Ryu doesn't look at him. He just gazes steadily forward. "I often feel that way about my parents. Especially now that my life isn't consumed by the desire to avenge them." He listens to the tinny drip of the coffee machine percolating.

"And you are obligated to pretend that he's in America, and will someday return." He crosses his arms. "It's no surprise that you feel that way."

He's still not used to being this open, especially not with Hidari. But bit by bit his heart has been coming open - maybe being prised open - by Akiko. And even though some part of him still thought of going to a home that no longer exists, Hidari Shotaro is part of his family now.