Sigh. And now, he had to attend another Waseda reunion …

Just two years had passed since he’d returned to Tokyo, but he felt as if he’d been on edge his whole life.

In the end, he’d followed Uncle Hidetoshi’s advice to steer clear of his previous circle. He’d mostly stopped calling Yoko’s friends and the student office — no one had been able to help. Perhaps part of the reason was that, just like him, she didn’t socialise much. After they got together, they had spent most of their free time with each other.

Towards the end of the year, he’d finally secured a permanent job — the company had made him full-time a few months ago — and a rented apartment. He should have been more thankful but, somehow, he hated his life. On the surface, everything was all right, yet he never had anything to look forward to. The days were monotonous. He couldn’t wait for everything to be over. Perhaps if God existed, he could finally ask, ‘What was the point?’

Shoji glanced at his watch. 9.23 pm. He looked for Yoshioka, who had insisted that he come along. His senior was with a group of men, seemingly engaged in a lively conversation. Their banter wasn’t going to end anytime soon. Shoji made his way to a quieter spot. He didn’t want Yoshioka to beckon him over. Socialising was never on his agenda, unless he really had to. At events like this he would usually show his face, have a couple of drinks, and discreetly leave, though tonight he’d promised Yoshioka they would walk to the station together.

Leaning against the wall in the corner of the ballroom, Shoji gazed at the crowd and sipped his wine. It had a nice body and a strong aroma. He lifted his glass against the light, staring at the deep, ruby hue. A woman came to stand next to him.

At first, he didn’t pay her any attention. But then he thought it was odd that she was standing so close to him. He stole a glance. It took him a while to remember her.

‘The Singapore girl,’ he muttered.

‘Oh, finally.’ She laughed. ‘I have a name, you know.’

‘Sorry, I’m not good with names.’

Leaning closer, she whispered, ‘It’s Liyun.’

‘Uh-huh.’ He was sure he would forget it again the next time they met.

‘Didn’t I tell you we would see each other again?’

She looked more mature than he’d remembered. Perhaps it was her classy burgundy dress. Her hair was longer too, and she had on more make-up, but her overly friendly demeanour had not changed.

Liyun gave Shoji a playful smile. ‘Why did it take you so long to remember me? Did I become so much prettier you couldn’t recognise me?’

He shrugged. ‘Probably.’

‘I’ll take that.’ She clutched his arm and pulled him towards the bar. ‘Let’s have a drink together. I was here with a friend, but she ditched me for a former classmate. He miraculously became a CEO of a public listed company.’