Welcome Back
Mai’s phone rang for the umpteenth time. Without bothering to check the caller, she fumbled for it and answered with her eyes still closed.
“Hello?”
“Finally!” said the voice on the other end.
“What’s up, Yasu?” She stifled a yawn.
“By the sound of your voice, Mai, I’d guess you’re still in bed and just woke up. It’s already ten in the morning. You agreed to meet me at the cafe at nine. I’ve been waiting an hour, sweetheart. You really know how to break a man’s heart.”
Drowsiness forgotten, she shot upright. “Oh my God, Yasu! I’m sorry! I’ll be there in twenty!”
“Calm down. It’s okay, it’s not like this is the first time.” He chuckled. “You’ll treat me as your punishment. I’ll be at our favorite spot. Try to get here in one piece.” He knew Mai was a klutz on her best days.
“Got it. Bye!” She dashed to the bathroom to get through her morning routine at record speed.
Twenty minutes later, she arrived at the cafe where they always met and headed straight for their usual spot. Yasu was on the phone. She waved, flopped into the seat across from him, and got a nod in return. Since he was busy, she ordered her food from the electronic tablet on the table.
“The princess has finally arrived,” Yasu said once he hung up. “You make your prince wait so long, you know?”
“You’re being dramatic again. And stop with the princess thing already, it gives me chills. I’ve told you a million times.”
“But Mai, you are my princess. Would you prefer I call you...hmm, let me think.” He held his chin between his left thumb and index finger. “Ah, how about...” He pushed up his glasses. “My Queen.”
“Yasu!”
“Yes, my Queen?”
“Oh, stop it already!”
They both burst out laughing. It was what they always did when they met: eat, joke, and tease each other. Anyone who didn’t know them would have assumed they were a couple.
“So, Mai, how was your week?” he asked once he’d recovered.
“The usual. School, work, home.” She sipped her tea.
“And a boyfriend? Did you finally get one?”
She shook her head. Yasu knew the whole story with her and Naru.
“I can’t afford another heartache, Yasu. You know that.”
“But it’s been five years, Mai. Are you still in love with him?” He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair.
“Of course not! You’re enough for me.” She puffed out her cheeks and glared at him.
“But I’m not your boyfriend.” He studied her as if he could read every word she said and every move she made.
“It doesn’t matter. Enough about me. How was your week?” She was desperate to change the subject.
“Hmm, the usual, nothing new. Well, I’m working on a new project. You know the temple in Kyoto?”
“There are a lot of temples in Kyoto. Which one?”
“The main one.”
“So what about it?”
“Nothing much. It’s just our new project.” He grinned from ear to ear.
Mai gasped. “Really? That’s amazing! We have to celebrate!” She clapped once, her eyes shining.
“Want to go somewhere?” he asked after a moment. She hadn’t changed a bit. The thought made him smile.
“Let’s go to the amusement park!” She squealed as quietly as she could.
Yasu laughed at her childishness. “Like a date?”
“Why not?” she dared him.
“Oh, was that him on the phone earlier?” Her mood shifted from fury to curiosity. She never could stay mad at Yasu for long.
“Yes.”
“Okay, maybe next time. I’ll go before your boss gets here. And I’ll pay for your food as a thank-you for waiting.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll pay for everything today. And don’t leave yet.” He caught her arm as she started to rise.Mai looked down at his hand, then up at him, silently asking what he was up to.
“Well, you see...” Yasu smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. “My boss wants to meet you.”
“Are you setting me up on another blind date? I thought we agreed you were done with that.” She was getting upset again. He hadn’t let go of her arm, so she couldn’t leave.
“Don’t worry, it’s not a blind date. I promise.” He raised his free hand to prove his sincerity.
She sighed and sat back down, and he released her, relieved. But she was eyeing him suspiciously, so he tried to lighten the mood. He looked straight at her and winked.
Mai flinched and sulked harder. “Whenever you do that, it makes me uncomfortable.” She couldn’t help feeling nervous.
“Why? Does your heart beat faster when I wink at you?” He rested both arms on the table and laced his fingers in front of his mouth, hiding his smile.
“Uh-huh.”
“Then it’s love! You can’t help but fall for me, Mai!” He was grinning now.
“Why? Can’t you feel the love I’m giving you?” He looked at her seriously, and they held each other’s gaze for a long moment.
“Look at them!” someone whispered nearby.
“They’re so sweet! It’s like they have their own world!” said another girl.
“I wish Takeshi would look at me like that!” a third squealed.
Mai and Yasu collapsed into giggles. Yasu clutched his stomach while Mai wiped away tears.
“We could really pass as a couple, couldn’t we? They totally fell for it.” She started laughing again, but Yasu had stopped. He was staring past her, over her shoulder. Her laughter faded into concern.
“Yasu? Are you okay?” She reached up and touched his cheek to make him look at her.
“Mai.”
Her hand stilled on his face. The voice behind her was cold and baritone, and far too familiar for her liking. Yasu was now staring at her as if he could read her thoughts, his worry plain.
“It’s been a long time, Mai,” the voice said again.She looked at Yasu accusingly. He shook his head, answering the question she hadn’t asked. Then he took her hand from his face, held it in his own, and stood.
“I see you’re back. Welcome back to Japan.” He glanced briefly at Mai, who still looked stunned, then turned to the man who had just walked in.
“Oliver.”
