"So, what are you going to do about the trip to Tokyo? If you don't book a train and a hotel soon, we won't find any good and affordable options,"Ash said, getting straight to the point as he always did when bothered by something. If Ash voluntarily stopped reading, he was worried and couldn't put it off any longer.

The trip. Eiji knew why he had asked him about that. Ash hated not having a plan; it had always turned him into a nervous wreck initially. Yet, Ash had gradually learned with his help that he didn't need a plan for every step he took here. In a small seaside town like Izumo, life was quiet and peaceful. However, Tokyo, a metropolis and one of the world's biggest and leading cities, was an entirely different matter.

Eiji was worried that Tokyo reminded Ash too much of New York and that he would overreact when surrounded by huge crowds of people. That's why he had taken him to Akita for his birthday. That city was smaller, but the festival had also been crowded, so he had observed Ash and his reaction. Ash had been a bit nervous at first but had relaxed after some time, and they had enjoyed a great time there.

He hoped that Tokyo would turn out the same. So, the least he could do was prepare the trip thoroughly because it would put Ash at ease.

Ash preferred to be prepared when traveling to a city he didn't know anything about. He wanted to work out a travel itinerary or a detailed schedule. A plan gave Ash the feeling of safety and control. That's why he had read so many books about Tokyo. Facts were his safety net.

For him, going to Tokyo was a journey to the unknown, to a world he couldn't control. He was worried, so Ash hid behind statistics, figures, solid facts, and knowledge because they were consistent, and he could rely on them. Facts weren't unstable and never let you down, unlike emotions or social cues, which were still a mystery to him. However, he had improved in that area.

He had ruled New York, had reigned over the city like a king. He had turned the city into his playground, Manhattan into his sandbox, and had known every little corner and cobblestone, all the streets, routes, underground tunnels, shortcuts. He had absolute authority and control over the city. No one had even as much as breathed or moved without him knowing. Yet, this time, he didn't go to a big city as an infamous gang leader or criminal mastermind.

For the first time, he was an ordinary tourist, which was a completely new experience for Ash. An experience that was beyond his control, and it scared him. Eiji saw it in his eyes. Still, at the same time, Eiji saw excited anticipation and curiosity reflected in them.

Ash had mixed feelings about going to Tokyo, and he felt the same. Not just about taking Ash with him but also because of Hana. He had never been on a trip with her before, and his mom had drilled into his head that he was responsible for her and taking care of her. He hoped everything would work out fine... But he really looked forward to it.

Still, Ash was right. He hadn't even booked a hotel or a Shinkansen yet... If he didn't do so soon, he wouldn't be able to afford the prices even if his mom had offered to pay for Hana's tickets. He loved reading tourist guides and thinking about which sights to visit and where to eat. However, when looking for things as dull as train connections and hotels, he always lost all motivation and tried to avoid doing it until the very last second. Ash knew that only too well; that's why he had asked him, reminding him not to put it off any longer.

While Ash had been sitting on the couch, reading guide books about Tokyo, he was lying on it, his head resting on Ash's lap, and looking at his college website to see if the final results for his photo projects had already been uploaded. To his dismay, he hadn't found them yet.

Eiji closed his laptop computer a bit too loudly, giving it an annoyed look as if the computer was at fault. However, the computer couldn't change that his professors were seriously late to upload their students' grades. The song remained the same. Even before going to New York, his grades had always been posted last minute, often a few days before the new semester started. Eiji had to plan the next semester, but he could only decide which courses to take if he knew he had passed the previous ones.

Ash closed the guidebook he had just been reading and cast him a knowing look. "Let me guess; the results aren't up yet?" Eiji shook his head and placed the laptop next to him.

"So, do I get an answer? The trip was a spontaneous idea of yours, so it's at pretty short notice. We only have a bit more than a week to plan and organize everything.", he reminded him rationally, placing his Tokyo guide book in Japanese on the table next to him, a sign that Eiji had his undivided attention now.

