Saturday
Takeshi practically sleeps through the whole day on Friday. Saturday morning he slowly wakes up to sunlight shining into his eyes sneaking through the open blinds on his window. He stands up and stretches with a yawn before walking over to the window and staring out at the forest. After cracking the window slightly, he turns and goes downstairs.
"I'm headed out to the Church when I'm done eating," Takeshi looks at Maiman who sat at the dining room table as he stands and eats his cereal across from her.
"Oh? Why?" Maiman looks at him concerned.
"I want to talk to them about the whole school thing. I don't think I can do that… I don't think I can go back," He sighs.
"Ok. Do you want me to go with you?" Maiman studies him.
"No, it's ok. I got it," Takeshi stands up with the empty bowl in his hands.
"Well, be safe please," Maiman gives him a faint smile.
"I will. I love you Maiman, and, thank you," He gives her a small smile back.
"No problem brother," she lets out a small yawn.
Takeshi enters the Church and sees May sitting at the front desk, doodling in her art book.
"Hey little strawberry," a smile crosses his face as he stands next to the desk. She jumps in her seat at the sound of his voice before quickly standing up and rushing around the desk to hug him.
"Thank goodness that you're ok! I was so worried," she hugs him tightly.
"I'm sorry," he sighs.
"It's ok. I heard what happened at the school with Ren. I'm just glad you're ok and that you came back," May leans back and gives him an understanding smile.
"Yeah, but, I don't think I can go back. Back to that school I mean. That's why I'm here," May steps back out of the hug as he speaks.
"Ember is in her office. She's got a free day all day today," She slightly smiles.
"Thank you May. You mean a lot to me you know?" He studies her.
"Really?" May begins to blush.
"Yes really. You're like, my first ever friend, and, you're always there for me so thank you," Takeshi smiles.
"Well… no problem. We've known each other since I first started working here," May's face is as red as a strawberry.
"I was 13 right? And you were 12?" Takeshi keeps smiling.
"Yeah, it's been a while," May laughs in response.
"I'm going to go talk to Ember, see you soon," he gives her a small kiss on the cheek before walking off towards Ember's office.
"Come in," Ember replies through the closed door after Takeshi knocks on it.
"I hope I'm not interrupting you," Takeshi opens the door and walks in, closing the door behind him.
"Ah, Takeshi. It's good to see you came back. Have a seat," she looks up and studies him as he approaches her desk.
"I don't want to go back to that school, I can't," Takeshi sighs as he sits across from her.
"Why is that? Because you and that girl didn't work out? You knew it wouldn't," Ember raises an eyebrow.
"Well no, it's not that. I just… I don't think that it'd be in the best interest, or, in my best interest. I mean, she could've told everyone about me," Takeshi's voice slightly shakes.
"You're going back. You start again Monday. After the incident, I talked with Ren and she knows not to say anything to anyone about you, what happened, etc., so you don't need to worry about her. Understand?" Ember's voice stands strong as she speaks.
"But…" Takeshi starts.
"No. No buts. You are going back to school. It is your duty, your assignment," Ember nearly growls. Takeshi stays quiet and stares at the floor for a few seconds before Ember speaks again. "Understand?"
"Yes ma'am," Takeshi lets out a defeated sigh.
"Good, now go, and stop running off," Ember looks at her computer as Takeshi stands up and leaves.
"How'd it go?" May looks up at him as he walks by.
"Back on Monday," Takeshi grumbles.
"What? Really?" May looks at him confused.
"I'll see you later May," Takeshi sighs as he walks out of the building.