Left in my own silence once more, my thoughts wander back to him. It’s been three days since I last saw or spoke to him and since reporters have been camping outside my apartment I’ve been staying at his. I hope he’s okay. Stupid Yuzuki. Leaving without saying goodbye. What did he mean about putting him in a predicament with my decision? I realise that by saying I was being independent, I acted selfishly but you don’t just disappear. Isn’t that in itself selfish? Karma?A soft knock brings my attention to the door in time to see Hugh’s step in followed by William. Great, now I’m thinking about him even more. As though knowing what I was thinking he smiles warmly at me, sitting on the small sofa as Hugh’s busies himself with making us tea.“Good Morning, Ms. Ingram.” He says the last name in a matter-of-fact tone, and I shift uncomfortably. I really hate that last name; but it is mine. Hugh’s was right. Professional.“Mr. Fairchild.”

The warmth radiating for the body that holds me feels both alien and familiar and I'm too shocked to even think about stepping away. No. I don't want to step away. My arms snake across his back and I cling to him; afraid he’ll disappear if I do.“This is a dream right...? It has to be a dream…” My voice barely a whisper, even to myself."Dream... this...?" His chest vibrating against my face as he chuckles, his hands moving my face away from his chest to meet his gaze."It's anything but, Atlas." The heat from his lips as he kisses my forehead radiates through my body and I shiver, biting my gum in order to not cry."How...?" He looks from me to William and I follow his gaze."You?" He puts his hands up imitating surrender as he smiles at me."Nope. I told you, didn't I? Jason sent you a gift." He says winking, a cheeky grin plastered on his face."Yu-San did?"

The cicadas sing to the full moon as I stir, unable to completely fall asleep. I’d forgotten how beautifully annoying these things were. Even with jet lag falling asleep is difficult. Hmm... that’s not a cicada. Stirring again, I reached my phone as the screen lit up, my ringtone blaring into the silent room. It’s after Three AM right now...“... who the hell is calling at this...” Oh. My annoyance crumbles and a smile plasters across my face at the caller ID.“Kon'nichiwa...” Her chuckle stirring a heat I’d no doubt be unable to sedate for a long time. Groaning, I roll off my futon, moving to open the door to the garden; the sliding sound filling the now silent room.“Oyasumi, Yu-Chan...” Smiling like a clown, I run my hands through my hair at her voice.“I want to hold you very much right now A-Tan.” She falls silent and my heart tightens at the sniffle that passes through the phone.

Following breakfast, as promised the old man leads Miyama-Kun and I through the garden towards the bamboo field beside the estate. The fresh scent of earth reaches me and I’m left paralyzed by the chains of nostalgia that wash over me and I close my eyes. Fear and emotions I thought I’d long ago given up on, tugging at my heart and I couldn't help but wish for Atlas' warm hands in mine. I don't know when she became such an important anchor for me but right now, at my most vulnerable I couldn't help but wish for her. The creaking as the bamboo trees dance in unison with the wind. The birds singing their early morning tunes. Mother loved these woods. Whenever it rained, she'd always come out for walks and sometimes she'd even take me with her."You remember don't you, boy." My eyes open to find the old man and Miyama staring at me, sympathy in both their eyes. I hate those eyes."I do.""When she died, I knew I couldn't send her back to America you see. I loved her t

The conversation in the room dies as I enter, sitting myself at the head of the conference table. August nods at me, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. I could feel Father's eyes burning holes into me but I ignored him."Now then, shall we begin." A chorus of agreement spreads through the room before silence falls again as I begin to speak."As you all know, construction on the new facilities began last year and so far we are still on schedule. For that, I’d like to thank Mr. Price for his efficiency," I smile towards him and he smiles in return; before a cheeky smirk peeks at the corner of his lips, "I'd also like to welcome Mr. Fairchild, as not only our second largest investor but a partner," remaining seated he nods his thanks and I continue,"Now, I’d like to bring to your attention the finished designs of the new uniform that will take effect next semester after the summer holidays." Looking at Kojo, she gets up