Chapter 4:
Chapter 4 - Memories of the Shrine
Spirit Fragments - Vol 1
Haruki and Rena had arrived early at the meeting location in the school parking lot. Rena was still half asleep and cold. Holding herself while trying to keep warm, she shivered under Haruki’s black hoodie that she claimed as her own. It was zipped all the way up— which was not normal—and the hood covered her head. Looking cute and mysterious hidden inside the oversized hood, she also wore long black socks that went up to her knees. Every time she shook from the cold her short black skirt swished back and forth.
Haruki couldn’t help but think she looked like a cute thief that was ready to steal your belongings. Except this type of thief just moved into his house and claimed all his belongings as her own.
Everyone from class was already bustling around the parking lot. Students were loudly talking and making plans about who they wanted to sit next to.
No one had seen Rena in anything but her school uniform before. There were jealous gazes from other girls in the class, as well as gossip about how cute she looked.
Haruki couldn’t help notice this was the quietest he had seen Rena. Most likely still very sleepy; she quietly stood next to him.
“Wow what a babe!”
Disturbing the stillness like an annoying bird, or some other bothersome creature. Daichi shouted loudly enough for the entire class to hear.
“Even though she’s using her hoodie hiding ability, she still makes the rest of the girls look bad.”
Haruki glared in his direction, and then slowly walked over next to him. In a swift strike, he slapped Daichi on the back almost knocking him over.
“Remind me, why are we friends?”
Trying to keep from losing his balance, Daichi barely caught himself and his glasses from falling off.
“Geeze, I’m only stating what every other guy is thinking.”
Still hiding in her hoodie like a sleepless zombie, Rena looked a little annoyed. Haruki could subtly make out her hood rustle from her ears twitching.
Standing beside Haruki with her schoolbag beneath her feet, she squinted up at the big white bus like she was trying to solve a puzzle.
“So... this is the transportation device of education Nyaa~?”
Voice half yawning, she pointed directly at the large vehicle.
Haruki raised an eyebrow at her peculiar choice of words.
“It’s... just called a school bus.”
“I’ve seen these magical yellow things before... In those anime shows! But I thought they were much bigger.”
This was the first time Haruki took Rena on a trip with a large group of people. He was worried it might be difficult to hide her behaviour and the strange things she said. Before he could address Rena’s latest question, Mr. Yamada finally arrived and waved everyone forward.
Usually wearing a suit and looking very professional, today Mr. Yamada looked out of place. Just for the field trip he was dressed casually like everyone else. Wearing a grey hoodie and sweat pants he looked like he was preparing to go to the gym. Despite his odd appearance, the aura about him still somehow commanded respect.
“One at a time class, everyone head to your seats. No fighting over where you sit, please.”
Haruki already knew what was about to be said next before she even said—
“Haruki you’re sitting next to me!”
Rena demanded as she excitedly removed her head from hiding inside the hood. Looking adorable as per usual. Her hair was done up in a pony tail with the black ribbon that she had borrowed. Her eyes glowed with excitement as she grabbed onto his arm.
The rest of the students slowly climbed the steps of the bus and once inside they ran to claim their seats. Fighting over who they with sit with, despite the warning from the teacher.
As soon as Haruki and Rena got into the bus, Rena ran around him to the middle of the aisle and shouted.
“Window! Haruki we’re sitting right here!”
Plopping herself down in the seat and staring out the window, she pressed her hands on the glass like a child. Haruki quickly headed over while she grinned with a victorious smile.
Rena took up most of the space. Not because she was big or anything, but because her lower half was well developed so it squished out in the seat. When Haruki sat down beside her it was hard not to rub up against her thighs.
Haruki had not sat this close to her before, touching leg to leg and shoulder rubbing together. It was a bit awkward but at the same time he had to admit it felt nice. Rena didn’t seem to mind how close they were if anything she was quite happy about it.
Once everyone finally claimed their seats and settled down, the bus doors closed and slowly it started to move out of the parking lot.
I hope this isn’t a bad idea.
Even though this was a different shrine than the one Rena came out of, it was still a shrine. Hopefully it wasn’t too much stress that was cause her to feel panic.
Oh well, there is no other choice...
The bus rolled out of the school lot, and soon the city began to blur past. Rena was completely stuck to the window as she stared at the scenery outside. Other vehicles passing by, random city workers, and large buildings were all exciting to her.
“Nyaa~ The entire world is rushing by!”
