The Tree Touching the Sky
Eiji led them from their hotel to the other side of the street and from there to a bridge spanning across the river. Well, the expression bridge was an understatement. It was called Sumida River Walk because the district on the other side where the Skytree was located was called Sumida. So was the river running beneath the bridge.
"The River Walk is the fastest way to get from the Sensoji Temple area, where our hotel is, to the Tokyo Skytree area on foot. The promenade is 160 m long and features a glass floor through which you can see boats floating along the river."
"It looks pretty new," Ash stated when they saw the giant sign that announced the River Walk with more information. He looked around and inspected the River Walk and the surroundings.
"You're right. It was built only in 2020, so it's only one year old. It was built to bring people by the waterfront closer together. Asakusa is a pretty popular area with the Sensoji Temple, the oldest one in Tokyo, and the Nakamise-dori shopping street. So is Sumida on the other side of the river with the Skytree, an aquarium, and the Tokyo Solamachi, which hosts 300 stores," Eiji proudly informed him while motioning backwards to the district they'd come from and in the direction they were heading and the Skytree.
Ash looked around with interest. As Eiji had said, the Skytree wasn't far away. You could easily spot it. And the view over the river was beautiful as well, especially in this weather with a cloudless, blue sky. While he was spacing out, Eiji continued playing their sightseeing guide.
"They also built a commercial complex across the bridge. It's divided into a West Zone and an East Zone. In the East Zone, you can enjoy dining by the waterfront. In the West Zone, you can find a sports zone with a sports cafe equipped with a bouldering gym, a cycle shop, and much more."
"Wow, that sounds like more than a bridge. They created a little peninsula or a refuge from the big city to spend time and relax while crossing the water."
"Yes, exactly. You also have a great view of the river from the café, and you can see a wonderful sunset."
Ash hadn't heard of the bridge, but it wasn't much of a surprise. He had been more interested in the Skytree itself since it was the first building he had seen when he had landed in Japan. It reminded him of his new beginning here in Japan, so, to him, it was a unique symbol, and he had read up on that. He had read several guidebooks but only about the Skytree and other districts and sights Eiji had mentioned.
When he saw Hana's face, he had to grin. Her amazed face told him that she was as clueless as he was. She had probably just read up on the shopping districts, the latest fashion, and manga and anime stores.
"The bridge shares the same Skytree White color scheme with the Skytree, contributing to a sense of visual unity. Additionally, as the sun sets, the bridge and Skytree light up together. The lighting differs with the changing of the seasons and for special events, so be sure to pay attention later on, my clueless American," Eiji teased him, enjoying the moment when he was the one with superior knowledge. Such moments were rare, and Eiji had fun teasing him and feeling more competent for once. He saw it confirmed in the smug look he gave him.
"Thanks for the lecture, Okumura sensei," Ash shot back, the last words stretched out longer than necessary while giving him a wicked glance from the side. Eiji just elbowed him in his side, and Ash let out a painful grunt.
"In Japan, we respect and listen to our teachers, you know? Really, you Americans are all uncivilized barbarians," he scoffed.
"Then why did you come to the US? At least we don't need to bow so low that our backs hurt like hell, and our noses nearly touch the ground. Respect is fine, but a little bow or a curtsy to show respect would be enough," Ash immediately shot back.
"Says someone from a country where people do anything for you if you just call them Sir. And that's because they aren't used to receiving respect at all. Besides, I've never seen you bow to anyone before."
"That's because you've been too busy with college and haven't shown up at the café I work at in a while. And you just used violence to get your point across. That's not very respectful, either. New York had a bad influence on you."
"No, that wasn't NYC itself but because I met a rude, bad boy without any manners. He had a bad influence on me. I blame him entirely."
"Then, why did you stay with that bad boy? And even dragged him to Japan?"
"He was drop-dead gorgeous with his golden hair and green eyes. And I always had a weakness for tsundere characters."
"Tsun - what?"
"Tsundere. Meaning bad boys who act tough to hide their kind and soft personality. Seems familiar?" Eiji grinned and winked at him.
Ash just stared at him in awe, then stubbornly turned away from him.
"Finally! I managed to make Ash Lynx blush and speechless. Eiji 1 - Ash 0." He smirked victoriously at him.
"Are you two always like that?" Hana asked, having watched them with some amusement for a while.
"Yes," Ash and Eiji answered together while glancing at each other.
"Ok… not weird or anything. I just never know if you throw the other one off the bridge or kiss the next moment."
