Prologue

In a room, the sound of the rumble of the bass trumpet, followed by the piano’s mellow sound and the violin’s bright tone is resonated as if in an empty room.

“Ah, that’s my alarm. I had better wake up.” Hajite disabled the alarm and stretched while he lied on the single bed, then he sat up straight.

“Fuaaaaahhh… day, what is it? Eighty-one- no, ninety-one,” recounted Hajite.

Hajite squinted his eyes toward the clock that read that it is four o’clock in the morning. He rose from his bed and went for the door.

Ninety-one days ago, I dropped out of my high school and my former home. My parents were mad at me that day for dropping out calling me an ultimate failure. Previously, they always will sermon me for the grades that dropped into mediocrity and warned me of the upcoming failures. I was an excellent student if I can say so myself, and all I ever did was study because my parents would always want me to perfect my studies. Because of this I never had any freedom to do anything and I rarely interacted with anyone except when it is needed. You could call me a loner, but I call myself an island, that is what I always thought. I struggled every day to motivate myself. Soon enough, I rebelled then started to be frequently on my PC streaming my video games locking myself in my room. Because of this, I earned in return barely enough money that I can be proud of, but not enough to alleviate the situation. My parents constantly told me I could not work like that, I contradicted. With the declining academic condition, my parents increased the sermons and the chores as a replacement for the time lost from school. Then one day, I decided to be free.

I left home with nothing except my clothes. They won’t accept my leave with anything that could help me. I melancholy wandered the streets having no idea how to live my newly-found freedom. Soon enough, I lost my resolve and doubted my unwritten plans within hours but stubbornly wouldn’t return home because of my pride and the point I wanted to prove, that I can live the way I wanted. I had anger and anxiety churning together in my breaking heart. Then, something ahead of my path interrupted me. One man had a gun raised, while the other was at a total disadvantage. At that moment I decided to be my main character. I didn’t want to be on the sidelines, the background, the supporting character. I want to be the center. That was all I thought at that moment. I used my rage to inflict heavy blows to the armed robber enough to knock him unconscious. At that time, I was not fit nor strong enough to do that, but my raw emotion made me. This was totally out of my nature, influenced by my idle thoughts. Then, the person I rescued came up to me and thanked me. After the police invited us for their report on the attacker, he introduced himself as a business manager named Jose. He claims he has a handful of franchises of a variety of stores. Because of this, they call him the ‘Manager.’ He was then grateful for the action I have done, and seeing my current condition by just looking at me, he invited me to dinner.

“Haha, thank you for the dinner. I’m grateful to you as you are to me.” Hajite slightly bowed his head.

Jose waved his hand dismissively. “This is nothing compared to the rescue you did to me, but your gratefulness is an interesting one young man.”

“Oh, and yes,” Hajite outstretched his hand towards Jose, “I’m sorry for my lack of manners. My name is Hajite Kalitashi.”

“Nice to know your name,” chortled Jose as he shook Hajite’s hand, “No need to be formal. You have saved me from death after all.”

“I previously told you, it was nothing.” Hajite shook his head humbly.

Jose shook his head in disapproval and clicked his tongue. “I tell you, Kalitashi, there is no nothing,” Jose looked onto Hajite concernedly, “So, will you be kind to tell me what situation you are in as I cannot fully deduce what is troubling you?”

Hajite dryly laughed, “My story might be too heavy and stupid for you to hear.”

“I understand, but it is easier to tell one’s problems to a stranger.” Jose gave his full attention.

“W-well then, uh, let’s see,” Hajite looked up then at Jose, “I recently left my parent’s home and school,” Hajite looked down, “It is a long story though… if you won’t mind.”

“I do not mind at all,” Jose relaxed in his seat, “I know this is a valuable story.”

Hajite started with the story of his life at the grade he left.

Hajite placed both his arms to support his head on the table. “That was only my life, only a blurry, black-and-white photo,” Hajite weakly laughed, “who would want that kind of photo? It would be an extremely useless photo.”

Jose made a disapproving look and looked at Hajite with hopeful eyes. “You are not at all useless. What you did for me was one of a kind. No one will ever bother saving me, no one will, except for you,” Jose smiled at his realization, “This is because you have untapped potential- no- untapped talent, maybe talents capped because of the perfectionist environment.”

“Is that so? Is that truly so? Never have I ever received such words.” Hajite looked up with his teary eyes.

Jose sipped a glass of wine. “I want you to receive them again, not just from me. So I have a proposal you would not wish to refuse.” Jose placed his right palm toward Hajite.

“Don’t tell me it will be something illegal!” Hajite sarcastically laughed as he wiped his eyes.

Jose quickly retracted his hand to his chest. “I am a legal man.”

Hajite waved his hand in the air, embarrassed at his failed joke. “Sorry, that was a joke, I cannot take things too seriously.”

“The proposal is simple, I will help you stand on your own feet, that is all.” Jose places his hand toward Hajite.

“What’s the catch?” Hajite asked curiously.

