Page 16 of Summer Haze & Tokyo Craze

“Akiha-”

“-b-a-r-a,” I spell it out for him as he jots it down in his phone notes.

"So what areyourplans for your free time?" Felix changes the topic, narrowing his eyes at me. "Since you know all the good spots and all that."

“I think you overestimate just how many ‘good’ spots you run into when you live here for a year. I promise it was not as eventful as you’re imagining it.”

“Bet she’s just saying that to throw us off.” Felix leans over to Adam, and he nods in agreement. I ignore their little alliance.

"Honestly, I don't know yet," I tell them with a shrug. "I've got a few things on my ‘let's-see-if-I’ll-have-time’ list, but I think I’m going to play it by ear."

"Come on, tell us. Don’t be such a gatekeeper," Adam teases me, and I roll my eyes. I just know if I tell the two ofthem, they’re going to want to tag along, and I could really use a bit of alone time. Also, there's just no way I'm going to mention that an amusement park we also have in the US is on top of my list.

"Yeah, such a gatekeeper," Felix teases me, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Children, both of you," I point out, shaking my head. "I'll probably do the Digital Arts Museum in Odaiba, at least that’s air-conditioned," I tell them, and it seems to appease them. Felix furiously researches it, his eyes growing wider when he pulls up the pictures.

"Oh my god, that looks amazing."

"Show me," Adam asks, and before I know it, they are huddled together, fawning over pictures of the museum.

What a weird situation. If you had told me before my flight here that not only Adam would be here but actually seek me out, I wouldn't have believed you. But now, here we are.

I take a deep breath and then reach for my green tea. Adam watches me curiously, his eyes widening when I take a sip and exhale a happy sigh.

“So you actually like that stuff? I was half-convinced you bought it to throw me off.” In reply, I take another sip, smiling with my eyes as I gulp it down.

"You're a witch," he says, awe in his voice, shaking his head.

"No, I just like the taste of earth," I say with a chuckle, twisting the bottle closed again.

Adam

The first week of the conference is over in a flash, a haze consisting of meetings, getting work done during breaks, greeting people I might or might not have met before and listening to lectures that are boring but informative.

One more networking event this evening and we are going to have the weekend to ourselves. Two days of silence and rest. Of course, I’m not above working on weekends, but jetlag is still kicking my behind. I’m only slowly starting to get used to the time difference and I already dread the day I’m flying back.

For tonight, the organizers rented out a so-called Izakaya, about a ten-minute walk away from the hotel. I’m still clueless as to what that is when we come to a stop in front of the unassuming building and only once we step inside do I realize that’s a bar.

Not a regular one though.

It’s unlike any bar I’ve ever been to. While there are sections with regular tables and chairs, the host guides us further to the back of the establishment, revealing a whole different setting. The tables and surrounding area are on little platforms and as I take a second to take everything in, I watch as everyone sits down on pillows and what looks like bamboo mats on the ground.

Groaning inwardly, I do as all the others and slip out of my shoes before sitting down. My back is absolutely going to hurt from this tomorrow.

Lily doesn’t seem too thrilled at the prospect of sitting on the ground, but when I blink, the sour expression has been replaced by a tight smile as she sits down two people away from me.

Somebody ordered beer for all of us and I start scanning the menu for some snacks. If it weren’t for this event, I’d probably be asleep already, but too many people asked me about this event for me to skip.

I’m so fucking exhausted, though. My leg is already starting to fall asleep and I’m tempted to get myself an energy drink. Even as the thought crosses my mind though, I can hear Zoey’s scolding voice echoing in my head. ‘Those are not good for you.’ ‘You’re going to get a heart attack from those and I’m only going to visit you at the hospital to dance around your bed and sing “I told you so.”’

Maybe some food will help to keep my exhaustionat bay instead.

"Surprise, surprise," a female voice suddenly says behind me. Swallowing a groan, I turn my head, seeing everyone else following suit from the corner of my eye.

“I’ll be damned,” I mutter, a grin tugging at my lips. Eve is the manager of global pop-sensation Mia, the one pop-princess even more successful than the Sirens. The two of them are the power-duo of the industry. Mia the one who fills stadiums, Eve the one who made her famous and is sticking with her until today.

I was wondering why I haven’t seen her at the conference yet and even more surprised she has now turned up.

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