"Hana!" Eiji stammered, his cheeks turning bright red. Ash chuckled with amusement and put an arm around Eiji.
"Usually, it ends up in a kiss. It's the easiest way to distract Eiji. Or make him shut up." He gave him a devil's smile. Eiji tried to smack him, but Ash stopped his arm in midair before he could do so. So, he just glared at him instead.
Hana laughed. "So much for romance."
"Romance is Eiji's area of expertise. I'm at a loss in that area. There's no handbook about romance I can read. Also, Eiji's cheesy enough for both of us."
"I'm honestly considering Hana's option of throwing you off this bridge right now, Aslan Jade Callenreese," Eiji countered, feigning annoyance. Ash, however, had seen the smile he had tried to cover up. His sparkling eyes confirmed that.
When Eiji noticed his smirk, he threw an annoyed glare, put an arm around Hana, and walked on. "We're leaving."
"Hey, leave me out of your war of wits. I'm just an innocent bystander," Hana replied, freeing herself from Eiji's grasp and putting some distance between them before lifting her hands to prove her innocence.
Ash chuckled and ran after them, then put an arm around Eiji.
"You would never do that. Come on, quit sulking. Eiji, you're just too easy to toy with. Even Hana knows which buttons to push. I can't believe you fell for the trap of a 14-year-old. But your embarrassment is kind of cute."
Eiji grumbled something in a low voice but didn't pull away from him.
"Come on, Eiji, take a photo of us," Hana suggested, changing the topic at the perfect moment. They were standing in the middle of the bridge, and the river in the background was an excellent motive. Being a photographer, Eiji could never resist the opportunity of a great photo, and Hana knew that perfectly well. Eiji still wore a stubborn look; then, he sighed and switched on his camera to take a picture of them.
"I'll take one of you two, Hana said happily. Eiji showed her how to use his camera, and afterwards, they looked at the results.
"Ok, Ash, you're forgiven. Barely. But only because you actually smiled in the photo for once, and I think it's a great shot." Eiji cheered up instantly. Ash tried to hide his amusement. Eiji could never be mad at him for long.
"That's good to know since my life is in your hands. You have the map, the money and the keycard to our hotel. I'd be homeless and lost without you."
Eiji grinned. "Never thought a day would come when you gave me complete control over your life. But I like it."
"Well, I like it when you're in charge. Being a leader isn't nearly as cool as it sounds. And you know much more about this city than me, so it makes sense that you're our guide. We'll be safe with you."
They crossed the rest of the bridge via the River Walk and looked at the different stores and cafés. The stores had special offers, and the cafés and restaurants offered a fantastic view of the city and the river. Ash liked it. When they reached the end of the River Walk, and the shops ended, they practically stood in front of the Skytree, much to his surprise. They stood in what looked like a little square with some green parts with trees and a lawn. If you passed it, you reached the Skytree…
Ash looked up at the Skytree in awe. It looked even more impressive than from the plane. However, it made you feel small and insignificant compared to the size of the tower.
"Come on, start your lecture, Professor Callenreese," Eiji said in a playful tone, winking at him.
"Huh, why me? You're the one who grew up in Japan. Shouldn't it be the other way around?" he asked in surprise.
"Usually, yes. However, I know you read up on the Skytree because it has a special meaning for you. You read up on that tower much more than on any other sights. This was the first thing you saw from the plane's window when we arrived here. So, it's a symbol for your new beginning here. Besides, your eyes tell me you'd love to tell us what you've learned. Who needs the internet or books when my boyfriend knows everything? Please, Ash? Come on, tell us what you know. Share your wisdom with us. Please?"
Eiji gave him that precious smile that could change the universe. The one that looked both angelic and innocent and radiated warmth and happiness simultaneously. When he saw that, it felt like home, that smile lit up his whole world. Those eyes full of warmth and love were what he'd call home now. It was impossible to resist them, especially when they had that golden glow that resembled the sunset. All he could do was admit defeat and smile at him. He'd do anything to see that golden glow in Eiji's eyes.
"Fine. I'll do it. So, listen closely, my photojournalist boyfriend, because this lecture is unique and will only be held once. So, pay attention as you'd do in college."
Eiji rolled his eyes, got on his tiptoes, put his arms around him, and gave him a quick peck on his cheek.
"Yes, Professor. Please enlighten me. I know you can do it."
"The Skytree is 634 meters (2,080 ft) high, making it the tallest tower in Japan and the world. It's also the third tallest structure in the world. The construction started in 2008 and was completed in 2012. The tower held in silvery white is the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kantō region now."
