Banana Fish
Three months has already passed since Eiji returned to Japan. Things have returned to normal but there's one thing that Eiji can't help but to worry about.
There's no news about Ash.
He keep sending letters to Sing and Ash's aquintance to ask their current situation but until now, there's no response from them. He can't help but to feel worried.
He knew that they were probably doing some important things that made them to not reply, and he understands it but it's been already three months. It's taking too long.
"I wanna go back to America." he said to himself while staring at the window where the city lights is visible. The memory of Ash flashes before him.
The time they spent together is truly precious and unforgettable. He can't help but to be emotional again when he remembered that Ash didn't even come to the airport to see him before he returned to Japan. He didn't even got to see his face before he returned, but he understands him.
Maybe Ash didn't come because he thinks it's for the best of Eiji. Maybe because he doesn't want him to be in danger again because of him.
It was at this moment, when a letter suddenly arrives. He opened the letter and was surprised, he quickly stand up when he saw the name of the sender.
Dear Eiji,
Sorry Eiji for the late response. Things have been so hard lately. We're okay, for now. The problems are all solved. But Ash..
He took a big breath before reading the continuation of the letter. It was about Ash, he can't keep calm.
His mouth left open, his eyes grew wider.
No. It can't be..
"Ash was stabbed the day you returned to Japan. There was no witness at that time but they said that they heard a sound of a gun. The man who stabbed Ash is my brother, Lao. He died after receiving a gun shot, it looks like Ash was able to shoot him after he got stabbed."
Worried, he hurriedly flip the next page.
"Ash.." his voice is shaking, just saying Ash's name is already making him nervous.
"It's been already three months, but Ash still hasn't regain his consciousness. He's in critical condition. The stabbing hit his vital organ. You're his greatest friend, and I think Ash's will get better if you're here. We are expecting your return, Eiji.
- Sing
The last page of the letter is the address where they are staying.
With his teary eyes, he quickly go to his room and arranged all of his things.
"I must go now. I want to see Ash's condition with my own eyes." his tears finally dropped.
Oh, Ash. Please don't die. I'm begging you. If you ever die, I will not forgive you for leaving me. We will still hang out. I will still show you my country. My beloved country. I will show you around the most delicious food here in Japan so you can't die now. You really can't.
Days later, Eiji then traveled in America from Japan. It brings back nostalgia just by seeing the views. As long as he wants to capture all the beautiful views, he can't because he badly wants to see Ash.
He went to Chinatown and go to the address Sing sent him. He knocked the door and was greeted by a young man.
"Who might you be?"
The guy is a chinese. It's the first time he saw this person.
"I'm Eiji, I'm Sing's friend."
"Uh, you're Eiji? Eiji Okumura?" Eiji nodded.
"Come in. I'm Kanlao by the way. I'll call Boss Sing, wait for a while."
The guy left so Eiji was left behind. Just like before, the shaking on his leg and arms can't stop. He's too nervous and worried.
Kanlao rushes to his Boss.
"Boss!"
Sing was startled by Kanlao's scream.
"Damn, you scared me. What is it?" he frowned.
"Boss, the one you're looking for is here."
"Who?" his one eyebrow raised, confused. I'm looking for someone?
"Eiji Okumura." Sing's eyes widen. His mouth hanged open.
"Eiji?"
"Yes, boss."
He stand up slowly until he suddenly runs to the door and found Eiji.
"Sing.."
"Eiji.."
Eiji smiled. Sing still looked surprised.
"I'm back." after he said that, Sing quickly approached Eiji and then he hugged him.
"Glad you're back, Eiji."
They smiled at each other.
"Where's Ash?" they let go of each other.
Sing looked down before looking up again to face Eiji.
"Come with me, I'll show him."
"Kanlao, gather three men. You'll accompany us."
"Yes, boss." Kanlao said.
"Now," Sing threw a hat and a mask to Eiji. "Wear that. It's dangerous if someone saw you."
Sing and his three men entered the car. "Come on, Eiji."
Eiji just stand there. He tighten the gripped on his pants. Nervous.
"Eiji." Eiji felt Sing's touch on his hand. He gave him an encouraging look. "It will be fine."
Finally, Eiji took a big breath. He's still nervous but now has a guts to finally see his beloved friend, Ash.
The car stopped at the clinic that stationed in the end of the Chinatown. It was a hidden clinic.
"This is Sing." Sing said after he knocked the door. The door opened, and a guy in mid 40s appeared. He's wearing a white robe and was holding a cigarette.
"Oh, you came? It's been a while." the guy in the white robe says, he's maybe the doctor of the clinic.
"How's he?" Sing asked.
"Come in."
••••
"There's nothing new in his condition. He still hasn't regain his consciousness." the doctor explained.
Eiji frozed when he saw a blond-haired guy unconsciously laying at the bed. It was Ash. Eiji immediately came near Ash and held his hand. It was cold.
"Ash.."
Almost one week has already passed but Ash is still not waking up. And in that one week, Eiji is always there. He never revert his gaze to anyone but Ash. He rarely sleeps, he spends his time by taking care of Ash.
