1 The Encounter
Unedited
HM? Where am I? Who are these people? Why can't I speak? I thought to myself, looking confused and afraid. All I could see were the blacked out faces of children surrounding me. One kid who seemed to be a boy pointed at me and started to laugh
"Ha ha ha"
Then more and more kids started pointing and laughing
"HA HA HA HA HA"
The laughter would just get louder and louder and I just couldn't take it anymore. I closed my eyes and mustered all my strength to scream the words stop it. Before I knew it, I was back in my room where the alarm just went off.
"Goddammit, it's that dream again"
It was seven in the morning and I just had to have that stupid dream again. "How did I even survive back then?" I muttered to myself. I live alone, so it's always quiet at home, I like the peace and quiet in my life. Ever since my parents left me and moved to America, it's been just myself and no one else. They send me money from time to time, but it wasn't much, just enough for food and manga since they pay for the rent. My home isn't too big; actually it's pretty small, it has a small room for myself with a combined kitchen-living room and bathroom, probably able to fit around 3 to 4 people to be considered "not crowded" even though that will never happen because I try to ignore people due to that dream I have from time to time.
"I should clean up," I groaned as I got out of bed. Luckily my glasses were still on since I was reading manga all night long. I gathered all the manga's surrounding my bed and placed them in my bookshelf, then went to brush my teeth. "Oh yeah, classes start today...". I went to wear my clothes which was just a mere T-shirt and black jeans and made eggs with rice for my breakfast. Hopefully I'll remain alone as a college student like always I thought to myself.
Leaving the apartment, Eiji headed towards the university "it's quiet... I like it" I muttered to myself with a smile on my face.
"HEY! YOU! GUY IN THE GLASSES!"
Huh? Is someone talking to me? Sounds like a girl... Let's just ignore her and walk away faster. Eiji started to speed walk to get as far away as possible from the direction of the voice.
"HEY! DON'T RUN AWAY WHEN I'M TRYING TO TALK TO YOU!!!"
At that moment, a strange girl tackled me from behind at full speed. Ahhh! That hurt like hell! Eiji sat up and opened his eyes to see a girl with long black hair who seemed to be around 152 cm and had a face that you would see as the kind girl from any manga, but the only problem was her personality... She wore a cardigan over a white shirt and had blue jeans on. The black haired girl grabbed Eiji by his collar with an annoyed look on her face
"WHY DID YOU RUN WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU!" tightening her hold on Eiji's collar as if she was gonna choke him to death.
"I, I, I, I DON'T KNOW! PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!" Eiji raised his hands tapping on the girl's arms to show as if he was surrendering in a fight. It took a while, but he was eventually let go and was able to breath. Eiji looked up to the angry looking girl and wondered how a girl could be so violent.
"Hurt you?! Why in the world would I do that?"
Probably because you tackled me from behind and almost choked me to death!? But if I say that she probably won't let me live... "I don't know... What do you want from me?"
"Oh! I saw you walking the same direction as me and was wondering if you were attending Tokyo University too!"
The girl smiled and reached out her hand, but Eiji ignored it and stood up by himself patting off the dirt on his clothes. Who the hell is this girl!? Why is she talking to me out of nowhere?!
"Yeah, I'm attending that university today too. What about it?"
"That's great! I'm attending that university today too! Let's go there together!" With a big smile on her face, it seemed as if she had no worries at all and lived a happy life.
"No... I prefer to be alone." pushing her aside Eiji continued to walk to school
"Don't be like that! Let's go together!"
She began to chase after Eiji, once Eiji noticed, the first thing he decided to do was run, but it was no use... For some reason she's super fast and a monster when it comes to running kind of like a predator chasing her prey... In the end she kept up with Eiji all the way to school. Sigh, at least I won't see her in class...
Is what I thought at first... But how is it that she's sitting right next to me in class!? Eiji looked towards her confused and all but the girl noticed and waved at him. He turned his head around and decided to ignore her. I know! I'll just ignore her! Then she'll have to leave me alone and it'll be quiet for me again! Eiji laughed to himself in the corner of the classroom and once class was over Eiji decided he would rush out of the classroom as fast as possible. Or so he thought... In the process of him rushing towards the door, the black haired girl stopped him once again. With a smile on her face once again...
"We never introduced ourselves did we? My name is Takaki Hikari! What's your name?"
Trying to ignore her will probably be a pain since she's this outgoing... I'll just try to move past her. As Eiji took a step towards the side Hikari also took a step towards the side she took out both arms to the side completely blocking me. What's with this girl!?! Just leave me in peace!
"Don't think you can leave if you don't introduce yourself!"
Eiji took another step towards the side in an attempt to ignore her, but in the end she followed him. This girl... There's definitely something wrong with her! Eiji started to get a bit annoyed and tried to force his way past by pushing her to the side, but for some reason Hikari wasn't just insanely fast, but she was also monstrously strong, to the point where she grabbed him and lifted him up into the air with an angry look on her face. This girl's not human! Ahhh!
