My feet stopped when I saw something which took my curiosity.
A small, two floors restaurant which just recently opened.
I took a small step after, positioning myself in front of the building to get a clear look of the name written on the sign.
Félicité.
A word which translates as happiness.
Known as a family restaurant, the foods served there were delicious and had many variety, with satisfactory prices.
The restaurant was built ten years ago, the same time when I was with him.
Yes, he and his uncle built Félicité in a town I met them.
Back then, it was a small restaurant. Only he and his uncle were the employees of their own restaurant, with me helping around.
As far I could remember, the restaurant's design theme was quite the same like back then. The walls were colored yellow bright, the tiles were like chessboard, and there was no smoking area, because they wouldn't allow people to smoke while they're inside.
Looking at it, time sure flew by. The restaurant sure had grown. Perhaps the business was going well that there's a branch here, maybe in other cities as well.
'I wonder if they're here...'
It wasn't a surprise if they wouldn't. This branch might be led by another person who were given the task by them.
But a part of mine hoping it's them. Because...I wanted to see them again.
"Umm..."
A man let out a nervous tone as he called out to me. When I turned my attention to him, he had tilted his head in confusion.
He was a rather tall guy in his white uniform. His age was probably around like me, and based on his uniform, I could tell he was a chef or some sort. I noticed he was dragging his bike, referring he arrived when I was thinking to myself.
"Is there anything I can help you, miss?"
I scratched my head and answered, "I uh...I was just thinking that I've seen this restaurant before..."
I looked over my shoulder, hiding my embarrassment due the fact I was staring at the restaurant for a while in silence.
"Ah, is that so..."
As soon as he said that words, I glanced back at him. When he had put his bike to the wall, he expressed a gentle smile.
"This restaurant, Félicité, was opened roughly ten years ago in another country. After its success, the owner began to spread the business to the world, eventually in this city. However, this restaurant just opened a few days ago, probably you've seen Félicité when you were in another city."
"Oh...That explains it..." I replied as I gave a small laugh.
To be honest I was kind of surprised he knew when the first time the restaurant began its business. That moment, I had a feeling he's an employee of the restaurant.
"Speaking of which, if you want to enter the restaurant, I'm sorry, we're currently closed because it's not opening hours. We're open starting at 10 AM."
'As I thought...'
"Although I heard from our owner we'll be getting more people to handle morning shift, so probably we'll open 24/7."
I saw a chance to ask who's in charge in this branch.
Instead of getting an answer, he asked me, "Why do you want to know?"
Unfortunately, I didn't know how to respond. It wasn't because I didn't want to be honest, but telling him the truth didn't give any benefit to both us either. In fact, asking that question itself was more than obvious for him to think that I was suspicious.
Gladly, he didn't really think of me that way. His respond was more than I had expected and more prepared than I was.
"I see, I know you have a good reason for not telling me."
I vaguely saw his smile as he about to answer my question.
"Well, the current person in charge is—"
Before he could finish, we got interrupted by someone.
"Hey Sho, are you flirting with a girl?"
A girl appeared suddenly from behind him, calling out the man's name with rather mocking expression. She wore the exact same uniform as the man's, giving a vibe of tomboyish personality, and both of them had the same hair color, which was light brown, compared to mine which was dark brown.
I remained silent, keeping my calm demeanor while they were debating to each other.
"Of course not, Sayaka," the man, Sho, spoke with a sigh. "I was explaining to her about the restaurant, that's all."
"Hoo..." the girl named Sayaka mumbled while walking to me. "He didn't do anything weird to you, did he?"
"H-he didn't!" I replied, shaking my hands in front of her.
Somehow she looked convinced that her reaction was, "Good," with a wide smile.
"Sayaka, don't be rude in front of her. She could be our customer in near time."
"Ah, I see. You should've not done what you did later, Sho."
"What do you mean?"
"Unintentionally flirting with her."
"Sayaka, please..."
