I don’t know what I was thinking. I thought I could go straight home but I couldn’t and instead I went straight to the machiya, not expecting anybody. I was wrong as soon as I open the door, he was there.
“I wasn’t expecting you.” I blurt out.
He moves aside, “I do live here Sir.” I can feel him watching me closely.
“Ah…” I grin slightly, “Sometimes I forget. I hardly see you.”
He shrugs. I suppose he’s still angry about what I said.
“Look about what I said before.”
“Don’t mention it.”
I frown. “By the way Tomu-kun tried going back to work at the Akabeko.”
“And they took him back in?” He goes and sits. “That’s surprising after -everything-.”
I stare at him, I know what he’s trying to get at. The troublesome events at the Kamiya dojo.
“Well he was with Yukiko, so maybe she helped.”
“She can’t go there!” Suddenly he stands up and I raise an eyebrow at him, “Yahiko wasn’t very nice to her.”
“Don’t worry about it. Tomu’s agreed to quit the job.” I light a cigarette. I didn’t mean to speak to Eiji, I just wanted to take a bath. Clean myself after that.
He looks to the side. “You forced him?”
“Something like that.” I sigh, “I didn’t want Yukiko nor Hide to be fetching him later at night while I’m away and I wasn’t sure if you’d help out.”
He lets out a breath, “Of course I’d help if someone told me.” He stares back at me, “So where have you been Sir? You don’t look nor smell like you just came from home nor from work.”
Eiji has a way of speaking indirectly when he suspects something. Had it been another time, a different set of circumstance I’d face up to his questioning. But I just shake my head and mutter. “It’s none of your business.”
He doesn’t hide his disapproval as I hear him grunt. “You’re going back to the old ways…”
I blink. No. “Look this is not something you’ll understand and I need you to keep your mouth -shut-.”
He glares at me. “FATHER! Where were you?! It’s obvious not from working!”
I shake my head and in a very quiet voice, “-Enough!- I’m going away for a couple of weeks in Kyoto. I expect you to help in the house. Pick up some ice for Ai-chan at least.”
“I can’t let you ruin your life again.” He looks down.
“I’m not your responsibility boy.” I look at him. The past haunts him still I see. “I never blamed you for what happened between Tokio and I… In fact, I’m grateful that you told me the truth.”
“Just don’t ruin this.” He keeps shaking his head.
I shouldn’t have come here. I knew better. Quickly I take some change of clothes for the trip. I’ll just go to a public bathhouse, then stop by the Office before leaving on tonight’s train to Kyoto.