Bastard [ KANA / ASUKA ]

Ichi-Go Ichi-E

["one time, one meeting"; an encounter that only happens once in a lifetime, reminding to treasure every moment, for it will never recur.]

2013 April 9 | Tokyo, Japan |

"NEVER KNEW SUSHI PLACES ARE OPEN AT MIDNIGHT."

He was generally amazed at the woman's sense of adventure—with a stranger like himself. All throughout their ten minute walk around the deepest parts of the city, he had discovered that the woman was far too talkative for his liking, far too lively compared to his dampened mood. He was seeing the Yin to his Yang and he hated to admit it but it was a refreshing sight to see.

"And you said you've been living in Japan for eight years?" she teased finally letting go of his hand.

"Touché." He chuckled.

He never was one to explore his area. It never really suited him as much. He wasn't an adventurous type, he preferred to keep to himself as much. People, in general, were uncomfortable with him and he just chooses to stay away to save everyone the inconvenience. It was one of the things that made it hard for him, living here in Japan—most of the time even in the States.

He lives in a world where he was different because of the color of his skin and the situation he lived all his life. An immigrant single-parent that he barely knows all throughout his childhood. It made him lack a sense of familiarity with anyone and everyone and it meant he never understood relationships, may it be friendship or partners. He was an introvert and a recluse.

His eyes lingering as the still bustling conveyor belt Sushi Place, office workers, tourist, and some families were in the general vicinity and all enjoying their time. Not once did he feel eyes on him like what would usually happen not so long ago. It was weird and foreign to him more than anything.

Once again, he allowed himself to be dragged by the woman to a vacant chair, closer to where the chefs were preparing the food. His eyes still lingering around the rather warm atmosphere of the place. He accepted the warm towel handed to him by Kana as she placed a sauce plate in front of him.

"You are always angry, you know. When you're not, you always look so lost." She pointed out once again breaking him from his trance.

Staring at the woman, he was uncertain if it was a joke or a general observation. He wanted to snap, make her cry for even thinking of him like that, but then again, they were in public, no amount of explanation of his side would make him look innocent if he does make her cry with what his tongue could lash out.

His eyes fell down to his clenched hands, counting from ten to one backwards, he regained his senses and allowed her words to slide. This will be the last time he would ever be seeing her and he wanted her satisfied and afraid in hopes of her never coming into contact with him ever again after.