It was a fine day on a beautiful Saturday morning back in 2017. Students of XXX University were gathering around the grounds to see their University's annual Archery competition. Eli who happened to be in Japan at the time was on her way back from a restaurant when her ears picked up the sound of cheering. Despite not doing well with crowds, she followed the sound. It was as if some unknown force was leading her way.
She peeks in and her eyes anchor onto the figure of a straight-haired brunette of medium stature doing archery. Her glossy black hair reached her waist. The grace with which she shot the arrows, the ease with which she was hitting all the targets, one of them being her heart. The cool aura she gives off, it was as if Eli saw an angel. This was when she concluded that she wanted to be friends with this girl. She waited by the university gate until this girl showed up. All the time she kept thinking of ways to approach her.
"I will make this swift. Call her and introduce myself, then wait till she does. Wait... What if she thinks I am creepy for appearing out of nowhere? Noooooo!! We are both girls! So, she won't think like that... I guess. Aaah! This is making me anxious."
After all the planning, the girl appears, making her way out of the gate and walks in front of Eli. It was at this moment that Eli forgot everything she was going to say. Her mind went blank as the girl who she saw as an angel walked past her. The opportunity she had was slipping out of her hands. She mustered up some courage and called her. "Excuse me". As the girl turns around, Eli became a nervous wreck unable to form words together, her heartbeat off the charts. "Yes?" The girl replied. Time was short, Eli decided to say whatever that came to her mind. Not once had she made eye contact with her.
"When I saw your archery it was as if your arrow pierced through my heart." Realizing what she just said, Eli completely turned tomato red and sat down with her head in her arms resting on her knees.
Yumi stood, staring at this unusual phenomenon unfolding before her eyes. This girl had her eyes closed and head lowered. Her hands were held together and Yumi noticed the ruby ring on her left index finger.
"What did I just say? She is definitely going to think of me as a creep. I won't be surprised if she calls the cops. *sob*"
She hears laughter and looks up to see the girl bursting into tears laughing.
"You are a funny person. What is your name?. I am Taniguchi Yumiko, nice to meet you."
Completely in a shock somehow Eli calms down and finds the composure to introduce herself.
"I am Kohiruimaki Eliina, nice to meet you too. I am very sorry about what just happened."
"No, don't worry, it is completely fine. I was having a pretty dull day until you showed up."
Eli's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the beaming smile of the girl in front of her.
"Thank you. I saw you in the archery competition and somehow I felt as if I needed to be your friend. I don't know what came over me. I am definitely not a creepy person. I don't do well socially and I don't know how to interact with people, especially people who are as beautiful as you."
Without her realization, Eli again said something embarrassing which made her flustered.
"Thank you, you sure do talk a lot for someone shy", Yumiko said while giggling. "Let's hang out if you are free that is."
"Really? Yes, yes I am free. She had a wide smile on her face as she said this.
"YES!! I am not sure how that worked but it did. I wonder why I am getting so excited over this."
Time is weird, isn't it? It seems to go slow when we want it to go fast and seems to hasten up when we want it to go slow. When we are doing things we enjoy, activities that are fun or spending quality time with people we like, time always goes by fast. Eli was thinking of this as she made her way home after what she thought was a fruitful day. For someone who is shy and antisocial, Eli found odd amenity being beside Yumiko. Having received Yumiko's number was a bonus to a day where they spent most of the time together. It was the same for Yumiko who was also making her way home. It was rare for her to spend time with anyone as she didn't have friends to hang out with. She often skips out on invites by her family and prefers to stay at home. It was as if they clicked together instantly for today to occur as it did.
Weeks pass by, both of them find themselves spending most of their time with each other. Within this time period, they had become really close, calling each other best friends. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. It was time for Eli to return back to Russia. She even extended her stay for a month despite her family being very strict about it. Yumi accompanied Eli to the airport on a snowy chilly day. Their hearts being as cold as the weather. It was a teary goodbye as the pale-haired girl with teary eyes and a forceful smile on her face waved while walking through the boarding gates at the onyx-haired girl who replied with a similar response. As both of them left for their respective destinations we learned something within the month that they were together.