“Change, as a person.” Jose nodded his head.

Jose took a deep breath and stayed silent for a moment. “Since I had only hopeless choices before, I will take this one.”

That was our conversation with my dear friend, Jose. He gave me everything I needed and wanted. He managed the work I have finished. Talk about being lucky. And of course, I would be guilty if I just leeched on him. I genuinely wanted to change, for that was my intention.”

I am in a better place and able to earn money myself. I work self-employed as a MIDI music artist, which Jose managed, and I do freelance as a video editor, and streaming video games.

“Hajite Kalitashi, this is only the beginning.” Jose declares.

\*\*END\*\*

Chapter 1

Hajite broke off from his reminiscence and went for the door to start his usual daily after-workout jog early in the morning.

“Beautiful skies today,” Hajite took a deep breath of fresh city air. “Hopefully I get a new song out of this.” He looked at his watch which read the time is 4:33 AM. “Three minutes of delay. I better start now.” Hajite proceeded for his jog along the sidewalk.

Thirty minutes later, Hajite decided to rest on a bench.

“I don’t seem tired now compared to the last time, definitely an improvement,” Hajite muttered, “I still get as hungry though.” Hajite looked both ways of the sidewalk deciding which way to go. “Guess I will go the other way,” Hajite decided, “I want to eat something that will give inspiration. That can’t be weird right?”

Hajite walked down the sidewalk and looked up at the orange sky. “I want to get rid of this creative block I’m having,” Hajite sighed, “Things are getting boring after three months.”

While Hajite is lost in thought, something concerned his sight. Two suspicious men corner a girl in a space flanked by two buildings. The girl screamed which causes Hajite to pay attention.

“You better shut your mouth. You don' wanna mess with us.” threatened one man.

“It’s much better to not resist us.” followed the other.

“Hell no! I don’t to be with any of you!” the girl shouted.

“Why wouldn’t your first time be with us instead?” the man replied

Hajite proceeded to approach the two men silently and casually. Neither of the men noticed him, then Hajite proceeded to elbow one of the men’s spines and swiftly kicked the other man’s legs causing them to fall. The two men fall yelling in pain. The girl stared at Hajite in pleasant surprise.

“You okay?” Hajite asked as he pulled out his phone.

“Y-yes, thank you, I feel safe now.” the girl replied.

“I am calling the police just in case,” assured Hajite.

“W—wait,” the girl hurriedly shook both of her hands at him, “there’s no need for that.”

“Why? Hajite’s brows furrowed

“They didn’t do anything wrong.” The girl looked down at the men.

Hajite glared at the downed men. “They tried to do something wrong.”

“Please, there is no need for that,” she clasped both of her hands.

“Well I guess I won’t,” Hajite sighed disappointedly, “Next time, you should be more careful on what business you get into.”

The girl looked up in shock. “Huh? Wha—what are you talking about?”

“Huh? I am not talking about anything,” Hajite turned to leave, “anyway, I shall leave you then.”

“Wait,” she rushed to catch up to Hajite, “do you know what I do?”

“No?” Hajite quickly left.

The conversation ended, but the girl trails Hajite. Hajite pretended to not notice. Soon, they arrived at a fast-food restaurant Hajite had picked and he ordered food for two persons. He sat at his chosen table while the girl stared at him from a distance. Hajite motioned at her to sit with him. The girl gets shocked that he noticed her, but soon sat down in front of him.

“Are you hungry?” Hajite pushed the other meal he had ordered.

“Y—yes, I am, but you don’t have to order for me.” The girl stammered shyly.

“I have already ordered anyway,” Hajite gulps his side drink, “it would be a waste if no one ate it.”

“Oh? O—ok.” The girl succumbed to Hajite’s request.

Hajite then scanned the girl and took mental notes of her features. She had long, brown hair, light brown eyes, a well-shaped chest, and a similar height to himself.

“She is a looker.” Hajite thought as he shamelessly gazed.

The girl notices his gaze“I-is there something wrong?”

Hajite looked straight into her eyes and asked sharply. “What’s your name?”

The girl gasped at his sudden tone. “M-my name is Nishira Miyaki,” the girl paused for a moment, “A—and what’s yours?” She nervously asked.

“The name’s Kalitashi.” Hajite continued to finish his meal.

“Kalitashi…?” Nishira asked for a continuation.

“Just call me that.” Hajite waved his hand dismissively.

“Ah, sure, no problem, Kalitashi…san.” Nishira nodded as she repeated his name weakly.

Hajite looked up at Nishira and interrogated her. “So, why are you following me?”

“Well,” Nishira looked down toward the table, “I wanted to thank you for earlier, but I don’t know how.”

“I see,” Hajite sighed, “there is no need for such.”

Nishira delightfully gave thanks for the food while Hajite eats in silence. After they both ate their meals, Hajite got up and left the restaurant quickly before Nishira noticed.

“Wait— Kalitashi-san!” Nishira quickly got up to follow Hajite but lost sight of him. “What a rude guy. I wasn’t able to get to know him better.” Nishira returned to the table and stared at the plate Hajite left behind. “He was the only one.” Nishira sighed.

