Hibiki

Chapter 19 | The Weird Guy

"Wah.." I let out a very deep breath as I finally finished the last part of my performance solo.

          I didn't think that it would be this hard.. but considering that this choreography was perfectly made, I think it's worth it. I need to polish it up quickly.
          A bead of sweat rolled down my skates as I kept on looking down, for my ending pose. Itchy.
          After a few seconds I finally looked up to see Ms. Celene, coming closer to me with a towel. Handing it to me when she finally got close.

          "That was beyond my expectations.. but maybe you should take a break for a while?" Ms. Celene looked at me with a concerned face and a faint smile.
          Oh that's right, I've been practicing for a few hours non-stop now that even Yua has already left.
          "I'll be fine. Don't worry." I said, even doing some leg stretching to show her that I'm not tired yet.
          But looking at the look on her face, she's very concerned so maybe I'll go home for now. "Actually, maybe I should rest up now. I'll sleep a little earlier."
          She gave a warm smile and tapped my shoulder as she walked past, picking up the props that we used which was laying on the floor. I quickly came to help her out.
          "Oh no no, don't worry about this," She laughed a little. "You should go home now, quickly, child, if you may." I followed her gaze and looked down, she was looking at my legs. "Cramps."
          What does she mean by that?
          "Cramps?" I mimicked, pulling my pants up to see if there's something wrong. What does cramps mean again?
          I looked back to Ms. Celene when I heard her crack a small, yet genuine laugh again.
          "Nevermind it. It will be quite an experience for the first time. Anyway, just go home and rest."
          I just smiled at her as I followed her orders, and packed up the things I have on my small bag, leaving the place. She worries like a mother. It feels comforting somehow.

          I just got out of the taxi I called and stopped here. I don't know why. To eat I guess.
          The clouds are very dark and cloudy. It looks like it's already the middle of the night when actually, the sun's just setting.

Beep

Oh

          A taxi gave me a beep while I was crossing the streets, I looked up to see the light that probably just turned red a second ago. I've been too consumed with my own thoughts in my own world.
          I quickly ran towards the sidewalk from the middle of the crosswalk where I was standing and entered a nearby convenience store I always go to near my apartment.
          I sat down on a chair near the table inside and opened up the ham and cheese sandwich, and chocolate milk I bought.
          I'm not sure why but I feel like I've been here long before, based on how the cashier always changes their expression when they see me.
          Hmm...
          I stood up and finished the whole sandwich and left. I still don't feel tired even after all that practice, even the moon's out up in the sky already. I'll explore around this place a bit.

⁰-⁰

          After running for a bit, coming inside store to stores and places around and round, I stopped in front of a lit up restaurant in the middle of a silent, dark street.
          As I started walking towards the entrance, the smell of ramen being served and the sound of people inside, talking, laughing and slurping made my tummy grumble.
          I entered the place and a tight, yet lively place greeted me. So many people... It's very warm inside too and the air feels damp.
          I walked towards a seat right in front of where they seemed to cook the food. Some people greeted me as I went though. Weird. People never greet me, this place's customers are really friendly.
          I sat down at an empty seat where no one was sitting beside me.