117. Inner Child, Inner Conflict
During the seminar, Hannah spent most of her time in the room resting instead of going out. She only saw Ashton in the morning because he always returned to the room late at night.
Ashton returned to the room before dinner on the last day of the seminar.
As he walked in, Ashton noticed that his and Hannah's suitcases were neatly lined up. He saw that Hannah was watching a variety show.
"Hey, I thought you were out exploring," Ashton greeted.
Hannah shook her head. "It's more comfortable in the room."
"Why are our bags already packed?"
"We're leaving tomorrow, aren't we?" Hannah replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I just wanted to have everything ready for when we leave."
"Yes, true. But my dirty laundry..." Ashton hesitated. "You packed it?"
Hannah grinned. "I asked housekeeping to put them in a laundry bag."
"Nice." Ashton chuckled.
Hannah stood and retrieved her bag, pulled out a black card, and held it out to Ashton.
"I just used it to buy food," Hannah admitted honestly.
Ashton took the card and paused for a moment. Her behavior didn't seem rude or inappropriate, and Ashton thought it was impossible to believe she could ever cheat on anyone.
"Come on, let's go," Ashton said.
"Go where?"
"Dinner and shopping." Ashton waved the card in his hand. "Don't you want to get something for Elizabeth?"
"Um..."
Hannah remembered her phone conversation with Elizabeth a few days earlier. Elizabeth had told her to relax and not to worry too much, especially when Alden wasn't around. At the end of their call, Elizabeth had asked for some green tea if Hannah had time to buy it.
"Well, okay," Hannah agreed. "I want to get something for Wendy, Lora, and the rest of the staff, too."
"Let's buy it here instead of waiting until we return to Tokyo."
After putting on their coats, Hannah and Ashton left the room together. When they reached the lobby, many doctors were already gathered, preparing to check out. Among them was Nakamoto, who immediately approached them with an excited expression.
"Oh, so this is your fiancée?" Nakamoto exclaimed. "I expect your wedding invitation soon!"
Hannah glanced at Ashton, who leaned forward and whispered, "I'll explain later."
Hannah reluctantly played along with Ashton's charade, making polite small talk with Nakamoto. Ashton even draped an arm over her shoulders, pretending they were actually a couple.
"Well, we'll be going, Doc Nakamoto," Ashton said politely, shaking his hand. "Take care, and see you again."
"Thank you." Nakamoto smiled. "I wish you both a happy life."
Hannah smiled shyly. "Thank you."
The two left the hotel and walked along the sidewalk that Hannah had become familiar with over the past few days.
Hannah pretended to stretch, causing Ashton to drop his arm from her shoulders.
"What do you want to eat?" Ashton asked.
"I know a good place," Hannah said, picking up her pace. "Follow me."
Ashton smiled and followed her energetic steps, finding them enchanting. But a part of him was still consumed by the rumors surrounding Hannah. Should he talk to her about it? Or let time reveal who she really was?
Hannah turned to him, her forehead furrowed. "Why are you just standing there? Come on, Ashton, hurry up!"
Ashton had a mischievous thought. "I won't move unless you hold my hand."
"What?"
"I said I won't move unless you hold my hand."
Hannah crossed her arms. "Whatever you say!"
Without another word, Hannah turned and kept walking. Ashton panicked and quickly caught up with her.
"Why are you so cold?" Ashton complained.
"I'm not your mother."
"Well, Mom was just as cold. She never held my hand either and said the exact same thing when I whined—'Whatever.'"
Hannah swallowed hard, embarrassed and guilty. She hadn't meant to sound like that, even though her words seemed to mirror Ashton's mother. Hannah wasn't cold-hearted; she was just keeping her boundaries. Hannah didn't want to seem too friendly and risk being misunderstood.
Suddenly, Hannah grabbed Ashton's hand and held it. Ashton looked at her in surprise.
"I just don't want you to be stuck in some unresolved inner-child phase," Hannah said, looking ahead. "Some say that unresolved inner child issues lead to dissatisfaction in life."
"Well, in that case, I'd like to resolve them with you."
"Shut up," Hannah muttered.
Ashton's teasing made her nervous, but he didn't patronize her. She was sure he understood psychology quite well.
"I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean to offend your mother," Hannah said quietly.
Ashton chuckled. "No, it's okay. Today's a good day because you're holding my hand."
"Ashton..."
"You're nothing like Mom, I swear." Ashton's eyes stayed on her.
"Then what am I like?"
Their eyes met, and Ashton suddenly stopped walking, causing Hannah to stop.
"You're just you, Hannah. Never change," Ashton said.
Before Hannah could react, Ashton leaned down and kissed her left cheek. She froze in shock, as did several passersby who noticed the scene.
Hannah stared at Ashton in disbelief, but he quickly interrupted before she could scold him.
"This is part of my inner child," Ashton said, clearing his throat. "I've always wanted to kiss an amazing woman on the street."
Embarrassed, Hannah quickened her pace to escape the prying eyes. She entered a small restaurant and pushed open the door.
The owner immediately recognized her and waved.
"Hannah-san, welcome!"
"Table for two, Ito-san," Hannah replied.
Ito nodded and led her to a cozy corner table. Hannah exhaled deeply as she sat down and looked at Ashton.
"Sorry, it was impulsive." Ashton chuckled. "Don't be mad, Hannah."
"Why did you do it, Ashton? I'm embarrassed." Hannah rubbed her face. "People are going to think we're ridiculous because you kissed me in public."
"It was just a peck on the cheek."
"It's the same! Do you want me to slap your cheek in front of everyone? I could have done that as payback for your impulsive inner child moment."
But Ashton just laughed at her nervous reaction, making it impossible for her to stay angry.
"You looked so beautiful tonight—and adorable," Ashton said sincerely.
"You're crazy," Hannah muttered, her cheeks flushed.
"I am."
Because I'm crazy about you, and I don't care. I don't care what rumors exist because you're the only one I trust. You're the only one I see, Ashton thought.