Bright Smile

Chapter 5:An Audacious Day

(Mei's Point of View)

The mall was really crowded and I can't move freely. But I found something nice to give Shito, it was a pair of nice looking shoes. Luckily, it was on sale so I bought it without a second thought.

I wanted to go home but since this was my chance to have some time for myself only, I should really use it wisely. So I spent the afternoon shopping and buying sweets. I don't really like buying dresses because it's too girly. I don't really care about my appearance as long as I have achievements.

There is no doubt that Shito will be very disappointed, I'm really late and he must be very worried about me. I should hurry up...

"Hi miss". I heard a creepy voice behind me. I didn't bother to look at him, I don't like talking to strangers after all. He suddenly grabbed my left arm tightly. "You're alone?" He said. "No, I have a friend waiting for me. Please let me go, you're hurting me!"

I replied as I get my arms away and quickly ran from him.

He also came running after me, and I was very scared. I could feel the pain that was left in my arm. He's already gaining more speed, my feet hurts from walking around the mall all day. I can't outrun him in this condition.

Nobody was around to help, I started crying as I ran. I saw an open space between the two walls at the corner of the street, I tried to hide there and wait for him to go.

"Little miss! Where are you?!", His voice was very scary, I tried not to make any sounds.

"Tsk!.. She got away" he said as he turned his back from where I was hiding then left. By the time he was already out of sight, I quickly ran away as fast as I can.

I bumped someone on my way, at that time I was really afraid and my body was trembling with fear. My legs gave up and I fell on the ground.

"What are you doing here Mei?"

I heard a very familiar voice and as I looked up, it was Saito. I suddenly hugged him while crying my eyes out.

"What happened?" he asks with a worried face. "A man..a man tried to kidnap me on my way home..." I replied.

"Where is he?!"

"I don't know, but..." I didn't had the chance to finish what I was going to say, my vision started to get blurry and after that, I was already unconscious.

"Mei! Mei!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mei, let's go play at the park" He said with a smile. "Of course, I'll go" I replied.

Who was he? I can't remember his name. I had a friend when I was young, all I could remember is that we always go to the park to play and pick flowers.

"I need to go home now" I said to him. "Why don't we go home together?" He replied.

"Ok, actually, I want to introduce you to my mom since you're my new friend. But, mom is not home yet" I said. "No, it's ok, there is always time for that" He replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up at an unfamiliar room. Where is this? What happened to me?

"I see that you're okay." Saito said to me as he walked in the room.

"Why am I here?" I ask him with a puzzled look.

"You fell unconscious just now when you were crying. I brought you here to my house. We're in my room now. How do you feel?"

"I feel... lethargy and tired. Thank you."

"What happened to you? And why are you going out alone?"

"Well, you see..."

I explained everything to him. About Shito's birthday and how I acted that way because I wanted to give him a present and about that kidnapper a while ago...

His expression darkens as I explained. Is it right to tell him? I can't go back now.

He suggests that I go and tell the police but I immediately objected. I don't want to make this problem go worse than before. Maybe if that man shows up again, I'll be sure to rush to the police. I hope he can understand.

He noticed the box of my gift sitting on the bedside table.

"When are you planning to give him that?" He said while looking at the gift.

"I'll give it to him later when I go home." I replied.

Saito told me that he would like to walk me home. We arrived home and it was already late, and I can already tell that Shito would definitely scold me for this. We were about to knock at the door and behind the door was Shito.

"Sor--!!"

I got surprised and was about to apologize to Shito in reflex but before I could finish, Shito suddenly hugged me tightly. I didn't expect him to do that, I thought he'd just scold me. But it was the opposite, he looks so worried and from the way he's hugging me, he must've been scared to death.

I looked over my shoulder at Saito. He looks... sad.

I knew it. I'm being such a bother. I do nothing but cause trouble and I know that. I'm trying my best to do better.

But, this reminds me...