December 31. 2030
Today is New Year's Eve. I went to a party with all of my college classmates. At first, I didn't want to go. But everyone brought me here by force. We all went to a karaoke. It was feeling so hot inside the karaoke room because it was full of so many people. There were many people I know. But I was not introduced to them. Remi, Hodaka, Sahara, Aizawa, Tsuki, Izuku, Nakamura, Seishu and many more were there. I was the gloomiest person in the class, which is why I have no friends. Today I was brought here out of generosity. Otherwise, no one would ever call me out to a party or a gathering. It's all because of a trauma that I had over 7 years ago. This trauma made me an emotionless person. I was alive as a creature. But dead as a human. Humans are considered the greatest beings made by 神 (God) in the whole universe.
Everyone keeps saying this to me that I should die. But for some reason, I don't know. I just can't do it! Maybe there is something that stops me from doing this. Maybe something is about to show up in front of me. Maybe some savior is coming to help me. I don't know what'll happen to me.
Today everyone present here is having so much fun except me. I was thinking at that moment maybe I was the gloomiest, loneliest person in the whole world. Everyone was talking with each other, singing with each other, and having fun with each other. But on the other hand, I was just sitting around the corner of the room all by myself. No one even bothered to ask me to join them. Just like usual. Afterward, two more classmates of mine came inside the karaoke room. Nakamura and Hiroshi. As soon as they enter the room everyone notices them and starts welcoming them. Some even hugged them. After all this hospitality and greetings Nakamura and Hiroshi asked Aizawa,
"Aizawa!" (Hiroshi)
"What is it?" (Aizawa)
"Did he (Me) come to the party?" (Nakamura)
"Yes. We brought him by force. If we didn't force him, he wouldn't come." (Aizawa)
"So, where is he?" (Hiroshi)
Aizawa pointed me with his finger. I was just browsing my phone while sitting at the corner of the sofa. Then Nakamura and Hiroshi approached me.
"Yo! Long time no see." (Both of them)
"Yeah…. Long time no sees." (Sigh)
"We were looking for you all the time! Where have you been all this time?" (Hiroshi)
"Why? I was at my home."
"You see…. we have to talk with you. Some people want to meet you." (Nakamura)
"Who are you talking about? Who would like to meet me?"
I was surprised! Usually, No one wants to talk with me! Everyone avoids me all the time. But who in the world would like to talk with me? Also, not only one! More than one person!
"Just come with us and then you'll see who wants to meet you."
"So, wh-where are they?"
"Follow us." (Nakamura)
I was following them as they asked me. The hallway was so calm. It's because every person who came here rented their own room so that they could sing or talk with their dearest person. As we were walking, I asked Nakamura,
"Just tell me Nakamura who wants to meet with me?"
He just nodded and said,
"Nope. We can't tell you! It's a surprise for you. They specially instructed us that we shall not tell you, their identities." (Nakamura)
"All right. At least tell me where are we heading?"
"To the top floor of this building."
After that, I just went silent and followed them till we reached the top floor. Before reaching there I again asked Nakamura,
"How many are they?"
"Total 3 of them." (Nakamura)
After walking for some time, we reached the top floor. A big light was turned on there. On the opposite side of the light, there were 3 people standing. I was just able to figure out that there were 2 men and 1 woman. One of them said,
"Thank you, Nakamura and Hiroshi. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have met this bastard!" (A guy)
By hearing the guy's style of speech, I realized that they were very mad at me! I got really terrified of them! Then they said,
"You two can go to the party now. And if someone asks about this guy (Me) then tell them that he (I) left the party because urgent work came for him. He will not come back. Got it?" (The woman)
"Got it." (Both Hiroshi and Nakamura)
Both Hiroshi and Nakamura left that place. I wanted to stop them! But before that, they disappeared! Then the 3 of them started talking with me.
"You've met us after a long time! Ain't you? Remember us?" (1st guy)
"No. Who are you people?"
Then the woman got angry at me and started shouting at the 1st guy.
"SEE!!! I told you that this guy got your forgetting disease by hanging out with you! Every person who got acquainted with you has been identified that they have your disease!!! We two are just exceptions!" (The woman)
"You are now overdoing it, Yuki! Everything has a limit!" (1st guy)
"And what will you do to me if I'm overdoing it?" (The woman)
"I will sue you!" (1st guy)
"Heh! This guy will sue me! Can you even spell the word 'Sue'?" (The woman)
"S-U-E" (1st guy)
"HEH!! You can spell the word 'Sue'?" (The woman)
"Why? You actually thought that I was of this low-level caste, didn't you?" (1st guy)
"Then what do you expect from me to think about you?" (The woman)
I was just standing still right there and watching them quarreling as a viewer. I was not able to understand a single thing about what was happening right there. These 3 people started quarreling instead of meeting me which is the main reason they came for! As I was standing still, the 3rd person saw me and said to the other 2 people,
"Bro! What have you two started here? This is why I don't want to come with you two! Some kind of problem always starts everywhere because of you two! We came here to meet this poor guy, but still now we didn't even give our introductions to him. In contrast, we are just keeping him waiting by standing still right there!" (3rd guy)
They both realized that they kept me waiting for a long time!
