Suspicious Get-up

Him? As my security guard? Megumi dreaded the thought. As much as she likes Hajime's company as a friend, there was no way she'd allow her parents to recruit him as her bodyguard, not in a million years. Somehow, she could see Hajime agreeing to the job in a heartbeat, not because he was worried for her, not in the least, but because he needed the money. He was someone who'd do anything just to make ends meet, or at least, that's how he seemed in Megumi's eye. He didn't even think twice about receiving the pocket money her dad gave him, and that gesture resonated a lot in Megumi's mind.

"No, there's no need to do that." Megumi outrightly denied the thought, her face showing clear signs of refusal. First, she heard about the trespassers sneaking into their place, and now she had to hear the idea of her dad bringing up Hajime as her bodyguard. She couldn't accept both these things to happen, her mind didn't want to accept it.

"But you'll be needing a bodyguard, at least just in school. Franz and our security can take care of you when you're outside school." Koji concernedly said, hoping that her daughter would rethink her decision. The thought wasn't actually a bad one, and besides it would help Hajime out since he looked like he needed the money. "Hajime would just watch over you in school, and on special occasions when you want to get out. How about it?"

Megumi inquisitively stared at her mom and dad, trying to see if they were just trying to tease her by playing wingman for her and Hajime. But such wasn't the case at all, the looks of concern on their faces were evident, and they really brought the topic out since they want to keep Megumi safe at all times.

Besides, now that Megumi thought about it, it would make it easier for her to watch over Hajime if he was watching her as well. She wouldn't have to come up with a reason every single time she tried to follow him. In other words, it would give her a reason to follow her, and for her to follow him if that were the case. Well, having Hajime as her bodyguard has its own pros and cons, and even if there were advantages, it didn't outweigh the disadvantages at all. She dreaded the thought of Hajime nagging her over and over as her bodyguard, but then again, it would be a better option compared to having he parents nag her over and over about Hajime becoming her bodyguard.

"Fine, but promise me you'll pay him well, and also, don't be surprised if he denies the offer." Megumi pointed out.

With that said, she headed back to her room, exhausted for the day. So much has happened that she didn't even know where to start. It's as if life has thrown a whole pie on her face out of the blue, and it was up to her to take it in albeit surprisingly. She begrudgingly headed to her room and collapsed on her bed, burying her face in her pillow, flustered. She couldn't believe that Hajime caught her in the act and he even went out of his way to tease her about it, much to her annoyance.

'Don't worry, I'll get back at you soon.' She resolved in herself even though she didn't mean it at all. Somehow, something happened in her mind, or should one call it a change of heart? Even though she somewhat disliked Hajime and she was a bit irritated by him, she just couldn't avoid him. And every time she sees him, her heart softens, and she couldn't tell whether it was a budding friendship or that other thing called 'like'. This was her first time liking someone, heck, it was her first time befriending someone after a few years. That's why she was unsure of what to do or how to act. Needless to say, she felt herself getting closer and closer to Hajime and she feared that Hajime might hate her for it. 'Was it really this hard making a friend?' She asked herself. She never had any difficulties making friends when she was young. Even until now, she was a likable person, but something changed in her after being devoid of friends for many years.

"Hajime, you idiot."

.....

Hajime was on his way home, taking a stroll from downtown since he couldn't be bothered riding a taxi on his way back. The night had grown colder, causing Hajime to slightly shiver despite the snuggly hoodie he wore. A misty fog of breath escaped his lips as he cupped his hands on his exhale, grabbing what little bit of warmth he had in his breath.

Achooo~

A sneeze unexpectedly came out, and it came off loudly since he didn't have time to prepare. Rubbing his nose, Hajime sniffled. "Somebody's probably talking about me or something. I wonder who they are." He told himself, listing off all the names of people who knew him. There weren't that many, as it turned out, and he could even count all of them on the fingers of his hands. Surprised, he recounted them again, only for the count to fall on the same number. "Wow, what have I been doing with my social life? Not that I had any, to begin with." He shook his head, a despondent smile spreading across his face.

'I wonder if the two of them got back home safely.' He asked himself.

Passing by the nearby park, he was tempted to go visit his favorite trellis once again when he noticed suspicious movement by the convenience store. Someone on a tracksuit was shuffling by the side of the road, avoiding all the streetlights as if she'd die if she got shined upon. Her face darted here and there, and the wide-rimmed sunglasses she wore reflected the darkness that surrounded the place.

She paused, stared at her phone, darted her face in multiple directions again, and then she proceeded to head inside the convenience store— not until she noticed Hajime walking nearby, however. It didn't take long for her to recognize who Hajime was, and it didn't take long for Hajime to recognize her as well, despite the shabby tracksuit and the wide-rimmed sunglasses she wore. It was a suspicious get-up, that much was obvious.

"Hajime?" She muttered, startled.

"Sensei?"