Blueberry-flavored Revenge

十六 How The Rain Felt On My Skin

Cemetery

"I see. You really still followed him until the very end", Airi looked at the two graves next to each other. "I believe it would be his wish as well", another voice came from behind and Airi saw Taiju and Yuzuha. "We're just done visiting Hakkai's grave", Yuzuha informed. "Sorry for your loss, Yuzuha-san, Shiba-san", Airi bowed her head low. "We're not the only ones who lost someone important to them", the peach haired had tears forming in her eyes. As Airi raise her head and saw the lady's face, her eyes also warmed up. "I would sound stupid but I hope I spent more time with them, Draken, Hakkai, and... Mitsuya", Airi finally can feel the tears escaping her eyes. "We could only wish for this and that but we cannot turn back time, Hara. This life is the only thing we have", Yuzuha closed her eyes. 

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Bike Shop

Hazuki entered and saw Draken. "My sister told me that you're working here. I just bought a bike and maybe I'll be coming here for some repairs", Hazuki sat on one of the displayed bikes. "You're always welcome", Draken nodded as he wipes his hand. He started managing the place with Inui who also went out from a life of being a delinquent after breaking up with Kokonoi. 

"I haven't seen Senju these days. Any idea where she is? I cannot also reach her by phone", Hazuki whined.  "You know what kind of girl Kawaragi Senju is, right?", Draken sat on a chair and stared at Hazuki. "Hmmm? She's fun and a very interesting one", Hazuki answered and chuckled. "I saw your sister last two days ago and told her that she's prone to appearing in dangerous places. You're quite different, you're the one jumping into dangerous situations", the blonde sighed. "Airi, well she's the one who hates trouble before she met you guys. I'm quite happy that she got involved. She's a scared cat, a very sheltered one. I don't want her to get harmed but I don't want her to regret this stage of her life as well", the lad started lying down on the bike maintaining his balance. Draken felt like watching an eel who cannot stay still for just a minute. "What kind of stage?", he just went along with the conversation. "This is the stage where we commit so many mistakes, dive into different kinds of situations, and become stupid, and ignorant. The previous Mikey would like that kind of era, right? An era where boys will be boys, using their fists to release those pump intense emotions inside ", the other lad looked at the ceiling. 

Amusement Park

"Airi. Look, penguins!", Shira shouted. "You really like them, don't you?", Airi sighed as she followed her friend's jump here and there. "Oh, sorry", a student wearing an elementary uniform apologized. "Are you alright?", Airi asked and saw a lilac-haired girl. Her eyes widened to see Luna and Mana after two years. "Hmmm? I think I remember her. She's our brother's fan", Mana pointed at Airi. A hand gently folded Mana's hand. "You shouldn't be pointing your finger at someone. That's rude", the voice made Airi's heartbeat go faster. "Takashi-san", she looked up and saw him wearing well-coordinated clothes. Mitsuya noticed Airi staring at him for an uncomfortable amount of time. "I just came from a meeting and I was told to dress appropriately", Mitsuya explained. His hair was also held in a ponytail. 

"What's taking you so long?", Shira checked on her friend and saw three outstanding siblings. "Why don't we join them as well?", Luna noticed something in Airi's stares at her brother. "I don't want to be a bother. You see, I don't like heights so I might not be joining you on some of the rides", Airi shook her head. "Then, we'll ask the other sister to come with us", Mana held onto Shira's hand. After some time, the three disappeared from their sight. 

The two ended up sitting at an outdoor cafe. "How much was the blueberry shake?", Airi asked shyly. "It's on me. No worries. I just pulled an all-nighter so I was also afraid I might not be able to join those two with the crazy rides. I'm kind of thankful that I met you and your friend", Mitsuya smiled. "It's on Shira, though", Airi slightly pouted. "You like that drink? You didn't even spend a second thinking what your order would be", Mitsuya noticed. "Yes. I don't get tired of the taste. It reminds me of yo-", Airi thankfully bit her tongue. "Ops. Are you alright?", the lad tilted his head. "It reminds me of something", Airi finished her sentence. "Does it bring a smile to your face when you're reminded of it?", the lad leaned on his chair and waited for the Airi's answer. She suddenly felt her cheeks warming up. Mitsuya's phone rang. 

"The competition will be days from now. How are you with the preparation?". 

"I'm almost done with the designs. I'll be sending them via mail tonight". 

"Have a life. Go get a girl. Why are so responsible?! You're making me look bad!". 

"I will if given the chance. See you around". 

Mitsuya chuckled making Airi feel nervous. Was it a lady? Could she actually be sitting in front of a man who already has a girlfriend? Should she ask about it? 

"Takashi-san. In any case, do you already have a-", Airi was interrupted when saw Hakkai and Yuzuha approaching. "Taka-chan!!!", Hakkai waved his hand. After some time, Hakkai stole Mitsuya and they went to have some shooting games. Yuzuha sat in front of Airi and stared at her drink. "Hakkai once told me that Mitsuya isn't that hard to like. Anyone would fall for someone like him", Yuzuha opened. 

Mitsuya. She calls him by name. 

"Sorry", Airi assumed something was between the two. "Then, you're already a high schooler. Things go so fast", Yuzuha commented and noticed Airi sitting at the edge of the chair. "Chill. I am not going to chew you out", she grinned. "Here's your coffee", the waiter came. Airi was amazed that Yuzuha already has such mature taste. "Want some?", Yuzuha offered. The lady flushed since she must have stared too much. "I'm good with mine", she chuckled. Yuzuha nodded. "Want another round of drink?", she offered. "I'm fine. I might be ordering the same", Airi shook her head. "You must have liked it a lot", Yuzuha hummed. Airi's expression softened as she sees Yuzuha smiling. After being abused for so many years, she was able to get out of such a situation. 

"Blueberry doesn't have a taste strong taste. It's easy to take in. I don't think I can take something stronger than this", Airi looked at Mitsuya and Hakkai headed back. The taller lad gave his sister a radish doll. "I traded with one doll. I think this looks like you", Mitsuya gave a white rabbit stuff toy. 

Street

The rain started to fall. Airi knew it would rain today so he brought an umbrella with him. Suddenly she heard a motorcycle. She was fast in moving out of the way. The escalation of the situation went too fast. Draken was being punched by a huge gang member. Inui was also wounded. "You have to join us, Draken", South gave another punch but Draken would just receive it. Airi looked around and wondered who is she to call during a time like this. A hand patted her shoulder. "Don't get involved", Reiji held her hand they started walking away from the scene. Airi recalled the punch marks on Takemichi's face and Draken being punched without him fighting back. He might not want to retaliate for it will bring him back to being a delinquent. 

Airi watches Reiji's back as they walk out from the scene. "Reiji-san. I will not cause myself any trouble. It must be presumptuous for me to say this but when I'm with them, I don't feel scared at all", the lady's words made Reiji stop walking and he turned in her direction. "Gang members are violent in nature, whatever reason they have in mind", he said with a sad look in his eyes. "They're no longer a member of a-", Airi was about to reason out but Reiji held onto her shoulder causing her to drop the umbrella. The rain felt cold on her skin. "They were once delinquents and they will not go away from the decisions they had in the past. If you continue being with those kinds of people, you will get hurt. I hope you understand me", Reiji hugged her. 

Chapter end.