Episode 2:
A week has passed since the start of the first term. Akado had found himself a new friend to talk to. All seemed alright and OK.
However, an old friend, Kyoichi, invited him for dinner, through a phone call.
"Yes, what do you want, Kyoichi?"
"I just want to tell you that I am inviting you for dinner. Just like old times. How about it?"
"At where?"
"Meet me at Jubilee Mall at 6 o'clock. Don't be late."
"OK. I'll be there."
At Jubilee Mall, Akado met Kyoichi. To his surprise, Kyoichi has another companion.
"Oh sorry, Akado. I forgot to introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Ella Rodriguez."
"Hi, nice to meet you." Ella greeted Akado.
"OK, shall we get going? How about that restaurant?"
Akado was beginning to feel rather overwhelmed. Maybe it is due to the fact that Kyoichi had selected a fancy restaurant or he has his girlfriend with him. Either way, Akado was feeling uncomfortable.
"Kyoichi, how long do you know Ella?"
"About 3 months. We met each other in the polytechnic that we are studying in."
"I see."
"Anyway, enough of me. How about you and Miyuki?"
Akado was stunned. He was beginning to space out. Why would Kyoichi asked that question?
"Oi, Akado. OI! I'M ASKING YOU A QUESTION HERE!"
Akado began to release his tension. Then, he burst out in tears and then smashed the table.
"What the hell! You mean you forgot?! SHE DIED, REMEMBER?! What the f**k are you trying to do, huh?! Now you have someone to love doesn't give you the right to brag about it! You know what? I'M LEAVING!!"
"Wait a minute, Akado. I didn't know..."
"You didn't know?! Don't give me lame excuses such as that! You were there at her funeral! Never mind. I'm wasting my breath talking to you!"
Then, Akado left the restaurant, crying.
Outside Jubilee Mall,
Akado was crying away. He didn't notice the person in front of him. Then, he collided with the person in front of him.
To his horror, he bumped into a gangster. The gangster was hurling vulgarities at Akado. Akado tried to run away, but he was surrounded by the gangsters. He managed to fought some of the gangsters, but he was outnumbered. Badly.
Fortunately, Haruka came to the rescue. She beat the crap out of the gangsters. Akado was in shock. He have seen a totally different side of Haruka. Haruka then grabbed Akado's hand and pulled him up to his feet. Then, they walked together.
"Haruka, where were you from?"
"I was at Jubilee Mall, doing some shopping, when I see you running out like a madman. What happened?"
"Nothing, really."
"C'mon. Tell the truth."
"Alright. My friend and I have another argument. It's a long story."
"Hmmm. If you have anything to say, please don't hesitate to speak your mind. I don't want you to suffer. By the way, I have read your blog."
"Well, in that case, you might roughly know what my friend and I argued about."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Maybe I can be your listening ear."
"Thanks, Haruka. Anyway, it's getting late. So, see you tomorrow."
"OK. Take care. And one more thing, here's my name card. I forgot to give it to you the last time."
"Thank you, Haruka."
At his apartment, he didn't went to his desk. Instead, he just lie down on the bed, thinking of the events that happened a few hours ago.
Hmmm. I wonder how does Haruka fight like that? And what is this feeling I have for her? Never mind. Maybe I should rest for tomorrow. |