"Don't ignore me when I'm talking to you! Now tell me your name!"
In the air Eiji was completely frightened... Not by Hikari's expression, but by how monstrously strong and fast she was for a girl. Unable to move at all, it It doesn't seem like Eiji could leave unless he tells her his name. I guess I'll just tell her so she'll leave me alone.
"Hamasaki..." I muttered
"Huh?!"
"My name... It's Hamasaki Eiji"
Right after Eiji told her his name, her expression changed so fast from angry to a kind and friendly look. There's definitely something wrong with this girl! I just want to go home and live in peace and quiet! I told you my name now let me go!!! All these thoughts filled Eiji's mind until he was let down.
"See that wasn't too hard! Nice to meet you Eiji!"
Going off with first name already? I barely know you! Ah, whatever I just want to go home... Eiji started walking and this time he wasn't stopped by Hikari. "Thank god it's quiet again." I muttered to myself smiling once again. Since it's still light out I should stop by the manga shop while I'm at it! Eiji rushed towards the manga shop in delight, looking around, he decided to head towards his favorite section which consisted of romance and action type manga. Eiji picked up a book and started looking through it, before Eiji even realized he read through the entire thing. He's so lucky he gets to have a happy ending... Wish I could be like him and live happily ever after too... Eiji looked outside, all he saw was the lit up street lights. Ah... it's already dark out, I should head home and make dinner.
Should I cook food? There's not much in the fridge... Guess I'm eating cup noodles tonight! Eiji heated up the water, cooked the noodles, took out a book and started reading once again, reading alone was when Eiji could feel at peace, with no one around to talk to him, it would just be the characters in the manga and himself.
"I've always loved this manga" Eiji muttered to himself
The character lives a peaceful life and meets a girl which he eventually gets together with her. It's everyone's dream to live like him... Well, at least it's my dream to be like him. Afterwards Eiji frowns, closes the book, cleans up, and decides to go to bed...
I open my eyes and once again I'm somewhere I don't recognize, but this time there's a girl standing in front of me... Her face was blacked out, but she reached out her hand and said
"It's okay... I'll protect you... I promise!"
Her voice sounded peaceful and kind... It made me feel safe and at peace, but suddenly the ground began to shake and I was falling through it into the darkness. Then out of nowhere I opened my eyes once again. Huh!? What was that? Who was that? I don't remember... Eiji started having a headache with his hand on his head, it's probably nothing... It's all in the past now. "Yeah... The past..." Eiji muttered to himself as he got out of bed. Let's not stress about it! Peace and quiet is best for one's mind! Eiji smiled, however, that smile completely changed when he bumped into Hikari on his way to school again.
"EIJI!!!" She screamed out smiling, waving her hand
Eiji stopped in place for a moment. Then out of nowhere he started running at full speed. Ignore her! She'll take away the peace and quiet you want! Eiji kept thinking this, but when he turned back to check if she was there he saw a demon instead. The demon grabbed his shoulder and forced him to stop... Dam! I forgot how monstrous of a person she was!
"HI EIJI! WHY ARE YOU RUNNING SO EARLY IN THE MORNING?!"
"H, h, h, hi Takaki! I, I, I just thought I was gonna be late for class!"
Sweating nervously and worried about his life Eiji thought about every possible way he could die by her hands. Eiji looked at her face once more and all he could see was the fury of someone who's gonna kill him! Hiding it all in a smile no less! Please leave me alone!
"Late for class huh!? Class doesn't start until another half hour! How do you explain that?"
"I'M SORRY!!!" Eiji cried as he started running away from her again. I'm so screwed! She's crazy! Someone please save me!!! As Eiji began running, he was stopped shortly after, but this time instead of being held down on his shoulder, he was tackled from behind again and got into a headlock.
"YOUR SORRY AND STILL TRY TO RUN!?"
"What do you want!" Eiji cried tapping out again as if he was gonna die again
"Let's go to school together like before! Since we're in the same class we might as well get to know each other!"
"No... I prefer to be alone and live quietly."
The hold tightened on Eiji's neck, making his body go crazy as he struggles for air. To think that I'd die to a girl... Smiling in front of me as if nothing bad is happening.
"Nonsense! Don't be like that! No one ever wants to truly be alone! Come on, let's go together!"
Hikari let go of her hold and Eiji immediately took a grasp of air straight through his mouth. I'm alive! Thank god! Why's this girl so crazy!? After Eiji caught his breath, he looked up to see Hikari reaching out to grab his hand, but Eiji moved back and started to run away again
"NO! I want to be alone! It's what's best for me! Now leave me alone!"
As Eiji ran away for a third time, Hikari didn't chase after him again, but instead she just stood still watching as their distance grew farther apart.