He took a short break to see if they were actually listening.
"Is that all?" Hana asked. "I'm a bit disappointed. Is that all you know?" she challenged Ash, smirking at him, a spark of mischief in her eyes.
"Hana, please don't challenge him, or we'll miss the sunset," he begged his sister in a low voice. Ash, however, hadn't missed it and gave them the most wicked grin he could muster.
"If Ash goes all out, we'll see not only the sunset but the sunrise as well. Since we would still be standing here, waiting for Ash to finish."
Hana's incredulous gaze she gave Eiji, and her raised eyebrows revealed that she didn't believe her brother or assumed he was hugely exaggerating.
Ash was amused. Hana had no idea what he was capable of… Maybe he should go all out, just for the fun of it. He'd love to see their astonished faces and their stunned expressions. Especially Eiji's. He loved that he still surprised him even if they had learned much more about each other and grown much closer…
Initially, he just wanted to give them a summary. He could never resist a good challenge, though… Hana was to blame, not him, right?
Ash smirked at them for a while longer, enjoying their anxious reactions.
"See the wicked glint in his eyes? Ash was just starting to warm up," Eiji whispered darkly.
"Sorry, and now? What are we going to do?" she whispered back while glancing at Ash. "He's scary if he looks like that. Like an evil mastermind."
"That's because he is an evil mastermind if he wants to be. Now, it's too late. All we can do now is face the music."
"How much time do you have? I could give you a lecture about the commercial development and where the funds came from or the earthquake resistance and the tower's seismological proofing and how it was a major contribution to the disaster prevention called Safety and Security. Or about the fusion of the design between neo-futuristic elements and the beauty of traditional Japan. Or the illumination, the color, the origin of the name, the symbolic and specific height, and the broadcasting use… Should I continue?"
Ash gave them a triumphant look, pure mischief flashing in his eyes. This was so much fun!
"As much as I love your smart talks, please remember we're only mere humans with mediocre intellect. Please give us the simplified and short version."
Ash sighed deeply in frustration. Standing there with slumped shoulders, he feigned disappointment.
"You're no fun," he declared stubbornly, pouting. Even so, he had failed at hiding his amusement. He saw it in Eiji's eyes when he gave him a knowing glance. Eiji knew perfectly well that this was his element, and he enjoyed this. There was no way he could fool Eiji. Eiji confirmed this with the following words.
"Your body language gives you away. Your relaxed posture, your faint smile, and your eye color turning from jade green to a light shade of emerald green betrayed you."
He gently took his arm and pulled him closer.
"Come on, continue; tell us what you know. But please go easy on us. Unlike you, we have a limited attention span and memory. I know you recall everything you've read, so please humor us. I bet you'd be the perfect guide to educate us about the Skytree and its history. I'll educate you about the rest of Tokyo, but this is your specialty."
He looked at Eiji's expectant face, a curious spark illuminating his and Hana's eyes, then shook his head in defeat but couldn't help smiling. As always, Eiji was right. He had read about this tower the most and loved that tower as a symbol for a new start here.
"As you can see, the tower's base has a structure similar to a tripod; from a height of about 350 m or 1,150 feet and above, the tower's structure is cylindrical to offer panoramic views of both the river and the city. There are observatories at 350 m or 1,150 ft, with a capacity for up to 2,000 people, and at 450 m or 1,480 ft, with a capacity for 900 people. The upper observatory features a spiral, glass-covered skywalk where visitors ascend the last 5 meters to the highest point at the upper platform. A section of glass flooring gives visitors a direct downward view of the streets below. So, it's not for the faint-hearted. I hope you're not afraid of heights?" he asked teasingly.
"You weren't exaggerating that Ash can continue his lecture until sunrise."
"That was just the introduction. Never challenge a genius just for fun," Eiji warned her, grinning.
He had learned that from personal experience. Ash's vast amount of knowledge in numerous areas and his memory recollection were incredible. When he had teased him about that the last time, Ash had taken revenge by flooding him with information until his mind felt like bursting from information overload. He had learned not to do that unless he wanted to have a major headache later on. Ash could be relentless if it came to knowledge and academics. And he had a never-ending supply of expertise in countless areas. Eiji had learned his lesson.
Ash had told him he had been taught by private tutors that had been experts in their field and taught at Ivy League Universities like Harvard or Princeton. And even those leading authorities had never been any challenge to him. He had been capable of discussing the most advanced topics with them on the same level. And back then, he'd been only 14. Eiji was amazed, and it was unimaginable what he could do now as an adult. Eiji knew he could rule the world with his intellect if he even bothered trying. Eiji, however, knew best that he wasn't interested in power or money. He only dreamed of a normal, peaceful life, preferably surrounded by books and knowledge.
