We propose and numerically simulate a new and highly compact integrated 4x4 mode coupler based on two single-mode waveguides exploiting both propagation directions to double the number of modes. The two parallel waveguides are coupled via long and short-period gratings to the co-and counterpropagating directions, respectively, of a single, isolated cladding mode of the device which acts as a bus to transfer light between the waveguides. By connecting all end facets of the two waveguides to optical circulators we construct a device with four input and four output ports but only using two single-mode waveguides.