"I know! I just had a flash of inspiration and mentioned the trip in the spur of the moment.", Eiji admitted honestly, sighing heavily. He covered his face with his hands. "I'm an idiot. I should have thought about it in more detail before suggesting it. But at the time, it sounded like a great idea, you know?" Ash just nodded and gently removed some strands from his face.

"Why didn't you stop me? You're the one who always thinks logically and anticipates all possible consequences beforehand, Ash!" Eiji looked up into his eyes, glaring at him.

"Hey, don't blame me, ok?" he defended himself, lifting both hands in the air to emphasize his innocence. "You're just too excited sometimes. Although the thought of stopping you had occurred to me for a second," Ash reluctantly confessed.

"Then, why – "

"I saw how happy Hana was. Her eyes were sparkling, and so did yours. You both looked so damn happy. I didn't want to be the killjoy and destroy your happiness. You both need that trip. Some bonding time together to catch up on each other's lives. As siblings, I mean."

Eiji wanted to interrupt him, but Ash placed a finger on his lips, signaling him that he wanted to say something else.

"Besides, you taught me that sometimes spontaneous ideas are more fun just because you didn't think them through. That I don't always need a perfect plan like in New York because it's peaceful here.", he added, bending down to kiss him softly. His blonde strands were tickling his cheeks, so he started giggling.

"Well, I can't argue against that..." Eiji felt how his cheeks heated up as he looked at Ash's delicate features and his small smile lighting up his eyes, then he beamed happily at him and sat up beside him.

"Besides, won't your college term start the week after next?" Ash placed an arm around him and looked at him for a reaction. Eiji nodded.

"See? So, the only long weekend where you still have time is the following one."

"Yeah, you're right. As always." Eiji leaned his head on his shoulder. "I've already looked for options but couldn't find anything good."

"You didn't find anything good because you didn't do a thorough research. You just browsed half-heartedly through the options because you were more interested in your exam results and the choice of courses for the next semester. If you don't find any good options, edit your search, use different keywords, or refine your research. Don't give up so easily. And ask me for help, goddammit!"

Eiji sat up straight because Ash had raised his voice when adding the last sentence. Frustration had resonated in his voice which had alarmed him. Ash didn't often swear since coming to Japan. If he did, he was irritated by something or seriously mad. He looked into his eyes, glowing dangerously in a poisonous green, while his burning gaze could set their apartment on fire. That look was never a good sign.

"Sorry, Ash, you're right; I wasn't focusing on the task at hand. I'll give it another try. This is the first trip I'll do with Hana and you together. It's a perfect way to grow closer together, so I wanted to organize it myself this time. But I was distracted by creating my college schedule."

Ash's gaze softened instantly, and he nodded at him in understanding before putting an arm loosely around his shoulder again.

"So, let's start organizing this trip. Now. First, we should look for a hotel and a train connection."

"We? But - " Eiji interrupted him, lifting his head in surprise at his suggestion.

"No way I'm letting you do all the work!" Ash replied stubbornly, his eyes glowing in that intense jade-green they constantly changed to when he didn't like his way of doing things.

"I know you wanted to organize everything on your own because this trip means a lot to you, but it's much faster if we do it together. You were the one teaching me to ask for help if I need it. Besides, you know I'm good at planning ahead and thinking of strategies. Or, in our case, organizing things." Ash grinned wickedly at him, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I don't like it when you're the voice of reason. Makes it harder to find arguments to contradict you," Eiji complained, sulking. "But you're right; sharing the planning and preparations would be faster and more efficient. Especially if I have someone by my side who is an expert on research of any kind. I'd be an idiot to refuse your help. Thank you, Ash."

Ash's eyes lit up with a mix of amusement and happiness before he pulled him closer.

"So, tell me how I can help you? Hotels are probably too difficult for me at my Japanese level with all the detailed descriptions... Unless they have an English website?" He looked at him questioningly.

"Some of the big hotel chains do but not all, so it would be difficult for you," he admitted. "How about I look up the hotels while you look for a train connection? Preferably one where we can change to a bullet train - "

"Bullet what?" Ash suddenly interrupted him while pure confusion ran over his face. Eiji secretly loved moments like these when Ash looked utterly lost, and he could teach Ash something new. Those moments were rare if you lived with a genius who was a walking dictionary and had a perfect memory.

