The Hidden Past || Wind Breaker

Chapter 6: A New Friend

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Previous Chapter:

"Ah. I just remembered a little something from the past." I said, still smiling.

"Hmm.. Okay. Just tell me if you need something, 'kay?" Kotoha said before going back and washing the dishes.

I continued to sip my coffee and enjoy the peacefulness the places is giving.

"Ah btw, how is that Hanhan guy doing?"

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Kotoha's POV:

Hanhan? Ah. Sakura.

"You mean Sakura right? They're actually having a fight right now." I casually said to the girl.

"Huh? A fight? Didn't class just started like, yesterday?" She asked, looking puzzled.

"Mhm."

"And they already got into a fight?"

"Yup. That's right." I looked at her and smiled while wiping the glass wares.

"Huh.. They sure are a rowdy bunch huh."

I just chuckled at her comment. I mean, she's not technically wrong though.

"Have you heard of Shishitoren?" I asked.

"Shishitoren? I think I've heard of that name before?" Mari said, thinking about what I asked.

"Ah!" She exclaimed, like a light switch clicked inside her head. "Past the railings right? Something about a bunch of idiots saying power is everything and shit." Her comment just made me laughed out loud.

"Well, you're not actually wrong, that's for sure." I wiped the tears that formed in my eyes from laughing too much.

"Shishitoren. They call themselves the devotees of power, where strength is everything and no place reserved for the weak." I exclaimed a bit more in detail. "Umemiya and the others went into their turf and are now fighting against some of their members."

"Umemiya? Who's that?"

"Ah. Sorry, sorry. Technically speaking, you're just like Sakura right? From out of town? It's fine if you still don't know everyone." I said. Slightly forgetting about that certain information.

"Umemiya Hajime. The current top dog of Fuurin. He was also the one who lead the change of Fuurin High 2 years ago along Hiiragi and some of his friends."

"Heh~ So he's the president huh." Her choice of word for comparison kinda confused me a bit but thinking about it, it makes sense though.

"Hmm yeah.. Something like that." Agreeing to what she said.

"You don't look worried at all." Mari said looking at me straight in the eyes.

I just smiled and said, "Well, they're from Fuurin after all."

Mari's POV:

"They're from Fuurin after all." Kotoha grinned while saying that.

This girl. Her trust in them is so big. She really does have faith in them that they will be the one who will come out as victorious in the end.

I continued to stare at Kotoha while thinking about something. Or rather someone.

"Umemiya Hajime huh? I wonder what kind of person he is." I thought while I stared at my now empty cup. "Fuurin. It seems like my curiosity over you is growing larger day by day."

I shook my sidewards. "No stop it. You promised yourself you will never get involved with such things ever again." My gaze hardened as I continued to stare down at the empty cup. It seems like my sudden quietness has reached Kotoha as she worriedly called out to me.

"Mari? Mari-chan? Are you okay?" She looked worried. Ah. Crap.

"Yeah.. Yeah I'm fine Kotoha. Sorry about that? Just... suddenly thought of something." I said. Hoping she won't pry anymore further.

"Hmm you sure? I know we've only met but if you need someone, I'm here okay? And besides, I'm in need of some girl company. All I see is their faces and I'm getting sick of it." Kotoha was worried but at the end of her sentence, her voice became dry and emotionless. Her face suddenly looking tired.

I just chuckled at that. "Then I'll take up on your offer. Kotoha."

"Eh? Wha-" Before she could continue further, I cut her off.

"Let's be friends. Officially." I said while smiling at her.

Kotoha just looked at me wide-eyed and smiled so bright. Ah. Is it just me or is there light coming from behind her? And are those flowers growing around her?

"WHA- HUH? REALLY? You're not joking are you??" Seems like someone is a bit excited.

"Hmm? Well if you don't want to the-" I was suddenly cut of when Kotoha grabbed my hands.

She didn't say anything and just smiled. A smile can mean many things depending on context and situation and right now, that smile just screams pure happiness and bliss.

Looking at her, I suddenly thought of the past. Them.

"No. Stop it. Thinking about it won't get you anywhere. I can't always be stuck in the past. We went our different paths and chose different futures. I should focus on mine."

I looked at my hands that were still being held by Kotoha. I looked back at her and reciprocated her smile. 

Seems like I just gained a new friend. Izumi.

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This chapter also feels short.. Welp anyways enjoy >_<