don't want to join any clubs I want to leave school and go home and then repeat the cycle. And that is not bonding.' – Christina replied immediately.

'Well try and join a club, any club. Do it, find friends, go out, rebel in some teenage way. Just don't sit at home.'

As Christina started to make dinner she took his words in. She did need friends and she cannot just go against every single thing that was asked for. Nor would it be good to be alienated in school. She wasn't stupid, being half Japanese and half German was not a common thing and she didn't want to be picked by it. It's better just to blend in and keep her head down.

'Fine. I will bond and try to blend in … or whatever.' – She said.

'Really? Tha-That's good. Let me know how it goes or if you need anything. I'll be going now. There is money left and you know my page number if you need me. Otherwise I will see you on Wednesday okay?' – Jamie replied guilty. He didn't want to leave her alone so much.

'I'm aware. Have fun at work and don't get anyone killed!' Christina yelled as he was leaving, but she could still faintly hear.

'You have a bad sense of humour!'