The boy in the forest

7. Probing around

Note: The entire story is fictional, meaning they are not true or based on a certain event or anything, so henceforth nothing in this story is real... Enjoy !!! ^o^

Jiu rested by the lobby of the inn after taking a shower, sipping a can of coffee as he admired the stars for one last time. Almost bidding farewell to from his heart as they were scheduled to return back to Miyagi, their city life the next day. There wasn't much hectic business around as the inn was fully occupied by them, who were now busy packing and getting enough rest for their upcoming journey. "You are still awake?" Suddenly the clamorous girl's voice made him turn around as he sighed with vexation, knowing what awaited him. 

"What about you, young lady? loitering around this late?" He asked, trying to 'brainwash' her to leave quickly however life wasn't that simple, it never has been. "I'm not, I was just getting drinks for the girls," Sasaki muttered as she swiped her credit card on the card slot after picking enough bottles for her gang of friends. She then walked away to leave but turned back once reaching the door, sporting on her mischievous smirk, she asked "teacher, since you look free right now why don't you continue the story? there will be no hinderance at this late," as if she had it all planned out.

"Yes.. it truly is late so it's time for you to go get your beauty sleep as well," Jiu shut her down immediately as he didn't want to be the reason she gets grouchy the next morning. "Oh come on!! Teach, please.." She looked at him with huge puppy eyes, that eventually did prick his will to send her back. Jiu may have been rumored as a tough lecturer, but it was certainly not the case in reality as he sighed and muttered "Okay then, continuing of when I was in my house..". He once again gazed up at the sky in reaction to reminiscing the distant past.

Jiu's POV

I went back to my room, crashed onto my bed as I blew off the steam those two accumulate in my brain at every single confrontation. I laid there, staring at the empty space, the wooden ceiling as distracted as I was by the events happening around me. Most importantly, thoughts of Ai bothered me more than anyone in my life at the moment.

 With the rain still pouring non stop since the day before, the roads were flooding due to the busted drainage system and the forest would be no exception, I constantly feared the lake might overflow and harm the livelihood there as well as to Ai. I couldn't help but think how he'd be doing at wherever he lived or if the forest really is his home, he would be in deep trouble.. my instinct just brooded with concern for him.

"Young master?" I heard Fumi san, our housekeeper call from behind the door  to which I opened to check what was going on. I saw she carried a tray of a bowl of miso soup and rice with a glass of water, she explained "I saw you entering the dining room but because you didn't seem to have eaten yet, I've brought some food good for your hangover..". Honestly though Fumi san was kind of the only one I trusted at that time. "Thank you.. but I didn't drink though," I thanked her and mentioned, emphasizing the latter as she seemed to get the wrong idea as well.

"Then are you feeling ill?" She tilted her head in confusion as she was the one who found me lying on the wet road amidst the storm. No wonder she thought that, but then again if she'd checked carefully she could've noticed that I hadn't drunk alcohol by the smell. "Fumi san, could we talk maybe? if you have the time.." I asked as I also realized that I could ask about Ai from her, as she'd been living there, in the village all her life. 

She instantly agreed and so we move to the veranda, it seemed indecent to talk in the bedroom so I had no other choice but have my meal out there. "Do you know of anyone named Ai?" I asked, "Young master has a new friend?!" Fumi san muttered excitedly with a soft applaud. She was probably happy for me, that I was finally no more of a loner. I became slightly abashed as I wasn't used to praise and compliments.