Even though she was brought up in Japan, Eli spent most of her life in Russia. She had a difficult time making friends as she didn't speak the language well. There were also cultural differences which made it even harder for her to make friends. The few friends she had were not close to her because of her strict family. Teenage years were difficult for her without friends. Thus, she became shy and antisocial. However, being born to a reputed family she had to keep up a certain persona. She would often pretend to be what she isn't in front of people, especially her family. This would give her the attention and love she craved from them. She spends most of the time in her house training. At an early age, she was already the best sword user in the family. She was progressing really fast and learning very quickly. This lead to her becoming highly commended. So, wherever she went she had to keep the mask of coolness on no matter how different she felt from it. This was until she saw Yumi. All of her worries seem to vanish. She didn't worry about her status anymore and just wanted to be this girl's friend. Which proved to be of importance to her as they would become really close friends through the time they spent together, and it was through this time that Eli was able to show her true self to her one and only Umi.
It was a similar case for Yumi. Born as a wealthy person's daughter she had all of her wishes fulfilled. Studying in the most prestigious schools, she always had a great performance in class. That, together with the fact that she is really pretty led her to be famous with the boys. Which meant that she got a lot of proposals, all of which she ended up rejecting. This however, did not please the girls at all. For her, the idea of friendship is a lie as all of her old friends just stuck by her for the benefits that they would receive for being friends with a rich person. For this purpose, she mostly stayed away from people and rarely hung out with her few friends who also turned out to be either leeches or snakes.
This was until she met this blonde girl who kept murmuring things as she stood in front of her. Only to say a cheesy pickup line while calling her beautiful. Yumi found the way she acted cute and funny. Most importantly genuine. For the first time she felt that someone wanted to be her friend, not because of her wealth but because of who she is. Which was the reason why she offered to hang out with her. This turned out to be a great offer as they would become best friends over the course of the time they spend together. As it was for Yumi who sees a side of Eli who no one else sees, so did Eli see the side of Umi that no one sees.
Since that day it has been a year. Both of them had stayed in touch with each other through texts and phone calls. For this whole duration of time they couldn't meet even once, as Eli was not allowed to go back to Japan after such a prolonged stay. Until that night when they finally met again in Yumiko's house. Eli as the new sensei of Yumiko's younger brother. It was as if the threads of fate were pulling them closer together. But fate can be a tricky thing, just like how it pulls people closer, it can as easily push people further. We do not know what fate has in store for us, success, happiness, despair, death any of these could be your immediate future.
It was the day after the dinner. As the clock struck noon Yumiko was on her way out. A rare phenomenon that she went out at this time of the day. Seiichi who saw her go out realized what her destination was. The moment she exited the gate a peach-colored figure jumped out with their arms raised up, completely startling her. Recovering from the shock her eyes see a girl in a peach jumpsuit as they set to her mid-body. The girl was giggling with her right hand on her mouth while her left hand rested on her belly.
"Come on Ericchi, you scared me."
"Sorry sorry, it just has been such a long time. Pweeasee Umi-chan"
She made her already wide eyes wider, pouting her mouth, placing her hand on her heart, it was a plead Yumi couldn't deny.
"That is unfair Ericchi." As she looked away to hide her flusteredness
"Teehee."
Both of them set out on their way to spend the day together. The aquarium being their first destination, which is a great place to hang out. Being Tokyo the easiest way to reach the aquarium would be by train so they made their way to the train station. As always, this area of the city is especially crowded. Wherever you look there are people everywhere, just waiting to get on these trains. Usually, overcrowding happens in these trains as many people flock into these carriers. Which results in most people standing on the train. It was to one of these trains that Yumi and Eli entered.
Luckily for them, they were able to get a seat, just a seat. This meant that one of them had to stand while the other gets the seat. The first person to the seat occupied it which turned out to be Eli, leaving Yumi standing in front of her. Suddenly Yumi felt a hand touch her butt, she wanted to scream but decided not to due to the number of people on the train. She slowly turned around to see a kid who was crying taking a hold of her black skirt. Eli noticed Yumi turning her head around, saw the kid's hand and thought the worst of the situation. Before she could lash out at the kid, Yumi sat down with her knees bent and tended to the kid. The really small kid who had snot coming out of his nose while crying his eyes out was lost, separated from his mom during the hustle of boarding the trains. Turns out he ended up getting on the wrong train.