Haruki was awkwardly trying to sit beside her without squishing to close. Eventually he gave up and pressed up next to her. She was to distracted to notice anyways. Rena’s eyes were wide and fully paying attention to what was outside.
“I don’t think you have seen this many vehicles before.”
“Nyaa! Nope, I don’t think vehicles exist where I came from.”
“Yeah, just wait until we hit traff—”
“Nyaa! What’s that?” Pointing at a large delivery truck that was in the lane next to them, she was upset it blocked her view. “A delivery truck.” “And that?” “A motorcycle.” “Nyaa~! Whats that place that looks like a giant cake!?” “A wedding cake shop, that’s where—” “Who’s that girl waving at us from the sidewalk...?”“A girl who is just as curious and excited as you...”
Other students were listening to the strange questions Rena had. Everyone was unsure if she was trying to be funny or maybe she was from somewhere very different. Luckily no one seemed to pay too much attention and figured she must be from a small town.
“Ooooo Haruki! I see a large snake robot flying through the sky, is it dangerous?”
“No that’s the train, people ride on it to reach other areas”
“Wait... really!? You have to take me on it, Haruki! I want to ride on the sky snake!”
“I will take you on it someday.”
“Nyaa~ do you promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
Haruki realized that this was going to be a long trip full of questions. At least he wouldn’t be bored sitting next to Daichi like he was last year.
“Is Rena okay, she seem really interested in normal things. Where exactly did you say she was from?”
Daichi started to get intrigued by her behaviour while staring at Haruki and Rena from the seat across the aisle. He was next to a quiet cute looking girl with curly brown hair. She looked like she wasn’t sure she wanted to be sitting next to him.
“Rena grew up in the country side, in a small village.”
“So a simple village girl, no wonder shes so innocent.”
“Do you ever think about anything but girls?”
“What else is there to think about Haruki, just because you never want a girlfriend, that does not exclude me from all the lovely ladies in the world.”
Daichi exclaimed while grinning at Haruki. The girl next time him rolled her eyes and tried to not pay attention.
“Sigh... It’s not that I don’t want a girlfriend, it’s just I don’t have time to focus on that right now.”
Haruki turned around and resumed answering more questions from Rena, at least she was less bothersome.
The city slowly transformed into hills and forest. As the trip continued on, friendly chatter on the bus became quieter. Even Daichi had finally stopped annoying people and sat back in his seat.
Rena eventually stopped asking questions about every single thing outside the window and rested her head on Haruki’s shoulder. Still gazing out the window, she became entranced by all the forest sights and animals passing by.
After a long period of travelling through the forest road, Rena started to calm down and quietly sat while playing with her skirt.
“Hey... Haruki, Do shrines remember people?”
“What do you mean?”
This was the second time Rena had brought up shrines remembering things, Haruki wasn’t sure what she was trying to get at.
“Nyaa~ Nothing...”
She smiled again and sleepily looked away. But It wasn’t hard to tell she was feeling unease about the trip.
Haruki didn’t realize that Rena, being a Yokai, would be more connected to the spiritual realm. There were things that she could sense and feel that would pass by unnoticed by any average human.
The bus turned off the main road and on to a rougher forest path. Large bunches of maple trees stood together with colourful leaves. Sunlight slipped through the branches causing everything to glow almost like magic. It felt like an enchanted forest with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Finally the bus started slowing down as they were approaching their destination. Up ahead everyone could see the large wooden shrine surrounded by leafy trees. As they got closer, a large stone staircase came into view that lead up to the shrines entrance. Statues of foxes sat on each side of the stairs. If you didn’t know better you would think they were peering into your soul.
The bus let out a loud rattle as it came to stop at a clearing near the base of the shrine. Everyone impatiently fought for a better look as they pushed around each other in the seats.
Beyond the shrines edge, the forest ominously loomed. Tall maple trees stretched upward like sky scrappers, and a misty fog hovered just above the branches. A sweet scent from the trees drifted through the air.
Mr Yamada got off the bus first, and immediately everyone followed, rushing to get outside.
Rena’s nose twitched the moment the doors opened. She hurriedly ran out of the bus and stood with everyone else in the open area in front of the shrine.
“Hmmm... It smells... familiar, like someone finished baking treats in the kitchen.”
“Of course you would compare the smell to food.”
Haruki not suprised at all, since they did not have breakfast before leaving. It was close to lunch, and Rena was probably getting hungry.
