Haruki Tachibana had been in the countryside for exactly twelve hours and forty-two minutes
In that time he'd:
● stepped into three puddles
●been chased by a cow
● gotten hit by a soccer ball
● and most recently , been offered a sugarcane juice by a stranger who called him "city boy" like it was a speceis
He sat at the edge of the stone bench outside his hostel, polishing his shoes with his handkerchief like they were antique relics that might disintegrate if exposed to dust for too long time.
From across a small distance , he heard a too-familiar voice rang out .
"Well , if it isn't my favorite victim "
Haruki looked up again . There he was again - Daiki Tanabe , the human soccer ball launcher. Messy hair , hoodie hanging off one shoulder , and a loop sided grin that practically screamed "trouble"
"You again " , Haruki muttered , not sure whether to sigh or glare .
"Yep , I haunt the neighbouring campuses and grumpy new kids " Daiki said , flopping onto to the side of the bench like they were lifelong friends , " Oh-you're pen . You dropped it yesterday "
He held it like a prized catch.
Haruki blinked , " I didn't even notice "
"Well you're welcome then . That'll be one thanks for two answer"
"I didn't agree to any trade "
"To bad . This town runs favor and vending machine loyalty cards. "
Haruki fought for the twitch of his smile. He didn't wand to encourage .....this windstorm person .
"So" Daiki said leaning I with mock seriousness," First question: why do walk like the sideways are made of lava ?"
Haruki glanced down at the muddy path and said " Because they might be . These are limited edition . "
Daiki stared at Haruki's shoes and then at his own muddy sneakers
" Ooo, City boy trauma . " he said while nodding , " we don't treat that here, but I can offer a can of hot coffee and a ride on by bike . "
" I'm not thirsty . "
"You'll be . Come -on class in ten . I'll show you the easy way "
At first Haruki hesitated, but then went with the flow .
" If I step in anything questionable-"
"There will be puddles . " Daiki said with a wink "But I'll make sure you don't drown in them , Mr Suede "
And against his better judgement , Haruki followed
Later ,in the class
The classroom smelled faintly of chalks, old books, and nearby rice field . Haruki took the seat by the window - his usually for quiet and escape .
Daiki, naturally, dropped into the saet beside his desk.
"I thought this shortcut led us to class not to you "
"Fate is a busy body " Daiki whispered , flipping open his notebook already scribbling chaotic doodles and half-finished Kanji.
Haruki tried time ignore him . But he help noticing the pencil tucked behind his ear , the ink know fingers , and how - despite the vibe - he was actually paying attention to the lecture .
As the professor droned about the Educational reforms in rural post - war Japan , Haruki absent mindedly traced lines along with his notebook margins . A gentle breeze drifted Through the open window , carrying the scent of pine and rain.
Daiki leaned over and scribbled something on the corner of Haruki's notebook .
He looked down . It read:
" You are not as scary as you act ."
He turned to Daiki , who tried his best to look innocent ,
" I hate you " , Haruki whispered.
"You're welcome ", Daiki whispered back .