Sayaka only laughed while Sho put his palm to his head, sighing deeply as he could.
I could only stay silent, witnessing a delightful atmosphere in front of me.
'Happiness, huh...'
Looking at them, it made me remember the times I spent with him. We would tease each other, argue with each other, even for a small matter. But none of us would get mad, because...we didn't really mean it. And we would stay to each other, as we promised to each other.
It was such wonderful memories.
Then again, I broke our promise. Thinking it back, he'd probably get mad at me for doing it. I did it for one sole purpose:
To protect him. I know I could've just said it, but I didn't want him to know.
'No matter how painful it is, I will have to endure it...For his sake...'
"Miss?"
When I heard one of them called, I looked at them immediately. Surprisingly enough, just from how they looked at me, I knew what kind of expression I showed.
Then again, I couldn't help myself. If only I didn't think of that memories, perhaps I wouldn't looked so sad.
All I could do was shaking my head and forced a smile.
"Nothing."
A bitter smile, as I clenched my fist.
Both of them must've realized it, judging from their looks. Even still, I felt ashamed to show such look to two strangers in front of me.
If I had to describe myself in that situation with one word, that would be pathetic.
"Miss...?"
Calling me once more, with worried tone, I looked at them as I showed a fake, bright smile.
"A-anyway, I should leave now. I'll be sure to come back here when I have the time."
As I finished my words, I bowed and left in a hurry. I could feel things becoming more than awkward for us, and I felt bad for it. Even so, I was heading to where I had to go while hoping the dark atmosphere becoming lighter for both of them.
I had a feeling they would understand if I explained my circumstances to them, but I didn't have the courage, nor the time. The only thing I could do was to leave it as it is, no matter how unpleasant it was.
Fortunately, things were in my favor when I've had arrived in front the station. The train hadn't arrived, giving me a chance for a breather to calm myself.
"Made it..."
I didn't know why, but I felt tired in a sudden. Not physically, but mentally. It wasn't the first time I felt it, and I knew it was because there were too much thoughts that were flying in my head.
I let out a heavy sigh. With my current expression, I knew some people would notice there was something wrong with me.
'But...'
When I think it again, that Sho person didn't tell me what I wanted to know. He was about to say it, before that Sayaka girl came in. It frustrated me since I didn't get the answer I needed. Instead, I got nothing but reminiscence of my own past.
Thanks to all that, I felt thirsty in a sudden. I could get a drink, but---
"..."
I felt someone stood a little bit behind me. When I looked back, I was surprised to find him in this station.
Ren Kazuma. A man with orange short straight messy hair, wearing long sleeved white T-shirt covered with short sleeved grey shirt, black pants and sneakers, he stared at me with his cheerful smile.
"Ren!"
"Morning, Suzuka," he greeted as he handed me a bottle of water. "You look tired. Is it because you were running to get here?"
I realized beforehand it was obvious people would notice it, but for him to say so plainly, I couldn't help but to get embarrassed.
Averting my gaze away, unwillingly accepting the water he gave me I mumbled, "Mhm...Thank you..."
Even when we had known each other for quite some time, I was too embarrassed to look at him because of his on point comment that all I could do was to drink the water in silence. Although, I I caught a glimpse of him smiling so carefree at me when I drink the water he gave me.
I stopped, staring at him and asked, "W-what?"
He shook his head, still showing the same smile. "Nothing."
Hearing his respond, I could only pout. My reaction seemed only gave him more dirt to toy around with me.
"Anyway, let's go. The train is about to—"
Before he could finish, we heard an announcement from the inside.
"Attention all passengers. The train will arrive in a few seconds. All passengers, please step back from the yellow line until the train has come to a stop at the platform."
I blinked a few times, baffled at this seemingly fortunate situation for both of us. When we looked at each other, he exhaled his breath while rubbing the back of his head.
"Well, you heard it. Let's go."
