Kisejima Ocean Science Museum was dedicated to marine life and its biodiversity. The museum was owned and managed by a non-profit organisation focusing on ocean conservation and education. The first floor showcased Okinawa’s sea geology, ecosystems, and abundant marine wildlife. The second floor was dedicated to historical developments in the marine industry and various efforts to protect the sea environment. The museum was also equipped with an auditorium that periodically screened documentaries on ocean conservation. To visit the various exhibits, there was a fee of 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. The documentary was an additional payment of 100 yen.

He was still reading the information, though nothing seemed to register, when he heard footsteps coming closer.

34 What You Didn’t Know

CHAPTER 34

WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW

She walked towards him, her movements lithe and swift. Wearing a white top paired with camel-coloured trousers, Yoko was as slender and beautiful as ever. Her hair was permed and cascaded over her shoulders. She had dyed it a lovely shade of ash brown.

‘It’s been a while,’ she said.

He swallowed hard, unable to say anything.

She strolled out of the building. Her pace was slow. She probably wanted him to follow. He did so, a few steps behind her. They walked through the car park and passed a few shops before she led him to a small Western food kiosk.

Turning to face him, she asked, ‘Have you had lunch?’

‘Not yet,’ he said, stopping to maintain the gap between them. He’d come straight to Yoko’s workplace after checking into the hotel, without even showering or changing.

Yoko ordered two portions of fish and chips. Before Shoji could reach for his wallet, she took a few notes out.

He came closer. ‘Let me pay.’

Ignoring him, she paid and moved to a quiet corner. He followed her and they stood side by side. This time, they were so near their hands were almost touching. He stole a glance at her. How strange it was for them to be close to each other again. Looking at her shoulders, he wanted to reach out to her, but his hands felt heavy. There was an invisible wall separating them.

Yoko handed a portion of fish and chips to Shoji. The tips of their fingers touched, and he registered a tiny jolt in her expression. She moved away from him. The distance between them grew.

‘You should eat it while it’s still hot,’ she said.

He opened the wrapper. Steam escaped. After waiting for the food to cool down a little, Shoji took a huge bite. He wasn’t sure if it was because he hadn’t had his lunch, or because the weather was chilly after the rain, but the food was delicious. Lightly battered snapper loin with chunky potato chips. The fish was fresh and the batter wasn’t oily.