Around six years ago was the first time I met Tetsuo. It was an unexpected turn of events that led us to that encounter. Back then I was always infatuated with water bodies. As the sun was about to rise little Aoi was swimming in a river. She then dives deeper into the water and then comes up to surface again exiting the river unto dry land.
That's a new record, I'll have to tell mom about this. Then again… if she finds out that I'm swimming alone in a river and no one is watching over me she'll surely get mad. I guess I'll have to keep it to myself then said Aoi as she sighed.
Aoi then grabs her towel and started drying her hair. It's almost day time already? I'll have to go home now. As the sun was currently rising Aoi started walking on the street that led to her home.
I honestly thought that moving here from Kyoto would be boring and filled with misery but I'm actually loving here, it brings peace to my mind plus it's a whole lot cheaper for mom to afford said Aoi as she walks pass an opened gate.
A dog that was lying down ears twitched and it got up and started growling. Huh! Said Aoi fearfully as she turned around. It's a d.dog and a big one at that, what should I do? Said Aoi as she was frozen in fear. The Dog started barking and runs towards Aoi who screamed and started running.
If it gets a hold of me I'm dead for sure, I need to find a way to shake him, he won't stop chasing me. Oh no , it's a dead-end said Aoi to herself. The dog growls could be heard as it slowly walks nearer to aoi with drool dropping from its mouth. Aoi slowly turns around in fear.
Someone… anyone.. Please help me!! Shouted Aoi as the dog rushes after her but before it could reach her a large stone dropped on his head, stopping him in his tracks.The Dog yelps in pain and turned around growling at the boy who threw the stone.
The boy then takes up a thick stick to intimidate the dog. If you want to hurt her you'll have to go through me said the boy with courage. The dog rushes at the boy attempting to bite him. The boy then swings the stick and hits the dog in his face however it manages to bite him on his leg.
The boy grunts in pain but started slapping the dog in his head with the stick over and over again until the Dog howled in pain, let's go off his leg and runs away. Finally getting a breather the boy exhales and then turns towards Aoi.
Are you okay? You're not hurt are you? Asked the boy. No I'm not but … your leg it's bleeding said Aoi as she panicked. Oh this, trust me I don't feel a thing see said the boy as he smiled . Aoi blushed at the sight of him smiling. Tetsuo!! Shouted another boy as he ran towards them.
Oh Kogure, its you. Why are you always running off so suddenly, remember your dad put me in charge of you so if anything were to happen to you I'd be responsible. I know, I know said Tetsuo as he rolls his eyes . Your leg, it's bleeding what happened ? Asked Kogure shocked. A dog attacked this girl, I tried to fight it off and it bit me.
Tetsuo then walks over to the girl and introduced himself. My name is Tetsuo Kawaguchi and this is my friend Kogure Kobayashi and what's your name? My name is Aoi Itakura. So Itakura , its getting pretty early isn't it? we'll walk you home just in case that dog comes back said Tetsuo. Are you sure? Asked Aoi. Yeah just lead the way said Kogure. Thank you guys said Aoi as she wiped her tears.
And that's how I met him, Tetsuo Kawaguchi a boy who fearlessly protected me from a dog without even hesitating. I later found out that both him and Kogure were training for basketball for hours until dawn came if it wasn't for that I'd be a goner that day and he wouldn't have been there to help.
Oi Tetsuo, I heard that you and Kogure are in the semi-finals , best of luck to you guys said a boy. Yes, it's no biggie, we'll definitely win said Tetsuo as he smiled.
Tetsuo your so cool said a girl in his class. Ten years from now we'll be asking for your autographs said another girl as she chuckled .
Everyone get to your seats said the teacher. We have a new transfer student today , come on in. Good morning my name is Aoi Itakura. Wait it's her from earlier this morning said Tesuo to himself.She moved here from Kyoto in order to study, I hope you guys get along with her said the teacher. Now then Aoi, where would you like to sit?
Um, let's see said Aoi as she looked around the classroom. Her eyes eventually met Tetsuo's causing her to get flustered. Wait Tetsuo was in my class? She said surprised. Um , I would like to sit beside him said Aoi as she sat beside Tetsuo. How is your leg? Asked Aoi.
The doctor looked at it and said that it was alright. It'll heal in two days time said Tetsuo. Oh I see, thank goodness .
Over the span of the semester me, Tetsuo and Kogure grew close with each other. They come to the river with me to have fun and swim while I go to the basketball court to watch them play basketball. They even attended all of my swim meets and I attended all their matches. The more I got to know Tetsuo the more I liked him and everything was going great until one day…
Tetsuo shoots a two pointer that swishes. Kogure took up the ball and passed it back to Tetsuo. Tetsuo shoots another shot that swished once more. Oh they are already here, I thought I'd surprise them with some cookies my mom baked. Kogure then passes the ball to Tetsuo again. Hey Tetsuo, there is something I'd like to ask you, its been bothering me for a longtime now said Kogure.
Tetsuo shoots again and the ball swishes. And what's that? Asked Tesuo. Be honest with me, do you like Aoi?
What! They are talking about me said Aoi to herself shocked as she started eavesdropping. Of course I like her, she's so talented and beautiful, her hair is so beautiful.
Did Tetsuo say that he likes me said Ari to herself as she blushes happily. Please don't tell her I don't want it to be weird between us. Your secret is safe with me, however if I win you in a one on one today you'll have to confess to her the moment you see her. It's not like you can win anyways , challenge accepted said Tetsuo as he smiled.
So he feels the same way then, I'll confess to him after school tomorrow said Aoi as she ran home happily. That was the last time I ever saw him, he vanished without a trace and Kogure wasn't the same after that day. It was apparent that Kogure knew something about his disappearance but I didn't question him because he looked like he was hurting inside as well.
Tetsuo gently removes Aoi from off of him. I'm sorry but who are you? He asked confused. What do you mean, I'm Aoi Itakura , don't you remember, I'm the girl you saved from a dog when we were kids said Aoi. I don't know you, so don't hug me like that said Tetsuo bluntly. But that can't be,when you protected me from the dog you were bitten in the process she said as she lifted up his pants.
See you even have the scar to prove it . I'm confused what is this girl talking about? What is she to Tetsuo? Asked Haruko. Looks to me like she's begging for Tetsuo to take her back said Noboru. Shut up idiot said Nanaho as she punched him on his shoulder.
Even if what you say is true, it doesn't change a thing, time has changed , I had change , I'm not the same person you knew and I don't even remember you. if you're telling the truth that was years ago and it's time for you to move on said Tetsuo as he spots Kogure. If you haven't already he said as he walked towards his team.
Let's go everyone. Are you sure? Asked Yukio. Yes captain. As Aoi watched them leave the school she fell to the ground and started crying. I thought that seeing her again would have brought back some of his memories of the past but it didn't, I'm sorry that you had to go through all that Aoi . Wait shoot!! I forgot to take his number, oh well I could always go over to their school said Kogure to himself.