Chapter 7: She Rejected The Offer

Apartment

"What took you so long?", Kid grunted. "I slept longer. Today's the start of summer vacation", Trafalgar answered carrying books. "Hey. Did you forget we're hanging out today? Why are you carrying those stupid books?", Kid's eyes twitched. "No one asked you to take a leave from work", Trafalgar sighed. "Shut up. They're waiting for you", Kid walked in front. "I'll just drop this in the library", Trafalgar said.

Library

"I'll be waiting for you", Kid leaned on the wall.

Someone passed by the two. "Oh, what a babe", Kid commented. She's got long strands of black hair and a pair of serious onyx eyes. "Want to hang out with us?", Kid invited. "I have to refuse", Airi answered then continued walking. "I like her cockiness. Now that you're dealing with high school students, why don't you try hitting on younger girls", Kid suggested. "I'm not interested", Trafalgar walked behind the female student.

Airi watched as Trafalgar placed back two huge books.

He's always reading medical books.

"It'll be in safe hands", Airi heard and coincidentally saw a briefcase exchanged by two men. "I've recounted it a lot of times. It's the right amount", the man said in a soft voice. There is an ample amount of reason to be suspicious of the activity taking place. "After this, take a taxi on the left wing of this building", the other one said. Airi looked at Trafalgar who was just calmly scanning the books. Airi held onto her phone and started typing a number. The man in a suit saw her in his peripheral vision.

He pulled something on his side. Airi was sure to see a gun. Someone kicked it and it was sent flying high. The other man started to run away. There was a commotion inside the library. Trafalgar had the man pinned on the ground. The redhead came running. "Eustass Kid, a police officer", he showed his ID. "I'd call the police", Trafalgar opened his phone. "I'm already here", Kid protested. "You're not wearing a uniform. You would just look like a gangster", Trafalgar sighed. Soon, the police came and took the man into custody.

For the whole time, Kid didn't allow Airi to leave. He was involved in the incident and her identity is at stake. That was the reason but most of it was Kid wanting to interact more with the lady.

Cafe Shop

The three sat next to the window.

"Can I go now?", Airi sipped through her tea. "I'm Eustass Kid. What's your name?", Kid placed his hand on his chin. "I need to go home now", Airi stood up but Kid extended his long leg to block the exit.

From the counter, Koala whispered to Sabo. "Aren't you going to stop him? He looks like he's going to mug her", Koala said with her eyes closed.

Airi sighed and faced the redhead. "My presence here is no longer needed. I testified already", Airi politely bowed. "You're quite a brave lady. You know that underground rats are really something. If they knew you're the one who blew them out, you won't last that long", Kid threatened. "Uhm, people die, eventually", Airi held unto his leg and gently moved it. Kid had a satisfying laugh. "You're interesting, young lady", Kid decided to let her go.

"Underground rats are really something", Trafalgar repeated. "Interpret it whatever way you want", Kid smirked.

Airi walked towards the exit and found herself in the middle of an overwhelming atmosphere. "Oh, they're here. We're here", Kid stood up to call the rest of the group.

"Long time no see!", Apoo, a well-known pop singer showed up. "Make sure you close the cafe. It'll be annoying to meet people in such a close space", Hawkins, an infamous writer who hid behind his screen name. "Ah, if I knew we'd be meeting in Sabo's cafe, I should have brought pizza with me", Jewelry Bonney said while eating a doughnut, a pizza shop owner. "Beige-san said he was busy with his son. Speaking, don't tell me you're all single", Kid furrowed his brow. "You are as well", Apoo stated the obvious. "Huh? My girlfriend was just in front of me a while ago", Kid announced. They all looked at Airi who was already holding the handle of the door. Jewelry grabbed her and locked her in the neck with her arms.

"Ah, you finally found someone", Jewelry laughed.

Why me?

Airi found it difficult to clear herself with all that was happening in the group. She can't even leave because she's in between Kid and Trafalgar." Then, Hawkins ran away when he saw that the line was long. It's his signing debut and yet he ditched it", Apoo revealed. "Rouge entered the military, I guess he's having the time of his life in there", Jewelry informed. Everyone was catching up and yet Trafalgar was just listening.