Then they went out of the darkness and stood in front of the light. As the light fell on their faces, I was shocked immediately! I got confused! Is this a dream or a reality? I couldn't believe my own eyes! Those who I left 7 years ago are standing right in front of me today! The 3 people who learned my mind. My heart. My mentality. The only 3 people who cared for me after the death of my family. But I abandoned them a long time ago! I almost forgot about them! But they did not.
"MY FRIENDS (友達)"
7 years ago, I suffered the most traumatic event in my life. The murder of my parents! After that, I lost my emotions. That's the time when I broke my limiter! A few days later, I regained control of myself and became the ultimate being. I became horrified of my own. So, one by one I abandoned my friends. As a result, I became who I am today. I spent these 7 years doing so many dangerous works. I didn't care about the old memories. So, I was going to forget all of them. But today they all came back to me because of my best friends in life.
....
After they came to light, I don't know why but there were tears coming out of my eyes! I was not feeling sad or depressed! But still, I was crying. Maybe my whole body was used to the old
version of my personality. That's why maybe I was crying. Because many years ago when I had my old personality, I would cry in this type of situation. That time I would feel sad or maybe extremely shocked. But today is different! Today there is no emotion inside of me. I'm just an empty shell.
Out of nowhere, those three started running towards me and finally, after approaching me, they hugged me at the same time. They started crying with me as well. As I watched them crying, something started creating inside my mind. I started feeling sad. Then I realized what was happening. My emotions were regenerating. They were coming back inside of me. This time I cried a real cry, using my sad emotion to its maximum level. It all happened thanks to my friends. I've never seen these 3 crying in my entire school life. The two guys here were my best friends from high school. And the young woman with them was my
girlfriend during my high school life.
....
The 1st person is Ishikawa. Ishikawa Arai (新井石川). He is one of my favorite friends. We all used to call him Jamal. I don't know why he was given this name. However, my own theory is that Ishikawa was given this name because of his black face. I'm not a racist person, but still, this thought came into my mind. He was the 4th top student in our class. Even though he was a good student, he had a habit of forgetting things! That's why we always had to face many troubles because of him. We first met during 6th grade. Meeting him was like finding a new world that was full of thoughts. You could never predict what he is thinking or about to do. He changes his decision immediately before executing it! He is like a mystery but never will be solved. I still remember the day when we first talked at school.
During 5th grade, I got transferred to my school. There I met one of my friends, Austin. He and I were together till the end of our school life. In 6th grade, he joined the most famous friend circle in our grade. They were known as the top of our school. Me and Austin were transfer students in the school. So, we still needed to adjust more to the environment.
Sho, Nishio, and Higurachi were childhood friends. They came to this school in 2nd grade. So, they were already a group. In 3rd grade, Ishikawa came to this school and immediately joined their group. Afterward, they became the top students of our school. As they went into upper grades their friend circle became even more famous all around the school. From then on, they kept being a friend circle until high school graduation.
In 6th grade, after Austin joined their circle, I became lonely and started hanging out with people whom I didn't even know from 5th grade. Then, after getting adjusted to those top students Austin came to me and introduced me to them. They accepted me except Sho and Ishikawa. Sho didn't even know that I was getting introduced to them and Ishikawa didn't come to school during that time. Since then, I was also a part of their group. I still haven't met Ishikawa. He would come to school irregularly. That's why I didn't get the chance to meet him. I just heard from the others that there was another guy who was part of their group. Then one day, that mysterious person showed up.
I opened a charity during that time with my classmates. I had made a box where everyone would donate their money and then after a certain amount, we would donate all of that money to poor homeless people. One day, a guy from my back seat out of curiosity asked me,
"What is this box?" (Ishikawa)
I was a little shy back then when talking with unknown persons. I awkwardly answered,
"It's a box of our charity. Our classmates would donate and help the poor and homeless people by putting money inside this box."
"Can I look at it?" (Ishikawa)
I gave it to him. He put a coin inside of it and then gave it back to me.
"ありがとう! (Thanks man!)"
"No problem. By the way, aren't you the boy who always walks in our alley with earphones in your ear?" (Ishikawa)
"Heh?!"
"What? Am I wrong?!" (Ishikawa)
I replied politely,
"Yes. You might've mistaken someone else with me. I don't walk while plugging in earphones."
"Maybe. Oh, by the way, I heard you were looking for me!"
(Ishikawa)
"Heh? Who told you that?"
"Austin. Said you wanted to meet me." (Ishikawa)
"Oh! Then you must be Ishikawa."
"Yes. I'm Ishikawa. Nice to meet you." (Ishikawa)
"Hmm. Nice to meet you too."
From then on, we all became friends forever.
Ishikawa had an elder brother and a younger sister. When we were in high school 3rd year, his brother was murdered. Arai Toru. Toru-San was everything to him. Due to that incident, he was critically mentally broken for over 2 months. He didn't even come to school. After 2 months he became normal. Even though he became normal, he still couldn't forget the incident. He made a decision then. He would seek revenge for his brother. No matter what it has to cost.
