Take a chance | mikey

12

As the train rumbled along the tracks, I found myself zoning out, staring blankly at the passing scenery. My thoughts, of course, drifted back to last night. It had all felt so... confusing. Like I was knee deep in something that I hadn't entirely signed up for but couldn't back out of either.

I sighed, finally blinking myself back to the present as I glanced around the train car. My gaze wandered until it landed on a familiar face across from me. I did a double take—tall, lean, signature braid. No way. Draken?

"Draken?" I blurted, blinking as if my eyes were playing tricks on me.

He glanced up, his expression softening as soon as he recognized me. "Yuri," he greeted with a casual nod. His voice was low, the kind of tone that always sounded like he had something serious on his mind. "You heading to school?"

I nodded, still a little caught off guard. "Yeah. You?"

"Not today." He leaned back, stretching his legs like the entire train car was his personal space. "I'm going to check in on Pah's family."

"Oh..." I hesitated, not sure what to say next. It wasn't exactly a light topic. "How... how are they holding up?"

Draken exhaled, a quiet sigh that carried weight. "They're doing the best they can. It's hard, but... they're strong."

I nodded slowly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Pah's family. "That's really thoughtful of you. Going to visit them, I mean."

He shrugged, but there was a faint smile on his lips. "It's the least I can do."

I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. There was something comforting about Draken's loyalty, the way he took care of the people he cared about. It reminded me of a big brother, and I suddenly felt this weird urge to look out for him, too, in whatever way I could.

"You're a good guy, Draken," I said quietly, surprising even myself with the honesty in my voice.

He looked at me then, really looked at me, and for a moment, the tough exterior seemed to fade away. "Thanks, Yuri," he said, his tone sincere. "That means a lot."

I hesitated for a second before deciding to push a little further. "Speaking of which, Emma's been waiting for you guys to make up, you know," I added gently, watching his reaction.

Draken's jaw tightened slightly, and he let out a sigh. "Yeah, I know," he muttered, the weight of the situation clearly hanging over him.

I nudged him lightly with my elbow, trying to keep it casual. "You might not want to drag your feet too long. She's starting to get that look." I raised my eyebrows for emphasis, knowing he'd get what I meant.

His lips quirked into a reluctant smile. "Trust me, I've seen that look plenty of times."

"You and me both," I grinned. "She's got it down to an art form."

Draken chuckled, the tension breaking just a little. "Maybe I'll make things right before she decides to kill me."

"You better," I teased. "For your own safety."

He shook his head, his smirk softening. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, I'll fix it."

-Timeskip-

After school, Emma and I ended up running into Hina on our way out. She looked a little more fidgety than usual, and I could tell she had something on her mind.

"What's up, Hina-chan?" Emma asked, her curiosity piqued.

Hina hesitated for a moment, her hands playing nervously with the edge of her sleeve. "I've been thinking about asking Takemichi to go to the festival with me... you know, as a date."