Fantasy | Takata Mashiho

♡ seven

Minji

The silence in my classroom didn't bother me. I actually enjoy being alone right now so I could check my kids' test papers.

It has been an hour since I dismissed them and I am still not done with the paper works. Checking six subjects is hard you know. I also have to check the Science papers of first and second graders since I am their Science teacher.

I am not guiding Mashiho today since his working days are fewer than mine. Its actually quiet without him and less stressful. Although he's not here, our conversation this morning kept bugging my mind.

It was one of the factors that slows me down right now with what I'm doing. I don't even know why I am so affected by it.

He invited me to have coffee with him.

He didn't say anything about bringing friends.

Coffee with Mashiho.

Why does it seem like... a date?

I buried my face in my hands when I feel myself turning warm as seconds pass.

"I don't even like him yet why am I like this..." I whispered to myself.

I heard the door creak open and I jerked in surprise, sitting up straight.

"Dayeon-ah?" I asked in confusion as I stared at the nervous girl by the door.

She bit her lip and slowly went inside.

"M-ms. Cho..." she shyly called me. "My mom isn't here yet."

My confusion grew more and I started becoming worried. "Come here."

She walked closer to me while holding her backpack straps and I made her sit on my lap.

I took my phone and searched the number of Dayeon's mom on my contacts.

Her phone started ringing and so i waited while the little girl on my lap started reading the finished test papers.

It rang in the nth time but she didn't answered. I also called again and again but she wouldn't answer.

I sighed in frustration.

What is Dayeon's mom doing right now that she can't pick up her daughter? It has been an hour since their dismissal. This poor girl right here can't go home.

Dayeon looked at me with sadness jn her eyes. "Did my mom answer?"

I don't want her to get more sad so I smiled. "I'll just walk you home, and I'll get you ice cream, how does that sound?"

Her face lit up as she nodded.

My heart fluttered.

I quickly packed up my things and the papers. I'm just going to check these at home. This girl's safety is more important to me.

While walking outside I saw a familiar figure walking towards me.

My eyes squinted to see that person clear. And when that person got closer I recognized him.

"Mashiho," I called as I sped up my pace.

"Oh," Dayeon said as she pointed towards Mashiho. "Sir Takata!"

Mashiho smiled at Dayeon and sped up his walk too. He crouched in front of Dayeon and squeezed her cheeks.

"Hello cutie~" he cooed with his lips puckered and his eyes smiling.

I smiled at how he treated Dayeon. Dayeon is after all his student too, and he had built a relationship with her too.

Maybe I do not know Mashiho to the fullest.

"Why are you two together?" Mashiho asked me as he stood up.

"Her mom isn't picking her up and she's been waiting for an hour now," I nudged my head to Dayeon. "So I'm taking her home. I know their address anyway."

Mashiho nodded and took Dayeon's other hand since I am already holding her left hand.

"I'm coming," Mashiho shortly said with his other hand in his pocket.

I stared at him with confusion but I did not question it anymore. "Okay."

Dayeon cheered in joy while skipping happily with every step we take.

We look like a family right now HAHAHA.

We stopped by an ice cream vendor and bought three. We ate while walking to her home.

I bet this girl would remember this day.

I love seeing how happy she is right now.

She pointed at where she lived and I pressed the doorbell.

No one came and opened the door. Almost thirty seconds have passed so I rang the doorbell again.

Is someone even home?

The door roughly flew open that it took me and Mashiho with surprise. Dayeon didn't seem so surprised though.

Her mom stood there with hooded eyes and a bottle of alcohol in one hand. She saw Dayeon and gestured her to come inside. "Get in!"

Dayeon skipped inside and looked at us with a smile. She waved her hand and so her mom shut the door close.

Me and Mashiho glanced at each other.

We both had one thing in mind.

Dayeon probably had a hard time at home all the years she's been alive.

I remember seeing her one time with scars on her thighs, or on her jaw, or even on her arm. I would ask about it but she wouldn't say.

I even remember seeing her mom pick her up from school. Most times she would treat her roughly and not even bother carrying the bag for her.

I'm worried about this kid.

Mashiho seems to be worried too.