Yoko gave him a puzzled look. ‘What?’

‘Your work …’ He looked away, trying to hide his unease. ‘You’re some sort of high-class hostess, aren’t you?’

She burst into laughter.

‘Stop that,’ he said, embarrassed.

Yoko lunged forward and hugged him. ‘You’re so cute, Shoji. You wouldn’t mind if I was working as a hostess?’

‘I would.’ He avoided her eyes. ‘But you didn’t listen when I asked you to stop this job you couldn’t tell me about. I want to respect your decisions, even when I don’t agree with you.’

She put her palms on his face, turning his head to look at her. ‘I’m touched.’

He reached for her hands and pulled them away. Was she being sarcastic?

‘I’m sorry. I should’ve told you everything from the beginning,’ she said. ‘My job isn’t what you imagine. I don’t think it’s anything most people could imagine.’

He kept quiet. Go on.

‘I’m a listener,’ she said. ‘I listen to other people’s problems, letting them air whatever is eating them up inside.’

Oh. ‘Something like a therapist?’

‘Kind of, but not really. The place I work at looks more like a high-class tearoom than a clinic, at least from the outside. We serve an excellent range of teas too. And we’re extremely exclusive. We only serve our members. Don’t ask me how the company does the vetting. I have no idea. What I do know is the exclusivity comes with a hefty price tag. And to justify that fee, we guarantee absolute confidentiality and zero judgement.’

He stared at her. The more she explained, the dodgier this job seemed.

‘I must never, ever disclose any conversation I’ve had with a client, even if my life were on the line. I wouldn’t even be telling you this much if I weren’t suggesting you work there.’ She bit her lip. ‘What do you think?’

Shoji drummed his fingers on his knee. ‘Do I have to answer now?’

Yoko shrugged. ‘You’re the one who said you really needed a job, but it’s fine if you’re not up for it. I’m just trying to help.’

‘Hey, I didn’t say I didn’t want it.’ It was true that he was desperate. And if, by joining Yoko’s company, he could understand her better, that would be a bonus. ‘I’ll give it a shot.’

‘Good,’ she said. ‘I’ll inform Madam.’

‘Madam?’

‘That’s how we address the lady who runs the Akakawa branch.’

‘Isn’t that a bit weird? Sounds like …’ He tailed off.

‘A mama-san who manages prostitutes?’

He didn’t want to say it, but she had. ‘Erm, kind of.’

She laughed. ‘In a way, it’s a fitting description. After all, we’re prostituting our ears.’

•

Yoko opened the door and Shoji followed her in. He noted the place had a reception area, unlike most tearooms.

‘My dear!’ A plump woman in a white suit greeted them from behind the counter. ‘This handsome young man must be your boyfriend.’

He bowed. ‘I’m Shoji Arai. A pleasure to meet you.’