Given the circumstances, we had to hurry to enter the train or else we would get late to attend the opening ceremony. I reached that conclusion as soon as I heard that announcement. Without waiting any longer, we entered the station, slowly walking to the train while drinking the last bit of water I had left before throwing it to the trash bin.
"You really are thirsty," Ren suddenly commented.
"W-well...I thought I'd be late so I had to run to get here. Didn't expect I'd get so thirsty, though."
"Is that so..."
As we entered the train, more and more people came inside. But we didn't feel disturbed, because Ren led me to another car that only had a few people in it, which, in my opinion, a good spot to relax.
I stood and leaned back against a support pole, while he did the same thing in front of me. With a sigh I shut my eyes for a moment, considering to get a rest, but I opened it again when he struck a conversation.
"Have you given your report to Ayumi?"
"Yeah."
"So?"
"Well...She mostly had known everything, so my report is basically...not really useful."
"Not really. Even when she already knows, you still have to report it to make sure the information she got is true."
"Maybe..."
"We've been doing it for more than a year, Suzuka. I thought you're used to it."
"It's just that...I feel it's pointless to make a report when she already knows," I sighed.
"That's just how we do our job, Suzuka," he sighed back. "Anyway, did she say anything?"
"Anything?" I folded my arms. "Now that you mentioned it...I think she said there'll be punishment for you and Hikaru."
Certainly, a punishment from her was more than anything we've dealt with. I couldn't remember anything regarding the last time I experienced her punishment, but I could say for sure, I was too scared to even remember it, neither to experience it again. Just thinking it made me feel a shiver run down from my spine.
Even without remembering what her punishment was, the only way we could do was to avoid it to happen.
But then, with a chuckle, he replied, "Well, I expected that would happen."
As he showed a smile, I titled my head. Given the situation, I thought he would get scared, knowing how dangerous her punishment was. But...he didn't. Not in the slightest I saw any fear in his eyes. It felt like he had prepared for it from the moment he decided not to help that Wanderer.
An announcement was made, taking our attention.
"Attention all passengers. The train is about to leave the station. Please stand clear of the closing doors."
The moment the slide doors were closed, the train immediately departed.
I struck another conversation.
"You seem...I don't know, very relaxed, even though you and Hikaru will get a punishment from her."
While we were in the topic, I just realized Hikaru wasn't with him. Usually she would be with him every time, not to mention it was the first day to attend in the academy. Knowing it would be out of the topic, I asked him nonetheless.
"By the way, where is she? I thought you were with her this morning."
"She probably already waiting for us in front of the academy."
"Probably?"
"I kind of woke up late this morning, so I had no chance to contact her."
"Oh yeah?"
"You told us to meet up there in the morning last night, didn't you?" he asked back, receiving a nod from me as an answer. "So she will wait for us there. If she's not there, then we wait for her there. Am I right?"
In all honesty, he was right. At the very least, he didn't sound he was lying to me.
He spent a few moments staring at the blue sea in silence, then continued.
"She will punish us because we didn't help that Wanderer, am I right?"
So he already knew. But, if he knew what would happen, why didn't he help that person?
As if he could read my mind, he said, "I'm aware she'd punish us, because she knew if something bad would happen to that man, you would be in danger. She just wanted us to be there to protect you when you lost your consciousness."
True, no matter how I looked at it, she was worried. Not just worried at me, but to that man as well, knowing he was a Wanderer. For her to punish Ren and Hikaru, it was a valid reason. Then again, my question remained unanswered. For a moment, a thought crossed my mind regarding what he told me and Hikaru the other day.
I can tell he's not a Guilder.
How he could tell that? Was it because he didn't wear a Guild-Arm? Yet he was hesitating to tell us the truth. Even Hikaru was sure he knew that person.
I began to feel suspicious at him, but at the same time, intrigued. Hiding such secret from fellow guild mate, let alone a close friend, did sound fishy. He probably had his own reason for doing it, but I wouldn't let him hide it from me.