Hajite returned to his apartment and saw Jose waiting at the door.

“Good morning Hajite!” Jose greeted.

“Oh, hello. I have the loops you wanted.” Hajite replied

“That’s good,” Jose walked up to Hajite, “but I have something to talk to you about.”

“Don’t tell me it’s the same thing as last week,” Hajite’s eyes drooped, “I won’t lend an ear.”

“It is, but this will be the last of it,” Jose assured

“Sure, sure it is,” Hajite replied in disbelief.

Hajite opened the door and lead Jose to the dining table.

“Have a seat,” Hajite motioned, “do you want anything to drink or eat?” asked Hajite.

“3-in-1 coffee, black, if you please,” requested Jose.

“Right away.” Hajite headed to his kitchen and prepared the coffee. Hajite returned with two cups of coffee, one black coffee, and one cappuccino.

“This will be the last time, I promise,” Jose sighed, “but Hajite, you shouldn’t waste such opportunity,” Jose looked pleadingly into Hajite’s face, “and right now the conditions would be more than

perfect for you to enroll. I guarantee it. The school I chose is good.” Jose ended as he drank his coffee.

Hajite glanced at Jose but remained aloof.

“Hajite,” Jose leaned toward Hajite, “I am here if you are still scared of enrolling, and you need to graduate so that you would even have a higher chance to have any job you ever wanted. I will support you all the way through, I promise. If that still doesn’t get you, I will eve—”

Hajite looked at Jose. “That’s enough,” he sighed, “I am thinking— considering it.”

Jose looked in shock. “What!? You finally are convinced?”

“No.” Hajite shook his head.

“Do you want me to sell it to you?” Jose leaned further toward Hajite.

Hajite pushed Hajite away from him. “No need for that,” Hajite held his temples, “but how will I able to enroll in the middle of school?”

Jose waved his hand in confidence and grinned. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. But I only need your documents.”

“I don’t have those,” Jose’s face turned grim, “I’ll have them from my parents.”

“Eh? You plan to enroll now?” Jose’s eyes widen.

“Yes,” Hajite answered enthusiastically.

“Wait,” Jose waved his hands frantically, “what caused you such a quick decision? You said you are considering?”

“I considered it.” Hajite sipped his coffee.

“Considered what?” Jose asked as his confusion increased

“Considered my reasons for enrolling.” Hajite took another sip.

Jose was starting to get irked. “Would you stop being so vague?”

“Well, the important thing is now I’m attending school and I will enroll right away, was it not?” Hajite placed down his cup.

Jose sighed and gave up. “Fine, I won’t press the vagueness,” Jose then placed both of his hands on Hajite, “I’m proud of you friend.”

Hajite flinched backward. “I’m proud of me too.”

Moments later…

“I’ll be going now!” Jose waved his hand.

“Take care!” Hajite waved a peace sign.

Hajite closed the door and went to his computer.

“This school seems good,” said he as he navigated the mouse to press send on the computer screen, “Now onto the hard part.” Hajite pulled out his phone and tapped an entry in a contact list named, “Hajite, Tojo,” and the call button. The ringing lasted for a few seconds and someone answered.

“Hello?”

“Hello, it’s Hajite speaking.”

“Hajite! How are you?” the voice on the other end of the line answered with surprise and excitement, “It’s been a long time since we talked!”

“I’m fine. I called to ask a favor of you.”

“What is it, Hajite?”

“I would like to have you send me the necessary documents that I would need for the job application,” Hajite asked rather in a disrespectful tone.

“Oh! When will we meet?” the voice asked seemingly without notice to the Hajite’s tone.

“Right now.” Hajite impatiently answered.

“And where will it be?” inquired the voice.

“I’ll come over,” Hajite answered without hesitation.

The voice gasped. “Really? That would be nice to have you here! Do you want any lunch prepared? We will—”

“Thank you, but I don’t need any lunch. I need this as soon as possible.” Hajite quickly interrupted.

The other end of the line fell silent.

The voice audibly sighed in defeat. “But be sure to talk to us sometime… I and your mom missed you since you have left.” The voice cracked.

“I’ll be sure to find time for you.” Hajite lip serviced.

“Really? really? We will be looking forward to it!” the voice took Hajite’s statement to heart.

“Alright, I will be coming over now.” Hajite impatiently reminded.

“Okay! See you later!” the voice ended with happiness.

Hajite promptly ended the call and left his apartment to hail a taxi. Moments later, he arrived at a manor’s gate with the taxi parked outside of it.

Hajite spoke through an intercom. “Hello, this is Hajite.”

“Please wait a moment sir.” a woman’s voice answered.

The gate opened by itself and Hajite casually walked toward the manor’s door. The door opened, and a maid greeted Hajite

“Welcome back sir,” the maid gracefully bowed.

“Where is he?” Hajite blurted out.

“He will be here in just a moment,” the maid motioned Hajite to a sofa, “please have a seat over here.”

