Chapter Text
Overwhelming.
If there’s one word to describe New York then it would be overwhelming. One look at the crowds can tell you much of population the city’s got. So many people in the same place but with different race, style, and purpose. Eiji has been to big cities back then in Japan, but none can compare to the swarming feeling of this one.
“Eiji, don’t just stand there, come on we have to hurry it’s getting late” calls Ibe. “Yeah, coming” he turned and jog to said man whose been calling for his attention. Two Asian men walking together side by side. It’s dirtier than I thought… muttered Eiji while walking the street.
He continued his inner monologue while they walked until Ibe stopped in his track making Eiji do the same. “Well, we’re here,” Ibe spoke. Said here was a bar with neon sign at the top, Liquid Haven, it says. Strange name Eiji thought. “Stick close to me Eiji,” Ibe walked down the stairs with Eiji following closely behind him.
Door opened and colorful lights start taking over Eiji’s view, dancing across the dim staircase. The thrum of music and chatter filled Eiji’s ears as he stepped inside, following Ibe closely. “Remember what I said Eiji, the people were interviewing are gangsters the-“ Ibe continued his rambling but all Eiji could be focused on was those green eyes.
So green and sharp.
And suddenly nothing matters anymore, not when those eyes seem to be staring back at him. And with those eyes he noticed something more shoulder-length hair, blonde paired with broad shoulder and fair skin. It feels like the universe stop for a moment.
Unfortunately, that reverie was shattered as those green eyes turned elsewhere, perhaps to the guy who had been talking to him moments before.
“-Eiji! What are you standing for? stay close to me” The sharp command startled Eiji as he hurried to where his mentor was. Ibe’s face was filled with impatience, though it was laced with a faint of concern. Ibe then shifted his focus to someone in front of him —a police it seems judging by the uniform he wore. “Thankyou so much for helping us with this interview Officer Dickinson” Ibe started. “Ah- it’s no trouble really—The ginger haired man replied sheepishly—But you have to be careful with Ash though, he’s all bark and bite” he continued.
“Of course, officer but don’t worry this is not the first time I’ve done this—This meaning the whole thing about interviewing gangsters project which Ibe started 5 months ago—but it’ll be the first for my assistant here, but thank you for the reminder” The two men chattered more until the policeman got a call from work. “So sorry that I can’t accompany you longer, Mr. Ibe but you know what happens when duty calls, remember what I said about Ash Lynx” explained the guy.
With that he left the two Asian guys alone. At the bar. Filled with people of questionable background.
“Okay let’s just get this started, shall we? The earlier we work the faster its done—Ibe looked over to Eiji—don’t worry I’ve done this many times before” Eiji can tell Ibe was a little bit nervous about this whole thing. Eiji couldn’t blame him; he was feeling the same way after all the horrifying news he read about the rumoured Ash Lynx.
“Heard y’ guys have business with me” voice reverberated behind Eiji, instinctively making him jump and moved closer to Ibe.
It was him, the blonde green-eyed guy. He smirked at the way he managed to get Eiji startled. It looks nice on his face—God Eiji stop being gay please.
Wait what did he say? Business?
Oh shit. Of course, the blonde green-eyed dude with killer smile and husky voice was one of the gangsters they’re interviewing tonight. No, scratch that, THE gangster, THE devil in shadows—Eiji swears it’s what the papers say—THE Ash Lynx.
“Y-yes you must be Mr. Lynx, no? it’s nice to finally meet you, I’ve heard things about you” Ibe managed to stutter out a response. “Clearly not good things if you’re speaking that way” joked Ash, some of his men laughed at his remark.
Flushed, Ibe cleared his throat “ahem... well the let’s just start is that okay? I can guess you want this to end as fast as possible. Ash shrugged and turned to a lounge area beckoning the Ibe and Eiji to follow him.
After that Ibe started his interview with Eiji sitting next to him holding his camera. His job is pretty easy, just a couple picture after the interview ends as a way of documentary. He fiddled with his camera while he waits for Ibe asking question after questions.
He could feel a pair of eyes following his movement though he dared not to look. He... didn’t have anything on his face, did he? Oh my god what if there’s a seaweed stuck on his cheek. A tap on his shoulder breaks his thought away. Ibe then gestured to Eiji to take photos.
He started to raise his camera but then notice the way Ash slightly flinched; it was barely there but still noticeable.
And what was Eiji if not a gentleman?
With a new thought, he opened his mouth and asked “can I take a picture of you?”. It was a simple question really. A formality some might say. But it still makes Ash’s eyes widen in suprise. He opened his mouth to respond, then closed it, only to open it again.
“Uh sure, I mean that’s what you came here for right?” he answered with confusion. “Yeah, but still, I need to ask so I can make sure you’re okay with it” Eiji explained. “S’ what if I say no huh? you’re just not gonna take a pic of me?” Ash shot back; his tone playful but pointed.
“yeah” Eiji replied instantly.
Ash’s eyes widen for the second time before focusing on him with contemplation. After a brief silence he spoke “just… not the face ‘kay?”.
Eiji grinned flashed a thumbs up to this because, honestly, he didn’t know what else to reply with.
This action earned a chuckle from Ash.
“you’re such a kid”.