"Ren---"
"I know."
I was surprised when he suddenly spoke and cut off what I was about to say.
"There's a reason why I didn't help him."
As I thought he was hiding something. I looked at him seriously in silence, carefully listening to whatever he would say.
"I somewhat know that man, but I can't tell if it's really him."
"What do you mean?"
"He was using the same fighting stance as someone I know, a stance that only he can use it."
'Fighting stance only that person can use it?'
"The Dragon's Pride."
The moment I heard he said it, I felt like my heart just jumped up to my throat, muttering the exact same words as my hands shaking and my eyes widened.
"Dragon's...Pride?"
He gave a nod. "That person used it to fight the monsters. I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but when he destroyed Razor's shield with his bare hand, I was convinced it was him. Then again, I met him two years ago. Perhaps someone has the same strength as him by now, but to be honest, I don't think any people would be able to."
I couldn't reply. My whole just wouldn't move. I was too caught up by the name of the stance he just told.
"I forgot to ask his name, but...it's definitely—"
"Minato."
I suddenly muttered that name in panic, unintentionally putting him into silence with his gaze displayed complete disbelief.
Both of us fell silent amidst of the quiet train. I could tell he was speechless. I lowered my head, silently clenching my fist as hard as I could. A few moments had passed, I tried to raise my head.
He still staring at me.
"Hey."
He began another conversation in a sudden.
"W-what?"
"You said Minato, do you know him then?"
"W-well..."
Amongst thousands of people who lived in this world, it might be just coincidence for us to know a person who had Minato as their name. But based on what he said earlier, it was just...unbelievable.
To think it was the same person...I just couldn't believe it.
But I didn't say his last name, and Ren didn't say it either. It could be another Minato. I convinced myself that way.
But he continued to speak, filling the last piece of puzzle which made me more in shock.
"Just to be clear, it's Minato Kashiwazaki. If you know him, then—"
I pointed my palm in front of him, halting him to speak any longer.
As much as I don't want to admit it, Ren also knew Minato. I suspected they knew each other sometime after I left Minato. Sadly, after I tried to think it through, if it was the same Minato we talked about, why didn't he stay and talk to him? I knew I was unconscious, but he could wait with Ren until I woke up. But he didn't.
It became more suspicious than it would, but at the same time it was confusing.
I stared at Ren's eyes for a few moment. He showed a questioned look as I began to confirm my suspiciousness.
"Yes, I know him," I answered his question with confidence. "When did you meet him, Ren?"
He silently put his hand to his chin while answering my question, "A few years ago. Why?"
"Do you really think it was him?"
"Of course. There's no mistaking it."
He wasn't blinking. His eyes filled with conviction.
Then why? If they both had known each other, why didn't both of them recognize each other? But...if they did, Hikaru wouldn't ask if he had known Minato.
Then why?
I kept asking the same question over and over to myself. Ren eventually understand I was confused at this whole situation.
"Look, I don't know why he didn't recognize us yesterday. But I know for sure, we will meet him again soon."
Once again, there was no hesitation from his eyes.
"How come you be so sure?" I asked in concern. "There's no guarantee whether—"
"We will. Trust me," he told me with bright smile.
"Ren..."
In response to his words, I showed a smile that could put both of us in ease.
It was the only thing I could do, in hoping to be able to meet him and talk to him. I could tell Ren felt the same, since we both wanted the same thing.
As he pointed his finger to an island, Ren spoke, "Changing the topic, look. We're there."
I turned my gaze to the island, which inhabit the academy known as Seven Stars.
That's right, a place where we would attend a high school life for people like us.
Guilders.
As I've had heard from other Guilders, the island was big, indeed. It probably could take around an hour or so to walk from an end to an end in that island.
"Man, it's big..."
"Yeah..."
"Oh yeah, have you checked what class you're in, Suzuka?"
"No, I haven't."
