The shadows of flames covered the walls of a dimly lit area in darkness. Atashi sat on the floor staring at the campfire. "Just a few more days." He quietly said in a fit of rage and disappointment in himself. Flashbacks of the battle he had with Douma replayed in his mind over and over again it was tearing him to pieces. How could he lose! He had everything.
This abandoned building seemed oddly familiar to him. Even the walls rang a bell.
"It can't be this place, it's the university that my elementary school went to for that show." Atashi looked around him in a spiral. Memories of the past surrounded him in all angles.
Once, this University was lively with students and staff going about their day having classes and lunch. It felt strange seeing the place into a desolate wreak after the alien invasion. Atashi wondered if his school was still in good condition or if it had succumbed to any damages.
Atashi started walking towards the hallway, he passed by a few classes and bathrooms that were covered in dust and rubble. Chairs had split into pieces and the mirrors in the bathrooms were shattered. It was all dark and lifeless which sent an adrenaline of fear in Atashi's veins; what if someone else was here?
The sound of something falling to the ground made him jump. One of the broken light bulbs had fallen to the ground. That was a close call, if Atashi had stood there he would've been another victim.
Walking down the stairs was a trial, the level below was dark and full of uncertainty. Atashi took a deep breath and continued on getting his spear ready in case something jumped at him from the dark abyss.
Atashi was met with a familiar room on that level. Widening his eyes, Atashi's heartbeat started racing. Seeing the same exact area where those memories began was enough to make his body repel from its presence.
"This room we had lunch here and I was helping one of the teachers with the tables and dining arrangement."
~~~
"I'll see you later guys Mrs Nagako is looking for me!" Atashi ran down the stairs passing a few students who were heading to the show which was starting at two. His class was the next having lunch after the opening ceremony.
My friends better not leave me behind! It's a long walk to the auditorium!
After a long run from the stairs, Atashi finally reached his destination. To his disappointment his class wasn't there which meant only one thing.
"Atashi there you are! Most of your classmates aren't here yet it's just you and Makoto for now. I need help arranging the chairs and tables the food just got here so we need to check on the servings before everyone gets here." One of the teachers, Ms Reina was busy looking through the lists and items on the table in the room with the other staff.
The boy rolled his eyes. Ugh I was too early now I'm stuck doing the boring work.
"Um what do you need help with Ms Reina?" Trying to sound as calm as possible Atashi was hoping she would leave him alone. Maybe there wasn't anything she needed help with anymore since Makoto and a few other students were already here so she could just let him off that way he could find his friends.
"The dining table there's a red cloth in one of the boxes over there." Ms Reina pointed at a stack of boxes against the wall.
"Fine."
"Thank you Atashi. One should always lend a helping hand!"
Yeah right. Atashi sulked to himself if he was still with his friends all he had to do was wait for his class and assemble once he sees them gathering somewhere.
Grabbing the red tablecloth, Atashi sighed and walked over to the dining table. He couldn't wait to get this done and over with. Not only was he worried about Mrs Nagako nagging at him for disappearing off like that but he wanted to remind his friends not to forget about their plan. The sitting arrangement was a hassle they had to find the perfect spot before anyone takes it.
Atashi saw Makoto wiping the plates and humming to himself. How is he so calm this is such a boring and stressful job especially when you're in a hurry! At school, Atashi was known for being one of those troublemakers he hated chores and wanted things to go his way. Though he behaved most of the time, the moment he starts mixing around with his stubborn friends that's when the hot-headed brat returns.
"The chairs need to be aligned properly do check on that as well." Ms Reina said to him from where she was standing.
"I got it." Atashi slouched at the thought of more work to do. It seems he's going to have to stay here until his class arrives.
Patting the red cloth on the table, Atashi crossed his arms and looked at the chairs. True enough they needed to be rearranged. Atashi sighed and walked to the row of chairs closest to him.
"Atashi there you are! Where were you I sent two of your classmates to go look for you and here you are hiding from me?!" That voice was no other than Mrs Nagako and boy was she mad.
Hearing the last few words stung him. Atashi frowned and joined his classmates in line.
I wasn't hiding from anyone I got here early.
"Hey Atashi you're early which is surprising for someone like you." His friend, Itsu jokingly said.
"I shouldn't have gotten here too soon it's dead boring."
"Mhm I can see that."
The class watched Mrs Nagako and Ms Reina discussing about the logistics. Ms Reina explained to Mrs Nagako about why Atashi was at the lunch area before everyone else.
"Hey Itsu can we pick our own seats?" Atashi asked eagerly.
"I'm not sure from what I heard, Mr Matoke is in charge of all that stuff."
That statement sure was dreadful to hear. Atashi really wanted to sit with his friends from the other class. He just had to hope Mr Matoke wouldn't think too much about it.
"He's not going to check or anything right?"
"Oh I hope not."
Both Atashi and his slightly shorter friend waited until Mrs Nagako stepped forward and announced that the class can now get their food. The class had half an hour so they had to be quick.
A girl named Yuki approached them. Atashi and Itsu waved at her, she didn't fancy large gatherings so whenever there was such an event she'd go looking for those she's familiar with to make her feel more welcome and comfortable.
"Hello guys are you enjoying the trip so far?" She asked.
"Yeah I can play tag all day here!" Atashi proudly said there was room for various games in the halls and empty spaces of the university.
"The accommodation is wonderful." Itsu said with a genuine smile on his face.
Holding onto her notebook tightly, Yuki nodded and observed the situation at the dining area. It was getting crowded with people.
"I went to the library just now. It's really cozy. Let's find a seat." The three of them hurriedly walked to the table squeezing through the crowd of people gathering there.
Before this when Atashi was setting up the dining table it was quiet now the whole room was full of chattering, a drastic change.
The buffet was highly anticipated by people. Atashi squinted his eyes at the food; fish, chicken, and greens all came to his view. This was starting to catch Atashi's attention than the thought of the seating arrangement later on he really needed to just sit down and indulge in some food to keep his mind relaxed.