Hajite sat on a cozy sofa, and leg tapped the moments spent. Finally, a figure came down from the stairs.

“Hajite!” A respectable old man with his hands raised in elation swiftly walked toward Hajite, “have you been waiting for a while?” Hajite’s dad spoke enthusiastically.

“Yes. Now if you would kindly please.” Hajite impatiently reminded.

“Ah. Yes, of course,” Hajite’s dad slowly handed a brown envelope to Hajite, “Here it is.”

“Thank you very much,” Hajite made his way for the door, “I shall be taking my leave now.”

Hajite’s dad stood up to catch Hajite. “Wait, would you care for a drink?”

“Thanks for the offer, but I need to go now.” The maid promptly opened the door as Hajite stepped outside.

Hajite’s dad raised his hand toward and bowed toward Hajite. “Please do come to visit us sometime!”

“Sure, some time.” Hajite left the manor and took a deep breath as if he were suffocated. “Now the hard part is over,” Hajite took out his phone and proceeded to call Jose, “It’s all downhill from here!” Hajite sighed and looks at his watch which read “9:08 AM.” Then he made his way to the waiting taxi.

In a room, the sound of the rumble of the bass trumpet, followed by the piano’s mellow sound and the violin’s bright tone is resonated as if in an empty room.

Hajite briskly stood up and disabled the clock and sighed, “Here we go,” Hajite paused and looked around his room, “Today is different, I remember.”

Yesterday, Hajite passed the entrance exam and enrolled in a school named RonriYakkii High. The class he attended has started its second semester. Hajite has prepared for the necessities but does not have his official ID yet, but he is told he will receive them today, which is Monday.

“Why am I going back to hell again?” Hajite facepalmed, “It’s to change.” He began his modified daily routine.

“School starts at 8:00,” Hajite glanced at his watch which read “6:07 AM,” “Time to eat.”

Hajite went to the fast-food restaurant he ate in yesterday and ordered two of the same meals. “This one is for lunch, and I’ll eat this now.” Hajite glanced up from his purchase and saw the girl from yesterday wearing a school uniform. Nishira noticed Hajite staring at her and waved her hand to him. “Kalitashi-san!” She quickly goes past the line of customers to where Hajite was, “Good morning!”

Hajite froze in place while he continued staring.

Nishira concernedly scanned Hajite’s face.“A—anything wrong? Y—you are kind of red.”

With his fading blush, Hajite then turned to seat at the same table as yesterday. “Good morning, erm— Miyaki-san?” Hajite looked down at his food.

Nishira sat down in front of him and started eating her breakfast. Hajite did the same.

Nishira took notice of Hajite’s uniform and asked, “I see that you are going to the same school as I am. Did you transfer?”

Hajite quickly looked up and stared shockingly at Nishira, “W-w-w-w-what?” Hajite’s eyes darted about he inspected Nishira’s uniform.

“I’m glad we will be together!” Nishira shook her hands in excitement, “Would you like me to tour you after breakfast?”

Hajite cleared his throat and composed himself before he gobbled his breakfast.

Nishira stared at Hajite as he ate hurriedly. “Kalitashi…san, are you alright?”

“Yea, yea, I’m fine,” Hajite finished his meal in record time and cleaned his part of the table, and remained seated to wait for Nishira.

After Nishira finished her meal, they both left the fast-food restaurant.

Nishira bobbed her head to Hajite “So, what class will you be in?”

Hajite placed his finger on his chin and recalled. “I think it’s 3-A.”

Nishira gasped “Really?” Nishira slouched and jumped in excitement, “we are in the same class then!”

“O—oh. I see.” Hajite looked down wide-eyed to his steps.

Nishira tilted her head. “Is it a problem?”

“N—no,” Hajite waved his hand dismissively, “it’s was surprising, that’s all.”

They proceeded to walk beside each other with considerable distance between them as they headed toward the school.

Nishira looked at Hajite. “So, are you a transferee?”

Hajite nodded his head. “I guess.”

“You guess?”

“Well,” Hajite took a deep breath before he continued, “I didn’t have a school for half of the first semester.”

Nishira made a sound of surprise before she asked further, “Wait? What happened?”

Hajite shook his head. “Nothing, I only decided on it.”

“I see,” Nishira extended her arms to her side, “so were you doing before school?”

“I… worked.” Hajite sighed.

Nishira’s eyes go wide in curiosity. “Wow! So what is the taste of adult life?”

Hajite dryly laughed. “Not that bad.”

“You even said it as an adult would,” Nishira remarked.

“Well, I can’t complain about it now,” Hajite placed his hand on his chest, “I decided on it myself.”

“What did your parents think about it?”

Hajite grimaced.

“O—oh, I understand.” Nishira looked down to the sidewalk.

“No, you don’t.” Hajite sighed.

“Huh?”

Hajite looked at Nishira with a forced smile. “I decided on it myself.”

Moments passed, and they arrived at the school’s gate.

