The second day at my new school. The curious stares haven't lessened, and considering that I arrived looking like a Shining Christmas tree, it's not surprising.Thinking back to yesterday's fight—if you could even call it that—it's not that I couldn't resist those country idiots, but something inside me had changed.I think it has to do with Lia. I still love that girl…How humiliating. She dumped me, and she probably doesn't care what happens to me anymore, but I keep thinking about her. Her parfume, her cute long white hair, expression on her face then she sees me.
I should distract myself.
The third lesson was coming to an end. I wasn't really making an effort to participate—actually, over the past two days, I hadn't listened to a single teacher. I just couldn't focus on it.
"Hey, new guy."A friendly, high-pitched female voice called out to me.
"I'm Aya. What's your name? Did you get hit by a car or something? You look... terrifying."
A girl from my class stood in front of me. A short girl in a school uniform. Black short hair with a bright, multicolored "girly" hairpin. She sat down at the desk next to mine.
"Did you come over just to make fun of me? Just so you know, your schoolmates gave me a 'warm welcome' yesterday."
"I heard about it, and now I see it. Terrifying..."
She's definitely mocking me. I grabbed my backpack and headed for the hallway.The girl immediately jumped up and followed me.
"Listen, I really just want to get to know you. I'm not laughing at you.You know, my mom's a doctor. You could stop by after school, and I'll treat your wounds so they heal faster," she said in a serious, slightly sad tone.
"No need. A couple of scratches… they'll heal on their own.Look, you shouldn't be talking to me. I've noticed that people here aren't exactly thrilled about my presence.You really shouldn't be around me, trust me. I have to go."
I walked back into the classroom.Maybe I shouldn't have pushed her away—it would've been nice to talk to someone here, at least to make time pass faster.
The remaining lessons went by quietly. I left the school building.
Alright, I have about four hours until dark. I need to find Uncle Koji before then.
Just as I was about to leave, a familiar voice called out.
"Stop. I didn't give you permission to leave."
Behind me stood the same three students who had beaten me up yesterday. Honestly, I could fight them off, but I don't feel any negative emotions toward them. I just don't care. Do I not care about myself?
The students walked toward me. They started pulling at my shirt, insulting me, laughing.
Lia. Why did you do this? Was I not good enough? She probably shares the same opinion as her father—of course, that must be it.A smart girl, a straight-A student, beautiful like an angel. Why would she need someone like me? A slacker, broke, endlessly feeling sorry for himself. I still love her. I can't let go.
A lump formed in my throat, and tears welled up in my eyes.
"Look, he's crying. Ha-ha. Got scared, little rich boy? Look at this pathetic loser..."
When they got bored of laughing, they started hitting me.
A frightened female voice interrupted the sound of punches.
"Leave him alone. W-why are you doing this? W-what did he do to you? Let him go, please..."
She ran past the students and shielded me with her body.
"Are you stupid? Get lost, or you'll get it too, little girl."
"Go away... just go, you hear..." I muttered.She was trembling, and it was clear from her expression that she was about to cry."I'm telling you to leave! What are you doing? They'll beat us both."
"You s-shouldn't do this, I-I'll tell the principal..." --she said in a trembling voice
"You'll do WHAT?? You asked for it."
One of the students grabbed Aya, while another started pulling her hair.
While they were distracted, I got up, approached one of them from the side, and punched him with all the strength I had. The students froze in shock. One of them clutched his nose. Taking advantage of the situation, I grabbed Aya's hand and ran toward the forest.
We ran for a while. I looked back—behind us, three figures in school uniforms were chasing after us. We sped up. After a few minutes of running through the dense forest, I heard Aya, running beside me, start gasping for breath. I glanced back; the students chasing us were no longer in sight. So, I decided to stop and catch my breath.
After a few minutes of rest, I looked around. We were in the middle of a thick green forest. Surrounded by unusually tall, tightly packed trees, as if someone had deliberately arranged them in perfect rows.
"Phew... Well, that was quite the PE lesson, huh?"
Aya stood there silently, looking down. Her cheeks were slightly flushed.I followed her gaze. I was still holding her hand.
I must've been too focused on escaping those bullies and never let go of her hand since we started running.I let go. An awkward silence hung in the air for a few seconds.
"Are you okay?" I asked calmly."You know, I appreciate that you wanted to help, but that was stupid. They would have just beaten you up if I hadn't stepped in."
"I hate people like them, always picking on the defenseless."
"Hey, I'm not defenseless!"
"Then why do you let them beat you? Why didn't you run away last time? If you're not scared, then why?"
Honestly, I couldn't even answer that myself. Too much had happened in the past week. I just wasn't ready for it. This was some strange reaction my body had to everything—I felt slightly depressed.
"Listen. I'll be fine. Just don't get involved because of me again. Seriously, little miss bodyguard."
She punched me in the shoulder at those words. Guess she took it seriously.
"If you keep letting yourself get hurt, I'll step in. Deal with it."
"There won't be a next time, relax, please."
As soon as I felt the tension ease, Aya suddenly took off and headed somewhere.
"Do you know the way to the city?"
"The city? Let's go to my place first. You're still bleeding, you need to get patched up."
"I can't, I have something important to do. Can you show me the way out?"
"Fine," she sighed, disappointed.
We walked through the forest for a while.I tried to push away the gloomy thoughts about my ex and just admired the scenery.Aya… she seems kind. She was willing to protect a completely unimportant new guy from the local bullies. So small, yet so brave. I should be friendlier with her.
"We're here."
We reached the roadside, and across the street, city buildings came into view.
"I don't live in the city, so I'm heading in the other direction. Promise me you'll treat your wounds when you get home."
She turned to leave.
"Wait. Do you know uncle Kojo? The basketballer?"
She laughed awkwardly—Right, what a stupid question. That was embarrassing.
"Nope. Anyway, see you... Oh, by the way, you didn't tell me your name."
"Isao."
"See you, Isao."
I watched her silhouette disappear into the forest.
Alright. I still have time. But where the hell do I even start looking for Kojo?