Yumi started to console the kid, trying to make him stop. All of her efforts were in vain though as the kid didn't let up at all. Observing all of this Eli sat with her legs crossed giving the kid a stern look. The brunette in front of her glanced at her for a moment and asked her to stand up to let the kid sit on the chair. It was in an effort to make the kid stop. Eli now with an even sterner look on her face stood up and Yumi moved the kid to the chair. Still relentless the kid continued his soft cry. He gestured Yumi to move closer as he kept saying "hagu". She decided to give the kid a hug, while the announcement of the station being near echoed through the train. The kid took advantage of this and placed his face in her ample bosom while putting up a sly face to Eli. Thinking nothing much of it, Yumi was relieved that the kid had stopped crying. Little did she know that this was just a perverted kid who wanted to touch her.
As soon as they got off the train, Eli took the kid by his shirt and threatened to drop him into the tracks which made him cry again. She was waiting for an opportunity to get her hands on the kid the whole time. Yumi as innocent as ever defended the kid saying he was scared for being lost. Eventually, Eli let the kid go as Umi pleaded her to do so. Both of them helped the kid find his mother. It was mostly Yumi who did so, while Eli was sulking the whole time. They bid their farewell to the kid after the mother thanked them and were on their way to the aquarium.
Still sulking, Eli had a moue look on her face as Yumi looked at her.
"Ericchi, stop making that face, it was just a kid."
"Yeah, a perverted kid who wanted to touch you."
"Is it that you are Jealous Ericchi?" Yumi stared towards Eli as she got closer to her face.
"No- Noo, why would I be jealous." A red tint appearing over her face.
"Is that so?" She puts a cute smile on her face with her eyes closed.
"I know just the way to cheer you up."
Her hand extends to grab Eli's hand and they walk to the nearby ice cream stand.
"Ice cream? So childish yet so Umi like." Eli smiled being dragged by Umi.
Yumi ordered ice creams for both of them, she still remembered Eli's favorite flavor which made Eli giggle.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing nothing, just surprised that you remembered that I like chocolate."
"Come on, that is so easy to remember." She pouted while handing the ice cream to Eli.
All of a sudden Eli with the periphery of her vision noticed a guy behind Umi having his hand under her skirt. Instantly realizing what his objective was she brushed his hand off, clenched her fist and then landed a sweet punch on his face knocking his tooth off. Yumi in a shock turned around to see the guy on the ground spitting blood.
"What do you think you were doing?! Taking pictures of girls' underwear. Scum like you ask for a death wish. If I had my sword with me that tooth wouldn't be the only thing you would have lost today."
Eli exclaimed with a glaring look on her face while Yumi was holding her back.
"Let's go Umi-chan that is enough for today."
She smashes the guy's phone with her legs, takes Yumi's hand and walks away with her. She calls for a cab and both of them leave for Yumi's home on it.
It was dead silent inside the cab, the whole journey was awkward. Once they arrived they both got off, paid the cab driver and just stood in front of the gate. Waiting for one of each other to say a word. "Sorry" they said simultaneously .
"No, I am sorry it is my fault. I am sorry the day didn't go as we planned, I just got too angry." With her discourage in her eyes, a frown on her face, hands behind her back, Eli expressed.
"It is my fault too, I shouldn't have let it come to that. I should have worn something else. I am really sorry." Yumi hand extended towards Eli's hand while her other hand was resting on her eyes with having a painful look on her face.
Eli turned around and just walked away, disappointed at herself, disappointed at how the day went. It was supposed to be there first meeting after a year, it was a day both of them were really excited for, really looking forward to, they had extensive plans made specifically for this day and it turned out like this. The disappointment both of them felt was not one that they could describe with words.