Still, Eiji secretly hoped that he would do something he enjoyed with his superior skills and talents, like going to college. He'd be a fantastic professor with his unlimited supply of knowledge. However, for him, it was of the utmost importance that Ash chose something he'd love to do. He'd always guide or help him to find a college or a job he'd like to do, yet, he didn't want to pressure him to pick an academic career just because he was brilliant. Ash needed to choose what would be best for him by himself.
While he had been spacing out admiring Ash, he had continued his lecture.
"The exterior is painted in a color officially called Skytree White, as Eiji has already told us. This original color is based on a bluish-white traditional Japanese color called aijiro. The illumination design in the dark has two illumination patterns Iki, sky blue, and purple, called Miyabi. Both will be used, alternating daily. The tower is illuminated using LEDs."
Eiji nodded and smiled at him, encouraging him to go on.
"The public was asked to choose the tower's name and entered many names in a contest held by a newspaper and other sponsors. Some reached the final selection stage, and people voted for their favorite choice. So, the tower's name Skytree won in the end, with Tokyo Edo Tower a close second. The height of 634 m (2,080 ft) is not a coincidence, either, and was specifically selected to be easily remembered. The figures 6 (mu), 3 (sa), 4 (shi) stand for Musashi, an old name of the region where the Tokyo Skytree stands."
"Wow, I didn't know the height had a special significance. That's a cool idea," Eiji replied with sincere interest while staring at the top of the tower.
"The Skytree replaced the older Tokyo Tower, which no longer gave complete digital terrestrial television broadcasting coverage because high-rise buildings or skyscrapers surrounded it."
"That last part was too hard for me. My head started spinning with all those foreign words. The only word I understood was television and skyscrapers. Can he also explain that in human? Ash is such a nerd sometimes," Hana complained quietly.
"Yes, he forgets that not everyone is as smart as he is. That last sentence meant that the Tokyo Tower couldn't be used as a television broadcasting tower anymore because many taller buildings surround it. So, we needed a new tower higher than the skyscrapers."
"Thanks for the simplified translation. And that was the short version?" Hana whispered to Eiji. "You weren't kidding when you said we'd still be standing here till sunrise."
"I warned you not to challenge him. I suspect he has a photographic memory and can remember everything he's ever read. He never mentioned anything like that to me, though."
"His nerdy side is kind of adorable. He makes nerds actually look good. He looks even better wearing glasses. Like when he reads books. The world is so unfair."
"Right? I love that nerdy side of him as well. It's cute."
"So, if you stopped teasing me and whispering behind my back, we could go inside," Ash interrupted them, pouting while standing there with crossed arms.
"Or I could give you the extended version of the Skytree instead? I probably have enough info left to last several hours."
"No, that won't be necessary. Let's go in," Eiji quickly added and shoved them towards the entrance.
"Maybe I should act more like a professor and ask one of you to summarize what I've just taught you to find out if you've actually been listening. Or let Hana write an essay.
Name five sights you've visited in Tokyo, explain their historical and cultural significance, and their influence on Japan even today."
"Please don't! You were so cool just now. Don't destroy it. Besides, I still have summer holidays!"
Ash cast her a side glance and smirked.
"She's right. You'd be a great professor. In my opinion, the Tokyo Tower will always be the symbol of Tokyo, though. It's much easier to spot from a distance, and I love the white and orange colors. It appears in many movies and series, too. But I have to admit that this tower looks pretty amazing, too. I've never been here before. Let's go inside."
# # #
They took the elevator to the 4th floor, the so-called entrance floor, because the ticket shop was there. The one on the first floor was only for groups, as Eiji had learned during this trip's organization. They bought their tickets and took the elevator, and went to the next floor, which only hosted currency exchange and gift shops.
It had been a good idea to come here. It wasn't as crowded now, and Ash was more relaxed now. At the beginning, after exiting the elevator, he still observed everything in great detail, not just out of curiosity as any tourist would but also for potential threats.
Eiji had seen it in his darkening eyes. He did that automatically if the surroundings were unfamiliar to him. His eyes darted around, automatically aimed at finding the nearest exit. It was Ash's survival instinct that immediately kicked in as soon as he entered a room he had never been to. Eiji didn't like that behavior, but at the same time, he knew that it wasn't easy to stop a habit that had been engraved into your soul since you were a kid. But his body language and stance were devoid of tension now, and he didn't see any signs that he was scared or overreacting, so Eiji took this as a good sign.