"So I was really shocked when Kid told us that you're going to take your license exam this year. You're really going to be a full-fledged doctor?", Jewelry looked at Trafalgar who stopped stirring his coffee as soon as he was brought up in the conversation. "Ah, he's shy to say that so-", Kid sweatdropped. He wasn't supposed to say it to anyone. "You're one loud bastard, aren't you?", Trafalgar released a dark aura. "They'll find it either way", Kid smirked. Airi looked at the man beside her.

"I won't get surprised if the next thing we receive is a wedding invitation", Apoo sighed. "No need to worry. I get a vision that you both will fit each other", Hawkins tried to comfort him. Airi remembered Monet. After some time, the group already decided to go separate ways. "Let me walk you home", Kid offered.

Street

"Tch, that Law. I invited him to drink with me. He rejected again", Kid kicked the stone in front of him. After going out of the cafe shop, Trafalgar's phone rang. He kept an expressionless face but Airi figured out something from his eyes. It was something familiar.

"Say, let's get to know each other", Kid lets out his phone. "Are you trying to compete with Trafalgar-san?", Airi said without a filter. Kid felt a pang in his chest. "Don't worry. I think you're the winner in a lot of ways", Airi remembered Zoro and Sanji fighting over the simplest things. Kid shrugged. "I'm nowhere near that guy", Kid sighed. "You're freer than he is", Airi took the phone and added her contact. "It might be good to keep a police number", Airi explained.

They walked further. "So you're a student council vice-president. You're really an interesting person. Brings back memories", he let out a short laugh. "I rejected it at first but became the vice president the next school year", Airi explained. They stopped in front of a huge house. "Thank you for walking me home", Airi looked at the building. "Sure. Do your best, kiddo. I'll also do so", Kid waved goodbye.

Roger's Residence

"Why are you so late?", a beautiful middle-aged woman walked down the stairs. Airi didn't give an answer. "Who cares. You can get lost whenever you want", she said with a cold voice. She wore her sunglasses and walk past her. "Also, if you won't get rid of that cat. I'll feed it to the security dogs", she looked down at the smaller lady.

She walked upstairs and saw a portrait of someone smiling so widely. She gave a weak smile. "I'm home", she whispered to the air and walked down the lonely hallway.

1 Year Ago

Class 1-1

"Eh?! You're not joining the student council. I already won!", Luffy showed his badge. "Good for you then", Airi continued erasing the board.

"It'll be different without you", Luffy whined.

"How is it different? If you're inviting a curse into you're office, then I bet I'm the best choice", Airi aimlessly made a comment. "You're not a curse. The school principal is forcing me to choose already. I guess I have no choice then. Remember this, Airi. If you need somewhere to go, the office will always be open. You may not have the position I originally planned you to be but the office can always make room for you", Luffy smiled widely.

Airi stopped erasing.

"Why? Why do you always pester me?", Airi asked.

"You just look so lonely and I have a great feeling you will fit properly in the council. You're intelligent and responsible", Luffy gave a thumbs up.

"So you're calling me so that you can play around as much as you want", Airi put the eraser down.

"You got it right", Luffy nodded.

You need to become better than that person.

"You're really a convenient person", Luffy swayed along while walking close to her.

You should become better. You can do better than that.

"And if you're convenient at the same time, someone who is sensitive to what people needs, I bet you're just the best", Luffy patted her head. "Thank you for making the flowers bloom", Luffy said with a serious tone.

Airi looked at his smiling face and tears formed in the corner of her eyes. "The gardening club abandoned it because they said the soil was just too acidic. Not that I understand well. I see you watering it every day and bringing various things", Luffy narrated all of what he saw.

I don't need you anymore.

"Don't you think it's such a waste that the flowers are the only ones benefiting from your greatness? We need you, Airi", Luffy stretched his hand towards her.

Chapter end.