My new Neighbor's an Idol!?

Walk Together

"Mommy, mommy. Where are you mommy?" A small voice cries out in the park. It's of a little girl, no more than nine. For this is Youna from the past who got separated from her family during an event at a local park. "I want... I want to go home." She quietly cried to herself, hiding away in the bushes away from strangers. The girl never warmed up properly to those she wasn't familiar with.

There was no way for anyone to see a little girl hopelessly lost. So how could they possible even help find her family? She was about ready to give up. The girl was going to accept that she would never see her family again and she'd have to grow up in the wild.

"..." Suddenly, she heard the rustling of the bushes. Someone was nearby.

"Who's there?" She asked out loud, turning to face the source of the noise. Little Youna was prepared to rush away from this hiding spot should the object prove to be dangerous, or worse, scary.

"I'm here." A boy produced himself out into the light. He appeared to be her age, and confused to why she was here. "Are you trying to play hide and seek?"

"No..." She responded, trying to wipe away her tears. "I lost my mommy."

"You did?" For a moment, there was only silence between them. Then he gave her a real fright when he grabbed her by the hand. "Then, come with me." He said.

"What? No." Youna tried to resist his grip. "I don't know who you are. Where are you taking me?"

"If you're hiding in here, then your mommy will never find you." He wouldn't give up. "I'm just taking you to my mommy. Don't worry, she's really nice and she'll help us find yours."

"She will?" Her hands trembled from the fear she still had. But if she stayed here, then she'd most likely stay lost for good. So the little girl took a deep breath and chose to trust this kid. Youna walked side-by-side with this boy, holding his hand all the way.

After that, he did as he said he was going to do. The little boy brought her to his mother, who then contacted the local security to aid in reuniting her with her family. She was in tears the moment she found her mom again, that the little girl forgot to thank the young boy who saved the day.

"And I was that young boy. Guess I probably should've given you my name back then." Ishi finished the story for everyone around. Their parents had the predictable reaction of thinking it was a cute moment, as well as remembering what had happened that day from their perspectives. That was the topic of their conversations between each other while Ishi returned his focus on his food.

"That was you?" Youna was in awe from his story. She couldn't believe how long ago that was, yet he retained it in his memory perfectly.

"I was a little surprised you didn't recognize me when we met again in junior high." Though he couldn't say that he was that shocked either. After all, he had a more... Regrettable haircut all those years ago that he would've preferred to forget. "Not that it matters either way. It's not like we got to know each other back then. I was only just helping out because... Can't just leave a kid alone like that." He spoke as if it was the him of present time making that decision. Despite the fact that his younger self was younger than her at the time. Perhaps the younger him had different reasons for wanting to come to her aid.

They continued on their dinner. There was the usual exchange of regular topics about upcoming school events such as the culture festival. Discussions of homework were had since they also had to be concerned about their exams. During this time, Ishi nearly forgot that his life had been changed with the arrival of an idol living next door, along with the revelation of secret life held by someone else.