After the events of banana fish, excluding Ash's death, Ash sprinted to the airport after receiving Eiji's letter, making it just in time to catch Eiji and go to Japan with him like they both promised.

After a few weeks of just Ash and Eiji spending time together and Ash having to get used to not carrying a gun around everywhere he went, Eiji went back to school, college. Eiji had convinced Ash to go to college with him, and Ash eventually agreed, but they ended up in different classes, due to Ash being younger. Ash still found ways to be with Eiji though, whether it be during lunch or just skipping his own classes.

Eiji was currently at school, writing a paper when Ash appeared out of no where, not exactly a rare occurrence. Ash somehow got Eiji on his lap while he worked, Ash also eventually fell asleep holding the other from behind. Eiji occasionally told his classmates to be quieter as to not disturb Ash's sleep.