In his 1st year of high school, he started thinking about money-making. Everything he did, everything he thought, and everything he talked about was about money. He recruited me as his partner. We would always go to either his house or my house to earn money. In my opinion, the main principle of earning money is to have certain skills and have a long experience of that certain skill. At that time web development, game development, and graphics designing skills were in high demand. We both decided that we would learn how to develop a website. I had bought an online course on web development. We both decided to complete that course together and do some highly demanded jobs online. It all started before our 2nd year graduation. One day he asked me out of nowhere,
"Aiyo, bro. Let's start making money!"
"Where is this all coming from, all of a sudden?"
"I recently realized that we are just wasting our valuable time.
We are not sure that our academic education will ever be helpful in our careers. And we are not developing our skills in the IT section. Meanwhile, the whole world is searching for experts on this site of skill." (Ishikawa)
"All right. I agree with you with you. But what are you trying to say?"
"What I'm trying to say is that, why don't we start developing our skills on the IT site and start taking jobs from clients all over the world and start earning money." (Ishikawa)
At that time, I needed money so desperately! I wanted to buy a foldable smartphone. I also wanted to buy my dream bike. A Harley-Davidson cruiser. Also, I wanted to give my girlfriend a gift. So, I agreed with him.
To earn a huge amount of money, in my opinion, there are 3 steps.
The first step was to acquire a demanding skill. In our case, we learned web development.
The second step was to gain experience in doing jobs on the acquired skill. We had to face some problems on the second step. Because we were newly skilled rookies. Very few people would hire us. We somehow managed to do some small jobs for 6 months. After 6 months of experience, we finally were able to do some big and highly-paid jobs.
And the 3rd step is the hardest one. Creating a long experience of work. For some jobs, people need 2-3 years of job experience. Some jobs even require 6 years of experience. To take on those jobs, you have to take a lot of small and medium types of jobs. I only had half a year of job experience. So, I was able to on medium and a few high-level jobs.
After working for half a year, we made 200,000 dollars only. Then In our 3rd year of high school, I suffered that extremely traumatic incident and disappeared from everything. Before fully disappearing, I took the high school final examination and graduated secretly.
During high school 2nd year, Ishikawa always had affection for the girls. That's why he always wanted a girlfriend. But he couldn't talk to the girls. So, he couldn't get any. After a long time of getting training from us, he got ready for a proposing his crush, Mayumi-Chan. She was one of the bright students of our school. But what Ishikawa didn't know was that she was already dating someone. So, as planned he went out to express his feelings toward Mayumi.
We instructed him clearly not to perform any kind of lame or stupid acts. He assured us that he won't. On the decided day, he went to the flower shop to buy some flowers. Surprisingly, Mayumi-Chan went there too! He noticed her, but pretended like he didn't! He bought a bouquet of flowers and was going to give it to Mayumi. But as he was going to head towards her, he bumped into a delinquent and his flower bouquet fell. He got pissed off and as always, he picked a fight with him.
During high school, Ishikawa had a bad habit, which was picking fights with random delinquents for no reason! He'd always pick a fight with them and beat the hell out of them.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING BY BUMPING INTO ME, HUH!!!" (Delinquent)
"MORE LIKE WHAT ARE YOU DOING BY BUMPING INTO ME AND DROPPING MY FLOWERS, HUH!!!" (Ishikawa)
"LET'S SETTLE THIS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!!!" (Delinquent)
"Fine. BRING IT ON, YOU MORON!!!" (Ishikawa)
Then they started fighting for no reason! They could've just apologized to each other! For no reason, they are gathering public attention! Not to mention that Mayumi-Chan was still there! Me and Nishio were sneaking into him from a distance. We were so mad at that moron Ishikawa! Nishio was already trying to head there to beat him up. But I was holding him up! Then we noticed something which we were not expecting to happen here! Ishikawa was about to apply his special/finishing move on that guy!
Ishikawa was famous all around for that move. It is a special kick from a Karate style called 'Kyokushin' (極真). The Kyokushin Mawashi Geri (回し蹴り) is also known as the roundhouse kick.
A roundhouse kick is a kick in which a person lifts the knee while turning the supporting foot and body in a semicircular motion, extending the leg and striking with the lower part of the instep (top of the foot). Primarily the target of this kick is the opponent's neck, which leads to immediate knockout. This is why Mawashi Geri is known to be the deadliest kick in the martial arts. And Ishikawa is a master of this kick.
From what I heard, he used to practice Kyokushin Karate during middle school. His mom once told me that, he practiced Kyokushin only just to learn Mawashi Geri. He is a big fond of fighting. When he was little, he used to watch only martial arts tournaments on TV. That is when he fell in love with Karate. His mom also told me that, when he was done learning Kyokushin, he started practicing the Mawashi Geri. He practiced it to pure perfection. Like how you forge a Katana.
The thing about Katana is that you strike it over and over to get rid of impurities, which increases the purity of the blade, allowing for a strong Katana to be forged. To make the strongest blade of all, you have to hone the blade to its utmost limit. That's why Ishikawa honed that one move to perfection. The perfect Mawashi Geri became the master of it.
As we predicted, he did it! He applied his Mawashi Geri on that delinquent. After getting hit, the guy is knocked out immediately, usually which happens every time.
