Touring the Town

The afternoon was consumed by walking around the city with Eisuke and Carolina. We began by touring the Ameya-Yokochō, a large, bustling indoor and outdoor market. I fell behind, admiring the various commoners selling off their marine products, unique and traditional food, clothing, cosmetics and jewels. Ahead of me, Eisuke was carrying around various bags that Carolina had accumulated. I couldn't help but giggle at the sight. Each time Eisuke attempted to talk about a particular store or aspect of Japanese culture, Carolina made a rash decision to jump into a store, dragging him in as her personal chauffeur. As I kept a decent distance, I could hear her asking his opinion of various accessories and clothing. His response was always comical.

When we reached the end of the Ameya-Yokochō Eisuke called for his limousine. The driver assisted Eisuke in loading the various purchases into the trunk, while I reached for the door handle. Climbing into the limo, I realized I had never been in a personal limo before. I vaguely remember the limo that my friends and I had rented for prom in high school but it was nothing compared to Eisuke's. The interior reflected the gold and marble interior of the Trés Spades.

Carolina entered the limo sitting in the seats furthest from me. She eyed me suspiciously as we waited for Eisuke. As soon as he stepped in, she insisted he sat with her. Ignoring her request, he sat in the seat next to me. He draped his arm around my shoulders and leaned casually against the luxurious seats.

"Next we will be traveling to the Hamarikyu Gardens. They're beautiful this time of the year." Eisuke forced a smile. As we drove around, Eisuke entertained Carolina with small talk, as I lost myself looking out of the windows. Although the limousine windows were tinted, I could still feel the eyes of pedestrians, attempting to catch a glimpse of who might be in the car. I tensed suddenly growing aware of how in the spotlight Eisuke led his life. All my life I avoided the spotlight, I doubted being able to develop an affinity to it.

I felt a small squeeze on my shoulder, drawing me back to reality. Eisuke looked down at me, a small smile bringing up the tiny corners of his lips. As I looked back at him, I began to feel like he was trying to communicate to me silently. Maybe he was apologizing, maybe he was attempting to tell me our day with Carolina might be over soon. I might have missed the exact message he was conveying, but I couldn't help but feel complacent in his arms. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

"We have arrived, Mr. Ichinomiya." The driver notified us as he pulled the visor between the passenger seats and the driver seats open.

Eisuke leaned over opening the door, crouching out of the car, extending a hand in my direction. Before I was able to lace my fingers in his, Carolina rushed forward, nearly tripping over her own two feet. She laughed it off aloofly as Eisuke helped her out of the limo. Shaking my head, I followed suit, stepping out of the limo, to find Carolina hanging on Eisuke's arm. He watched me exit the limo, a completely disgusted look on his face. I smiled mouthing the words cheer up. Eisuke responded with an overly dramatic eye roll which made me giggle. Carolina, oblivious to our interaction, was surveying the garden clinging to Eisuke's arm as if she was a lost child.

As we walked through the gardens, we stopped to admire the cherry blossoms and various ferns that lined the walkways. We trudged over a few bridges peering into the crystal-clear water, commenting on the various fish that swam below. I listened as Eisuke spoke about the tea ceremonies that took place in the gardens and the history of the landmark. I listened intently as he gestured to various parts of the gardens, sharing his plethora of knowledge. I watched him educate Carolina, my heart growing warm, as I realized I was completely infatuated with this magnificent man. Sure, he was wealthy and extremely attractive, but nothing was more alluring than how incredibly smart he was. The moment of bliss vanished nearly as fast as it had consumed me, as I became increasingly aware of how out of my league Eisuke was.

Lost in my thoughts, I followed slowly behind Eisuke and Carolina, as our tour had come to an end.

"I'm famished." Carolina exclaimed.

"We should be heading back to the hotel now anyway." Eisuke offered.

"But I've been having so much fun with you Eisuke." Carolina cooed.

"I know. But I insist we return to the hotel so we can accommodate dinner plans, seeing as we have been out all afternoon." Eisuke pushed.

"Fine." Carolina pouted.