"You're adorable if you're that clueless.", he replied, grinning at him. Ash pouted and stubbornly looked away from him. Eiji had still seen the blush dawning on his cheeks, though. After a moment, however, Ash's curiosity won out, as it always did, and he turned back to Eiji.

Ash hated being clueless and lacking knowledge. Having knowledge gaps was a new concept for him, yet when it came to Japan, its culture, customs, and traditions, he often discovered new things.

"The Bullettrain. I thought you'd have heard of the English term for the Shinkansen."

"Shinkansen?" Ash had a blank look before his eyes suddenly lit up as if he had remembered something. He shoved his glasses up his nose again. "Oh, sorry, you mean those high-speed trains we have here in Japan?"

Eiji loved hearing how Ash started saying, we instead of you.

At the beginning, he would have phrased it differently, saying ' The high-speed trains you have here ' instead of ' we have here.' As if he still felt like a foreigner and didn't belong here, putting an emotional distance between him and Japan, not yet seeing it as his new home. Eiji didn't like that, but he didn't want to pressure Ash, so he had waited for him to feel comfortable enough. Until their new life here felt like a home to him. Like a new beginning. He had softly corrected him, though.

After their first kiss, Ash had slowly started to accept that Eiji loved him and wanted him to stay. And that this was where he belonged. Where they belonged together. That's when he had started copying his phrasing and had started using we and us more often, signaling Eiji that he loved him and wanted to stay, too. That he was finally home.

Eiji nodded. "Yes. In English, you call them bullettrains, so I assumed you knew the term."

"Sounds ominous..." Ash thought aloud. His eyes dimmed a little while looking gloomily at him.

"Here." Eiji showed him a picture of said train on his phone. "I think with that smart mind of yours; you can figure out the reason for the nickname yourself." Ash looked at the photos and nodded quietly.

"They're shaped like a bullet. And they're probably as fast, too. Makes sense. I've read somewhere that the fastest Shinkansen can achieve speeds up to 320 kilometers or 199 miles per hour, so the train's shape has to be as aerodynamic as possible to cause little wind resistance."

"Finally, my genius is back!" Eiji beamed at him in admiration. He loved Ash's smart talks and hoped that one day Ash would find a job that would challenge him on an intellectual level, too. Ash could probably do anything if he only tried. But that was a talk for a later time. First, they had to plan their trip.

"You're right, of course. The Shinkansen will take us much faster to Tokyo than a regular train. So, look for connections where we can change into a Shinkansen at one point."

Ash nodded and started searching on his smartphone while Eiji looked for hotels on his laptop. After thirty minutes, they looked at the results together. Eiji leaned closer and looked at the train connections that Ash had found.

"The first connection on your list is pretty good. We'd arrive at 3 p.m. and would still have some time left to see a bit of Tokyo," Eiji suggested, pointing at the list of connections Ash had shown him on his phone.

"I feared you'd say that." Ash looked at him and made such a long face that Eiji burst out laughing.

"Don't look so miserable just because you have to get up early. You'll be rewarded by seeing more of Japan!" Eiji cheered him up and ruffled his blonde hair affectionately. Usually, Ash didn't like it when he messed up his hair or at least pretended not to like it, always complaining half-heartedly about it. Yet, this time, he didn't.

"What, no complaint?"

"No, this time, I'll make an exception. Because you accepted my help. Thank you."

He saw in Ash's bright eyes that he looked as much forward to the trip as he did and that he was happy that he could be helpful and organize some things, too. Ash had often felt useless initially because he couldn't speak Japanese and was still suffering.

At first, Eiji had always told him that he should focus on recovering and healing first. When he had seen that he had improved little by little, he had tried to share the tasks. Even if they were small at first, he had seen that Ash was grateful and happier because he wanted to support Eiji more. The other day's breakdown had taught him the hard way that he should rely on Ash more.

"I'm looking forward to this trip. I'm sure it will be great." He smiled softly at Eiji for a moment.