Then he picked up his flower bouquet and was about to head towards Mayumi-Chan to show off a little bit and then propose. But his heart was shattered after what happened next. Mayumi-Chan rushed through the gathering and sat beside the delinquent guy! It looked like she was in so much pain! Crying, she started calling that guy!
"Hey, Rikiya! HEY! Answer me!!! Are you all right?" (Mayumi-Chan)
The guy named Rikiya didn't give any answers! Mayumi-Chan made a traumatic face.
"Hey, Mayumi-Chan! Stay away from that guy! He is very dangerous!" (Ishikawa)
It was obvious to us that Mayumi-Chan was in grief. She stood up and came in front of Ishikawa. Ishikawa got a little afraid.
"What is it, Mayumi-Chan?" (Ishikawa)
What happened next, made us terrified for our whole life! It seems to us, that Mayumi has transferred all of her body strength into her fist. Her fist was trembling with power. The next thing she does is the main part of the story. With all of that force she stored in her fist, she slapped Ishikawa in the face! She has put all her might, will, and confidence in that slap. This is why after getting hit by Mayumi-Chan, Ishikawa got himself a print of Mayumi-Chan's hand on his face! After getting hit, Ishikawa lost his might, will, and confidence! We never expected this to happen!
"YOU MORON! WHY DID YOU KNOCK RIKIYA OUT?" (Crying, Mayumi-Chan)
"Why, you ask? HE IS A DELINQUENT, MAYUMI-CHAN! HE CAN BE DANGEROUS!" (Ishikawa)
"EVEN THOUGH HE IS STILL MY BOYFRIEND AND I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!!" (Mayumi-Chan)
This sentence made his heart shattered! Even though, Mawashi Geri is the strongest kick in the martial arts. But shattering someone's heart is the most powerful move in any fight. It can even make someone lose who has an infinite amount of strength.
After some minutes, the police arrived and arrested Ishikawa. I and Nishio rushed to the scene but couldn't do something. Then we got called in the court. We gave our speech. Ishikawa was guilty and was sentenced to 6 months in the Juvenile detention Centre. After he got released, we threw a massive party. But he got changed. The former simp, who always talked about girls, didn't even mention the word girl! From then on, he refers to girls as his sister. Except for Yuki, every girl is a sister in his perspective.
....
The woman who was with them was the love of my life. My first and the only girlfriend I ever had. Yuki. Tachibana Yuki (橘由紀). Meeting Yuki was like discovering a favorite song for the first time – unexpected, yet instantly familiar. I remember the day when I first saw her.
During my high school life, I couldn't talk to girls. Even though we all were classmates. That's why my friends always tried to make me talk to a girl. But every time they failed. Either I would become a stone in front of them otherwise run away from them. At some point, everyone gave up their hope for me. They eventually thought that I would never be able to talk to a girl or make a girlfriend. But all of that changed one day.
It was during High school's 1st year. During our spring break, one of our classmates threw a mutual friend gathering. Me, Ishikawa, Sho, Nishio, and others were invited too, one of those events you attend out of obligation more than desire. It was at a fancy hotel. A classmate of ours was certainly rich. So, we went there. It was a big hall room for a friend gathering. The room was filled with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. The 4 of us were having fun as always. While we were chatting with each other suddenly, I saw that beside the window a lonely girl was standing with a glass of soda in her hand.
She was standing by the window. The evening light catching in her hair gave her an almost ethereal glow. There was something about the way she held herself – confident, but with a softness that drew me in. She was looking at the city and smiled. When she smiled it was as if the entire room was brightened, and I knew I had to talk to her.
I asked Ishikawa, who that was. He replied,
"Oh, her? That's Yuki. One of our classmates. Like us, she is also in the top 10 of our class."
"What's up with her?"
"Don't know. I never tried to ask. Like how lonely and gloomy she is! I heard that she has no friends in this school! "
"Poor girl!"
With a funny look, Ishikawa asked me
"What about you? Did she catch your interest?"
Blushing I said,
"No, no…! That's not what I meant!"
"Then what did you mean?" (Ishikawa)
With a gloomy face, I said,
"Nothing. Never mind!"
I changed the topic. But Ishikawa was still in a doubt. He started whispering with the rest of my group. They all started laughing in secret and kept their eyes on me. Then a thought came into my mind.
/Why don't I approach her?/
Just as I thought, I did it. I tried to approach her. I was going to her, not to propose as a boyfriend. But as a friend.
Deep, light, glimmering hair. Clear skin without a single blemish. At once, looks both like a regal empress and a mother goddess. An incomparable presence. Yuki. No one would believe that she doesn't have any friends. And I'm probably going to become her first friend. The moment I started walking towards her, I became a stone! I couldn't move at the time!
It was because of my old habits. I was never been able to talk to girls. Even today, when I finally have the will to talk to a girl, I can't! I got so much depressed at myself that I started walking back to my friends. When I was about to move back, Yuki also moved back and our eyes made contact.
Even though it was for some seconds, I think over a hundred types of feelings, emotions, and messages flowed into my eyes. From then on, I always kept thinking about those feelings. While thinking them the spring break ended. And after some days, those feelings were revealed.
