Chapter Twenty-Seven: Pillow Talk:

“What exactly are we doing here?” Anna asked.

“Lying in bed, enjoying each other’s company,” Tsuzuki said.

“I mean what are we doing here in New York.”

“We’re on vacation, my dear.”

“So what’s the plan? How long are we staying here? In this city. In their apartment.”

“Let’s stay until New Year’s,” he said after much thought. He noticed her frowning.

“What’s the matter?”

“You have work!”

“Yeah.”

“Won’t you get fired?”

“Nah. It’s going to be fine. We’re on vacation, after all.”

“But for how long?”

“Through New Year’s Day.”

“Asato-kun!”

“Yes. She got to see her grandma and her many aunts. She’s got a tribe in three countries now.”

Anna giggled. “Can’t argue with that. But what are we doing tomorrow?”

He took a moment to think. “I don’t know.”

“Well, what do you feel like doing in New York?”

Tsuzuki thought about her question. “Hm… What can we do?”

“Well there are museums, the park, amusement parks, seeing the movies, maybe catch some live shows. There’s so much to do in New York. Even more so since it’s winter.”

“What do you want to do then?”

“Huh?”

“What do you want to do tomorrow?”

“Maybe go to a museum?”

“Alright, we can do that?”

“But what do you want to do?”

“I’ll be happy to follow you.”

Anna shook her head. “Fine. But you’re planning the day after.”

He smiled and patted her on the head. “Done.”

“I just want you to take the lead with a plan.”

“And I will.”

“Promise?”

He kissed her on the lips. “Promise.” It would be morning in a few hours soon.