Inevitable

1

"Ladies and gentlemen, United Airlines welcomes you to Tokyo. The local time is 12:45 pm." the flight attendant announced through the speakers, the airplane stopping into its designated arrival spot. "For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated .."

The speech Kaiya has heard more times than she would honestly care to count faded into the background, gaze slipping away from the flight attendants that began preparing the doors for the arrival and cross check, watching quietly the authorized personnel scattered onto the tarmac. Stairs were brought quickly to each door in anticipation of the passengers that were about to deplane, men and women wearing fluorescent vests heading to unload the cargo of all its luggage, car prepared and ready to take them into the airport for pickup.

"My entire budget will be spent on figurines and food." a girl not older than 18 cheerfully spoke while Facetiming her best friend, streaks of pink dye dancing in between the golden locks tied in a high ponytail.

Laughter bubbled into Kaiya's throat as she descended down the metallic stairs, involuntarily listening into the girl's conversation, both flying to Tokyo from Los Angeles, as it was her first trip ever out of the States. It was quite refreshing to see people being excited over coming to Japan for their first time, leaflets and guides out into the open as they made their way into the airport for luggage pickup. The gentle summer breeze swirled through Kaiya's dark locks, nostrils pinched with the familiar scent she was always able to distinguish, a particular one only found in Tokyo – three years passing since she had left and a year since last time the feet of Kaiya Satō have walked through the incredible crowds of Japan, swiftly making her way back into a life left behind.

- -

"Do not hesitate to call the desk and we will have someone immediately assisting you in case of anything, Miss Satō." the receptionist chirped with a bright smile, keys being placed carefully into Kaiya's palm. "Thirteenth floor."

"Thank you." Kaiya returned the smile, fingers tightly latched around the luggage's handle as she walked towards the elevator.

With an inheritance that would put many to shame, Kaiya's thoughts drifted to her late grandfather, a silent thank you slipping past lips curved up in a soft smile, the man representing the only family she has ever had — parents perishing in a car accident when Kaiya was only three years old.

Polished, hardwood floor welcomed the pair of heels that clicked against it before being relieved of their duty on a wooden shoe rack. Luggage abandoned next to them, Kaiya found herself in the living room, staring in awe through a window wall that offered one of the most lively views of Shibuya. She was quite taken back with the penthouse her grandfather left, everything of such a modern design it was absolutely astonishing to look at, knowing the exquisite taste the man used to have — it was far from how Kaiya used to live in Los Angeles. Despite being raised in an environment that always had to be flashy, expensive and of a societal stature not many were capable of achieving, she was taught to appreciate the little things in life, even the simplicity of a breath of fresh air and the scattered petals of a flower.

Pulling herself back to reality, Kaiya ignored how tired her body felt after the long flight, excitement coursing through the veins knowing exactly what was the next step upon her return to Tokyo. Clothes being scattered across the living room, bare body rushing into the shower, she could not hold back the smile that threatened to never leave again — it was time to get back to the life that was left behind.

- -

"This is our seventh draft, Kozume." Mei Takahashi groaned, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose in annoyance.