A guard stopped Hajite from following Nishira “School ID please.”

Hajite opened his bag and gave a paper meant to be a temporary ID, and the guard allowed him in. Hajite looked at his watch which read “6:38 AM.” Hajite scanned the school grounds and saw a pathway extending from the gate into a school building. This pathway is flanked by grass with benches placed with a pattern. Hajite looked up the school building which was five stories tall with sufficient width space. Hajite looked toward the gate he passed through and took notice of the small details he saw. A metal detector, an ID card swipe system, a guardhouse next to it. “Much more technologically advanced than my school,” Hajite murmured. He slowly approached the school building when a force shoved him aside making him almost fall.

“I am very sorry!” a girl apologizes.

Since Hajite at that moment was attentive to the small details, his eyes scanned the small details of the girl that bumped into him. She was a bit shorter than Nishira, who was almost as tall as him, She had short red hair and yellow eyes, an almost flat chest, and slim legs.

“Something wrong?” the girl asks with an irked expression.

“S-sorry! I didn’t mean it like that!” Hajite fidgeted around and slowly returned to his senses. “I was observing that’s all!”

The girl looked at him wide-eyed in disgust. “You are such a pervert! Guards! Guards! We have a harasser here!” shouted the girl.

“Wait, wait!” Hajite waved his hands frantically in the air.

Nishira’s voice called out. “No, no need for that! He didn’t do any wrong!”

The guards who were alerted to the situation stopped to observe.

“What do you mean? Didn’t you see his face just now?” The girl stated sharply.

Nishira shook her head. “Kalitashi-san isn’t like that!”

“Oh? You know that pervert?” The girl crosses her arms still expressing disgust, and the guards withdrew.

“Uh, well…” blushed Nishira.

Hajite, who now was composed, looked at the red hair intensely. “I wasn’t looking at you that way.”

“Liar!” she yelled back.

Hajite ignored the girl and made his way to the school building.

The girl pointed at Hajite. “Hey! Don’t you dare ignore me when I’m speaking!”

Hajite continued his way without looking back. “There is nothing to talk about.”

The red-haired girl forcibly turned Hajite around. “A-po-lo-gize!!” she shouted.

“I’m sorry.” Hajite coldly replied.

“Look into my eyes and say that again.”

Hajite followed her request. “I’m sorry, miss.” Hajite was irked.

The red-haired staggered backward. “H-h-ow dare you…” she said in a weak voice.

Hajite tilted his head in confusion but lingered no further and made his way to the building.

Nishira stared at the girl in confusion too but was at all the more confused on how detached Hajite acted. Nishira caught up with Hajite and walked beside him.

Hajite looked at Nishira. “Thanks for the save.”

Nishira looked at Hajite and blushed. “I didn’t do much though.”

Nishira toured Hajite around the school building and classrooms.

Hajite counted the signs above the classroom, “5-A, 5-B, 5-C, it’s all the same.”

“Should I now show you the last place?” Nishira asked.

“Yes, please.”

Nishira lead Hajite to the open rooftop of the school building.

“So, this is the last place of this building.” Nishira states.

Hajite looked around and up the sky and admired the clouds while Nishira stares.

“U—u—um…”

Hajite looked at Nishira. “What is it?”

“So, in this place… there is a legend…”

Hajite waited for Nishira to continue.

“…that those people who confess here, stay together… forever…” Nishira blushed, but it quickly faded and she looked down.

Hajite approaches Nishira. “Want to be friends now…”

Nishira stared at Hajite eyes.

Hajite placed his hands on Nishira’s shoulders. “and forever?”

Nishira quickly pushed Hajite away. “W—w—ait a minute… did—d—d—did you say?”

Hajite looked at Nishira with a cold expression.

Nishira blushed. “I—i—t’s too sudden! We haven’t known each other fo—”

“I’m sorry” Hajite produces a smile and stretched his hand out, “Shall we be friends?”

Nishira composed herself quickly. “O—oh, you meant that, of course!” Nishira laughed nervously, “Yes!” Nishira shook Hajite’s outstretched hand. “We are friends!”

Hajite looked at his watch which read “7:01 AM.”

A class bell rang and Hajite entered classroom 2-A and went beside where the teacher was standing.

“Good morning teacher.” Hajite bowed to the teacher.

“Good morning class! This is a new— erm— transferee.” The teacher looked at Hajite and whispered. “Please introduce yourself.”

Hajite scanned at everyone’s faces and looked in their general direction, and he notices two familiar faces. Nishira and the red-haired girl. “Great,” he muttered. He proceeded with his introduction smoothly. “Good morning. I am Hajite Kalitashi.” After that quick introduction, he started going to an empty seat in the leftmost front row.

The teacher looked at Hajite in bewilderment. “Wait a moment Kalitashi-kun, that’s all you had to say?”

Hajite turned around to answer. “Yes, teacher.”

“Very well then.” The teacher concernedly sighed.

The classmates stared at Hajite with mixed reactions while Hajite prepared his seat. After Hajite settled down, he stared at the newly acquired ID he received from the principal earlier than slowly paid attention to the class.