During class Eiji looked towards Hikari, but this time she didn't look back. Did I go too hard on her? Eiji shook his head in disbelief, no this is what's best for me! I'll have my peace and quiet again! Smiling as he continued his classwork.
Eiji believed that he would be left alone after what happened between him and Hikari this morning, but after class she was in front of him once again. Hikari grabbed Eiji's hand with a serious look...
"Come with me"
"W, why? Let go of me."
"Shut up and just come with me will you!"
Eiji sighed and just followed Hikari knowing that he would never be able to overpower her or escape from her. Wondering where she was taking him, his curiosity began to get the best of him...
"W, where are you taking me?"
"You'll see when we get there."
Is she mad about what happened this morning? What's she gonna do to me!? Don't tell me she's gonna... Kill me!? I know she's monstrously powerful but killing me over what I did in the morning is a bit much! Eiji closed his eyes shut as his mind filled with horror and fear until he was put to a sudden stop. "Please don't kill me!" Eiji screamed thinking it was in his mind
"HUH!?!? Kill you!? Why in the world would I do that? Do I look like that type of person?" Hikari grabbed me by my collar with a monstrous look on her face
"Never mind, let's just go in they're waiting for us."
As Hikari let Eiji go he looked up to see a restaurant. Who's waiting for us? Why am I even here? He let out a sigh and followed Hikari into the restaurant and saw another girl and a guy waving at her. The guy was around my height 173 cm wearing a yellow hoodie with black jeans while the girl seemed to be wearing a sweater and a black skirt.
"So why am I here again?" Eiji whispered to Hikari
"You're here to meet my friends"
"But, I told you..."
"I know what you told me and I refuse to believe it. No one truly wants to be alone, so I won't leave you alone"
"Why are you doing this..."
Before Eiji could get an answer, he was interrupted by a male voice
"You're here Hikari! Who's that beside you?" he asked as he leaned towards Eiji
"Let me introduce him! His name is Hamasaki Eiji and from today onward we will be his friends!"
"Well, nice to meet you Hamasaki! My name is Machida Ryo and the girl still sitting is called Morino Kohaku! Please be kind to us!"
"..."
Hikari steps back and casually stomps on Eijis foot. AH! It hurts! Eiji looked at her and saw her smiling, but under the smile he knew that she was thinking "talk to them! Don't embarrass me!"
"N, nice to m, meet you guys!" Eiji shouted as he bowed to them
Hikari clapped her hands together looking towards Ryo and Kohaku
"Now that you guys know each other, let's be sure to hang out a lot more often!"
"Yeah, let's have some fun! Right Hamasaki?" replied Kohaku as she approached Eiji and Hikari with a smile
Hikari glared at Eiji as if his answer would determine what she planned to do to him. Eiji gulped and knew he wouldn't be able to leave
"Y, yeah, I guess"
"Good! Let's order some food! I bet you're hungry!"
"Actually..."
Hikari gives another glare to Eiji making his body shiver for a moment, but Eiji barely has any money in his wallet. My money... Or my life? Eiji sighed and knew he only had one choice that he could do to survive.
"N, never mind... Let's eat!"
Hikari and Eiji sat down next to each other, but for some reason when Eiji sat down he felt a chill go down his spine, Eiji looked towards his right and saw Hikari smirking at the menu. Suddenly she made eye contact with him and gave off a malicious smile. Afterwards Hikari mouthed "You are paying for me, right?" and just like that Eiji tried to dash away, but as expected, he was stopped by just a grab on the shoulder from Hikari. Eiji wanted to cry so bad, but just nodded in shame. This is why I prefer being alone!!!
"BAH! Thanks for the food! Thank you too Eiji!"
"Thank you my ass! My wallet's empty now!!!"
"My bad, my bad, I'll pay you back! Don't be mad okay?"
"Whatever!"
Completely forgetting about Ryo and Kohaku, Eiji turns around and sees them staring straight at him.
"H, how long have you guys been staring?"
"For the entire time! Since you barely talked to us at all!" Kohaku replied with a puffy face
"I'm sorry... I'm usually prefer to be alone, so it's always quiet around me"
"Why?"
"It's because I like it being quiet, it's peaceful and is what's best for me."
Out of nowhere Ryo puts his hands around me "Nonsense! You need friends to be happy! By the way you know you and Takaki are getting awfully close, kinda like she's your girlfriend!"
"N, n, n, nonsense! She just won't leave me alone! Following me everywhere and forcing me to do things..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever you say! Let's go home!"
"B, but I'm being serious!"
Before Eiji even knew it, he saw a ghost staring straight at him as if it was saying that his life was over... The ghost walked closer and closer and grabbed his face staring straight at him in his eyes.
"So you think I'm annoying huh!?"
"N, N, N, NOOOOOO!!!"
That night Hikari beat Eiji into submission and he found out that demons and ghosts were real and that they reside in a girl that wouldn't leave him alone. What's worse for Eiji was that he will see her again tomorrow.