When he intertwined his fingers with Ash's and pressed them a bit tighter together than necessary, Ash noticed the gesture, gave up on scanning the room, and his face turned towards him. When Ash saw how he watched him intently, a worried look in his eyes, a guilty look crossed his face.
Ash bent down and whispered into his ear, "Thank you. You wanted to comfort me when my instincts took over, and I scanned the room. Old habits die hard, I guess."
"Did it work?" Eiji whispered back, tightening the grip on his hand again. Ash gave him a sad smile and nodded.
"If you'd like to know how a normal tourist behaves, watch Hana. You could learn something from her."
Hana was still in their sight but had been walking around observing everything with shining eyes, looking out of the windows, enjoying the view, and reading information signs. She took photos and selfies and browsed the shops for souvenirs. She was the typical tourist that took the safety of the world surrounding her for granted and just enjoyed everything around her. Ash wished he could be as carefree one day.
They browsed the shops a moment longer before heading for the elevator again. They'd come back for souvenirs later.
"Let's go to the top. If we're lucky, we'll see a breathtaking sunset. They also have a telescope, so you can see all the places we'll visit in the next few days!" He gave Ash the most radiant and innocent smile he could muster, the one that Ash loved and was defenseless against.
"If you see the wonderful view, you'll forget everything around you."
They wanted to go to the top floor, but Eiji pushed another button for a floor directly beneath it. He took both Hana's and Ash's wrists and dragged them out before they could react.
"Wait, this isn't the top floor!" Hana exclaimed in surprise.
"I know. And if you had listened to Ash's lecture about this tower, you'd know why we exit here and not on the top floor." Ash couldn't hide his smirk fast enough, and Hana glared at him.
"We stop at floor 445, the Tembo Galeria ? You want to walk in the sky?"
Eiji nodded happily. "Exactly. I bet it's a great feeling!"
Ash turned to Hana, who looked utterly lost. "There's a glass-covered skywalk here where visitors ascend the last 5 meters to the highest point at the upper platform. A section of glass flooring gives visitors a direct downward view of the streets below. I hope you like heights or the sensation of free falling." He grinned at her, yet when she stayed silent, he turned serious again.
Ash watched her features intently. "You're not scared, right?"
"No, I'm fine. But thanks. And for explaining it to me. Again." She smiled at him. Ash watched her for a moment longer, then smiled back.
They ascended via the skywalk to the top floor called the Tembo Galleria at 450m above ground. It was a strange sensation to look through the floor. It was like free falling, flying, and facing your worst fears simultaneously. It made you feel powerful because you towered above the city like a king, but at the same time, you felt scared and powerless because only a thin layer of glass held back your immediate death. It was like unlimited freedom and spreading your wings and flying across the sky, seeing everything from an eagle-eye perspective. Including his own life now flashing like a movie before his eyes.
With a start, he realized this was the freedom Eiji might have felt while pole vaulting. It was a powerful feeling, giving you a sense of invincibility and weightlessness. He had never understood the feeling of freedom Eiji had described to him, not entirely. Yet, now that he was standing here, he realized for the first time that he was truly free, without any shackles binding him to the ground anymore. He had freed himself from those shackles, or more like Eiji had freed him from them by giving him a second chance in life, and now, he was experiencing what freedom felt like for the first time. When he looked at the huge city, it felt like a new world or universe had opened up to him. Not only a new universe but also a future, something he had never dared to hope for. He smiled to himself and enjoyed the view for a moment longer.
"Ash, are you fine?" Eiji had come over and taken his hand and stared at him with that intense look he sometimes had, the one that could stare into the depths of his soul. Then, Eiji wiped some tears from his cheeks. He hadn't even realized he had been crying.
"I'm fine," he answered automatically and regretted it instantly when he saw Eiji's eyes darkening with concern.
"Sorry. I was thinking about how this feels like unlimited freedom. When you told me how you felt while pole vaulting, I never understood what it felt like, not entirely. Probably because I've never experienced real freedom. Standing here, I realized for the first time what freedom feels like. And that I'm finally free. And that my dream came true. I'm free now and can have the normal life I wished for. Is it dumb that I only realize that now?"
Eiji smiled softly at him. "No, it isn't. It's best if you realize those things at your own pace. I think it's great. As you said, you're free now, Ash. Nothing ties you to the ground anymore. You can fly as well. Thanks for explaining it to me. I was confused because you had one of those rare smiles on your face that lit up your eyes, but at the same time, you were crying. So, those were tears of joy. I'm relieved."
