One And Only Ichi (Yuiitsu Muni No Ichi)

The Light

"Wow! This is just a piece of cake for you, isn't it?" Sayuri praised Ichi while she went over his notes.

"Not really, it's just that I've taken Mrs. Nakamura's subject before." Ichi said humbly.

"But still, you explain it way better." Sayuri insisted, casually placing a hand on Ichi's arm.

Just outside the classroom, Akina and the girls are restraining Fumiko from barging in.

"Fumi, you promised that you wouldn't hover!" Akina reminded her.

"But—" Fumiko protested but the others dragged her away.

It was afternoon going into evening. They were just wrapping up when Sayuri's phone rang. It had been ringing for some time when Ichi decided to say something.

"Maybe you should get that. It might be important."

"Ah, it's nothing." Sayuri brushed it off. "Don't mind that. I'd like to treat you to dinner for your trouble."

At this point, Fumiko had successfully tugged her friends back with her outside the classroom.

"Thanks but I'll have to pass." Ichi said with a smile.

Fumiko already had her sleeves rolled up and ready to fight but she paused after hearing Ichi's response.

"Why? Don't feel burdened. It's just my way of saying thanks!" Sayuri offered persistently.

"it's not that. It's because I promised I'd come home for dinner." Ichi explained.

Fumiko stood frozen outside. Her expression had softened and she could hear her heartbeat loudly in her ear.

"See? Now, let's go before Ichi finds out that you didn't wait at home like a good wifey." Akina told her as she pulled Fumiko away.

"I see." Sayuri said sullenly. "Can I treat you to coffee some other time then?"

Ichi nodded. "Sure."

As Ichi walked Sayuri past the school gates, an old woman standing in the cold outside came running towards them. "Yuri!"

Ichi noticed an annoyed expression on Sayuri's face. "What are you doing here?" She said through clenched teeth.

"You weren't answering your phone and it's late so..."

"You didn't have to come here. I'm not a kid." Sayuri whispered angrily. 

The elderly woman nodded as if admitting her mistake. Then, she raised a plastic bag and offered it to Sayuri excitedly. "By the way, someone was selling your favorite dango at the market so I bought some."

But Sayuri got even more agitated. "I don't like those anymore!" She hissed before swatting the plastic away and accidentally spilling the contents on the ground. For a second, there was a trace of guilt on her face but she felt embarrassed in front of Ichi and ended up walking out.

Ichi hurriedly helped the elder pick up the wasted food. "Thank you, young man." She said with a sincere smile despite looking worn out.

"Don't mention it, grandma." Ichi replied but he was taken aback when he looked closely at the woman. There was a bluish white light that enveloped her body.

"Um, are you going to be alright?" Ichi asked worriedly. The grandmother simply patted him on the arm and went on her way, limping as she walked.

"I'm home." Ichi announced as he entered the Sato residence. Fumiko was helping her mother arrange the table.

"You're a bit late." She frowned.

"Speak for yourself, you just arrived ten min-" Mrs. Sato blabbed but Fumiko quickly shushed her.

"Sorry, I'll help set the table." Ichi said cheerfully. Fumiko easily folded after seeing Ichi's smile and didn't say anymore.

Later that evening, Ichi was getting changed in his room while deep in thought. "That light, I've seen it before. It's the same as the one Mr. Sato had before he..."

Suddenly, his door swung open. Fumiko shrieked and spun around after realizing Ichi was shirtless. "Sorry, sorry, sorry."

Ichi slipped the shirt over his head. "I'm dressed, you can turn around now."

Fumiko turned with all her muscles tensed. "Sorry, the door was open."

"It's alright, what is it?" Ichi asked.

"Um, I just, I wanted to say thanks for keeping your promise." She said shyly. Ichi smiled and placed a hand on Fumiko's head, making her heart race. "A promise is a promise."