A class bell rang. The students briskly walked to their predetermined destinations, while Hajite stared at them and sighed. “It’s the usual… as usual…” muttered he as he prepared his lunch.

Nishira went beside Hajite’s table. “Kalitashi-san, would you like to have lunch with me?”

“Sure,” Hajite said nonchalantly. “But where?”

“Just follow me.” Nishira half-dragged Hajite’s arm.

Hajite jolted back in reaction but let himself be dragged by Nishira.

They arrived at a solitary table beside the school building and began to unpack their lunch.

“You eat here often?” Hajite asked.

“Yeah…” Nishira said with a nostalgic tone.

“With someone?”

Nishira sighed.

“I’m sorry,” Hajite began to eat, “but did I get into a deep topic there?”

“It’s ok. I will talk about it,” Nishira smiled, “but tell me about yours first.”

“Which?”

“About why you dropped out.”

Hajite sighed and looked up at the sky and back at Nishira, and he retold the story as he did with Jose.

“That… is sad.” Nishira sympathized.

“Not the saddest story though. Now that I think about it to how it is now. It seems pretty shallow and ironic.” Hajite raised his hand to feed himself.

“How?” Nishira’s head tilted.

“I mean, I enrolled after all.” Hajite took a bite.

“But this time, you did it on your own,” Nishira stated with a happy tone.

“Sure, I guess…” Hajite agreed as he took another bite.

A pause was maintained for a moment while they ate their lunch.

“Your turn.” Hajite pointed at Nishira.

“Huh? Oh, that. I guess it’s my turn.” Nishira paused and looked up the sky and back at Hajite.

“Excuse me? Are you making fun of me?” asked Hajite with an irked tone.

“Ah? Did you notice? I didn’t mean to.” Nishira sarcastically giggled.

“Forget it. Just start if you’re ready.”

“Yes,” Nishira clasped her hands, “I’ll start right now.”

I am not from this city, by that I mean, I was born from a different city. But circumstances made us move here four years ago. I was thirteen years old when my parents divorced and my custody went to my dad. Although the court ruling allowed my mother to visit me, my dad never allowed her to spend time or to see me. Because my dad suspected that I am rebelling against him, he would abuse me, nothing too serious, but I would receive a few beatings. Those were the horrible first two years. He would always be drunk when he comes home, shouting and bellowing all abuse and insult he could bestow on anyone. Somedays, he wouldn’t return home for he is in a love hotel. But this never made me hate my dad. All the more I cared for him, hoping to see that someone still values him like me. Fortunately, my dad changed when he set up his new restaurant business, but he still won’t allow me to see my mom. So everything is fine until his restaurant shut down a month ago. We’ve been struggling financially, and I tried to get work, but I couldn’t find one that is decent and I would work consistently in. But I still haven’t given up. I knew, out there, would be the solution to our problems.

A class bell rang. The students made their way to their predetermined destinations. Hajite, on the other hand, finished his homework for tomorrow and has not reacted to the bell.

“Don’t overwork yourself Kalitashi-kun, but I applaud you for your dedication.” The teacher left the classroom.

“Thank you, I will be sure I don’t,” Hajite smiled.

Nishira stood beside Hajite. “Kalitashi-san, classes are over.”

“I know.” Hajite wrote in his notebook.

“Would you like to come to visit my house?”

Hajite looked up at her with wide eyes and his brows furrowed. “Huh?”

Nishira looked and fidgeted around. “W-was it too quick?”

“I—I mean… if it’s ok with you.” Hajite slightly blushed.

“I never had a friend for a while, so I don’t know.”

“Really?” Hajite looked up in guilty realization.

“Yeah,” Nishira sighed, “I don’t know why.”

Hajite mumbled in thought. “I shouldn’t have thought about that.” Hajite shook his head, “I wouldn’t mind going with you to your home if you don’t mind.” Hajite said with guilt.

“I—I don’t mind at all!” Nishira trembled.

“You reacted pretty differently.”

“I—I was just excited,” Nishira placed her hand on her chest, “It’s the first time a boy visits my house.”

“T—that’s not necessarily a good thing,” Hajite quickly packed his things, “Maybe another time.” Hajite sighed.

“Huh? Are you sure?”

“We only met two days ago you know.” Hajite gripped his heart.

“Y—you have a point.” Nishira looked away in disappointment.

Hajite stood and turned to leave. “See you tomorrow.”

“Yes, see you tomorrow Kalitashi-san.” Nishira waved her hand.

Hajite arrived at his apartment where Jose was loitering at the door.

“Sorry, did you wait for too long?” Hajite rushed over to Jose.

Jose waved a hand. “It’s ok. I was not particularly busy this day.”

“Would you like to come in for some coffee?” Hajite took a key out of his pocket.

“No, it’s fine. I only need loops,” Jose produced a yellow envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Hajite, “I came here to give you this.”

Hajite took the envelope and inspected it. “What is this?”