We climbed back into the limo that was waiting for us at the entrance of the garden. Although I sat in silence on the ride back to the hotel, Carolina couldn't stop talking about how much fun she had with Eisuke. She playfully reached over to touch his knee which he skillfully crossed in time to avoid her touch. She continued unfazed by his avoidance.

By the time we reached the hotel it was nearing six in the evening and my stomach began to growl. I had snuck a few snacks in after the trip through the outdoor market, but it had barely been sufficient to compensate for all the running around we did today. Eisuke escorted Carolina out of the limo, as the driver grabbed her bags from the trunk. One of the hotel staff members, came out to take Carolina's items up to where she was staying as Eisuke escorted her up the stairs to the hotel, me following suit behind them.

"Although today was eventful," I heard Eisuke tell Carolina, "I'm afraid I must be getting back to work."

"So soon?" Carolina pouted.

"Yes," Eisuke confirmed, "if you're in the area in the future, Harumi and I would be more than happy to show you other areas of Japan." He added.

"Fine." She glanced over at me quickly before clenching her fists and rapidly turning to Eisuke, planting a kiss on his cheek. She twirled around, walking off into the hotel, completely pleased with her childish actions.

I walked up to Eisuke, giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"Seems to me as if you have quite the admirer!" I teased.

He shot me a dirty look before slipping his fingers around my wrist, pulling me in the direction of the limo that was still waiting for us.

"I thought you had work to attend to?" I questioned after a few silent moments in the limo.

He didn't bother responding, he just stared out the window, two fingers pressing against his temple. Admitting defeat, I embraced his silence as we drove further away from the hotel. After a while the limo came to a stop, the driver turning back to inform us we had arrived at our destination. Looking out the window I could see the stars dance in the sky, something that was not visible from the city. Stepping out of the car, I followed Eisuke into a small, humble looking restaurant. The lights that hung from the ceiling were dimmed, casting a romantic glow throughout the seating area. There was an older couple sitting in the corner closest to the doors enjoying a dinner. As we entered an elder woman emerged from the back dressed in a kimono.

"Good Evening Mr. Ichinomiya." She greeted him, bowing.

"Good Evening Tati."

I observed their interaction as she approached Eisuke slowly. She had beautiful silver hair that was pinned back in a bun. She approached with her arms crossed, taking her time. She reminded me of my grandmother, which made me smile sweetly at her. When she reached Eisuke her smile vanished as she playfully slapped him on the chest.

"How dare you take so long to visit!"

"I know." He sighed.

"I suppose I can accept that as an apology." She said, her frown turning into a smile, as she ushered for him to give her a hug.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched him lean down to give her a hug. I found myself wondering if this was his grandmother. He turned around, extending his hand out to me, as he encouraged me to approach the two of them.

"Now, who is this beautiful woman!" The elder woman exclaimed.

"Tati, this is Harumi." He introduced us, "Harumi, this is Tati."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." I bowed in response.

The woman looked at me, taking my hands in hers, "It's my pleasure!" She smiled sweetly.

"You must be famished! Please follow me!" She said as she released my hands, turning on her heels.

She led us through a rather short hall, adorned with several scenic paintings. The lights fastened between each painting radiated a golden light that had an air of elegance and sophistication. At the end of the hall she held open a door to a room quite unlike the front of the restaurant.

My eyes grew wide as I followed Eisuke through the door. What I had anticipated as a room, was actually a small patio seating area with an outstretched wooden awning. A tree with several branches, stretched in the corner of the patio, adorned with various lanterns, glowing in the night. A single table greeted us with warming candles dancing in glasses atop water, set for two. A single rose leaned gently in its vase, turned to reflect the light from the candles. In the distance, appeared to be a slight hill, dipping down into a sea of city lights. I looked up admiring the night sky. The stars twinkled like diamonds as the moon shone bright. I stood awestruck as Eisuke pulled out a chair taking a seat at the table.

"Well go on dear." Tati interrupted.

"Thank you." I bowed heading to the table.

