An Unexpected Company

Being new in the city, Hayashi Sakura had to tune in to her google map and find the nearest mall in her area. Luckily for her, there are two shopping centers located near Business Avenue, but she went to the nearest shopping establishment of Hikarie where she only needed to walk her way to reach it, or a bike ride would suffice.

Since she can't afford to buy a bike in her poor situation, Sakura doesn't have any choice but to walk her way towards the mall. Humming to herself, she kept herself sane all throughout the walk. And when she has arrived at her destination at last, she can't help but be astonished at how big the whole building was.

Back in the rural areas of Kyoto where she grew up, there are only a few small establishments insight. In her few weeks of stay here in Tokyo, especially in Shibuya, she hasn't still got used to seeing all the soaring skyscrapers and fancy buildings that tower above her. She hasn't used to the noise and crowd as well and is now trying her best to adjust to her surroundings.

Well, enough of the staring already. Sakura now decides to move inside the shopping mall along with the multitude. To her dismay, the shopping mall was sensory overloaded today as it has been every day. Only overtures for purchases are permitted here; the messages and carefully styled images to seduce consumers are wherever the eyes may fall. Several stores are arranged neatly on every corner, making Sakura astonished. Everything that a consumer needs is all here, from food, entertainment, living, merchandise, etc.

Sakura easily gets anxious when she is in an environment with lots of people inside.To somehow overcome her anxiety, she gets her phone in the pocket of her jeans, along with the earphones already attached to it, and untangles them before placing them in both ears.

After she plays her favorite song and is now a little bit relaxed, she starts looking for the supermarket section where she has to buy her groceries and the lamp she needs for her study table.

Shoppers like her have mostly occupied the supermarket section. Sakura already has a shopping cart and two baskets with her when she starts pushing the cart to get to the necessary shelves. She made a grocery list before arriving here so she wouldn't forget what to buy.

***

After getting a bottle of oil from the shelf, Sakura gets the pen attached to her mini spring notebook and crosses out the item from the list. Seeing that she has already everything that she needs on her cart, she starts pushing it towards counter #4 intended for heavy-loaded groceries like hers. A dozen other people are also waiting in line in front of her with their respective baskets and carts in hand.

Sakura was just about to scroll some more on her phone to kill some time while waiting when she noticed the familiar figure of the guy standing in front of her. She is not the type of girl to easily forget someone, even if they only met or talked once.

As she keenly stares at his auburn messy hair, broad back, and tall figure, Sakura had immediately figured out that this person is none other than that cheeky guy whom she saw during the orientation named Yamaguchi Alan. What in the world is this?!

And if Sakura is being unlucky today, this guy in front of her immediately felt he was being watched, prompting him to turn around to see who it was. This move was so sudden that Sakura could just barely turn away from him. Almost in an instant, a flash of recognition flickered on those pair of hooded blue of his that made Sakura's face flushed slightly.

A big smile soon appeared on the boy's lips as he said, "Hey! Long time no see!" and waved his hand in pure delight.

Sakura was stunned for a moment, not knowing what to do at this point. Forcing a smile on her face, she also waves her hand hesitantly and greets him back.

"H-hi."

The person in front of Alan moves forward, and so does everyone. After that, Alan faces the shy girl once more before saying, "I barely see you in school but now… I didn't expect to see you here all of a sudden."

Neither does Sakura…

After all consumers have been entertained and Sakura has been able to pay for his items, she exits the supermarket, passing Alan, who was actually waiting for her now at the door. All Sakura wanted to experience right now is to be left alone after a strenuous week at work.

"Hey, wait up! Why are you in such a hurry?"

Sakura could almost feel her patience losing at this guy. Why can't boys be a little bit sensitive to a girl's feelings sometimes?

With his naturally long legs, Alan was able to catch up with her in no time. In his hand is a paper bag of all the items he purchased, which is only a few compared to hers.

"I was just about to eat lunch at a restaurant here. And I was thinking maybe you wanted to have lunch with me?"

Okay, that's it!

As Sakura had had enough of this person already, she stopped in her tracks and annoyedly stared at Alan. Her rage soon dissipated as she realized what a genuine, friendly smile this man has right now, that would make her regret shouting at him now.

Additionally, when she remembers how she treated him on her first day at Hirosaki University when all he did was to help her and keep her company, it still makes her feel bad about it.

"Don't worry, it's my treat. So… what do you say?"

Alan was still sheepishly smiling at her as he invited her over for lunch. She couldn't just destroy his incredibly good mood just like that, can she?

In the end, Sakura can't do anything but accept his invitation. And in exchange for it, Alan extends his help in carrying her heavy bag for her as they make their way towards the restaurant.