Eiji got on his tiptoes and gave him a quick hug, then smiled softly at him.
"Yes, they were. Thanks for watching over me and always noticing my startled reactions or strange behavior. Being a tourist is a new experience for me. It's a bit overwhelming sometimes."
"You've never been on a skywalk before?" Eiji asked curiously, intertwining their fingers again.
"No, never. But I heard they have those in New York as well."
Ash had heard of skywalks in the US. As far as he knew, New York had several skyscrapers with skywalks, but he had never had the luxury of seeing the city as a tourist, so he'd never visited one before. Standing there for a moment and enjoying the view, he realized that, for the first time, he was just one of many tourists here. And it felt good. Sightseeing was still new to him, and he still felt uncomfortable in huge crowds, but he slowly started to enjoy it. Eiji was the reason he was alive, in Japan, and felt safe. When he looked at him, standing beside him, Ash had to smile.
Eiji looked like a kid in a candy store with wide eyes staring at the transparent floor below him and the long way down in awe, taking photos of everything around him, including him and Hana. He admired how he could enjoy the simplest things so easily. Hana did the same. She looked intimidated by the ground that opened up beneath her, but she managed to reach the next floor.
That one was the highest floor, and you had a fantastic panoramic view of Tokyo all the way to Mount Fuji, more than 100 km (about 60 miles) away. They even had a telescope and had descriptions underneath the windows of what you could see in the direction you currently faced, just as Eiji had described it.
"So, can you find our hotel?" Eiji asked him curiously. Ash looked around momentarily, trying to figure out which direction was the right one.
"Yes, it's over there, right?" Ash pointed in a direction across the river where a tall rectangular building close to the opposite river bank could be seen.
"Yes. I guess that was too easy for you. What else do you see?"
"Let's see. Over there, that must be Mount Fuji, right? There are some other mountains, but this one is the tallest and stands out. And a bit to the left, the tower in orange is the Tokyo Tower. But apart from that, I have no clue. What else can you see?"
Eiji led him closer to the window and motioned with his hand to a green spot. A park, maybe?
"You see the green part to the left but close to this tower that looks like a park?"
Ash nodded.
"That's the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Japanese emperor. It was built on the site of Edo Castle and was home to the Tokugawa Shoguns. As you probably know, Edo is an older name for the region of Tokyo."
Ash nodded and followed with his gaze where Eiji pointed to.
"And behind it, a bit to the left, is where Shibuya is. It's where we'll go shopping. A bit to the right of the Imperial Palace is Akihabara. And directly behind Akihabara, you see the district Shinjuku where Ibe's photo exhibition will take place."
"Wow, most of the districts we wanted to see are pretty close, similar to New York."
"Yes, that's true. Like in New York, there are central districts and districts on the outskirts of the city that are farther away. And like New York, Tokyo isn't just a city but a region, too. Like New York is a city, but also a state."
"A bit further to the south is a red building. That's the main station where we arrived."
He swallowed hard at the memory of his panic attack and felt guilty.
"Ash, don't worry about it. With your terrible experiences, it's a miracle that you can stand here with many other tourists and me without overreacting. I'm proud of you. You didn't know how to handle another big city, yet you still joined me on this trip. Confronting your worst fears takes courage. And I promised you; you'd be fine as long as I'm with you."
Ash felt the faint blush creeping into his cheeks. Then, he met Eiji's eyes again, smiling.
"It's because I feel safe with you, Eiji." Eiji put an arm around him and smiled.
"Look how clear you can see Mount Fuji today. This is rare, so be sure to enjoy it. And if we wait for 15 minutes, we'll see a beautiful sunset."
"Which is what you look forward to the most. And you probably want to take some pics with your nerdy high-tech camera." Eiji cast him a dirty look.
"Have you looked into a mirror lately? You're a textbook nerd with your rational, analytic mind and love for books and knowledge in general. Only your looks can be deceiving. Most nerds don't look like an escapee from a runway model show."
"You also turn into a nerd as soon as your hands touch a camera. But it's kind of cute. I Iike that nerdy side of you. Maybe I should ask you for some signed photos. Just in case you get famous one day. Even I can tell your photos are special and reveal great skill."
Eiji stared at him momentarily, then felt how his cheeks heated up. Ash rarely complimented him, not with words at least, so it had caught him off guard. He beamed at him and grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's join Hana."
They walked up to where Hana was standing, trying to find some more sights. She studied a map of Tokyo that was on display to find what she was looking for.
