Savior

Day 5

"Maeko-chan, can you pass the bread and jam?"

Maeko smiled. "Here, Teppei. Do you still feel pain in your legs?"

Teppei shook his head. "Nope. You have been taking care of me well."

It had been almost a year since Maeko had last seen Teiko. After spending three years of junior high there, she settled on going at a simple school for high school. Seirin High was just as pristine as she had imagined. She had felt at home and met new friends. There was nothing more she could ever wish for.

"When will you be able to play again, Teppei?" asked Maeko as she took a bite from her sandwich.

Teppei looked out the window. "It might take me a year or so. But I'll definitely come back. Me and Hyuga had a promise. We will make Seirin High the best team in Japan next year."

Maeko laughed. "As expected, your ambitious side really comes out in basketball."

Teppei grinned. "Yes, and I will never break that promise. I'll do my best."

"I will be the captain of Teiko next year! I will do my best!" yelled a raven-haired boy to no one in particular.

Maeko looked at the guy weirdly. "Why are you yelling here?"

The boy widened his eyes and looked away. "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to see your idiocy," muttered Maeko.

"Huh?"

"Why are you yelling?"

The boy scratched his head and scowled. "It's none of your business."

Maeko shrugged and turned around. She wasn't about to associate herself with a weird guy. But before she could leave, a hand grabbed her arm.

"What's your name?"

Maeko turned her head to the boy. "Maeko. Aoki Maeko."

The boy placed a hand in front of her. "Shuzo. Nijimura Shuzo."

"Earth to Maeko-chan! Maeko-chan...."

Maeko blinked. "Huh?"

Teppei laughed. "You're lost in your imagination, again?"

"Yeah. Sorry about that."

Teppei took a bite from his sandwich. "Oishi!"

Maeko shook her head in amusement. "You're like a kid."

"Mae-chan."

"Hmmm?"

Teppei embraced her. "You don't have to lie. I know who you're thinking about."

At that moment, Maeko's smile dropped from her face. Hugging Teppei back, she cried to her heart's content.

It still hurts.