Existence Precedes Essence

Chapter 23: Admiration

"I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more." – Angelita Lim

Public Library

Azumi placed back a book on the shelf. She saw a lady sitting next to the wide window. She's with a peculiar beauty, a white princess. The raven's head met eyes with hers. There was something in her eyes that demanded control. Azumi admitted defeat and averted her stares. She borrowed the book she needed and went out. 

Street

For some reason, the universe decided to make their paths cross once more. "Look at who we have here", a lad with braided hair laughed. The other one fixed his glasses and placed his hand on her shoulder. "We met again, missy", Rindou smirked. The two were wearing civilian clothing but their fashion made them stand out. People started looking at them. "I don't like the spotlight so can you just let me go", Azumi didn't look into their eyes. "What happened to that fiery girl we once knew? How about you make us do it?", Ran leaned closer. Someone suddenly jumped and kicked the braided one in the face. Azumi turned to the person and it was the lady from a while ago. She was smaller than Azumi but she was able to jump that high enough to give the guy a kick on the face. "You prick", Rindou was about to grab on the whitehead lady but Azumi grabbed her hand and they ran using the crowd to block the two taller guys. 

Park

"I don't know if we lost them", the raven head turned and didn't see anyone following. Couple of gang member are hanging around the area with their uniform. "Terano South", the white head read. "Huh? You know us?", one of the threw a can of soda but the lady was able to evade it. Azumi caught it with her hand and felt tiredness in her feet. She picked something in her bag. While she was doing it, the new face already charged and started punching everyone. She got on top of another gang member and punch him in the nose. Azumi grabbed her arm and felt like she was going to be dragged along. She stood her ground and leaned back to gain support. "You know how to move, girl", the white haired shoved her away and kicked the gang member. 

The gang members were left unconscious. "Who are you?", Azumi finally realized that the jacket that the lady is wearing is a uniform. It wasn't like that of Toman's biker uniform but a more casual one. "Kawaragi Senju, I'm the leader of Brahman. Those idiots who were crowding on you a while ago are members of Kantou Manji Gang", she introduced herself. Azumi felt dry on her throat hearing that a girl smaller than her is a leader of a gang. "Are you going to doubt me?", Senju didn't like the silence. "You were able to take them down without any sweat. What is there to doubt?", the raven head regained her composure and stood straight. "I like you", Senju placed her arms around the girl making her bow a little to match her height. 

The Next Day

Pet Shop

Azumi was itching to tell Chifuyu about Senju but there's ton of customers during the weekend. Finally, the place was emptied and they are the only ones inside. "Are you thinking of having part-time here? Go away. You're just going to distract me", Chifuyu fed the fish. "Actually, I met a cool girl yesterday", the lady opened. The blonde turned to her direction. "Did you stare at the mirror yesterday?", the lad couldn't think of someone who is more cooler than his friend. "Then, what made you say she's cool?", Chifuyu sat with her at the couch. "She said she's the leader of Brahman, a newly formed gang?", Azumi tilted her head. The blonde sighed in relief. At least it wasn't the ruthless and dangerous gang. The gang still had underground rumors happening but they look more calm and collected on the surface. 

"Don't tell me that you missed appearing in unexpected places", Chifuyu flicked on her forehead. "Right, I'll apologize for causing you inconvenience", Azumi gave a slight pout. "I want to ask you something", the blonde remembered what Takemichi told him. He gulped and was about to open his mouth when the door suddenly opened. "Welcome to-", Chifuyu stood right away and stopped at the sight of Draken. The tall lad gave a short laugh looking at the blonde flushed like a ripe tomato. "It's just you! What do you need in a pet shop?! Did you decide to keep a dog?", he marched inside the stockroom. 

Draken looked at Azumi who was sitting on the couch. "It's been a while, Draken", she gave a wave. "Want to go on a date?", the man asked. The door from the stockroom was opened wide. "Draken! What in the world are you asking Azumi?!", he was in shock. "Don't worry. I'd return the princess", the tall guy gently grabbed on the raven head's wrist and started dragging her outside. He was leading her but she didn't feel any malice from the guy. 

Car

"Draken. Chifuyu looked so worried. Can I just tell him where we're heading?", Azumi turned to see the blonde already closing the shop to follow after them. "I'd call him once we arrive at the place", Draken assured. The raven head looked at the road and was silenced remembering Emma. "I haven't seen the rest of you ever since the disbanding of Toman", Azumi broke the silence. "Inupi and I are running a motor shop. The Kawata brothers are working in a ramen shop, I think they're planning to inherit it from their parents. Peh-yah and Pahchin opened a lending company", the lad informed. "Everyone is moving on with their lives. You haven't mentioned about Taka-san", the raven head noticed. Draken just gave a smile and didn't give any response. Azumi thought he didn't hear her. 

"How about Mikey? You guys were like a couple back then", the lady asked another question that Draken could not answer. "You were right. Everyone is just moving on with their lives. Chifuyu once visited me when he needed repair for his bike. He told me that you're leaving the country next year to study in Australia", he changed the topic. Azumi noticed how uncomfortable he became after mentioning his best friend's name. "I'd be coming home twice a year. I'd also be having my internship here so that's just a short time", the raven head explained. They are already near the beach. 

Shore

Draken opened the door and gently pulled Azumi out of the car. "Then, see you around, " he said, entering the car and zooming away. "Huh?!", the raven head was startled. "Did he just leave me here in the middle of nowhere?", she tried to catch up but didn't dare to step one foot in disbelief. She hoped that he was pranking her but she could see the car already two kilometers away. "He's a fast driver so you won't be able to catch up", the lady heard a voice from behind. After looking around, he saw another car parked not far from her. 

Azumi knew perfectly whose voice it was. She turned and saw Mitsuya. After two years, it was the only time she was able to see the man in the flesh. A lot of things seemed foreign to her. The lad has with mullet hairstyle and he grew taller. As usual, his clothes are well-coordinated. It blew her mind when Mitsuya gave a playful small wave. Azumi felt like something just exploded in her chest. "Draken just dragged me here and didn't say anything about meeting you so I wasn't able to prepare", the lady recalled just wearing baggy pants and a sweatshirt. "There's no need for you to prepare. It's just me", the lilac head opened his palm and offered it to Azumi. He was below the flood control and it would be easier to go to the beach jumping down. 

The lady understood it and shyly grabbed his hand. "I can jump down on my own", Azumi gulped hoping it wouldn't often be the lavender boy. "Don't worry. I might no longer be fighting for the past years but I maintained my physical strength", he assured. "Hold on my shoulders", Mitsuya led her hands towards his shoulders. The lad held on to her waist and lifted her. Azumi felt jitters and her face was already red as a tomato. "You're wearing such a thick jacket. You don't feel hot?", the lad asked and his hand accidentally went inside. The lady let out a short laugh but covered her mouth. "I wasn't wearing anything beneath", Azumi said in embarrassment but hoped she would be put down since his touch was killing her. It was her weak spot. "You feel tickled when someone touches your sides? That's cute", Mitsuya took pity on her and put her down. 

Chapter end.