One day, on my way back home from school an incident happened.
Some 3rd year delinquents were bullying Yuki.
"Now, how are ya' willing to make up for it, HUH!!!" (Delinquent 1)
"What, are you gonna cry?" (Delinquent 2)
"Girls should be working in the kitchen only. Not walking around parks!" (Delinquent 3)
Then they all started laughing!!!
At that moment, I happened to pass by that place and saw everything that happened there. It pissed me off.
A fact that, during my high school period I was the 2nd in command of the most famous delinquent gang in all of Tokyo. For me, 3rd years, 2nd years, 1st years are all equal in their fighting skills. That's why it was known in the whole of Tokyo. I was the vice president of a gang with 5 members. The 3 of us were Ishikawa (President), Me (Vice president), Nishio (1st executive), Sho (2nd executive) and Edano (3rd executive). But Edano left everything out of nowhere. So, we were left with only 4 members. The 4 of us were known as Tokyo-4. Every delinquent in Tokyo feared us. Especially me.
So, I started heading towards Yuki. But before I even interfered with them, with a cocky look, she started saying to the 3rd years,
"So, you guys think that girls only know how to cook, right?" (Yuki)
"What the hell did you say?" (Delinquent 1)
"Then let me show something more from a girl." (Yuki)
She went near the leader and whispered in his ear,
"You all are just weak scums in a pack!"
Then suddenly she grabbed his neck and knocked him out just by slapping on his neck's pressure point. The guy lost his consciousness and fell to the ground!
Everyone present was extremely shocked! A girl just knocked out a delinquent leader! It was my first time watching a girl fighting delinquents! It was not a small deal to them!
After watching this, the other delinquents got extremely mad at her and started running towards her to beat her. But like their leader, she hit them on their pressure points and they lost consciousness one by one!
The last guy from their group got afraid of her and started running to save himself. She delivered a round kick on his legs as he tried to escape. Because of her round kick, he fell to the ground. He stayed lying down where he fell. Then she turned him over, laughing, and said,
"Bro… This is not how a hoodlum should be acting. You guys were getting away from the path of hoodlums. That's why I did this with you today. It was just my warning. You've never seen my real form. But if I ever hear that you're bullying any girls again… then… (with a blank face) I won't be like this anymore!" (Yuki)
Hearing her words, he started crying in fear! Later, he rushes to her and apologizes.
Then addressing me she said,
"You know, I can tell that you're standing there. If you don't want to get beaten up like these scums then get the hell out of here!" (Yuki)
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen today!"
"And why not?" (Yuki)
She turned around and was surprised to see me.
"Oh, it's you from the party." (Yuki)
"Yes, that's right. It's me!"
"So, what are you doing here?" (Yuki)
"Nothing. Just watching a girl knocking out some hoodlums!"
"So, you think too that girls can't fight delinquents?" (Yuki)
"No, I wasn't saying―"
I didn't even finish talking yet she quickly came towards me to throw a kick in my face. But I dodged it. If I hadn't, I would've
broken my nose!
"Hey, now! I think you misunderstood!"
"No! I didn't misunderstand anything!" (Yuki)
She started throwing consecutive punches at me! But I was as strong as her. That's why I was able to block her every punch. When she realized that I couldn't be defeated by consecutive punches, she changed her attack. She then started attacking me with round kicks. Until now, I wasn't touching her. Even for once. But now the story changed! I was no longer able to resist her kicks without touching her. Her kicks were more powerful than her punches! While kicking me she started talking with me.
"All hoodlums like you should just die!" (Yuki)
"You are mistaken! I'm not like the other hoodlums!"
"Of course. You came here to help those scums whom I have beaten a few minutes ago!" (Yuki)
Then I jumped back and said,
"No…No! You're completely mistaken me. I was just passing by and saw that those scums were bullying you. And that pissed me off. That's why I came here to save you. But you already defeated them."
Then she stopped attacking me and with a serious expression on her face, asked me,
"Just answer me this. What would you do if there was another girl in my place?" (Yuki)
I also made a serious expression and replied,
"Of course, I would save her."
"Would you give your life away for her?" (Yuki)
"You're putting on the hard point."
After thinking for some moment I replied,
"Nah."
She got super mad at me. She was about to yell at me. But I stopped her and said,
"Because I would never lose to someone. Especially to those delinquents who are wandering all over the city."
"One last question for you. Your future depends on this question. Are you ready?" (Yuki)
"Yes."
"Will you hold onto it which you just said forever?" (Yuki)
I gave a smile and replied,
"Who knows?! Maybe."
Then, suddenly she started crying. I started to calm her down.
But she got even more emotional and continued crying! After 15 minutes of crying, she finally calmed down and asked me,
"Well… (blushing) Are you free in this Saturday?" (Yuki)
"Umm… Let's see! Since I have nothing to do… all right, I'll go!"
She was very happy to hear that. Then he bids me goodbye.
"Bye-bye. See you on Saturday."
I don't know why, but her 'bye-bye' left a different impression on me. Then on the next Saturday, she took me to a coffee shop.
"First of all. Sorry for fighting without listening to you." (Yuki)
"No, don't mention it. You must have your reasons behind it."