The wan expression on Yumi's face as she walked in was noticed by Sei who was chatting on Rine. She threw a glance at him and headed into her room. Ever since then he didn't see her the whole day. She kept herself shut inside the room even skipping out on lunch. However, as night struck the door to her room opened. Like a dead body, she carried herself down the stairs wobbling, hands held down, body hanging low and her straight long hair all messed up. It was as if a neet had gotten out of their cave after a long time. On her way to the kitchen, she was confronted by Sei who had grave look on his face.
"Yumi-neechan what happened to you?"
"Me? Nothing at all. What makes you think that?" She started to fix her hair and correct her body posture. Putting up a smile on her face.
"Seriously? Even if you can fool anybody else, you are not fooling me with that fake smile. I know for a fact that something happened today."
"Ah Sei, I can't hide anything from you can I?" As her smile retracted to an expressionless face.
"It is just that the day didn't go as planned, so I am a bit sad at that."
"A bit? You look like you had a breakup. Wait, did you have a falling out with this crush of yours?"
"No, no trust me it is nothing like that. It was just a bad day so I am a bit moody. What is there to eat? I am really hungry."
"Mom had placed your portion of lunch on the table. I guess you will need to heat it up." The grave look on his face disappeared.
"Okay thank you." She made her way to the table while doing some stretches.
*Rattle Rattle* the wooden floor rattled as the silent footsteps walked over it. The owner of which clearly shaken, always scanning his surroundings with his widened eyes. A drop of sweat dripped from his face to the floor, he was feeling the heat. Moonlight gleamed through the top of the cracked wooden door being the only source of light. "Almost there" the figure whispered. He extended his shaking hand towards the doorknob, held it firmly and turned it slowly. The door made a high pitched noise, a creek while opening. Suddenly he feels a presence behind him. *Gulp* after a deep breath he slowly turned around to see a giant figure with his arms crossed. The giant's arm extended taking a hold of the person near the door, the hand covering his entire head. He tensed the muscles in his hand which made the runaway figure moan. This is the umpteenth time now, no longer does this head grab make Hide wail out in pain. The giant being his new sensei, a brute of a guy with a muscular build.
Yet again Hide was trying to escape to his hotel. Trapped in his strict sensei's house, it was all nightmares for Hide. Cleaning the place, running chores, cooking, doing laundry, it was more labor work than training. He was treated more like a maid rather than a student. This is what Hide thinks. All his dreams when he came here; to have a hot sensei like Sei, to enjoy the nightlife of Nagoya, shattered. As he has to spend the whole day with his sensei. But every cloud has a silver lining. This Sensei of his Katakuri Masato has a younger sister Sasaki Aiko. Not related by blood, what they have is a relationship much stronger than that of blood. The strict, brute, merciless man becomes a timid, caring, kind man for his younger sister. The strict schedule of Hide often leads to Aiko sympathizing with him. Offering him snacks, helping him out in some chores, much to the dislike of her brother.
"Havoc wielding 4th medley special: Rising flames." Eli shouted as she struck both of her dual swords to the ground, which resulted in fire rising around her. Sei looked in awe as the flames receded after she pulled the blades off the ground. "
Wow!" Clapping his hands, "I would be able to do that?"
"Yes, you have an affinity for fire right?"
"Yup, that is so cool."
"The trick is partly in the sword and partly in the user. This sword is embedded with Fire Sen thus it can summon fire. But to do that the user of it must have an affinity to flames. With a bit of practice, I am sure you can pull it off too. It is really good to clear your surrounding area."
"Okay let me try." Reaching for the swords of Eli.
"Uh uh not so fast." Pulling the swords away from Sei. "You are not going to use these, you are going to conjure up your own swords. Since that is your special ability. Make sure they have similar properties to this though."
"Cheapskate," Sei whispered as he clicked his tongue while turning around with his eyes narrowed down.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing. Let me try."
He uses his ability to create a carbon copy of the dual wielders Eli has. She takes it into her hands and analyses it, rotating it, shifting from side to side, and unhinging the hinge holding together the two swords.
