Vol. 1 Epilogue

A week after the incident, Ryuo and Jurie both finally felt as though everything surrounding their friends had settled down. While it seemed they were able to get away with their attempt at a date. They both decided not to risk things any further. So they hadn’t seen each other in person since that fateful day. Instead only communicating through their phones.

But finally today was the day they’d be able to see each other again. Not wanting to repeat mistakes, they bided their time until they both saw a time in which they’d be free from their friends. All that was left to take care of was where this meeting was to take place.

Again, in a bid to avoid attention, the pair decided to meet where they always did. Their secret place hardly anyone knew about. Though in a repeat of the last time they had a secret meeting, Jurie was the one coming later than him, but for good reason.

Ryuo had come earlier than they had said they would meet. The boy had a surprise in mind for her as she saw when she walked in. He sat on the ground with a picnic blanket underneath. Next to him was a plethora of different sandwiches and sweets he had picked up from the local bakery on his side of town.

“I know this isn’t the type of date you were hoping for.” He said the moment he saw her. “But I hope you still like it.”

“Like it? I love it!” She clasped her hands in excitement and immediately sat down besides him and grabbed a sandwich. Before she was able to take a bite, the girl found his arm wrapped around her body as he pulled her in close to his.

“Am I really less valuable than some food?” He said, smiling as he stole a kiss from her. “I was waiting this whole time so you would be the first taste I’d get.”

“Gosh, you’re so cheesy.” She laughed as she continued to bring the sandwich to her mouth and took a bite. “But I guess that’s what I love about you. You’re a lot more of a goof than I’d expect from the Monta’s student council president.”

“Well, I am a human being still.” He replied, releasing her from his grip so he’d be able to enjoy some of the food at their little picnic. “And you’re a lot more responsible than I’d expect from a Capa. I suppose a good thing you’re the head of the school then.”

“As if that means we’d become stuffy like over at Monta.” She continued to smile, pausing on eating as she considered her next words. “You know, you’re not the only Monta I’ve been surprised by.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.” He eyed at her suspiciously, concerned on where she’d take this conversation.

“I’m talking about that big guy you hang around with.” She continued on. “I always thought he was one of those brute enforcers you had to maintain your order. But he’s kind of a big softy.”

“Benzou?” Ryuo had never heard of anyone saying that about his friend. “True, people usually judge him by his appearance. He’s really a nice guy. But don’t underestimate him. He’s still the strongest person at our school. Just thankfully hasn’t needed to use his strength.”

“Sure, you Montas do need to keep your masculinity in tact.” She eyed him smugly as she grabbed one of the pastries he had purchased for them. “Like your nerd friend trying to take on that whole gang.”

“Meguru can be rash sometimes, but he always means well.” He defended his friend from the accusation. “I’m sure you’ll tell me that Yankee friend of yours can take care of herself and doesn’t need some boy protecting her. But it’s never about that for him. He just hates those bullies. It’s a sore issue for him.”

Ryuo sighed as he figured Jurie wouldn’t believe him. Though now that they were having this conversation, he was reminded of something else. “You know, speaking of that thug. I was shocked to hear him tell me how your friend put ointment on his face from his scuffle.”

“Niiya’s still a girl, you know.” She picked up a macaroon and held it in front of him, beckoning the boy to eat it from his hand. He did as she silently asked before she continued on. “But that’s probably because she said something like, a pretty face should have a scar on it. You know, because you’ll regret it when you’re older.”

“Sounds like a forward looking mature thought process.” Now it was his turn to feed her. The boy took a croissant and tore it in half. He added some cream to it for her to eat. “Kind of like that annoying friend you have. She’s a lot smarter than she looks, or acts.”

“Of course Sumiwa’s smart. She’s the treasurer for a reason after all.” She took a bite of the croissant while he still held it. As a result, some cream ended up on the tip of her nose. “She’s like the smartest one out of all of us, if I’m being honest.”

“I can tell you don’t seem like the type to top your class.” He smiled, looking at the speck that rested on her nose. Without warning, he leaned in and licked it off her. “You missed a spot, by the way.” He whispered quietly as their faces were up against each other. Jurie couldn’t help but giggle in response as she surprised him by pushing up against him with a hug. Which caused the pair to fall over as they laid besides each other and looked out at the view over the river.

From where they sat, they were able to see the city in all its beauty as the sun began to set. Here they could see it all. Both school and even the neutral zone in between it all.

“Shame this has to be our life.” She sighed as the sight of it all only reminded her of their situation. “I guess there’s no way they’ll ever be peace between our schools.” Though it wasn’t as if she was interested in resolving that despite her position as student council president.

“Our relationship aside, I don’t even know if we want that.” He said aloud what they both had in mind. “But now when I look at you, I have to say that you certainly made good friends.”

“Same goes to you.” She smiled, snuggling up to him. “I always thought you were the only good Monta. But I guess there are other ones too.”

“And I suppose not all Capas are so bad after all.” He returned her embrace as they continue to sit together, enjoying the view and each other’s company.

Their relationship, even after the disaster of their attempted first date, seemed to only have grown stronger as a result. And in this moment, they even forgot about the crazy world around them and simply loved the life they had.

But as much as they wished, this moment wouldn’t last forever. As the sun set and the sky turned into night. They would have to once again go their separate ways. To return to the roles they were given in this world and play the act they were always meant to play.