Flame Dragon's Story

Chapter 3: A New Connection

"A very good morning, viewers of Japan. Today we bring you a breaking news: A another group of men related to yakuza has been arrested for inciting a ruckus within the vicinity of Kobe. The recent surges of the yakuzas may be related to the death of the leader, whose name shall be classified, according to local police department. Locals are advised to be aware of surroundings and immediately report to the police if any suspiciously yakuza-based activities are spotted"

I looked at the calendar, and realized that it has been 2 months I had been to this new school. Everything went out well. I started to adapt myself in learning things and ways of people around. And to my realization, I enjoyed experiencing the way the teachers were teaching here.

I wished that the old me could've experienced this...

"Takata-san?" I heard myself being called.

"Oh, umm... Sorry."

"Hmph, you're missing out again." Yuna groaned as she saw me dozing off.

"It's nothing, really." I tried to deny the fact.

"Takata-san, just tell us if you don't feel good. We won't force you to do this." Motoki tapped on my shoulder.

The three of us, at least for now, were in the library. I used to not like being around in school buildings, as to my past as part of my trauma. But somehow, both of them seemed to be the remedy for me to move on. I started to feel how it is to live as a normal student, without being framed for bad connections and stuffs.

"I said it's nothing, let's just move on with where we left..."

We continued ourselves in progressing in our study circle, as the exams were approaching nearby. And of course, someone had to be the leader in the group, which I was chosen to do so. I had never been in any study groups in the previous times, how would I take the responsibility to lead this one?

An hour passed by, maybe I started to get used to this situation. And then...

Somebody knocked on the door.

"Ah! Our special guest has finally arrived!"

"W-Wait, what do-" As soon as I tried to stop Yuna, she already dashed herself away from the group and towards the library door. As if it was someone important for her, and probably us. She then took the figure, feminine as well, to our desk.

"Gentlemen, especially Takata-san, I would like to introduce you, Ayumi Machihara!"

Standing beside Yuna, was someone that I remembered from the first day I arrived at school. Reddish-brown hair, diamond blue iris, the same person that I encountered for sure.

"N-Nice to meet you. M-My name, uhm, Machihara." She introduced herself.

Was there something that's making this girl nervous in the circle? I started to feel curious about her. I started to doze off once again, with thoughts on what would come for the three of us with the girl. Time passed, I started to fade away from what was happening in reality.

"Takata-san!"

Until someone snapped me back.

"W-What?" I jumped off.

"Takata-san, what's gotten into you today?" Yuna questioned me, while Motoki, well, laughing.

"S-Sorry, I got a little carried away."

"Well you should give her a brief of yourself now!"

But why would I? It wasn't like I'm looking for a date or partner.

"Uhm, I guess...? Machihara-san, I'm uhh... Daichi Takata."

The girl, whom I referred to her as Machihara, nodded in accepting my not-so proper introduction.