She turned to them with sparkling eyes.
"Look, Eiji! I found the Tokyo Tower! And next to it, that's the Rainbow Bridge, right?"
"Yes, you're right. Look, Ash, that suspension bridge close to the Tokyo Tower is called the Rainbow Bridge. It connects to Odaiba, an artificial island. There's a beach, too. We'll go there - ouch!"
Hana stomped on his foot to interrupt him, and Eiji gasped.
"You talk too much!" she complained to him in a low voice.
"Sorry, Hana. I got carried away," Eiji whispered back. He was terrible at keeping secrets, especially from Ash.
"The rest will be a surprise," he said, turning to Ash.
"Look, the sun's setting! Isn't it beautiful?"
The sun was setting in the same direction where Mount Fuji was situated. They had been fortunate because the sky was cloudless and turned into shades of purple, pink, and orange while the sun slowly sank, devoured by the horizon.
Eiji took some photos of Hana and Ash with the sunset and the evening sky in the background. They managed to take some great photos together, all three of them, since the employees here offered to take pictures of them for free. It was a trendy tourist spot, after all.
On the way down, they bought some small souvenirs like postcards and keychains to remember their trip, then left the Skytree to see the rest of the sunset from the River Walk.
On the River Walk, they found the small café they had seen on their way here, which offered a perfect sunset view.
"Sit down. Let's drink something and enjoy the view," Ash suggested, casting Eiji an amused glance. He had immediately seen that he loved the view. And despite him not being romantic, as Eiji constantly reminded him, he loved beautiful sunsets as well. He remembered how he had told Eiji that the only thing worth seeing in New York was the sunrise and the sunset.
"But - "
"We're only here for a few days. We should enjoy our time here. Maybe tomorrow, the weather isn't as good, and we'll regret not using this moment." Ash smiled at them.
"Come on, Eiji. Please?" Hana begged him.
"I wasn't about to say no. I was just surprised that Ash was the one suggesting it. That's all. Let's take a break here."
They ordered something to drink and enjoyed the rest of the sunset.
"What are we going to do next? Hana asked while sipping at her glass. "Back to our hotel?"
"That depends on how hungry you are. Do you need a real meal, or are some local snacks enough?"
"Will there be sweets?" Hana asked hopefully.
"Of course. Sweets can be arranged. There's a famous temple here."
Ash's face fell. "Not a temple again…"
Hana chuckled in delight, amused by his reaction.
"Ash, it was a charm that brought us together. Have you forgotten that?" he sternly reminded him. "So, you should at least be grateful. And you've never been to a temple before, dummy."
"Of course I have. The one in Izumo you dragged me to."
Hana burst out laughing, and Ash stared at her in confusion. "What the hell did you teach him, Eiji?"
"Well, I didn't correct him back then because he was still sleepwalking and incapable of processing information yet," Eiji laughed. Then, he turned to Ash and met his eyes.
"That one in Izumo, my clueless American, wasn't a temple. It was a shrine, which you'd have known if you hadn't been asleep half of the way towards the shrine. But given your dazed state back then, it's a miracle that you can even remember our visit."
"Yeah, whatever. First, it's only important that we did meet, not why or who arranged it. And second… But wait – what's the difference?" He hated it if he lacked knowledge. If he didn't ask for an explanation now, this would keep his mind busy for days and nights on end, looking for an answer to that question. A superior mind had its disadvantages, too…
Hana giggled. "You have lived in Japan for over six months and still don't know that? And here I thought you were smart."
"Ash has a wide area of knowledge, but there are certain areas where he's seriously lacking. Or that he chooses to ignore on purpose. Religion, in general, being one of them."
"Where else am Iacking, in your opinion? I'm curious."
"Number one is religion. Number two, entertainment and gossip, and number three, sports. You always skip those parts of the newspaper."
"Touché. But those are all meaningless areas."
"Did you just say that knowledge in sports is meaningless to a former athlete?" Eiji challenged him, casting him a death glare. He flinched a little when he saw the dangerous spark in Eiji's eyes. Scary…
"Ok, ok, I'll take that back. And I'll shut up now so I won't starve to death this evening."
"Good boy." Eiji ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Stop that!" Ash complained and shoved his hand away. Eiji just grinned and leaned on Ash's shoulder.
"I'll give you an example, Hana, since you obviously don't believe me. Answer the following question, Ash: When and where did the last Olympic Games take place?"
"Eiji, that's much too easy. Anyone can answer that," Hana commented smugly. "Even me, who only reads the culture and fashion section of our newspaper."