Ash really loved planning and organizing little trips they did, and Eiji loved how his eyes sparkled when he tried to make a list of all the places they planned to visit, looked up train schedules, and researched routes and connections to get to the different sights.

He loved investigating or researching things, making detailed plans in this meticulous way he had. Ash overdid it a little at times, but it was fun to watch him, and he was amazing at calculating the most efficient ways to see as many sights as possible.

Ash didn't just make a schedule. He created an excel table, listing all the sights, the distance between them, the nearest public transport, alternative points of interest, and the entrance fees, and created a map of how to get from one point to the next. As always, Ash was highly efficient and planned everything to perfection, anticipating all the difficulties along the way.

So, after a while, Ash had started to plan their trips, but they always talked about all the options together and decided what they wanted to see.

Eiji loved sightseeing and reading guide books about the cities or places, but planning wasn't his strong suit. He didn't like calculating routes or researching train connections. Instead, he rather looked up restaurants, secret tips, or scenic or romantic places. So, they were a perfect team, completing each other's skills.

If Eiji changed something spontaneously because he saw a great view or an exciting offer, Ash got mad and accused him of ruining his perfect plan. Still, the most efficient way wasn't always the best, so Eiji had to stop him now and then and remind him this wasn't a military strategy but a sightseeing tour. Ash wouldn't be angry for long; after a few minutes, he had already forgotten about it.

Eiji often tried to teach Ash just to enjoy the moment and take a look around. To enjoy the colored leaves in fall or how the sunset painted the sky in colors ranging from pink to gold. Ash slowly learned that moments they enjoyed together were more precious than racing from one sight to the next without noticing the city itself, its people, customs, and atmosphere.

Still, Ash was a genius, and he was thirsty for knowledge and wanted to learn as much about the city, its history, and the buildings as he could. It was cute that Ash wanted to absorb as much knowledge as possible about the country that was still new and mysterious to him. Sometimes, however, he had to stop his nerdy boyfriend, kindly forcing him to take a break. Eiji had to remind him that not every moment in a city had to be of academic worth and that it was necessary and more healthy to include breaks for lunch and moments of rest which ruined his carefully planned schedule. Still, Ash would never sulk for long, and for the trip to Tokyo, he had included little breaks and had included his and Hana's ideas as well.

Ash booked the train connection for the three of them online, then bent closer and took a closer look at Eiji's laptop screen. "Have you found a hotel yet?"

"Yes, look at these." He showed them to him on his laptop.

"I think these two are good options. The hotels are simple but not expensive, and both aren't in the city center but not too far away. There aren't many options left at such a short notice. Ash didn't say anything, but the smug 'I-told-you-so' look was written all over his face. Even so, it was his fault for not looking up hotel offers at an earlier point, as he reluctantly had to admit.

"Could you show me where they are situated? On a map, I mean."

"Sure." Eiji took out a map of Tokyo and laid it on the table in front of them.

"Let's see. Asakusa is over here," he explained, pointing with a finger to an area on the map. "It's in the east and closer to Akihabara and the Sky Tree Tower. Minato, where the other hotel is situated, is in the south and closer to the Tokyo Tower and the beach. I prefer Asakusa because it's an older, more historic district with a famous Buddhist temple and many small shops and food stalls. I'm sure you'll love it!"

Eiji took the guidebook lying on the table and opened it on the page with an overview of Asakusa.

"You're right; it looks great. What about the other district, Minato?"

"It's Tokyo's international center where most non-Japanese residents live. It's also home to many big foreign and Japanese companies' headquarters and embassies. Some of the companies are known worldwide. Like Honda, Mitsubishi, Sony, Nikon, Toshiba. The headquarters of Apple are situated there, too. Therefore, it's a business district. It still has some parks, sights, and small restaurants and shops, but Asakusa is probably more charming."

"Ok, fine. Then, let's book the hotel in Asakusa. I've already booked the train connection that will arrive at 3 p.m."

~ ~ ~

No more secrets, I promise.

After his breakdown, he had promised Ash that he wouldn't hide his worries in front of him any longer. He had truly meant that. But his first thought was always to protect Ash because Eiji knew perfectly well that he was still recovering and that progress was slow and didn't come overnight.