"Eiji, take a rest. You haven't sleep for three days straight." Sing approached him with a worried look on his face.
"But.." he stand up but he almost fall down. Luckily, Sing was quick enough to catch him.
"See? You're tired so take a rest now. Don't worry, I'll watch Ash for you." Sing gave him a smile.
Eiji suddenly felt his tiredness. He sat up in the sofa and lays down and finally fell asleep.
Hours passed, Eiji woke up because of noise. As soon as he open his eyes, he saw Sing's smiley face.
His eyes grew big when he heard what Sing said.
"Ash regained his consciousness."
"What?!" he quickly stand up and go to Ash's bed. There, he saw Ash with his eyes open. Tears have fallen down the moment that Ash reverted his gaze to him.
Ash's eyes widen up. He didn't expect to see Eiji.
"E-Eiji?"
The doctor arrived and examined Ash. He said that it was miraculous that Ash recovered. His situation is stable now, he just needs rest.
Eiji sat down in the chair besides Ash. Sing knew that they need time to be with each other so he ordered his men to go out to let them have a good talk.
"How do you feel?" Eiji asked.
"I feel terrible."
"How did you---?" Ash asked but before he finishes what he says, Eiji already answered.
"I came here when Sing told me about your situation. Thank God, you're alive.." Eiji cried out. Ash stared at him with his lonely eyes.
"No it's not.." Eiji looked up at Ash.
"I shouldn't have awaken."
"Ash.."
"Why is it that I'm still alive? I shouldn't be. I'm supposed to be dead, why is it.. why is it?" Ash broke down. He put his hands in his forehead and shook his head.
"Ash, you shouldn't say that. You need to live, okay?"
Ash just shook his head, disagreeing to what Eiji said.
"Let me die, Eiji. I don't deserve to live anymore."
"I killed too many people, I hurted many people. My life is too miserable, I've had enough Eiji. My life.. my life doesn't have a meaning anymore."
"Ash!" it was Eiji's toughest voice. Even the greatest Ash, was surprised by him.
"Do you even know what you're talking about?"
"Eiji?"
Eiji looked up and met Ash's gaze. He's crying. Ash froze.
"You want to die, you say? Then how about us, Ash? What will gonna happen to us? All the people that you'll leave behind, what will gonna happen to them? You're just passing your pain to us!"
"You're my greatest friend, Ash. The greatest.."
Ash once again froze, mouth left hanging because of what Eiji said.
"Greatest friend?"
Eiji clenched his fist. "You killed too many so you deserve to die you say?" Eiji shook his head.
"But it was to survive right?"
"You, who killed people deserve to live too. You, who killed people deserve to have happiness too. All your life has been miserable, I may not been there at the start but I know that you suffered so much. You didn't even get to experience to have a normal life yet but you already want to die, you say?" Eiji finally looked up to Ash. Ash got surprised again when he saw the tears that fell down on Eiji's eyes.
"Our promise.." Eiji took a big breath. ".. do you still remember it?"
Eiji smiled, "We will still go to Japan, my hometown. You will still see the country where I grew up. You will still taste the most delicious food in my hometown. That's why.."
"You can't die.. Ash."
Ash froze and before he knew it, his tears were already dripping.
"I don't deserve to be with you.." he said between his tears. Eiji shook his head.
"We live in different world, Eiji. If you're with me it is as if you're putting your life into darkness."
"It doesn't matter Ash, as long as I'm with you."
"I'm a devil who killed and hurted many people without even feeling a slightest bit of pity."
"No, you're not a devil Ash. So please.. live."
Ash tears fell down and lost consciousness again with a smile on his face.
Months later, Ash already recovered. He's out in the hospital and is back to his normal life again. Eiji is still with him and together, they continue to make memories.
This is the day when Eiji is scheduled to leave America. Sing and his men is with him to send him off and of course, Ash.
"Take care, you two." Sing and others said while waving their hands. Eiji waved back, Ash smiled at them.
"Let's go?" Eiji glanced at Ash, he nodded.
It is really happening. Eiji is really going back to Japan to take Ash to his hometown.
They looked at each other and smiled.
In Japan, the two never wasted their day to go to different places. Eiji introduced many things to Ash. The most delicious food in Japan, the most beautiful place in Japan, he showed it all and teaches him everything about his home country. They enjoyed every moment.
Eiji even brought Ash to an amusement park. And for the first time, he saw an expression of Ash that he never saw before. He saw innocence in Ash's eyes.
The week has gone so fast that today is the day where Ash need to return to America. Eiji sended him off.
"Take care, Ash." Eiji said and smiled at him. Ash nodded and turn away. But before he go, he turn around and faced Eiji.
"Sayona-----." before Ash finished his words, Eiji cutted him off.
"Matta ne! (See you again!)" he said.
"Don't say 'Sayonara' to me Ash," Eiji smiled.
"This is not a goodbye. I'm sure that one day, we'll meet again."
Ash was taken a back.
"Then," Ash smiled back.
"Matta ne.. Eiji."
Ash smiled for the last time and finally leave. As he turn his back to Eiji, Eiji's tears flowed.
"See you again, Ash."
The end.