🏊‍♂️ and 🤹‍♂️ ✅

Page 1

Makoto happily chatted with Haru as they walked from university to head home. Haru nodded along, knowing Makoto wouldn't stop until he was finished.

"Hey, Haru. I'm actually going to take a detour before heading home. Go on ahead without me." said Makoto before taking off.

"Okay...?" mumbled Haru as he watched him cross the street before heading off.

Makoto checked the time then picked up his pace. His mom expected his visit later on, specifically after his last class ended. She more of demanded he come over since he hadn't been over in months. He impatiently tapped his foot as he waited for the light. It finally changed and he hurried crossed the street.

He finally came to a stop outside of a building hidden from plain sight. It was easy to miss if you weren't carefully looking. Especially since it was in a lightly populated area. He sighed then pulled the door open. The sound of children's voices filled his ears as he walked in. He walked over to the front desk and waited.

"Oh! Makoto, you're early. Are you here to help out today?" she asked with a tired look.

"I would love to, but my mom wants me home. I came to tell you in person." said Makoto with an apologetic look.

"I understand. Oh, your old caretaker was stopping by today. He should be here in a few minutes. Can you wait?" she asked with hopeful eyes.

"I can manage that much. It's not like she hasn't nagged me for being late before." said Makoto as he placed his bag on the desk.

"Thank you so much. The troublemakers are at it again." she said with a weary sigh.

Makoto followed her into the back then presented him to the children. They collectively rose to their feet and ran to Makoto.

"Makoto, what did you do today?" one asked.

"Makoto do you have any snacks?" another asked.

"Makoto, do you have a girlfriend yet?" yet another asked.

"You all act like you haven't seen me in months." joked Makoto as he gave them pats on the head. "I just stopped by to say hello before leaving. I'm going to see my mom today."

"Will we ever get parents...?" a little girl asked quietly.

The mood had dropped and Makoto felt guilty. He had forgotten where he was.

"Of course you all will. It just takes a while for your destined parents to find you." said Makoto with a bright smile.

The children cheered and collectively hugged him. They heard a knock then pointed at the person behind Makoto.

"Mr. Tsubasu..." Makoto said quietly as he stared at the aged man.

"Makoto? Is that you? Ha, I hardly recognize you. Look at you, all grow up. I remember when you were yay big and running around like a nutjob." Mr. Tsubasu said with a hearty chuckle. "How old are you now? 18? 19?"

"19. I'll be 20 in a few months." replied Makoto as he walked out with Mr. Tsubasu.

"Ah... have you kept in contact with any of your old friends?" he asked, referring to his orphan mates.

"Oh, of course. I'm currently attending the same university as Haru. I still talk to Kurapika and Rei too. Illumi is a bit iffy but yeah." said Makoto, referring to his schoolmates.

"I don't remember anyone with those names... are we talking about the same people?" Mr. Tsubasu asked.

"I'm talking about schoolmates..." said Makoto.