And Then, The World Ended

Chapter 5 Noah

I watch Hayes across the table as he pours soy sauce over his sushi. He hasn't touched his food since he arrived. His chopsticks are like conductors' batons, hovering over the colorful rolls, but never quite making contact.

"Noah, you still there?" Jordan's voice snaps me back to the present. I realize I've been staring at Hayes, lost in my thoughts.

"Yeah, sorry. Just... a lot to process." My voice trails off as I glance back at Hayes. He looks exhausted, his usually bright eyes now shadowed with something I can't quite read.

"No problem, man. We're just glad you're ok. That whole situation was—" Jordan pauses, searching for the right word. "Intense doesn't even cover it."

"Thanks, Jordan. I know. It's just... a lot to take in." I take a sip of my cola, grateful for the icy burn it leaves in my throat. "And now, Japan. I can't believe it's finally here."

Hayes speaks up, his voice steady but tired. "Yeah, I wanted to talk to you all about that. I know it's soon, but I think it's for the best. A fresh start, you know?" He looks at each of us in turn, his eyes landing on me last. I feel my heart skip a beat under his gaze.

"Hayes, are you sure?" Sophie interrupts. "I mean, we're beyond thrilled to go, but we don't want to impose. It's a big deal, especially after—" She shoots an apologetic glance at Hayes. "Well, you know."

"It's fine, Soph. I get it." Hayes gives her a weak smile. "And yes, I'm sure. I want to do this. We've all been talking about it for a week, and now... now I think it's exactly what we need." He pushes his untouched plate away, sitting back in his chair. "Plus, it'll be good to get away, clear our heads."

I nod, understanding his need for escape. "When do you wanna leave?"

Hayes shrugs. "Sooner the better, I say. How about two weeks? That should give us enough time to prepare, and it's not like any of us have much holding us here at the moment." His eyes flicker to mine again, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through me.

"Two weeks?" Jordan whistles. "That is soon. But hey, I'm game. Count me in, captain." He shoots an impish grin at Hayes, who rolls his eyes fondly.

"And you, Noah? What do you say?" Hayes asks, his gaze intense.

I feel my face warm under the scrutiny of my friends' expectant stares. "I... yes, of course. I'm in. It's an incredible opportunity. Thank you, Hayes."

His smile returns, lighter this time, and it transforms his whole face. "Good. It's settled then. Japan, here we come."

The weight of the moment settles on us, and we sit in comfortable silence, each lost in our thoughts about the impending adventure.

Hayes finally breaks the quiet, his voice light. "And don't worry about expenses. This one's on me. Consider it a... celebration of new beginnings."

"Oh, Hayes," Sophie gushes, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "You're too good to us."

He shrugs, but I catch the hint of a blush on his cheeks. "What can I say? I'm a sucker for my friends. And this trip is going to be epic."

As we continue to plan, mapping out potential itineraries and discussing our dreams for the journey, the heaviness of earlier lifts. Excitement bubbles within me, a welcome distraction from the turbulence of recent events.

For now, Japan shines like a beacon, full of possibility and the promise of new experiences. And I'm eager to see where this road will take us.

Two weeks gone by as I step off the subway and onto the platform. As the train pulls away, I'm left facing the sleek, glass-fronted buildings of the future. I take a steadying breath, aware that in a few moments, I'll be stepping into Hayes' world.