The Hidden Past || Wind Breaker

Chapter 7: The First Meet

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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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Mari stayed at the cafe for a while, chatting with Kotoha. Throughout her stay, the girl got to know her new friend even more. Like the fact that she and Umemiya grew up together in a foster care and that he calls "little sister" or "little brother" to everyone that resides there. Boufuurin had also became one of their topics as well.

In turn for Kotoha telling about her past, Mari had also done the same. The blue-eyed girl had only told her a toned-down version of her life, withdrawing some other information that she would rather keep quiet. After all, the girl did have the purpose of starting a new life when she arrived at Makochi Town. 

But... I wonder.

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How long will she be able to keep it hidden?

Mari's POV:

"Then, I'll take my leave. I'll see you soon?" I said as I waved goodbye to Kotoha.

"Mm. See 'ya! Be careful on you're way back home." Kotoha said as she waved back to me as well.

As I exited the cafe, I noticed that the sun was starting to set and the sky was starting to get dark, though there was still a bit of light. Instead of going back to the restaurant, I decided to walk around a little more.

Lost in thought, I didn't realized I ended up near the border of the town. As I stopped to look at my surroundings, I heard the sound of train above my head. 

"Ah. I'm at the border."

To my left, I saw a tunnel. An entrance going to the town that was across Makochi. The tunnel adorned many graffiti and one that stood out the most was the one at the very top. Right at the center lies a...

"The heck is that?" I furrowed my brows, thinking what that graffiti is supposed to be.

But if I remember it correctly, past the railings is a territory of another group. At least, that was what Kotoha told me. Shishitoren. Lion's Head.

Eh? Then, that graffiti... Is it supposed to be a lion? What? Who the heck even drew it?

As I continued to stare at the graffiti, footsteps suddenly echoed from the tunnel. I looked at the dark entrance and as they went near, I noticed two silhouettes of a person.

Closer and closer. I could hear voices of two different persons. One was high pitched, like a child and very talkative. The other one was completely different. Deep voice and a slow-paced talking. Almost like a turtle.