Still, Ash was right, their bond was mutual, and Eiji wanted to prove to Ash that he trusted him, too. Enough to share his worries and pain with him. While having breakfast, he scrutinized his face while sipping some coffee from his mug and shoving his food from one side to the other. Ash was reading a book in Japanese but looked up after a moment, feeling Eiji's gaze on him.

"Ash, can I ask you something?"

Ash just smirked at him while a devilish glare appeared in his eyes. "Finally. I thought you'd never ask. You should know that you can ask me anything."

When Eiji just sat there, stunned at his remark, Ash reached over with his hand and removed some strands from his face. "You have that cute little frown on your forehead that you always get when you want to ask me something that I won't like."

Eiji's eyes widened in surprise. He hesitated for a moment, but when Ash gave him an encouraging smile and nodded at him, he began.

"Ash, do you really want to come to Tokyo with me?" he asked, carefully approaching the subject. He had asked him that before but was still worried that Ash merely went on the trip because he wanted to accompany him.

Ash rolled his eyes at him when he heard that question.

"Eiji, you've asked me the same question for the third time now. Six months ago, I would have thought you didn't want me to come with you..." He left the sentence hanging heavily in the air while watching him carefully. Eiji smiled knowingly before filling their empty coffee cups on the table with more coffee.

"But now...?" Eiji asked curiously, looking directly into his eyes.

"Now, I think you want me to come but are probably worried about me being in a huge city like Tokyo. With huge crowds and in unfamiliar territory?" Ash guessed with a hint of uncertainty resonating in his voice. Eiji's eyes brightened instantly while he moved closer and ruffled his hair before placing a soft kiss on his cheek.

"You've learned that even if I'm worried about you, I still want you to join me and stay by my side. That it doesn't mean that you're bothering me or I want to go without you. That's great, Ash!" he praised him, a bit too excited because he nearly spilled the coffee he was still holding. He sat down again to continue his breakfast, just in time to see it.

A cute blush dawned on Ash's cheeks, and a soft smile appeared on his face that lit up his eyes.

"I'm just glad you talked to me this time. Even if it took you some time, at least you're trying," he told him sincerely.

"Sorry, Ash. Sometimes, I want to protect you so much that I forget that you feel the same way about me. I just wanted to make sure you feel safe and happy here. But I overdid it a little. I guess you have to look out for me, too. This life we're having is what I've always wished for. But - "

Ash lifted his head from his breakfast and looked at him with some concern. "But?"

"Ash, all of this is new to me, too, ok? I don't mean your trauma but more our relationship, living together, loving someone. I've never lived with anyone else. I mean, in New York, that wasn't exactly what you'd call living together; for you, it was merely surviving, and I was in hiding. Living together as we do now, that's different. This is the life I've dreamed of, but..."

Ash got up and pulled him into a hug, then placed a soft kiss on his forehead before their eyes met.

"Eiji, you worry too much. Especially about me. I've never lived like that, either. In a peaceful world with someone I love. And who returns my feelings which still feels like a small miracle to me sometimes."

Eiji just nodded and leaned his head on Ash's shoulder, comforted by his words. Ash intertwined their fingers, then continued. "Let's just try our best, ok? As long as we're both together, we'll work it out. It's the same with Tokyo. I've carefully thought about going to Tokyo, and I'm convinced that as long as you're with me, I'll be fine."

Ash caressed his cheek with one hand, then gave him a soft kiss. Eiji instantly forgot all his worries and responded to the kiss, pulling him closer. They stayed in that embrace even after the kiss had ended. Ash's warmth always comforted him, and he relaxed at once. Ash stroked his hair, waiting for him to do the first step. Eiji pulled out of the embrace but didn't let go of his band. He wanted to look into his eyes while explaining his worries further, so he saw his genuine reaction.

"I just wondered if you just agreed to it because I want to go or if you were interested in seeing Tokyo for yourself? I don't want to pressure you, Ash. I know you enjoyed our last trips and you were fine. Tokyo, however, is huge, and you're still anxious around big crowds. You nervously start observing your surroundings like you did back in New York and see everyone as a potential enemy. I don't like seeing you like that. I'm just a bit worried, that's all."

