One And Only Ichi (Yuiitsu Muni No Ichi)

Sayuri's Request

"I'll just leave this here." Ichi informed a teacher in the faculty room as he placed Mrs. Nakamura's things in her table.

"Sure thing. Thanks a lot, Nishimiya." The young female teacher said, smiling.

After Ichi stepped out of the faculty room, he saw Sayuri carrying a stack of books in the hallway. Just as the books were about to fall out of her arms, Ichi catches it and takes more than half of the stack.

"Where are you headed? I'll help you carry these."

Sayuri nodded cheerfully. "Thanks."

On their way to the library, Sayuri couldn't help but look at Ichi. He looked so manly while carrying all those books on her behalf but at the same time, had the most gentle looking face. She snapped out of her thoughts when Ichi suddenly looked back at her.

"Is there something you want to say?" Ichi asked, smiling.

Sayuri was briefly taken aback but then, saw it as an opportunity. "Um, Ichi..."

"Hm?"

"Um, do you think you can meet me after school tomorrow?" She finally said after hesitating momentarily.

"Huh?" Ichi gave her a confused look. "May I ask why?"

"You seem to really do well in class. And I'm really struggling with Mrs. Nakamura's subject so..." Sayuri said shyly. "I was hoping you could help me."

"Oh." Ichi gave it some thought. "I guess I can try."

Sayuri smiled from ear to ear. She stopped in the middle of the hallway and bowed. "Thank you, Ichi. I really appreciate it."

Ichi placed a hand on his head, unsure how to respond. "That's not necessary. It's no trouble at all."

That evening in the Sato residence, the entire family, Mrs. Sato, Fumiko and Ichi, were circled around the table for dinner.

"You what?" Fumiko asked angrily.

"I told her I'll help out." Ichi repeated.

Fumiko slammed her bowl and chopsticks on the table. "Are you crazy? You just got back, you're in no position to help others!"

"Fumiko, there's nothing wrong with lending a hand." Mrs. Sato schooled her daughter. "I thought you of all people would know that."

"But you don't even know her that well." Fumiko insisted. "What if she's a crazy bi-"

"Fumiko!" Mrs. Sato said scoldingly. "How would Ichi return to his normal life as a student with you pestering him about everything?"

Fumiko suddenly looked hurt. She turned to Ichi. "Do I really pester you?"

Ichi shook his head. "Not at all. It's okay, Mrs. Sato. I really don't mind."

Ichi then turned to face Fumiko. "You didn't know me either when you helped me. That's why I'm really thankful to your family, I just want to give back by helping someone in need when I can."

Fumiko became speechless after Ichi's sincere words. Plus, she can see her mother getting all teary eyed and looking at Ichi proudly so she gave it a rest.

"Fine but promise to be back before dinner." She resolved. Ichi nodded before returning to his meal.

"You should be thankful that Ichi's so nice." Mrs. Sato said, wiping a tear with her apron.

"Why do you favor him over your own daughter?"

"Look who's talking! You favor Ichi over me too!" The mother and daughter bickered. 

Ichi watched them from a safe distance with a joyful expression on his face.