"You should check it now before we arrived. Turn on your Guild-Arm."
I did as he told me to. He even guided me on how to do it. It was only then I realized there was one new feature added in to my Guild-Arm.
Students ID.
It functioned the same as how student card works, but as it was an e-card, the teachers could just check it out from their own Guild-Arm regarding our ID.
Really convenient, if I so myself.
And I went into class 1-A, based on what was written in my ID.
"Oh nice! We're in the same class!" he said cheerfully when I mentioned my class.
"Really?"
"Not just us, Hikaru as well."
"Glad to hear that!"
Our conversation came to an end when we heard an announcement.
"Attention all passengers. The train will arrive in a few seconds. All passengers, please step back from the yellow line until the train has come to a stop at the platform."
We looked at each other for a moment and smiled.
"Well, our days as high school student is about to begin," he said with a shrug.
"Yeah..."
"Alright, listen. Let's keep about this a secret from the others, not even Hikaru. It'll make a fuzz if they know."
Considering the situation, he was right. It would be better for us to not tell them about it.
"Got it."
Once again, he changed the conversation topic.
"By the way, about the punishment Ayumi will give..."
I tilted my head.
"I will tell her to not give the punishment to Hikaru. She's not involved from the start, after all."
"Yeah, you better. She will get furious at you anyway."
Rubbing the back of his head he gave a small laugh. "I know. But don't you get some sort of punishment as well?"
"I do. But just concern your own punishment, Ren. I doubt you can find your way out of it."
"I just have to get ready, then."
The moment the train stopped fully, we left and head to the academy. Keeping in mind we got a little time left before the opening ceremony, we walked in hurry.
"Suzuka! Ren!"
I heard a familiar voice calling our name. When we looked at the source of the voice, it was Hikaru.
Her appearance was quite appealing for a girl like her. Having short, yellow hair fits her perfectly. With her white shirt was unbuttoned, revealing her orange strapless bra top underneath and of course, her belly button, with denim short shorts, black armored boots and fingerless gloves, I could say she was attractive.
Well, if anyone would say her overall appearance, probably tomboyish was more appropriate for her.
"You're late! Both of you!"
Judging from her complain, what Ren said was right. She already waiting for us.
"Sorry, I had to report to Ayumi before getting here."
I responded as honest as I could, even when she kept glaring at me after I told her my excuse.
Somewhat satisfied with me, she glared at Ren next.
"What about you?"
"Just woke up late, that's all."
It didn't seem surprising for me when he handle his excuse with plain and innocent look. I mean, he already did it a couple of times already, and since then, everyone in our guild had known his "carefree" attitude whenever he was in pinch or something.
"It annoys me somehow when you say it with that face," Hikaru pouted. "You could at least tell me, you know?"
"Sorry, sorry. I was in a hurry, so I couldn't contact you."
"..."
It felt like she didn't want to argue further with him that she only sighed as a respond.
"By the way, did you know?"
"Know what?" I asked.
"We're in the same class! You know, I was worried if we weren't!"
I could only give a small laugh as I replied, "I-is that so..."
"She just know it when we were in the train," Ren commented with a sigh.
"There's something else, actually."
Her tone suddenly became serious as she looked at us with her fierce gaze.
"Remember the person we met last night, Ren?"
Just from hearing it, I gulped in nervousness. I noticed Ren's reaction was pretty much predictable I could tell he got startled a bit when he heard it.
"W-what about him?"
For some reason the tension around us became darker. Even though only three of us felt it, I couldn't help but to feel uneasy for people around us.
What's worse, she even paused for a few seconds, with a purpose to tell she was dead serious on what she wanted to tell us.
When she felt it was enough, she began to tell us...
A piece of information both of us didn't totally expect.
"He's here. In this academy."
We stood frozen, dumbstruck, taking into mind slowly with our eyes wide opened.
Eventually a word let out from my mouth while twirling with all kinds of emotions.
"What...?"