“It’s the withdrawal,” Jose said blankly.

Hajite examined the envelope intently. “This early?” Hajite was confused.

“It’s what I would call an extra.” Jose snapped.

Hajite carefully tore the envelope and pulled out a check. “A check,” Hajite began to read the contents and gasped, “100,000 yen!?”

“As you can see, it’s sponsored. Your channel is beginning to accept sponsorships now.” Jose clapped his hands.

“What!? No way! T—this is amazing!” Hajite carefully placed the check back into the envelope. “I can’t accept this.” Hajite handed the envelope to Jose.

“If you are returning this as a payment, I don’t need a payment.” Jose pushed the Hajite’s hand holding the envelope. “I make more than this anyway.”

“But still. You have helped me since that day and I never repaid you.”

Jose sighed. “You can repay me by continuing your career. For now, it’s the loops.”

“If you say so.” Hajite opened the door to his apartment. “Remember, if you need anything, just call me.”

Jose nodded and waited at the door.

Hajite returned moments later with a USB stick and handed it to Jose.

“Oh, one more thing, Hajite.” Jose took the USB stick into his hands.

“What is it?”

“From now on, you will manage the channel.”

“W—wait you mean?” Hajite’s eyes widen.

“Yes, that means I won’t be managing the channel anymore. I’m sorry.” Jose gave the USB stick to Hajite.

Hajite took the USB stick and sighed, “It’s alright. I will get the hang of it.”

Jose chuckled. “I know you will.” Jose left Hajite with a wave. “See you soon.”

“Take care.” Hajite eyes looked down to the path Jose walked through.

“Good morning Kalitashi-san!” Nishira greeted Hajite as he enters the usual fast-food, “Did you do the homework?”

“Yes, I did,” Hajite ordered his usual meals, “How about you?”

“Well, you see,” Nishira took out a notebook from her bag, “I don’t get this.”

“Show it to me later, will you?” Hajite waved his hand.

After they ate their breakfast, they arrived at the school’s gate.

Hajite brought out his I.D.

“Oh,” Nishira peered into Hajite’s I.D., “you have one now? Will you please show it to me?”

Hajite hesitated “What good will that do?”

“I want to see how you look like.” Nishira looked at Hajite with innocent eyes.

“I’m literally right here,” Hajite swiftly presented the I.D. to the guard, “You can look at me and have a good idea.”

Nishira sighed. “But you rarely ever smile.”

“I don’t?” Hajite murmured and looked at Nishira and shrugged, “Well, I guess that’s good.”

“How? Are you just a lonely person?”

“Sure, I don’t mind.” The guard returned his I.D.

“Just show me the I.D. already,” Nishira snatched the I.D. from Hajite’s hand.

“Hey!” Hajite grabbed Nishira’s shoulder.

Nishira’s eyes looked between the I.D. and Hajite. “So, that’s how you smile?” She said wonderingly.

Hajite smiled while his eyes glared at Nishira, “Give me the I.D., please.

Nishira flinched. “Ehhh? Why does your smile look scary right now!?”

Hajite dryly laughed. “Please.” Hajite stretched his arm.

“H—here you go!” Hajite’s I.D. almost slipped out of Nishira’s hand as Nishira gave the I.D.

Hajite straightened his face as if nothing happened. “So, about that homework…” Hajite quickly looked around his surroundings and noticed a group of girls talking amongst themselves.

“Yes, yes, it was that guy.” A girl pointed at Hajite.

Then another whispered. “That’s to no surprise. He certainly could have done something like that”

A red-haired girl spoke to the crowd, “I tell you, he tried to do something to me.”

“D—d—d—d—d—did h—h—h—e.” A shy blue-haired girl stuttered

“No! Of course not!” the red-haired girl shouted at her, “I defended myself against him!”

Hajite walked toward the classrooms feigning ignorance.

“Hey, something wrong?” Nishira followed Hajite.

“It’s probably a misunderstanding,” Hajite replied dejectedly.

“Huh?”

The bell rang signaling lunchtime, but Hajite took no heed to it. Nishira approached Hajite with her lunch bag on hand.

“Let’s eat together!” Nishira declared enthusiastically.

Hajite remained engrossed in his studies.

Nishira nudged Hajite, “You wouldn’t want me to eat alone would you?”

Hajite packed his things and took his lunch. “That’s an unfair way to put it.” Hajite sighed.

The pair sat at their usual spot at a corner of the school grounds. Nishira grunted as she pointed to a question in her notebook, “Do you get this?”

Hajite glanced at the indicated question as he ate slowly, “No, I don’t.”

“Eh? Well, I guess it can’t be helped,” Nishira glanced at Hajite, “but wouldn’t you try to help?”

“I would only be a burden.” Hajite immediately responded.

“That was quick!” Nishira jolted in surprise.

Hajite chuckled.

Nishira pouted. “You definitely know how to answer this don’t you?”

Hajite shook his head trying to stifle a laugh. “No, I don’t.”

“Then, how did you answer the homework?” Nishira lightly slammed the table.

