Catching Strays

“You’re talking about my wife, correct?” Mr. Numakura replied to the obvious elephant in the room. “Yes, I’m sure that many of the students don’t appreciate such a union between teachers across your schools. In our defense, we didn’t know about your whole schools’ histories with each other when we made our applications.”

“I can’t imagine outsiders will ever understand our past.” Ryuo spoke of this irrational situation as if it were normal. “Though I’m sorry that you have to deal with us. I can’t imagine either of you care that much about our schools.” Though the young boy also realized their indifference was also a form of offense to people who staked so much of their identities to this so-call rivalry.

“At this point, I’m just grateful to still have my job.” It was true that this wasn’t limited only the students. Even many members of the faculty held strong opinions. Which wasn’t a surprise as many of them were alumni to the schools themselves. “Plus, I’m sure it’ll get better. After all, someone like you is the student council president.”

“Don’t take what some call my soft rule to be some sort of sympathy towards the Capas.” Ryuo got to work cleaning the blackboard of the mess caused by the hooligans. His actions being a futile attempt to avoid this line of conversation, but Mr. Numakura didn’t hold back. “I can’t stand that school. I simply want to maintain some semblance of peace.”

“Even then, at least you’re working towards a positive future.” The man couldn’t help but laugh. While his tough act might work on much of the student body, it was useless against an adult. “And trust me, I might not enjoy this level of bullying. But I’d rather have this 100 times over, than deal with being in your position.”

Mr. Numakura understood the precarious situation Ryuo found himself in. Hundreds of kids his age, all watching his every move. Ready to throw him away should he do something they disapprove of. Especially when the stakes involved another group of people they hated with every fiber of their being. “And that’s everything. Thanks again for all your help.”

“Just doing my job.” He bowed his head down, ready to make his leave before the teacher prevented his quick exit.

“Can I ask you a question?” He said, freezing the boy in his tracks. “Do you ever think anything could mend the bond between Monta and Capa academy?” Ryuo paused for a moment, as if to ponder the question. Yet he already knew the answer.

“No.” He spoke frankly. “The two of us. We’re just too different. There’s no way our groups could ever co-exist.” With their conversation extended, just a little longer. Ryuo took advantage of this precious moment. “May I also ask you a question?”

***

Meanwhile, Jurie finally finished helping Mrs. Numakura with the mess left on her desk.

“Phew, finally finished.” The girl wiped the sweat off her brow as she breathed a sigh of relief. “Sorry about those bullies. People here can be so mean.”

“You don’t need to apologize on their behalf.” Her teacher replied. “I’m just happy for your help. Sorry for taking away your lunchtime.” The woman sat down, finally able to get to her paperwork. Which would require her to rush in order to be ready by the time the bell rang.

“But it’s wrong.” She stuck around, choosing to forgo enjoying a meal with the rest of her friends. “You’re an outsider. It’s not your fault you’re married to some guy teaching at Monta academy.”

“It’s funny. I was so happy when I finally got the job here at Capa.” Mrs. Namukura laughed, as if her situation was funny. Sure, to some the absurdity could be viewed as laughable. Yet the way she had to live her life each day was far from a simple joke. “There were no other openings. So my husband and me thought it’d be fine if we were teaching at different schools. That the worst thing about it would be we couldn’t see each other most of the day.”

“How are things at home anyway?” Jurie cautiously asked her question, worried simultaneously on the potential response for such a personal question. As well as what could be one potential answer.

“Perfectly fine.” The woman couldn’t help but smile to the question. As if it were just as simple as asking for her favorite color. “I know you might be wondering if we regret coming here. But I assure you, nothing anyone does here can affect my feelings for him. And I know no matter what, he loves me. And that’s all that matters.”

“That’s such a…” Jurie wanted to speak what was on her mind. To say their worldview was naive. To say, how could adults like them have such hope? However, she stopped herself and opted for a plain and safe response. “That’s such a nice way to put it.”

“Anyway, I’ve kept you long enough.” Mrs. Namukura waved her goodbye. “Even if you’re not having lunch. You should be heading back to class soon.”

“Right.” She gave her a bow as a farewell. “Have fun!” Jurie gave off her trademark smile as she skipped out of the room. However behind her cheerful disposition, her mind weighed heavy on the situation around her. It was easy for that lady to stay strong, but a girl like her could ill afford such luxury.

Yet despite that, she now found herself in an impossible situation. How could she ever be like that woman?

Right before she entered the classroom, she felt her phone vibrate, indicating a message. Initially she thought it to be one of her fellow council members, but was surprised to see it was from Ryuo instead.

“Meet at the usual place after school?” The message read simply. She couldn’t help but laugh at his blunt, yet proper way to texting.

“C U there.” She replied back, ending her message with a winking emoji. After everything she had been through today, it was good to have something nice to look forward to.

After school, she excitedly ran down the road towards the neutral zone to meet Ryuo. Their secret place was located somewhere rarely anyone went to. There was an alcove hanging above the city’s main river she showed him after they began their secret relationship.

Labeled the most useless structure ever built by the local newspaper, people soon forgot about its existence after the novelty of seeing the entire city wore off. However the strangest thing about this location is its unknown origins. No one knows who built it or why. However, since its origin couldn’t be tied to either Monta or Capa. Many also avoided it to not have to feel disdain over using something that could’ve been created by the opposing school.

“I’m always the one waiting on you.” Despite her running the moment school ended, Jurie found Ryuo leaning on the railing waiting for her. “Even though you’re also always out-of-breath.”

“I don’t know how you do it.” She spoke, holding both hands on her knees to support her weight as she regained her energy. “I swear, you have some sort of teleportation quirk.”

“I am, but a normal boy.” He approached her as she still looked down on the ground. Ryuo placed his hand under her chin, lifting the girl’s head to face his. “One who is madly in love with a normal girl.” With that, he planted his lips on hers.

“S-stop.” She pushed him back. Her face red, flustered from his bold actions. “I’m all sweaty…” Jurie couldn’t help but be self-conscious in his presence. Despite easily being the most confident at school. There was something about him that always knocked her off balance.

“Sorry for taking your breath away.” He smiled, sitting down on the bench meant for people to enjoy the view.

“You know, I never took any of you Montas to be all cheesy with your words.” She mocked his words as she took a seat besides him.

“Sorry, it’s been a long day. So I’m trying to take some stress off.” He responded. “How was your day? Was it filled with the usual?”

“You can say that again.” She sighed, relaxing her body as the girl allowed her body to go limp and rest on his broad shoulder. “Not to mention it’s crazy how some people act to the teachers.” She avoided saying any names, but he immediately knew who she referred to.

“You know, that’s actually why I asked you to meet here today.” He said, gently pushing her off his body, allowing the pair to look each other in the eye. “Our schools…” His voice trailed off for a moment, as Ryuo struggled to find the right words. “Does that affect your feelings… Your feelings for me?”