where the winds blow strong {wind breaker}

if only ~ umemiya

While nobody really questions where he goes or what he does, Umemiya Hajime is a man who knows how to keep connections. Outside of Furin High and Shishitoren, there was one more ally he often liked to eat with – a decent fighter who proves to be a formidable ally but an even greater support in the aftermath of a fight. She is a mysterious girl, only known by Umemiya as they had known each other in childhood. He doesn't know how she has her connections but what matters is that she's the type of person who sticks to her word and delivers.

"Ume-kun!" She waved with a smile.

"Good morning!" Umemiya waved back, reciprocating the same smile and energy.

"How's the rooftop garden coming along?"

"Very well, actually. I've grown a bunch of stuff now!"

Umemiya is the only person who knows of her true identity. She uses a fake persona when interacting with everyone else. This was the safest option for her. After a near-death experience in her early childhood, it had always been her goal to survive and stay in the shadows. She tries to help people as much as she can without going out into the light. So far, she's succeeding. What led her and Umemiya to becoming friends was their common goal of protecting those in need. The only difference is that Umemiya leads his army in the light whereas his friend remains in the darkness. But, of course, she prefers it this way. She mainly gives support behind the scenes by supplying Umemiya and Furin with things they need like first-aid inventory, garden seeds and tools, some minimal funds, and other miscellaneous help.

"How's Hiragi-san these days?"

"Still the same as ever."

The two sat across each other on the floor, with some fresh take-out food laid out on the table before them. They meet in either one of two places, where they're currently eating is on the 2nd floor of a special shop that she runs and lives in along with a relative. The other place is where she keeps various inventory. Umemiya suspects that Furin isn't the only entity she's been helping but he won't hold that against her.

"Oh, I heard you got some interesting new first years. Is that right?"

"Yep! They're pretty impressive, especially since we had a brawl with Shishito."

"Ah, yeah, I heard about that. Wish I could've seen it."

The thing is, Umemiya knows not to ask for too much help from her. She's only one person. And if she gets exposed to other rivals, she'll be at great risk. Umemiya can't have that.

"How's your right hand man doing?" The white-haired male asks, picking up a takoyaki and shoving it into his mouth. He was referring to her best friend, whom she saved in middle school.

"He's fine." The girl chuckles. "Still anxious as ever."

"Hahah! Sounds just like Hiragi."

She doesn't personally know anyone from Furin besides Umemiya and Hiragi but it's without a doubt that she knows quite a bit about them based on what Umemiya has told her. And he's told her a lot. He can be a blabbermouth sometimes. They share some similarities and perhaps that's part of what made them good friends, aside from growing up together. Umemiya also likes to send her pictures of whatever he can and even sometimes texts or calls her if he's giving updates on almost anything. However, he thinks it's better if he comes to visit personally. That way, the food always tastes better.

"When I'm gone..."

"Oi." She lifted her head up at lightning speed. "Don't say that kind of stuff."

"Not what I meant." He breathed. "I mean, if I ever leave, will you continue looking after Furin?"

"Of course." She smiles." I still run the shop, after all. I've always enjoyed helping you boys out with your uniforms every year."

Umemiya's shoulders relaxed at her response. "Thanks."

"Besides, I think things are gonna get more fun once I see those first-year boys grow up like you did." She sniffles dramatically with a silly smile.

Umemiya laughs. "You sound like an old lady."

"Yeah, you totally gave me permanent back pain when you taught me how to fight back then." She pouts.

He laughed again.

It's really good to have such close friendships. Nobody deserves to be alone. If only such good times can last forever. Perhaps one day, if given the chance, she can get to be more than just friends with Umemiya. But that's not possible. He treats her like family and probably not much more than that. If only...

End.