"I was a bit carried away because of those delinquents." (Yuki)
"So, what did you want to talk about with me?"
"Oh, right. About that, I want to ask you a favor? Can you teach me how to fight?" (Yuki)
"Heh?!!"
"Yes. Please teach me how to fight. I don't want to stay cowardly like this forever! I have to fight on my own! I want to protect those who can't protect themselves. So, please teach me. Become my master!" (Yuki)
"But you are already a great fighter! So, why?!"
Then she made a sad face and asked me,
"Do you know why I fought those delinquents the other day?" (Yuki)
"No. Why?"
She took a deep breath.
"I was going home from school like you were doing. Suddenly I noticed that those scumbags were bullying a girl. When I see something like this happening, I always rush to the scene and protect them. Each time the delinquents end up in the hospital." (Yuki)
"So, why do you want to learn fighting from me since you're already good at fighting?!"
"The way I fight is not a fighting style! I just learned all of the pressure points of a human body and some punching and kicking. You can say that I fight like a brawler. But I can't always stay like this. For example, if a stronger opponent with great fighting skills faces me, I will immediately lose to him. To beat them up, I need to acquire a fighting skill." (Yuki)
Then I took a sip of coffee. With a serious face, I asked her,
"Why do you always fight only delinquents who bully only women?"
She got a little emotional and said,
"3 years ago. My elder sister got paralyzed." (Yuki)
I got curious.
"It's not because of an accident. It was an outcome of organized violence." (Yuki)
"How?"
"Just like today, me and my sister were coming back home from school. I was in middle school then and my sister was in high school 1st year. The incident happened right at the same park where I had that fight with you. Some rebellious 3rd-year high schooler started hitting up on my sister. But she ignored them and started walking towards home. But those scumbags still insisted on her. At one moment they touched her body and the next thing they did was―" (Yuki)
Before she finished talking, I shouted at her out of nowhere!
"SHUT UP!!!"
All this time I was looking down. When I looked up at her face, I saw that she was crying! I got pissed up hearing her story. I was so frustrated then. How could those scumbags do such a thing!
"What happened to them?"
"They ran away!" (Yuki)
"What about your sister?"
She started sobbing and said,
"She went into a coma for 5 months!"
With a serious look on my, I asked her,
"You're name's Yuki, right?"
"Yes." (Yuki)
"Can I make a deal with you?"
"What is it?" (Yuki)
"Can I find those scumbags instead of you?"
She stared at me with an angry look.
"Of course. I will not judge them. You will do the judgment. I will find them for you."
"But I want to do it all by myself!" (Yuki)
I was a little angry at her. So, I said in an angry tone,
"So, you don't want to acquire a fighting skill and lose to a stronger opponent, don't you?"
She had gone quiet.
"Look, right now you need to acquire a fighting style and gain strength and stamina."
She was looking so pale. To cheer her up I told her,
"Now, drink up. The coffee's gone cold!"
I don't know why but she laughed after hearing it. Her smile was so beautiful! Out of curiosity, I asked her,
"I heard that you don't have any friends. Is it true?"
"Where did that come from?" (Yuki)
"Like, at the party you were the only one who wasn't interacting with anyone. Everyone seemed to have fun that day, except you! You were all gloomy, standing beside the window, looking at the city outside."
She sighed out of sorrow and said,
"Yes, it's true. I don't have any friends. Except one person. My sister. Without her I couldn't even go to school. She was my heart. She fills in what I lack." (Yuki)
I kept quiet for some moment.
"I have a wish. I want to feel at least once, the emotions that flow through a friend. The happiness. The pain. The sorrow. The joy. The love. Everything. I want to have the taste of all this, with a friend. Most importantly I want to feel, 'The friendship.' (Yuki)
"Then, in that case, I will become your first friend!"
She blushed. Then I asked, again out of curiosity,
"Another question. Why did you choose me to learn to fight?"
"Because you seemed so cool back then in the fight between us. At that moment, I fell in love with you." (Yuki)
Then she felt embarrassed! I looked at her face. She was blushing and her face became red. She suddenly felt awkward! Panicking, she said,
"Huh! Did I say something creepy? Crap! S-Sorry! Forget what I just said!"
I laughed! Along with me, she started laughing too.
"Of course. I will teach you how to fight. Come by my house tomorrow, okay?"
She became very excited!
"Yes. I'll come."
Then she again started blushing.
"Can I ask you one more favor?" (Yuki)
"Yeah, sure!"
Then I took a sip of coffee.
"Will you become my boyfriend?" (Yuki)
I was looking at the coffee cup at that time. As soon as I looked up, the coffee spit out from my mouth and I started laughing loudly! I saw this time her face had become a Tomato. Then when I stopped laughing, I saw that I spitted coffee on her! Slightly laughing, I said,
"If that is what you want, then I will!"
Afterward, I became his friend, boyfriend, and teacher. After meeting me, I introduced her to my friends. From then on, we became a friend circle forever.
