Banana Fish short stories | ✔

Party doesn't start until he walks in

It was just a party, Eiji didn't think twice about it when he overheard about it from his schoolmates. He wasn't the one for parties, obviously. Even in high school he never went to one. And since he came back from America he only thought even less about them. But then Chika-chan invited him as well. He wasn't sure why Chika Sato would invite him, they weren't really friends, just classmates. But Chika was the nicest girl in the whole school. She was likable with an open personality and also a teacher's pet since she was in the school council.

Eiji couldn't refuse since his whole class was going and it would be extremely rude to say no to the birthday girl, so he agreed. Granted that he'll be there just to congratulate her and then sneak out as soon as he can- the girl might be sweet and so similar to Eiji but he still remembers that one time she organized sleepover at the start of the year, the whole college was talking about it for weeks. He truly thought they overexaggerated it like most things in his school but his theory was proven wrong by very obviosly still-drunk Chika who was suffering from a hangover and frequently ran to the bathroom while in school. Eiji was impressed she came, she looked to be on brink of collapsing and other girls were at least smart enough to stay home. Yet in the end, Eiji still decided to go.

And then there's Ash.

Of course, Ash wasn't happy Eiji would go. He didn't say anything but he seemed edgy and reluctant and Eiji figured it out. Ash felt like it wasn't his job to stop Eiji. Ever since they moved to Tokyo so Eiji can finish his studies and go to college, Eiji spent every available moment by Ash's side and the blond American felt guilty about it. So he doesn't say anything. But Eiji knows better and he forces Ash to come along using his most efficient weapon on Ash, puppy dog eyes and pleading words.

But then his sister comes on a surprise visit and Ash ends up driving her to the train station and Eiji leaves the house to go to a birthday party on his own, a small text from Ash keeping the shy smile from slipping "I'll be there with you shortly."

So here he is. Surrounded by deafening music, pushing his way through the crowd of people as he walks inside the house and away from the hectic garden. House isn't that better either, with its bright colorful light and teenagers yelling and chatting over each other and music in the background that is still too boisterous for Eiji. Finally, he sets himself on the couch and sips his juice while staring blankly at his phone, hoping it would ring soon. He twirls a straw in his juice when the girl approaches him. She had long black hair with matching top and blue jeans with a red jacket and black high heels. She asks to seat next to him, she moves closer even with the rest of the sofa available. She starts light chat and Eiji continues it with a crooked smile. Eventually, Eiji eased in the conversation, and one girl turned to six of them. Japanese boy didn't mind it too much, he thought "More the merrier, at least until Ash comes," But then one of the girls says "You're so cute, do you want to dance?" And he realizes he's being flirted with.

He blinks and flushes. The girls don't seem to notice with multicolored lights and they start bickering who was here first. Eiji manages to slip away while they're doing so.

Even with booming speakers in the garden, Eiji manages to calm down in the bathroom. He cups a little of water and throws it on his face. As drops continue to drip down his chin, his cheeks reverse to normal color. He's not overwhelmed because of America, he grew accustomed there and he wasn't feeling as nearly uncomfortable as he would have in past, but he's still just waiting for Ash to get here so they can go back home in peace.

It doesn't take long for the same girls to find him. Just as he leaves the bathroom he's surrounded once again. For god's sake, Eiji can't tell what got them so attracted to him. He's wearing blue jeans and a green hoodie with a jean jacket and cap he put on for no good reason. Definitively, not an outfit the girls would fall for, not in the movies at least.

Suddenly everyone started going out, they were rushing out as if the house was on flames and Eiji followed because he wanted to see if it was something serious. When he got out and finally pushed his way through people he saw the occupant of their attention. Not something but someone, well both, Eiji supposes. He sees Ash, standing next to his black car with a red jacket and blue jeans and he knows everyone is memorized. The wide eyes and jaw-dropped are even bigger confirmation. Some were staring at the car, and most were staring at the blond foreigner. Eiji huffs and with a roll of eyes walks to him.

Ash notices him immediately as Eiji steps away from the crowd and flashes him a smile and a wave at his direction, Eiji returns it. "Show off," his smile grows bigger as Ash places a hand over his chest dramatically. "Why Eiji, do you not like it. Now you can brag how handsome friend you have." Eiji huffs out a laugh and leans in to whisper. "I love it," they don't say a word as they get into a car, a soft smile gracing their features.

Even now Eiji still laughs when he remembers the situation. Their faces were hysterical, a mix of surprise and worship Ash is often causing. The fact he managed to freeze the party and 50 teenagers just by his presence alone makes Eiji nod his head in approval, at least he got him out.

He wished he could have avoided those questions he was bombarded with the next few weeks though.