Meiji Tokyo Renka - Mei Goes to College

Meiji University

Author's note: I have only seen the anime, so this takes place a few years after Mei returns to her own time. I hope you all enjoy!

Mei inhaled deeply as she looked at her new university. It had been a long journey to get here. And she wasn't going to quit now! It did make her smile to think she was going to the same university named after the era where many men had done so much for Japan and who she had had the pleasure to meet in person. How many people could say they had met so many amazing historical figures? And not just met them, but became friends with them!

The thought of her friends made her heart ache, but she stood up straight and faced her fears head on. If they had taught her anything, it was to face the future with courage and strength!

She balled her fists and walked resolutely into her first class. It was a traditional Japanese folklore class aimed at teaching future teachers, and she had a feeling this class would be very influential in her future teaching.

As she sat down, she noted all the different students in the classroom. A glint of green tinted hair met her eyes and she did a double take. The young man sitting a few rows in front of her looked bored with the proceedings as the teacher introduced himself and the course.

Mei tried to focus on her teacher, but it was hard when that boy looked so much like Shunso, just with shorter hair.

The teacher started calling out names, and Mei tried to keep focused to hear her name being called.

"Hishida Shunso."

"Here." The boy said nonchalantly.

Mei felt her heart stop. It couldn't be? Could it?

Eventually her name was called "Ayazuki Mei."

"Present!" She called louder than intended.

Everyone turned to look at her including Shunso. He looked more annoyed than anything else. It couldn't be the Shunso she knew then could it?

She pulled down her hand rather quickly and embarrassed listened to the lecture. But she wouldn't let this get her down! She would chase Shunso down after class if that's what it took!

After class was over, she resolutely walked up to Shunso who was taking his time placing his belongings in his obvious art bag. "Excuse me? Hishida Shunso?"

He looked up slowly at her with a quirked eyebrow. "Ah, it's you. The loud one."

She felt her face turn red. "Ah yes. Um, excuse my forwardness, but do you recognize me?"

His eyes narrowed. "No. Should I?"

Her heart sank. "I, uh, no I suppose not. I'm sorry, you just remind me of someone I used to know very well."

He placed his hands in the pockets of his oversized hoodie and assessed her like the artist she remembered. His hair was slightly different. Not as long, but still in a small ponytail that fit the current era. "I'm sorry if I come off rude. Ayazuki Mei correct? What is your next class?"

She brightened a little. "Ah, I have a writing class with Kambayashi sensei next."

His eyebrow quirked up. "Really? So do I. Would you like to walk together? I may not be the man you know, but I don't mind accompanying you to the next class." He said holding out his hand in friendship.

She took it gladly and smiled joyfully. "I would like that very much!"

He swung his bag over his shoulder and they started out the door. "Do you know where to go?"

"Ha... no."

He sighed. "Well, it's a good thing I do. This way."

As they walked down the hall Mei was so focused on Shunso she walked straight into someone.