Changing it Up - Aki

She had held herself together enough to calm herself slightly. Tonight’s dream hadn’t been a nightmare, but if it happened, it could be. She had figured that his nightmares were most likely memories from his travel and the time traveler he had met this time was Rika. If this time-line collided with that one, and she recognized him… Then everything would’ve been for nothing. Rika was proud of doing her job and reporting properly. There was no way that she wouldn’t report him.

She should have known Kumi would be in the maintenance room, making sure Aki’s equipment was ready for the day. But in her current state, it had taken her longer to find her than it should have.

“You’re early.” Kumi looked up at her and immediately put her tools down. “What happened?”

Aki sat down beside her. She would need to explain it in a way that wouldn’t give too much away. Otherwise, she would be the one exposing him. “I think the nightmares are his memories.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.” Kumi tilted her head. “So?”

“It was a mild dream last night.” She took a breath.

“So the room makeover worked?” Kumi smiled for a short moment. “But?”

“I don’t think he remember it, but he met Rika.” Their eyes met. “I mean, he was a teenager, and I barely recognized him but what if she does?”

“Wait? You… No. That’s for another day. If you didn’t recognize him, I doubt she would. Unless…”

“Unless what?” Aki felt her heart rate rise again.

“I’m not sure, but he’s been friends with Mukai since he was a teenager, right? Mukai used to take a lot of pictures when we were kids and keep them on display.”

Aki hadn’t even considered that a possibility. She knew that they all wore masks in his former band, but if there was friendship pictures, then his face would be clear. And Rika must have been over to their place, since they’re dating.

Being the one who found the lost time traveler would raise her position in the industry. Maybe even in society. There was no doubt that Rika would take the chance to report him if she had the chance.

“You won’t like what I’m about to say, but I’ll say it anyway.” Kumi took a dep breath. “You should tell your dad about it.”

“No!” Aki could see where Kumi was coming from. Her father had been a traveler once. He had even been the one who taught her that sometimes secrets saved the world. He was also currently one of the higher ups. He would help.

But she also knew that this was something that might put them in danger if the truth came out, and he had died in the future because of it. Imagine the anger from people against the people who had hidden the lost time traveler. She couldn’t risk him getting caught up in that.

“He could do a lot from his position.” Kumi sighed. “But I guess you don’t want him involved.”

“You’re right. But his life is already on the line.”

“Then let’s think of something. For today, I could probably switch with Yosino.” Kumi smiled at her. “We’ll figure something out.”

***

“Welcome back, Hiraoka.” Eriko Yoshino was almost as capable of a technician as Kumi, he just didn’t show his passion the same way. The biggest difference was how quiet he was. Aki had only heard him speak a few times, and it was always short responses to someone or polite phrases.

This made most travelers uncomfortable and he was often the last choice for travelers. Aki had worked with him before and always requested him if Kumi wasn’t available.

Of course, she referred working with her best friend, but Yoshino was her second choice. She could always count on him to get her back safely.

“Thank you, Yoshino.” She smiled and handed him the gear. Today had been another peaceful situation, and she could relax knowing that Kumi would keep an eye on Rika for today. “I’ll go finish the report. What do you say about joining me for lunch?”

“Sure.” His presence was a welcome change, especially today. She never felt the need to keep the conversation going and silence wasn’t awkward. And she trusted him to say what he thought, but only what he felt he needed to say.

“How’s your sister, by the way?” She didn’t know much about his personal life. The only thing she knew was that his little sister was ill. Aki didn’t even know in what way.

“She’s stable.” The topic of his sister always brought a small smile onto Yoshino’s lips. And it was also the only time she ever saw him smile.

When she returned, Kumi and Rika was talking to him in the corridor.

“Thank you, Yoshino.” She heard Kumi almost scream. What were they talking about?

Rika was the first to notice Aki. “Looks like I’ll steal Kumi from you for a while.” She gave Aki a triumphant smile. “Hope you’ll have fun with the quiet one.” She wrinkled her nose just enough to get her dislike across while still being able to claim innocence.

“You mean I get Yoshino? Sweet!” She looked between her coworkers. Kumi gave her a nod and she realized that her plan was to take Yoshino’s spot as Rika’s technician for this period.

“I hope you don’t mind?” Yoshino looked down.

“Not at all.” She smiled at him. “It’s always a pleasure to work with you.”

“Right back at you.” Was she imagining things or was it a small smile forming on his lips?

Aki felt the fear she hadn’t shaken off leave her body. With Kumi by Rika’s travels, she would be able to get out of her if she met Ryo. For now, they were safe. At least from that. Kumi really was the best.

“What is this I’m hearing?” She recognized her father’s voice. Why did he have to show up now? “The dream team is splitting up? May I ask why?”

“We’ve been staggering.” Kumi was quick to answer, she had clearly thought this through. “We thought changing it up might be a good way for us both to get better.”

“It’s always good to stay on your toes.” She couldn’t see him, but she new he was nodding.

“Are you okay, Hiraoka?” She heard Yoshino’s voice, but everything around her was fading. Or maybe swinging. Both?

She felt herself slipping away. Was she fainting? That had never happened before…

She tried to nod, but she couldn’t tell if she actually did, or not. All she heard was their fading voices calling her name.