"In terms of look, this is a 100% copy of my sword. But, unfortunately, there are no embed Sen elements in this sword. Basically, it is just a normal sword."
"Huh? How do I fix Sen elements onto a sword?" A completely puzzled Sei asked.
Eli dismantled the sword and crossed her arms. "Well, that is for you to figure out. What I can say is focus your Sen element onto the sword while conjuring it. A lot of control will be required to do this."
Out of nowhere it started to rain, it was a fine day when they came to the grounds but totally engrossed in their training they were unaware of the changing weather conditions. Both of them immediately made their way to shelter. A narrow roof covering of a small shed.
"Rain? We should have been more careful of the weather." Sei sighed as he sorted his items.
"This doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon." Eli stated as she rested herself onto the shed.
They stood silent under the cover, the only sound being that of raindrops crashing on the tin roofing and the streets. Nobody in sight. It was quite early in the morning so the roads were empty. Until Sei who was biting into his succulent orange offered some to Eli.
"Want some?" Extending an orange piece towards Eli
"Thank you." Reaching to take it as she looked into the crying sky.
"Sensei, I have noticed today. You have been rather lost. Did something happen?"
"Uh no. Nothing." As she engulfed her taste buds in the citrusy juices of the orange.
"I see. Alright then."
"Mind I ask you a question Sei?"
"Sure go ahead."
"Do you have a girlfriend?" As she made eye contact with Sei.
"No, I don't?"
"For real?" Puzzled.
"Yeah. Wow, you genuinely look shocked."
With a slight smile on her face, Eli replied. "A handsome looking guy like you not having a girl is really surprising."
"I am flattered. Are you trying to flirt with me Sensei?" In a sarcastic tone with a smile on his face.
"Of course not. I am your sensei." She looked away and sat.
"Just a joke. Come to think of it didn't you say you had a special someone? Ahh, now I know why you were so moody today. Did you two have a fallout?"
"Sheesh, you are good at reading people. Not really, we just had a bad day when we met after such a long time. I bet they were disappointed." She sunk her face into her knees. "I was stupid enough to ruin the special day by letting my anger take the better of me."
"Aw come on. Don't be all depressed. As long as you are here you can still fix it. Just try once more." Sei consolidating her.
"I guess you are right."
"I have an idea. Yesterday my sister was in a pretty bad mood too. She probably messed it up with her crush. No wonder she has been single all her life. Maybe both of you can help each other?"
"Your sister has a crush?!" Her eyes widened as her brows tensed.
"Yes. Why? She can't?"
Eli taking in a deep breath. "No, no. Again I got surprised by the fact that she doesn't already have a boyfriend despite being so good looking. I guess it runs in the family huh for you two."
A smug expression came across Sei's face. "For the note, if you flirt with my sister too I will tell mom that you like her."
"Huh, what no. I won't, what, what are you saying?" Perplexed. Her eyes closed as her hands moved around aimlessly.
"Joking again. The rain has let up a bit let's go to my house it is nearby."
"Haha, you are so funny." As she exhaled deeply they made their way to Sei's house.
They rushed to the house as it was still drizzling. Sei quickly opened the door and both of them went inside. He handed her a towel to dry her hair while he reached for his. Sei points towards the stairs and asks Eli to follow him. They climb up the stairs and come to a halt in front of Yumi's room. Sei knocks on the door
"Oneechan you have a guest over." He shouted
"A guest? Whom?"
"Someone you met before. She needs help with something."
"Alright give me a minute."
All this while Eli stood in front of the door, twigging with her thumbs looking at the marble tilings. She could feel her own heartbeat as the door opened. Yumi looked on with a set expression on her face. Suddenly Sei pats Eli on the back
"I have some work to take care of be nice to my sister." Leaving to his room.
He entered his room and locked the door. Jumped on top of his bed and giggled for a solid minute. Before inhaling deeply. "I hope this works out better for both of them." Meanwhile, the other two stood in front of each other neither looking at either until Eli greeted the girl in front of her. Yumi replied with a "hi" of her own followed by her inviting Eli into her room. The two settled what was between them and decided to go out the next day if the weather permitted it.