Tokyo at night is a different world. The streets are quieter, but they buzz with an energy unsettling to Ash. He slips his hands into his pockets, his head low as he wanders through the neon-lit streets.

The city has a way of swallowing people whole, making them vanish in its chaos. And here he is, a stranger in the crowd, desperately trying not to drown.

(Paper Koi)

Across town, Okumura Eiji sits on the rooftop of his father’s building, the wind ruffling his hair as he stares out at the sprawling city below. From this height, Tokyo seems almost peaceful, its streets winding like veins through the sleeping giant. But Eiji knows better than to be fooled by the calm.

(Paper Koi)

Ash laughs, a sound so rare, so genuine, it fills the air like birdsong. His breath comes out in clouds, cheeks flushed as he rushes forward, snowball in hand. He closes the distance between them in a few long strides. Eiji tries to dodge, walking backward, but his foot slips on the icy ground, throwing him off balance.

(More than the Snow)

He gestures to Ash’s attempt at folding, then adds, “You’ve been folding your clothes all wrong, by the way.”

Ash frowns, glancing at the bundle of fabric in his hands. “Yeah, well, I’m not trying to impress anyone.”

“Oh, really?” Eiji teases, leaning in slightly. “Because it seems like you’re trying awfully hard not to make a mess when I’m around.”

(Matching Towels)

He sees Eiji, bright-eyed and cheerful, tying a dish towel around Sing’s waist like a makeshift apron.

Shorter claps a hand on Ash’s shoulder, leaning in just enough to whisper, “Thinking about bailing, huh? Might want to reconsider... he’s been asking when you’d get here.”

Ash sighs, tugging at his sweater. "Shut up."   

(Deck the Fools)