The tale of Mayumi

Chapter 3: A Shared Path

For some reason, I feel like I can trust this guy.

Hikaru doesn't ask many questions, which I appreciate. Maybe he can tell I'm too tired and hungry to talk. Or maybe he just doesn't care. Either way, I'm grateful.

But after four days of silence, I'm starting to get restless.

"Dude, you said the village was nearby. We've been walking for hours."

He smirks. "Don't worry, we'll be there before dawn."

"So... do you live there?"

"Not exactly."

"Are you far from home?"

"I don't have a home." He says it so casually, like it's a fact of life.

I glance at him. Maybe we have more in common than I thought.

"What about you? Where's your home?"

I hesitate. "I don't think I have one either."

"You think?"

"Yeah... my situation's kinda complicated."

He stops walking and turns to face me. His vibrant orange eyes narrow slightly. "You ran away or something?" His voice is sharper now, like he's challenging me.

"I'm not sure."

Hikaru studies me like he's trying to figure out if I'm lying. What does he see? A lost girl? A runaway? A liar?

"Listen," he says, crossing his arms. "If you ran away because your parents were hurting you or something, I get it. But if you're just throwing a tantrum, you better go back. I hate people who don't appreciate what they have."

I flinch. He thinks I'm some spoiled brat who left home for attention?

Anger bubbles up, but I push it down. He doesn't know me. Hell, I don't even know me.

I take a breath. "I'm not an idiot, you know. Four days ago, I woke up in the middle of this forest. I don't remember who I am or how I got here. All I know is my name starts with 'M' and I think I'm 16. So I don't need your judgment, alright? I've got bigger problems than worrying about what you think of me."

Hikaru blinks, the tension in his face easing. For a second, he looks almost... guilty. Then, without a word, he turns and starts walking again.

"So you're alone too, huh?" His voice is softer this time.

I nod. "Guess so. What about you? No family? No friends?"

He exhales. "No one. I've been on my own since I was 14. I meet people, but I don't stick around long enough to call anyone a friend."

I frown. "That's kinda sad."

"Shut up. You're even more of a mess than I am."

I let out a short laugh. "What a duo."

For the first time in days, I don't feel completely alone.

⸻

As the sky lightens, the village finally comes into view.

I sigh in relief. "Finally."

Hikaru grins. "Told you we'd get here before dawn."

Then, his expression turns more serious. "Hey, listen. I'm staying here for a few days, then I'm moving on. You can come with me if you want. I can teach you how to survive around here... and maybe we can figure out who you are. Can't just leave you wandering around alone."

I blink. "What a generous offer."

He rolls his eyes. "I'm serious."

I look down at my feet. The idea of traveling with someone—of not being alone—sounds... nice. But...

"I don't want to hurt you."

Hikaru raises an eyebrow. "I don't think you will."

I swallow. "Not intentionally." I hesitate, then add, "I think I might be dangerous."

His expression doesn't change.

I take a shaky breath. "I keep having these nightmares. In them, I... I hurt people. I have this weird power, and I can't control it. It scares me. I don't know what I'm capable of. That's why I tried to walk away from those guys instead of fighting them."

I expect him to flinch, to take a step back, to look at me like I'm some kind of freak.

But he doesn't.

Instead, he smiles. "Then I'll help you figure out what your power is. And maybe you can learn to control it."

I stare at him, stunned. "Are you sure?"

He grins. "Positive."

A real smile tugs at my lips. "It's a deal then."
As we step through the village gates, for the first time since waking up in that forest... I don't feel completely lost.