Also, from then on, we became a couple until high school. We promised to be a couple forever. But I temporarily broke that promise. I, not only became a boyfriend but also became a mentor. From that day, I started to train her how to fight. My family has been teaching Martial Arts (Taekwondo) for generations. That's why I know all of the Taekwondo fighting techniques, which were taught to me. That's why we have a family dojo where we teach people Taekwondo. And from then, I started teaching her Taekwondo throughout the high school life.
....
The third person standing there was a very good friend of mine. Sho. Matsuda Sho (松田翔) was the oldest among our friends. There was no age difference among our friends. Friends could be of any age. Sho was the son of one of our school teachers. So other teachers used to punish him less. Friends. I was a transfer student. I came new among them.
Before I came to high school, Sho and others were a group. Later, when I gradually started to adjust to the school environment, I became a part of their friend circle. Since then, we finished our entire school life together. Among us, Sho was the tech expert. If we had any problems with computers or other tech subjects, Sho would solve them. From him, we also received advice on games, anime, manga, and many other things. We both met each other in a very awkward way.
When I got fully adjusted to the school in 6th grade and started making new friends like the top 10, I had to face bullying. Not by seniors, but by my classmates. Especially, by some people of the top 10. The bullying leader was Sho. These bullies were just amateurs. They didn't even know how to bully people. They were just stupid punks. They just do it for fun. Since I was new here, it was like a policy for me to become bullied.
One day, during lunch time I was in the cafeteria. Our school has a huge field. It might be 300 yd. long. During lunch break the sports club and other students would play there. Our cafeteria was on the other side of our school field. Sho, Ishikawa, and Nishio were on the other side. Sho started calling me from the other side. I can't listen to his calling from the other side. This was his first step toward bullying. It was the lamest bully I ever saw. Even the bully himself knows that I can't hear his calling. Then he acted like he was pissed off and started quickly coming towards me. Ishikawa and Nishio followed him behind. Those two weren't bullies. But his childhood friends.
He was thinking about threatening me after coming here on the other side. After reaching a few meters away from me he started shouting at me,
"Hey, you! What's up man? Give me your lunch plea―" (Sho)
"Heh?!"
Before he even finished shouting, he slipped on a banana peel and fell to the ground! The one who dropped the banana peel on the ground was Austin. After Sho fell he felt guilty and almost laughed. So, he ran away from there.
I felt bad for him.
"Excuse me! Are you all, right? Can I help you?"
Then I held his hand and helped him to stand up. Then we all went to a bench and sat down.
Earlier I bought a meat bun and a cola from the cafeteria. I lend the bun to him.
"Here. Eat it!"
"Why?" (Sho)
"Because you're my friend. And everyone knows that the meals you share and eat together with your friends and family are the most delicious ones."
The 3 of them were surprised to hear this from me!
Sho tore the bun into half and gave one of the halves to me.
"In that case, you'll eat with us too. Because you're one of our friends too." (Sho)
That word coming from his mouth made me very happy. From then we became the best duo in our class. I was a bit confused about him. He doesn't fit to be a bully. He doesn't know how to bully people! Then why does he bully people? Once I asked him about it. He replied,
"Well, I want to become cool. That's why I bully people." (Sho)
"That's it?"
"Yep." (Sho)
Hearing this, I started laughing! He started blushing.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"I know that this is a lame way to become cool But I don't any other way to become cool!" (Sho)
"Can I suggest a way?"
"Tell me?" (Sho)
"Always be funny. Throw away brain-rotten jokes and meaningless talking. Annoy people."
"Nah, I think I'll pass that." (Sho)
"Believe me. People love goofy-ass people and I think that goofy-ass will suit your personality."
"Is it true?" (Sho)
"Definitely. I'll give you a 100% guarantee!"
"Actually, my true personality is goofy-ass." (Sho)
"Heh?!!"
"Yes. I was hiding my true form all these days." (Sho)
"Why?"
"It's because I become super annoying. Then people start hating me. I become alone." (Sho)
I sighed and said with a cold look,
"Is that a big deal?"
I put my hands on his shoulders. With a serious look, I said,
"Always remember this. Weakness is your greatest strength. That is all. From now on you will maintain your originality. And also, you are not alone anymore. From now on I will always be by your side."
Sho and I were the most annoying duo in our friend circle. Especially, Sho. For example, he always rang the bell of an unknown stranger's house and ran away. It was like a childhood habit of him. When we became so close to each other, I would also go along with him to press people's calling bell.
We used to prank Ishikawa so much. Every day, we would go in front of Ishikawa's apartment to press his bell and run away. After pressing the bell and before running away we would wait some moment for him to appear. But one day, when we went and pressed the bell no one came! We thought that he was ignoring us. So, we took our revenge by pressing consecutively their neighbor's bell.
.....
"Hey, you! What's up man? Give me money please!!!" (Delinquent leader)
"I don't have any." (Sho)
"Huh?!!! I can't hear you, you pipsqueak!" (Delinquent leader)
The other two were laughing!
"Now then, give me your money, boy!" (Delinquent leader)
"I told you! I don't have any!!!" (Sho)
Then the leader grabbed his collar and pulled him closer to punch.
"Then you should die I guess." (Delinquent leader)
I was about to rush in there immediately. But I was shocked after watching what happened there.
