Chapter Text
Three and a half years since Eiji arrived in New York, although it felt like a century. Even after all that time to cope he couldn’t refill the emptiness that was previously filled by Ash Lynx. He couldn’t stop missing him.
Outside interpretation could agree that going to a foreign country, with minimal understanding of the language and culture, to work with one of the most infamous gang leaders in the gang capital was problematic, but Ash made it worth it.
The opportunity to meet Ash was the best thing that could've happened to him, even if he were in danger by association. Ash was different, Ash would do anything to protect him. He felt safe knowing that atleast.
But things are different now.
When Eiji returned to Japan, Ash was left alone. Because of this, Ash basically disappeared. Without a trace, as if aliens had abducted him.
Of course, Eiji asked about him whenever and to whoever possible, which always resulted in the same answer. ‘We still can't contact him.’ ‘We just don't know.’.
It was usual for Eiji to overthink even before he went to America, but beforehand it would be better described as philosophizing. Now, with new, much more troubling things to think about, he spent a substantial amount of his 'Philosophizing' time stressing about Ash. Maybe Ash hated him, and that's why he ghosted him, and everyone else. What if Ash was hurt, or even worse, dead?
The longer they were separated the more painful it got. Eiji once said to Ash, ‘If I ever lose you too, I'll go crazy.’, which remained dependable even now. Ibe virtually begged him to go to therapy; He had, it just never helped. Eiji was plagued by uncertainty.
Eiji woke in a cold sweat, from a repeating bad dream. Thankfully, he never remembered these dreams, but the feeling that lingered resembled when he was upset about his missing friend, Ash.
He tumbled out of bed and stumbled to the kitchen, (RIP Dolly) to retrieve cold glass of water. Hopefully this would clear his head enough, maybe not as good as alcohol could, if he was willing to be hungover at work, which he wasn’t.
“I think I want to go back to America."
Ibe choked on his coffee.
“Uh, sorry, say that again, for a second I thought you said you wanted to go back to America!”
Ibe gave an awkward chuckle and gave Eiji a worried look.
“I’m serious.”
Ibe sighed. His face showed a mix of emotions. It was understandable why Ibe would be worried.
“I don’t know about this, Eiji.”
“I’m almost 23, it's my choice. I'm gonna go.”
“How are your parents gonna feel?”
“I’ll be fine, they don't have to worry.” Eiji smiled innocently, he needed to turn up the theatrics if he was planning on going alone.
“Well, you’re right. It's your choice, just please be safe… I have no idea what I would tell your parents if something happened to you.”
“... Yeah.”
An uncomfortable silence followed their conversation. Eiji had a feeling Ibe already knew why he wanted to go back, having observed enough to understand.
This wasn’t going to be easy. He had already called Sing, who was pissed, along with Max. But Eiji would never let something like that stop him now, he was doing this for himself, for his own peace of mind.