Hajite extended his arms to the side and shrugged, “I was only putting random answers.”

“Quit dodging my request for help already!” Nishira lightly slammed the table.

A red-haired girl approached the table and asked interruptedly, “Is this guy bothering you?”

Nishira looked up at the questionnaire. “No, of course not!”

The girl pointed to both Nishira and Hajite. “Are you sure? Did he threaten you in any way?”

Hajite, irked by the question, glared at the girl. “We were just eating lunch. How did you come to that question anyway?”

The girl looked at Hajite smugly. “I keep seeing you two together at school. Unless you are her girlfriend, then you threatened her into being with you.”

Hajite with his fists clenched stood in front of the girl, “What are you trying to say?”

“Hmph!” The girl looked away, “Two loners finding friendship, how sad.” She covered her mouth with the tips of her fingers.

Hajite slowly walked menacingly up to the girl, “And what else?”

The girl staggered backward until she pressed up to a wall, “I’m just saying, the worst trash do stay together, especially for you.”

Hajite cornered the girl, “That is a rude statement. You should take that back.”

The girl tilted her head from side to side, “Why would I?” The girl screamed, “Help! Help! This guy is trying to grope me, kya~!”

“Hah!?” Hajite quickly backed off with his hands raised in the air, “That’s false!” He pointed at the girl.

A group of girls surrounded Hajite with their various fighting stances.

“I knew it you were a pervert!”

“Criminal!”

“Drop dead!”

The group of girls simultaneously pointed and accused Hajite of various sentences.

Nishira tried to get through the angry mob but couldn’t, “You are wrong! He didn’t do anything wrong!”

The group of girls looked at Nishira with condescending pity.

“You don’t have to cover him!”

“Did he do something to you?”

“Did he threaten you?”

The accusers raised their voices until the guards dispersed them, and a woman figure appeared. “You two! Kiena Fujima, Hajite Kalitashi, my office, now!”

“Ah, crap.” Hajite gritted his teeth.

“It was his fault!” The girl pointed at Hajite.

“Are you actually keeping that up!?” Hajite shouted at the girl.

The principal separates them. “That’s enough! You two!”

The three sat in silence inside the principal’s office.

“What was that all about?” A woman in a blazer asked with an authoritative tone.

“It was his fault!” The girl pointed at Hajite, “he tried to make a move on me, and so I simply asked for help.”

The principal looked at Hajite, “Is this true?”

“No,” Hajite answered with confidence.

“He is lying!” The girl struggled, “He tried pinning me on a wall and lifting my skirt!”

The principal looked sharply at Hajite, but Hajite didn’t react nor respond. “It seems to me that you are lying, Fujima-kun.”

The girl’s eyes went wide. “What? But I’m the victim here!” She pointed at herself

“Don’t lie, I saw the whole thing anyway,” the principal dismissively waved her hand, and the girl, Fujima, fell silent. “Why did you make such a story, Fujima-kun?” asked the principal. The room stayed silent for a few moments, and the principal turned to Hajite. “Kalitashi-kun, I understand the cause of your anger, but why did you go to this extent?”

“I’m sorry for that,” Hajite slightly bowed, “I couldn’t control myself.”

“Very well,” the principal nodded, “but why are you not defending yourself?”

Before Hajite could speak, Fujima spoke up, “K—kalitashi-kun, I’m sorry for tricking you.” Fujiima bowed to Hajite.

Hajite looked at her in surprise. “O—okay. It’s fine.” He waved his hand up and down.

“Very well, but I won’t let this slide. Both of you shall clean the hallways on this floor after class. Understood?” The principal looked at both of them.

“Yes,” answered Fujima.

“Will do.” followed Hajite.

Hajite checked his watch which read 4:47 P.M.

“I think this is enough.” Hajite declared.

“Looks clean over here,” Fujima reported.

Hajite and Fujima returned the brooms and the dustpans to the cleaning room and prepared to leave.

“I’m sorry for the trouble I caused you,” apologized Fujima.

“It’s fine. I had my fair share of faults too,” Hajite sighed, “please don’t do anything like this again.”

“Yes, I won’t.”

As Hajite walked out of the building, Fujima called to him, “Kalitashi-kun.”

Hajite turns to face Fujima, “What is it?”

“S—say, would you like me to treat you to dinner?” offered Fujima.

Hajite’s eyes went wide in shock. “Eh?”

“B—but I am not doing this for you.” Fujima waved her hands frantically.

“Sure, sure,” Hajite spoke in disbelief.

“I—I am really not! Don’t get yourself any weird thoughts you per—” Fujima stopped herself, “I—I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.”

“It’s fine,” Hajite sighed, “I’ll be going now then. See you tomorrow.”

Fujima held out her hand to Hajite, “Wait, how about the dinner?”

“I decline,” Hajite said dismissively as he walked away.

“You would decline an offer given to you by a girl?” Fujima shouted, but Hajite continued as if he heard nothing.

“This sure is a day,” murmured Hajite.