Echoes of Tokyo - the journey back home to you

8. Partners in Crime

Emily's story had flowed seamlessly until she reached the part about transferring schools and ending up in Mikey's class. She paused for a moment.

Takemichi, sitting across from her in the small, cozy coffee shop, was visibly shaken. His expression was full of disbelief, his eyes wide with concern. "I...I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry you had to go through that," he stammered, his voice trembling slightly. His face was a canvas of empathy, brows furrowed and lips pursed in genuine distress.

Emily gave a small, reassuring smile. "It's okay. It was a long time ago." Obviously, she wasn't okay. Emily's smile was a mask, a fragile attempt to hide the pain that still lingered beneath the surface.

The scars from that day had never truly healed, leaving her heart fractured and her trust in others shattered. The memory of that day was a constant reminder that the world was far from the idyllic landscapes painted in the pages of the books she once cherished. It had changed her, made her wary, and stole away the innocence she had once held so dear. But she didn't want Takemichi to see that; she didn't want to cast a shadow over their time together or burden him with her pain. So, she pushed the memories back, willing herself to keep the conversation light, to shield him from the turmoil within.

Takemichi's eyes lit up as he continued, "But...wow. Just wow. That boy literally moved heaven and earth for you. I'm sure he must have loved you." His gaze was intense, a blend of awe and respect, as if he were trying to grasp the magnitude of Mikey's devotion. Emily chuckled softly. "He was like that to all of his friends, and his family. He cherished all the people around him as if they were a treasure."

Takemichi leaned forward, his hands gesturing emphatically. "Yeah, but you were the only girl around him, besides his sister, I mean? And he shared his favorite snacks with you, right?" His gestures were expansive, as if trying to encompass the depth of his feelings about Mikey's affection.

Emily raised an eyebrow, a bit puzzled. "Yeah, so what?"

Takemichi's face lit up with a knowing smile. "Trust me, Emily. This boy. Oh, this boy." He swept his hand through the air as if drawing a picture of Mikey's devotion. "He was head over heels in love with you. I can tell from a guy's perspective. We don't just share our favorite snacks with girls we aren't in love with." His hands moved in animated arcs, underlining the intensity of his belief.

Emily's cheeks flushed with a soft pink, and she began to fidget nervously, her fingers twisting around her cup. Her gaze dropped to the table, her heart fluttering at the thought of Mikey's feelings.

Takemichi, noticing her reaction, asked with curiosity, "How come you parted?"

Emily took a deep breath, her voice heavy with the weight of past regrets. "Mikey's brother passed away, and my father found out that Mikey and his friends were involved in a bosozoku gang. He was worried about my safety and asked me to stop seeing him. He asked to be transferred back to London and we moved, and I was so angry. I tried to contact Mikey, but he never responded. I guess he probably hated me for leaving him."

Takemichi's face contorted with dramatic despair. "Noo...No. Why? Why? Just why?" His arms flailed in exasperation, his expression a blend of frustration and heartfelt disappointment. "I mean I knew what was coming...But I so wanted this story to have a happy ending. I'm a sucker for love stories with a happy ending." His hands spread wide, as if pleading for the universe to rectify the injustice.

As she took the last sip of her coffee, Emily suggested with a warm smile, "Me too. But well, that's life, I guess. Hey, how about another cup of coffee?" Takemichi looked up from his cup. "Oh, yeah, that sounds great. Let's do it."

They placed their orders with the barista and settled back into their seats. Takemichi seemed lost in thought. "Oh... oh wait. So that's why you're interested in delinquents?" he asked, his eyes wide with realization. Emily nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Yeah. I studied criminology and am now working on my master's here in Japan. My research focuses on bosozoku and delinquents. I'm hoping it might lead me to Mikey."