"Yes, I know what you mean. And I'll admit that I'm a bit nervous about going to a huge city that I've never been to. But I'm sure that I'll be fine as long as you're by my side. With you, I always feel safe no matter where I am. Please don't worry so much, ok?" Eiji smiled and pulled him closer again.

"Besides, I don't want to be separated from you. In New York, you got kidnapped on your first day. You're a walking trouble magnet. Someone has to look after you. Protect you." He cast a side glance at him, grinning mischievously.

"That's not true!" Eiji exclaimed, a bit irritated, abruptly pulling out of the embrace and glaring at him. "I was only kidnapped because I met a rude, blonde gang leader. I couldn't know beforehand that you'd turn my life upside down like that!" he defended himself.

"So, your next logical step was to take that rude gang leader first to Japan and then to another big city to test out your luck?" Ash inquired with some amusement in his voice.

"Not at all. This time, I'll take my slightly less rude, blonde boyfriend to Tokyo. Not a gang leader. So, I'll be fine. And I know that he'd protect me. Always. And I would do the same for him." Ash got that amused but bright spark in his eyes that he always got when he smiled softly at him. Eiji liked that smile, especially if a hint of mischief reflected in them. Then Eiji's eyes dimmed a little.

"You're not only doing it for me, right?"

When he saw Ash's intense glare, he looked down at the bittersweet darkness remaining in his coffee cup. "I'm sorry if I'm a nuisance asking that too often. I just wanted to make sure you're comfortable with the idea of the trip."

Ash leaned closer and ruffled his hair.

"Eiji, you're never a nuisance, ok? Thank you for worrying about me. But you're overthinking things. I've spent days reading guidebooks about Tokyo. Why would I do that if I weren't looking forward to the trip? Ever since you showed me Tokyo from our plane's window, I've always wanted to see all those things you told me about from up close. Tokyo looked fascinating from the plane. So, I look forward to seeing the city. Can we go to that tower we saw from the plane's window? How was it called again? Sky Tree?"

"Yes, of course. We can see anything you like."

"Eiji, please think about what you want to do in Tokyo as well."

"I know what I want to do. I - "

"Eiji, I'm not talking about buying things for college. I mean what you personally would like to see while you're there. I'm sure you'd like to see some places, right?"

Eiji stared at him in surprise; then, he looked down at the floor so that Ash wouldn't see his sad face.

"There was something I wanted to see together with you and Hana. But that's impossible. It's sold out."

"What is it?" Ash asked, his arm still around his shoulder.

"Ibe's university holds an exhibition with photos and collections that have won awards or other prizes because the university's photography department has an anniversary. Ibe told me that the photos he took of my pole-vaulting practices are included. So, I wanted to visit the exhibition. Unfortunately, it's sold out."

"That's too bad. Can't you talk with Ibe? Maybe he has some connections?" Ash calmly suggested. Too calm. Ash hadn't even been surprised that the exhibition had been sold out. He had already known that. He wondered what that was about... Ash emptied his cup, then placed it on the table.

Eiji stared at Ash, wondering if he had imagined Ash's reaction. It wasn't what Ash had said that had been suspicious but how he had said it. He had turned away from him, and his reply had been so calm that it had made Eiji listen up. Had Ash just lied to him?

Ash had a tell that gave him away when lying. His voice usually got eerily calm, and he talked more slowly. He didn't evade eye contact, but his posture, his facial expression, and his gaze relaxed and softened. It was an act that was supposed to reassure Eiji. He had often caught him doing that in New York. At the end, he usually wore a slight smile on his face that Eiji recognized as fake.

Eiji had often discovered his lies that way in New York but had never confronted Ash, realizing that he had done it to protect him from his harsh life. Since New York, Ash had never lied to him again. He had hidden his pain from him or acted stubbornly, but he had never outright lied to him. So, why had he done so now?

