Tokyo Ever After

“I used to think the world belonged to me. But I was wrong. I belong to the world. And sometimes … I guess sometimes, our choices have to reflect that.”

Another kiss, deep and long. Akio’s eyes are melting chocolate with a silver ring, awash in the rising moon. Even though there is no music, we dance, swaying back and forth. I lay my cheek on his chest, probably getting makeup on his white T-shirt. We can’t bear to let go, so we don’t. We stay. Linger. Let the night come.

I cut him off with my lips on his. No more talking. Just kissing. His hands land on either side of my neck, thumbs stroking my jaw. We pull away from each other.

He strokes my jaw with his thumbs again. “Izumi, you are a world unto yourself. Build your own space. One meant uniquely for you.”

if you can’t beat them, join them

Now I understand

It is all so clear to me

Against, wind, rain, sleet

I stopped believing in love

Until I saw the leaves fall

The reality is razor-sharp. It’s all so transparent—a revelation as bright and as clear as the sunset.

“Life is full of possibilities,

The world is a cold place.

one half is Japan, and the other, America. Never the two shall meet.