In Cold Blood [Ash Lynx] - Banana Fish

Twenty-One - Dusk Till Dawn

"More rice, sweetheart?"

Looking up from the tatami mat floor, Tora smiles at her mother, holding her bowl up. "Yes please."

Her mother, Hina, spoons more rice into her bowl and Tora thanks her, pouring more miso soup over the top.

"So, your tutor will be here in 30 minutes. Did you do your homework?" Hina asks.

Tora's cheeks flush pink and her eyes widen slightly. "Isn't it due tomorrow?"

Hina raises an eyebrow at her daughter. "Just because you're only in the first grade it doesn't mean you miss homework deadlines. How about you go and get it once you've eaten and we can finish it off."

"Sorry Mumma." Tora sends her a guilty look. "But Papa did say he would help me yesterday and then came home late..."

Sighing to herself, Hina flashes her a smile. "He did say that I remember now. He's just been busy, not able to come home as much. I promise he'll read you a bedtime story soon though, don't worry."

Tora grins, nodding at her mother. "I can't wait. When I learn my kanji more then I can read to you two!"

"Of course you can." Hina laughs. "Kanji can be tricky though sweetheart, you need to be more concerned with your hiragana and katakana anyway. One task at a time."

"I can handle it," Tora tells her, standing up from the kotatsu table.

Hina nods, reaching a hand to her young daughter's cheek and smiling softly. "You are our little lily. After all—"

"Do you have a minute?"

Looking up from the drawer beside the bed, Tora clutches her chest, laughing awkwardly. "You startled me."

Max scratches the back of his neck, walking further into the living area. "Sorry, Tora. Mind if I take a seat?"

She shakes her head, closing the drawer and returning to her bag. "Not at all."

He twiddles his thumbs as he glances between Tora and the floor, tentatively attempting to start the conversation. "So, are you almost done packing?"

"Pretty much." She shrugs. "I don't have that much to pack but I've been distracted this morning."

"Are you worried?"

Tora huffs a laugh. "That easy to read, huh?"

His mouth tugs up into a smile. "He's the same. But I'm sure you're both nervous for different reasons."

"What's his reasoning?"

"Eiji."

Raising her eyebrows, Tora places her hands on her hips, turning away from her bag to look at Max. "That's what he's so worried about? Seeing Eiji?"

"Well, not necessarily seeing him—"

"His geography is awful because Izumo is at least eight hours away from Tokyo. It would be almost impossible to run into each other." Tora waves a hand. "They won't see each other so it won't risk an awkward encounter or anything if that's what he's worried about."

Max raises a hand. "Tora, that's not—"

"Max!" Ash calls out, his voice getting louder as he walks down the corridor. "I'm ready to go, is the car parked out the front?"

Walking into the room with his nose in his phone, he glances up from the screen and sends Max an unamused look.

"Don't tell me it's a block away from here." He gripes.