As soon as the delinquent leader punched Sho in the face, the leader himself fell to the ground in extreme pain in a certain place of man's body.
The Balls.
The delinquent leader was crying in pain! I stumbled! What just happened right there? Sho kicked in the delinquent leader's balls! And with much power!!! I was just staring at them with my mouth wide open!
Then the other two delinquents came to their leader!
"Boss! Are you okay?!!!" (1st delinquent)
"Boss! What happened to you?!!" (2nd delinquent)
The leader couldn't even speak because of the pain! Then those two head over to Sho to beat him.
"YOU BASTARD-" (1st delinquent)
And then the same thing happened again. The delinquent punched Sho in his stomach. As soon as the delinquent punched, Sho kicked in the delinquent's balls with the same power as the punch! Then the delinquent fell on the ground with pain in his balls too. Suffering in pain, the delinquent said,
"You bastard!!! You…really…only aim for the crotch…!!!"
After watching all of this, the 2nd delinquent got afraid and ran away! Then Sho said to the fallen delinquents,
"先輩たち! (Senpai's!) You are so gentle with me. I only aim for their crotch when I fight with men."
As soon as he said it, he started hitting their balls continuously! Meanwhile, they were screaming in extreme pain! After some time, they were knocked out! After they got knocked out, Sho put his hand into the delinquent's pockets and took all of the money from them!
"I'll be taking these. Till then, お疲れ, 様! (Good working!)" (Sho)
Then he left the place.
I went there, watching him go. I couldn't believe my eyes then! The man we had no hope for fighting, took three delinquents at the same time alone! From then, rumors about him spread
all over the city. He was given a name. Everyone knew him as,
"NUTCRACKER THE BRAWLER"
The brawler in his name means a fighting skill with no specific style. In Brawler's style, a person can fight the way he wants to. He doesn't need to learn or practice any certain skills or
something like that. The way he fought those delinquents was nothing but a personal fighting style. It didn't need any kind of martial arts taekwondo or boxing. It was just an extreme
nutcraking. From that day, I paid my full respect to Sho. I even made him my mentor.
We all spent our time together back then. We talked. We laughed. We fought. We played. We stuck to each other all the time. But one day, I betrayed them. I understand today how they felt about me for these long 10 years without me. However, there are many differences between my mindset and theirs. Still, we were very good friends. We were known throughout Tokyo. Just mentioning Tokyo Elite 5 made everyone recognize us. We were that popular. Especially, us three. We three grew up
together. So, the bond between us was very strong. But one day, I broke away from that bond. But today, I found a branch of that bond. If I can hold onto it, I can be bound to that bond again.
They started crying, saying,
"Why did you suddenly disappear? We found you after 10 long years. Do you know how happy we are today!" (Ishikawa)
"Bro… Why did you leave us? What happened? Tell me…" (Sho)
But Yuki didn't say anything. I didn't understand why.
Then I told them the story of why I left them,
"Come, let's go to a café and talk."
It was around 11:30 at night. We entered a café. Sitting in the café, I told them,
"My life was going so well. But due to an incident, I became like this. Do you remember? My 16th birthday?"
"No." (Ishikawa)
"Oh, I forgot. That day I tried to call you all. But couldn't find you. That day, my parents were killed."
They were shocked to hear that! It seemed like they had fallen from the sky!
"So, you never told us all these years why?" (Ishikawa, in anger)
"I was very depressed actually. I always try to keep everyone away from me one by one. So, I didn't tell you all! Before and after graduation, I kept myself away from everyone. Because I understood that my problems were causing trouble for those around me. Because of me, people used to argue over small things. So, I took myself away. That's why I couldn't meet you for the last time. Please forgive me, for my rude behavior."
They remained silent, looking down. I saw Yuki crying. I smiled and said,
"Oh… there's nothing to feel bad about here. I have now created a new life. I have no regrets now. I will always be grateful to you for trying so hard to see me. Let's forget about the past!"
They were amazed to see so much change in me! Then Yuki
signaled with his eyes to Ishikawa. Then Ishikawa, thinking that he should accept me, said,
"I forgot to tell you why we came here!" (Ishikawa)
"What will you say?"
"Do you know why we came here?" (Ishikawa)
"No. Why?"
Then the three of them took a deep breath together and said to me,
"We came here to take you to America."
"Heh?!!!"
"Yes. We came here to take you back with us and reunite like back then." (Ishikawa)
"But why?"
"Because we are the 'Tokyo-4'. And we always stay together." (Sho)
Now that I remember, we swore an oath that, no matter what happens; I, Ishikawa, Sho, and Nishio will always be together.
"Hey now! Don't forget about me, you moron!" (Yuki)
I promised Yuki that, when we grow up, we will be married and spend our time together.
I almost forgot those memories. But now that they are
reawakened inside me, this time no matter what happens I will not disappoint them.
As I think about these memories, my eyes get filled up with tears. At one moment, I started crying.
.....
I'm finally getting back to the USA. After 2 long years. I think that guy is very mad at me. I told him that I would be back in two months. But it took me 2 years. I hope he will understand why I didn't come. Guess, I'll bring his favorite snack from Sendai. Zunda and cream-flavored Kikufuku.