"So?" Eiji asked, looking at Ash expectantly, ignoring Hana's comment.
Ash stared at Eiji, then Hana, who looked at him with newfound interest when seeing him hesitate. He never hesitated; usually, his reply was always quick and self-confident and, of course, correct. Not this time, though.
After a moment, he sighed. "I have no clue." He didn't like the feeling of lacking knowledge. He felt so lost and utterly stupid. Eiji put a comforting hand on his shoulder when he saw his crushed confidence.
"Really? I can't believe it! It was all over the news these last few weeks," Hana exclaimed incredulously, utterly baffled by that statement.
"Told you so. You didn't believe me," Eiji said, smirking victoriously, then turned to Ash with a softer gaze.
"The Olympics occurred this year between July and August here in Tokyo. That's why everyone in Japan would probably know the answer to that. Meaning everyone who wouldn't skip the sports section," he added with a vicious grin.
"But I'm glad there are still some areas where I have a broader knowledge than you do. Makes me look smart at least once in a while. Sorry for setting you up like that. I love that while you're brilliant, you also have human weaknesses. I think it's a good thing."
"Ok, I'll admit defeat," he replied, recovering quickly when he saw Eiji's warm smile. He returned the smile and cheered up again. Maybe Eiji was right, and he didn't have to know the answer to each and every question…
"But what about my previous questions about temples and shrines? Will you explain it to me while I already feel like an idiot?"
"Oh, yes, let's get back to that. To cut it short, shrines are built to serve the Shinto religious tradition and are characterized by a Torii gate at the entrance. You remember that gate where I kindly forced you to bow before entering, right?" Eiji's eyes sparkled with mischief when he asked that.
"Yes, I do. You just pushed my head down without warning," he still complained sourly.
"Yes, that was fun! The look on your face! But after doing that, you were finally awake," Eiji teased him with a smirk. "But the Torii gate is how you recognize a shrine." Ash nodded in understanding.
"And temples?"
"Temples are built to serve the Buddhist religious tradition and are characterized by a Sanmon gate at the entrance."
"Ok, so it's easy to see the difference. Go on. What's the difference between the two religions, Shintoism and Buddhism?"
"Buddhism was brought from India to China first before also spreading to Japan, while Shintoism originated in ancient Japan. Shintoism is based on the belief that there are thousands of gods in this world, such as trees, stones, and rivers. I told you once that Japan has eight million gods, right?"
"Yes, I remember that."
"Both religions are familiar to Japanese people, although most of us don't consider ourselves religious. But we have some special occasions when we visit temples and shrines. Some events are only held at shrines, some only at temples."
"For example, for New Year's, you can visit a temple or a shrine. However, weddings are only held at shrines, and funerals only at temples. I thought you should know in case you want to marry my brother eventually," Hana said, winking at them.
Ash and Eiji stared at each other, then at her in shock.
"What, you don't want to marry?" she asked, feigning disappointment. "I really, really want to see a wedding ceremony one day."
"No!" he immediately said.
"Yes!" Eiji confirmed with Hana while winking at him.
Hana burst out laughing until tears ran down her face.
"Your reactions! Priceless! Your faces were hilarious. Thanks for entertaining me. This made my day!" Eiji looked at him, then at Hana, and pouted.
"That was dirty. We haven't talked about that yet. It's too far in the future. But don't worry; Ash will marry me eventually. He just hasn't realized it yet. He promised me forever, after all. And Ash never breaks a promise."
He grinned at him and placed a kiss on his cheek, and he felt how his cheeks started burning. He stared at Eiji in shock. He really wanted to marry him? How long had he been thinking about that? And why hadn't he told him? He couldn't get that thought out of his head, and it made him nervous.
But one thing he'd never admit to those two was that he had loved Eiji's reaction. Eiji had immediately said yes when Hana had asked if they wanted to marry—no hesitation, no doubt, no insecurity at all. Eiji knew for certain he'd marry him one day. For him, it was the natural outcome in the future. That thought made him smile.
And Eiji wasn't discouraged by his no, either. He knew that, for him, it was too early, and the thought scared him. It was only proof of how well Eiji knew him that he didn't have the slightest doubt that he returned his love despite his reaction to the contrary.
He abruptly got up and turned away before they could see how flustered the mere thought of marriage made him. And how happy. He hoped they hadn't seen the stupid grin spreading across his face.
"Whatever. Let's go to that stupid shrine. I'm starving."
"Temple!" Eiji and Hana corrected him at once.