He wasn't even sure if he had imagined that because his mask had fallen so quickly, and Ash had gone back to normal within seconds. He shook the feeling off and instead decided to reply to Ash's question. He trusted Ash and believed in him. So, if he had lied to him, he would have a good reason to do so. Eiji was convinced of that.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

"It's nothing. And, of course, I've tried, but unfortunately, he couldn't help me, either."

"I'm sorry, Eiji. But I'm sure you'll find some other things to enjoy in Tokyo."

"Yes, you're right. I just wished I could see the exhibition together with you and Hana. I wanted to show you the photos Ibe took of me while pole vaulting. But I can't change that."

He had been a bit disappointed that he couldn't get some tickets from Ibe. Ash was interested in his pole vaulting days because it was a time before he had met him, so he would have loved to visit that exhibition with him. But Ash was right; Tokyo offered so many sights and charming districts that he'd find something else to enjoy. And with Ash and Hana, they'd probably have a lot of fun.

Ash stared at him for a moment, and Eiji felt that he wanted to add something else. He nodded encouragingly at him.

"Eiji, do you miss spending time with your sister or your family?"

Surprise rushed through Eiji for a moment before he smiled. "Yes, a bit. But now that we've settled down here, I'll probably have more time. For my old friends, too."

He scrutinized Ash's face. "There's a reason you're asking me that, right?"

"Hana told me once that before going to New York, you both had been really close. However, in the last few months, we were both busy, and you didn't spend much time with your family. I just wondered if you wanted to spend more time with Hana? Alone, I mean. As siblings. Without me? Would you even tell me that, Eiji?"

"Of course, I would. And you're right; I want to spend more time with her and my mom. And I will. But here in Izumo. Besides, Hana looks forward to getting to know you better."

"Ouch. Is that a nice way of saying she'll question me? She tried to ask me about my past and family and probably noticed that my answers were vague, one-word answers and how I clammed up or changed the subject."

"She did. She has noticed that you don't like talking about yourself and asked me about it.", Eiji admitted. She's pretty sharp and a good observer. Don't underestimate her."

"What did you tell her?"

"The truth. That you come from a bad part of New York and had a violent childhood that you wanted to forget. And I asked her to stop. That wasn't necessary, though. She had already realized herself that she was hurting you."

"Yes, at one point, she stopped and asked me some more harmless questions like my favorite food, books, and stuff like that. I wondered if that was your influence. I thought telling her directly to stop would be rude. Besides, it would make her even more curious."

"You don't have to worry; she just wants to know more about you because she likes you. Hana also wanted to show you something in Tokyo, something you know from New York. You'll be surprised. I really liked the idea when she asked me about it."

"What kind of idea?"

"Sorry, I can't tell you. It's a secret. Hana would kill me," Eiji smiled mysteriously and signaled with a gesture to his mouth that his lips were sealed.

"Of course, you could find it out if you tried... but - "

"No, don't worry, I'll pass. You made me realize that surprises can be fun. It teaches me that I don't always have to control every moment in my life anymore. Although I still love making plans and anticipating every situation if I go to a new city. Old habits die hard, I guess. I know I'm overdoing it at times, and I try to work on that. But I don't want to destroy Hana's surprise. She has the same shining eyes as you do when she's happy."

"Great! You could use our train ride to tell her some things about yourself. Not everything, just where you grew up and about your time in New York. Just answer her questions or explain to her why you don't want to answer them, that's all."

"Yes, I'll try. You and Hana are very alike. You're good at noticing people's true feelings, even if they try to hide them. It's irritating as hell." Eiji grinned devilishly at him, amused by his remark.

"And, Ash?" Eiji asked him with a hint of a warning resonating in his voice. Ash gave him a challenging glare, waiting for him to continue.

"If you read books until 2 a.m. the night before our trip, I'll make natto for breakfast. And serve you green tea instead of coffee. And to top it off, I'll hide all your books."

All color drained from his face for a second, then he crossed his arms in defiance and shot him a dirty look.

"Eiji, sometimes you're just plain evil, you know that?"

I swear that Ash has a good reason to lie to Eiji. It will be revealed in the next chapter.

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