Still in awe I looked around me as I sat at the table. Everything about this arrangement was charming. Taking in the magnificent sight, my gaze landed on Eisuke who was sitting across from me. His demeanor was completely different, almost appearing more relaxed. I admired him from a distance, but not I was able to admire him from only a few feet away. His long fingers wrapped around the glass of wine that Tati had filled for the both of us, bringing it to his lips. His eyes peered at me over his glass, as he finished taking a sip.

"Tati was one of the many foster parents I had in my childhood." Eisuke offered. "When I was a child, my parents were murdered. My sister and I were destined for an orphanage, where we were ultimately split apart. As I child I had quite the temperament, as a result I was bounced around to different foster homes. My goal was to be reunited with my sister, but that day never came. Instead I was placed in home after home after home. Eventually I found myself staring at Tati's door. She was a stubborn woman, insusceptible to my tantrums, ultimately gaining my trust."

My eyes locked with Eisuke's as I listened intently. His eyes reflected the fire that danced on the table and around us. They burned with emotion, imprisoning me.

"One day, a child services agent came to visit, expecting to bring me back to the orphanage, but instead Tati insisted that I stayed. She selfishly provided for me for several years. Until…" He paused, "an investigation of the corruption in the government sector of child services had prompted for an investigation of all foster parents. New standards were established, none of which Tati had met. I, much against my will, was removed from the comfort of Tati's home, where I was admitted back to the orphanage."

I frowned as he evoked the distressed memories of his childhood. I wanted to reach out to him as he peered into his wine glass, twirling the liquid around. For even just a split second, he truly looked so vulnerable that I could feel the pain he endured. I opened my mouth to say something, unable to think of words that could possibly comfort him, I lifted my hand from my side. I leaned forward slightly placing my hand over his.

"I owe so much to Tati." He said his eyes breaming with determination. "Though she never would ask for it, I've made it my goal to see to it that she is happy and lives comfortably."

"That's very kind." I whisper, sharing the moment just an instant longer before Tati returns with delicious food assembled on a silver cart.

"Bon appetite!" She beamed placing our dishes in front of us.

I watched as she tenderly poked Eisuke in the shoulder, smiling from ear to ear, as she pushed the silver cart back through the door.

"A toast." I raised my glass, catching Eisuke off-guard.

Complying, he lowered his fork and knife, raising his wine glass, level with mine. One brow was raised ever so slightly, curiosity and amusement painted across his face.

"To Tati."

"To Tati." He repeated tapping the tip of his glass to mine.

We both took a sip from our glasses before turning our attention to the food that was presented to us only moments before. After such an eventful day, I couldn't imagine a more satisfying way to end it.

The night carried on peacefully. I sat across from Eisuke, as we engaged in polite conversation. We shared a laugh as we recalled other childhood memories over dessert. I rested my chin in my hand as I indulged in the familiarity of a friendly conversation. I began to feel warmth radiate through my body, filling holes I had not previously noticed were present. I became increasingly aware that I was longing for camaraderie. From the way Eisuke had been acting tonight, it appeared perhaps, by a sliver of a chance, he was longing the same thing.

An unavoidable yawn escaped my lips, as he was taking another sip of his wine. He glanced at his watch, running his hand through his hair.

"We should head back now." He said, standing from his seat.

I silently followed suit as Tati came out to escort us back. I bowed, approaching the main restaurant doors.

"Tati, it was truly a pleasure and an honor." I said humbly.

She reached out pulling me into a tight hug, before saying "My sweet, you are welcome here anytime!"

Turning to Eisuke, he leaned down, placing a small peck on her cheek before embracing her in a warm hug.

"'til next time, Tati." Eisuke whispered.

"'A bientôt." Tati responded.

Eisuke pushed open the door, where the limo driver greeted us opening the passenger door. Climbing in, I let out a tired sigh, as I sunk into the luxurious seats. Eisuke startled me as he sat down next to me, letting out a slight sigh himself. As we drove off, I could feel the threat of falling asleep growing deep down, and I struggled to fight it off. The harder I tried, the harder it felt it was for me to keep my eyes open. Before I had known what was happening, I fell into a sweet slumber.