Page 10 of Secrets & Sake

People cross the street in front of us while we’re frozen in a quiet little bubble.

Finally Raiden says, “That’s brave, defying your family like that.”

My face warms. He thinks I’m brave. Me. What a joke.

“I’m not. I mean, it took me so long to work up the nerve to tell them I wasn’t going to do what they wanted me to do. I wasted years trying to be someone I wasn’t.” I’d spent so much of my formative years just wasting time when I could have been following my own path.

Raiden turns us left, hands sure and steady upon the leather-clad wheel. “My grandfather has always encouraged me to strike out on my own, but it’s easier said than done. Defying your family, forging your own path no matter what others say… it’s admirable. I wish I’d done that.”

I don’t know what to say. Nobody has encouraged me before. I’ve second-guessed coming to Tokyo for years now, spent sleepless nights wondering if I’ve made the right choice because so far, nothing in life has given me a sign that this was the right thing to do. This stranger just offered me more self-assurance than anyone else in my life, even my own parents.

And again, he’s offered hints about himself and implied that he wants more than the role life has given him.

“Your grandfather wanted you to leave the gang?”

Raiden grunts a yes. “Like it’s that easy.” His voice is steeped in bitterness. “The yakuza way of life should have died years ago. It’s antiquated. All of it. The rituals. The codes and conducts. It should have all disappeared a long time ago.” On the wheel, his knuckles have whitened, and a muscle tics in his jaw.

Unsettled by his sour mood, I look out the window at the passing scenery.

Raiden puts the car in park, and the gull-wing doors glide open. The restaurant is across the street from Ueno Park. Raiden leads the way through the crowd of people dressed for a night out. It’s April, so the days are warm, but the nights are still chilly enough for a light jacket.

Raiden leads me to the doorway of a restaurant, the windows covered with rice paper to give the customers inside privacy. The restaurant bustles with the chatter of customers, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air.

I join Raiden at the bar. The restaurant is all light cedarwood floors and furniture, rice paper walls, and dim, cozy lighting. Jazz plays low and soft from the wall-mounted speakers.

“Hey, Tenko!” Raiden calls, waving at the chef behind the sushi bar.

“What can I get you, gentlemen?” the chef asks, sharpening his knives.

“Do you drink sake, Hiro?” Raiden asks.

I almost don’t reply right away, unused to my alias. I wonder what my name would sound like in his voice.

“Sure.” I prefer beer, but I like sake just fine.

Raiden leans over the bar, excitement bright in his eyes. “A bottle of your best sake.”

Raiden bumps his shoulder into mine. “Try the house-made tofu.”

Per Raiden’s recommendations, we end up ordering a ton of deep-fried, slow-grilled, salty and spicy small plates. Sweat beads on my brow. This is going to cost a fortune.

The sake is good, full-bodied, chilled, and light. I’m on my third cup while Raiden and the chef chat. I need the liquid courage to loosen me up.

Raiden and I get to talking about movies we like. I’ve always been a big film geek. I could talk about my favorite movies until I’m breathless. Raiden’s a fan of big blockbusters, while I prefer more obscure indie films, but we end up talking for thirty minutes about a mutual love for Star Wars.

I can’t believe it, but we actually have a ton in common, and Raiden’s so easy to talk to, I worry I’ll accidentally spill all my secrets to him. Once he stops scowling and opens up, I genuinely like talking to him. Except we can’t be friends. This man is a yakuza, and he’s kidnapped two people so far. It’s likely, anyway, since he was the last person seen with them. I don’t actually know for sure that he did, but so far, he’s the only lead I’ve got.

Suddenly overwhelmed, I excuse myself to the bathroom and lock the door behind me. The noise of the bar becomes muffled. I take in a breath and let it out slowly. If Raiden really is behind these disappearances, I’m going to have to betray him. I can’t afford to feel anything for him. Not if I want to write the story of a lifetime and prove to everyone back home they were wrong to doubt me.

Suddenly, furious shouting and terrified screams come from beyond the door. My heart drops into my stomach.

What the hell has happened now?

Chapter 4

Hiro smells like cherry blossoms.

It’s a scent I’m familiar with, especially in the flowering months of March and April, but something about Hiro’s scent makes me want to roll around in it. He’s pretty. With his glossy brown hair that flops cutely on his forehead, his flawless fair skin, and those sweet chocolate-brown eyes, there’s just no denying it. And those plush, cupid’s bow lips? I’m a damn goner.

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