It doesn't take long, the walk from the Kougami office to the small Western-theme pub I mentioned.

The walk is quiet and lonely for most of its duration, but as we near a particular street corner I gently pull my hand from Gotou-chan's grip. And I offer a smile, indicating the path ahead of us, as we turn the corner while his face seems to ask for an explanation.

Just like that, we've stepped from a smaller side path onto the main thoroughfare of this market square, and there's other pedestrians all over -shopping, eating, and couples walking hand in hand.

It's not the context for a hesitant hand's clasp, especially one between two 'perhaps not just friends' like ourselves.

"It's just past that streetlamp," I tell him, pointing out the little shop's bright orange awning.