Entry 6

March 1st

“Shhh!” I half whisper, half shout at the small figure behind me, nearly dragging her as we run through the expansive streets of Tokyo. Neon lights flicker across her face, a mix of exhilarated and terrified. I turn away to hide my smirk as I yank her around a corner and into an alleyway, pressing her close to my chest. She pants loudly, catching her breath. After a moment has passed and I’m sure we’re safe, I lean back against the wall behind me, tilting her chin so she’s forced to look at me with her enormous, mocha colored eyes. “I think we’re safe now,” I announce in a rough voice. She nods at me, drawing a glance at my still smirking lips. My hand still on her chin, I pull her face close, but just before the exhale of relief, a horde of security stomps around the corner and we fly down the alley. My heart thunders furiously inside my chest as I grab Aiko’s hand, but not because I’m afraid of being caught. The chilly air runs a shiver up my spine and makes the hairs on my neck stand up. My clothes are filthy and torn, my stomach rumbles in hungry protest, my tongue cries dry tears, but the thrill of the chase and the feeling of Aiko by my side dulls it away, until all I can think about is that kiss I never got and what it’s going to take to get it back.