Running After You

#4: The Blue Box

Pet Shop

Mio and Ai passed by and saw Erina carrying some cage for the birds. "Ai, Mio, you're here again", Erina smiled.

Ai helped her carry the cages and place it into the storage room. The pet shop is owned by Erina's aunt, her father's sister. "Are you sure you will keep doing this? It's not that they need some extra help", Ai said with a concerned voice. "I don't have anything else to do at home anyways", Erina chuckled.

"Make sure not to overwork yourself", Mio caressed her hair. "Yes, Mio. Don't worry. I'll just finish moving the cages then I will go home, straight! Right away", Erina gave a salute.

Street

The two walked side by side. "Hey, aren't you going to feel regretful of turning that president. He's quite a good match for you", Ai shrugged. "How about you? Aren't you regretful not entering the school you actually wanted?", Mio returned the question. Ai laughed and pushed Mio's shoulder.

"I haven't forgotten that promise I made", Mio looked at Ai. "You're not the only one", Ai replied.

They saw a lady unable to pass because of a black cat in front of her. They noticed that it was the student that always tagged with Erina. Ai shooed the cat. "It's the one whose stealing our Erina", Mio looked at Hana with some scary stares. Hana flinched and raised her hands. "Give me a break. I'm not trying to steal her away", Hana laughed.

They saw some bruise on her arm. "Where did you get this?", Ai grabbed it. "I fell on the stairs", she answered. "Heh. We heard that also. A lot of times", Mio raised her shirt and saw some small burns on her shoulder. It looked like some cigarette burns. Hana pushed the two. "I have my own issues. Leave me alone", she ran away.

Toka's Residence

"Oh, Rei is bringing some friends again aside from his basketball junkies", Inori chuckled and served some tea. "Thank you, Toka- san", they all gave thanks.

She also served some cookies. "So, Toka. Let's start the planning now. You're coming at the mixer, right?", the boys cheered. "You're really off the track. We're here to discuss for our project", Rio slappes their heads. "Are you fine with mint tea?", Rei asked without looking at Nami's eyes. "They're fine. It's my first coming here. Thank you for inviting me over", Nami smiled. "So about the project...", Rei started to discuss the possibilities.

Rio clenched her fist. "Jerk", she commented. Nami held her hand and smiled.

They all went out after they were able to finish the planning. As theu open the door, they saw Erina outside. "Who are you?!", they all reacted except for the two ladies. Erina was startled and stepped back. "Erina, oh. Do you need something?", Rei peeked to see her. "Ah..", Erina wasn't able to speak due to the audience. "Stop looking at her", Rei shooed the other male student.

"Chou-senpai", Erina saw her. "Nice to see you, Aisawa-san. I think you need to talk to Toka. We'll be on our way", Nami gave a friendly smile and dragged Rio.

"Are you okay?", Rio asked. "Aisawa is his childhood friend", Nami informed.

Rei's Room

"My, Erina, you're here", Inori peeked with Sayuri, Rei's sister. "Yes yes. Go out", Rei pushed them outside and closed the door.

"So, what brought you here?", Rei had a wide smile. "I'm thinking of going to our prefecture. Grandma will be there so... I can also help her", Erina's words wiped away Rei's smile. "It's just the start of the school year. Plus, it's hot in your prefecture. You hated it, right?", Rei reminded. "I have no choice. I just don't want to be a burden here", Erina sat on his bed. Rei pinned her on the bed. "You have a choice. You can stay here. You're not a burden", Rei said with his eyes shut.