Chapter 65 - My Heart Thrives for You in the Withering Wind (1/2)

Icy winds whipped at Eiji's cheeks. As he ploughed his way through torrential rain and winds. Along paved streets of modern building blocks, which overpowered modest traditional minkas.

”You don't have to Eiji-san.” Hinata fretted nervously. ”You were straight before.”

He hid half his face beneath the high collar of his heavy winter coat.  He pulled his school cap further over his brows. An attempt shield his face from the fierce winds and hide his embarrassment.

”Hina-chan.” Eiji stopped to take a breather and glimpse at his lover's beautiful dark doe-like eyes touched by winter's kiss.

Hinata's smooth skin glistened delicately from the rain. To Eiji, his effeminate countenance was the image of a regal princess who held the grace of a goddess. He was more than any person could be to him. Hinata held both his heart and soul.

”This is our time to be together. Just us.” He held Hinata's gloved hands with earnest and reassurance. ”Make no mistake. I want you to make me a man. No one else.”

Hinata felt his breath stolen at that moment. His heart raced a thousand miles at once. Was it wrong to feel that he was the luckiest person alive?  The stoic, athletic, dark and handsome man, who all the girls dreamed about, was pressing for his love.

”Me too.” Hinata smiled.

They resumed their arduous trekking through the wind and rain for Harajuku Station.  Rather than head down the newish concrete stairwell for a train. They continued walking down a crowded street, passing various patrons of wealth in traditional kimonos, modern day suits and other fashions of the era.

As they continued towards a row of traditional houses (with their usual sloped roofs and dangling silver rain chains off the edges), the patrons became a pattern of couples.

Men and woman strolled by them in a dreamy state. Holding hands or hugging their lover's arms for warmth and protection.

Hinata and Eiji received a few sidewards glances as the passed, but no one was curious enough to stop them.

They turned into a narrow lane where wooden signs were staked out front to announce the name of shops and places to stay.

Eiji purposely led Hinata to an inconspicuous inn with a sign that said, ”Just the Place”.

The front panel door had delicate image of love birds nestling on a branch painted on the surface.

They entered the inn and made their way to the middle age woman behind a narrow burnished oak desk, which was placed at one corner.

”Yamada-san.” Eiji politely bowed before the woman.

She was slender and still beautiful with youth for her age in her modest green and blue kimono. Her hair was held up in a clean bun, so her face was clearly visible.

”Oh my! Takaki-kun. I'm glad you decided to visit.” Yamada-san warmly greeted Eiji. ”Your mother is selfish to keep you away.”

”You know I'm her trump card. Revealed at the most opportunist moment.” Eiji smoothly responded as he played the woman's game of pleasantries.

The woman giggled like a school girl behind a paper fan, with dainty spring flowers painted on the ribs and leafs.

She closed her fan and gave her attention to Hinata's face, when he pulled down his collar and removed his hat.

His hair had grown back from his shaven look. It was kept in a short, clean style with some of his fringe delicately sweeping across his smooth forehead.

Yamada-san found herself mesmerized by his big, dark, round eyes, which held a maiden innocence not many woman could claim.

In her mind, there was no doubt. Hinata was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. A beauty that would rival the princess herself.

In particular, overshadow Yua Takaki. Eiji's mother. A proud narcissist, who made sure that all other woman more beautiful than her were given an ugly existence.

This boy was in danger just standing next to Eiji.

”Takaki-kun. Are you sure about this?” Yamada-san dropped the fake pleasantries and showed a genuine expression of concern.  The boy was playing with fire.

Eiji sighed. He understood all to well the woman's concern.  For the first time in his life. He found someone worthy to look up to. How lucky was he to have this man return his feelings.

She was right. They were taking a risking by visiting Yamada-san's inn as patrons.

If their parents found out about him and Hinata; he dreaded to think what they would do to them.