Scanning the tree line with narrowed eyes, even though she was near a shrine, Rena felt strangely welcomed.
Mr. Yamada stood in front of the class with a clipboard tucked under his arm. With his usual unamused expression, he tapped the back of the clipboard before speaking. Hoping everyone would quiet down and pay attention this time, he patiently waited. After a bit everyone settled down and turned their attention to him.
“Okay everyone. Welcome to Inarizora Jinja Shrine. This place is over 1,000 years old and is considered a major cultural site. That means no climbing on statues, no picking up suspicious artifacts, and please do not attempt to ‘awaken any spirits.’”A few students awkwardly laughed while others looked disappointed having their plans ruined.
Mr Yamada quickly stretched and then jogged on the spot. Seeing him so relaxed felt very unnatural compared to his formal state. Yamada adjusted his glasses then looked out into the forest beyond. Remaining silent like he felt something about to happen— “...if anyone feels a sudden chill or hears weird whispers, please don’t panic. The wind causes strange things to happen in the mountains.”Haruki noticed Rena’s mood start to change. Leaning in close trying to comfort her, he did think it was bit strange what Mr. Yamada said.
“He’s probably just trying to freak people out.”
“But... what if he knows the truth?”She quietly spoke while grabbing onto Haruki’s hand nervously. Unsure what she meant by what she just said, he forgot that earlier she mentioned he has to hold her hand. Haruki was almost surprised by her touch. He wanted to support Rena’s feelings so he had no objection to holding her hand, but this didn't avoid the stares from everyone.
Not only did everyone notice that Rena was talking to him nonstop for most of the trip, but now she was cuddled close to him, holding hands.
“You understand people are gonna start rumours, right? Holding hands on a school field trip? That’s a major relationship event.”
Daichi secretly tried to warn Haruki, causing him to Immediately become aware of the stares around them.
“Its not like that, shes just afraid of getting lost...”
Mr Yamada glanced at them. Noticing the scene with Haruki and Rena as well as the gossip from everyone else. Almost like he chose his words to save Haruki from embarrassment—
“Everyone get into groups of 2 or 3 so you don’t go off in the wrong direction.” Walking backwards slowly toward the old stone stairs, Mr Yamada continued his tour guidance up the steps surrounded by trees.
“The path ahead leads to the main shrine. Some smaller statues and other interesting items might be along the path. Once again, do not touch them! Not everything from the past likes to be disturbed.”
Everyone was excited about seeing the shrine and all the ancient architecture around it. As everyone continued to explore the area, there was non stop discussion of ghost stories and spirits. The air was filled with “oooohs and Ahhhhs.” while everyone searched around. One of the class mates asked if there were any scary stories about the shrine.
“There are a few, but ghost stories are just myths. Most of the time.” Again with that weird tone, like he knew more than he let on. Mr Yamada always seemed to know everything. “Now, I expect you all to behave like respectful students and not a bunch of wild forest creatures. Let’s continue on please.”
Haruki couldn’t help but think it was amusing that Rena was basically a Yokai in a hidden forest. But no one else knew this except him, which made it even more funny. The students climbed up the stone steps together in their groups.
Haruki stuck close to Rena, who stayed quiet as they got close to the torii gate. Standing at the top of stairs, it was intimidating with how large it was. Haruki could feel her grip his hand tighter the closer they got to the top.
As they were about to pass beneath the gate, her hand squeezed even tighter as she came to a stop.
“You okay?”Rena looked quite disturbed as she looked up at the large red torii gate.
“Something’s wrong... The barrier here... it feels broken. Or maybe... fractured.”
Haruki searched for any signs of anything out of the ordinary, but not knowing what to look for, it felt like any regular shrine: quiet, cold, and full of moss.
“I don’t feel anything.”Trying to not sound unsupportive. Secretly he wished he could feel the same things she could.
“That’s exactly the problem... you should feel something at a shrine.”
The class respectfully bowed before entering the gate. Everyone went further on up ahead, leaving the odd couple. Haruki bowed and crossed through and turned around to look at Rena. “
Come on, it’s okay.”
Rena cautiously bowed before the gate. Closing her eyes she prepared herself, then quickly she jumped through the center. Haruki caught her hand right as she came through.
“See I told you it would be fine.”
“I dunno... that felt strange.”
Further ahead, Mr. Yamada had paused at a fork in the path, a gentle stream was running parallel to the trail. Mr Yamada stood there staring up at an old fox statue in the middle of the two paths.
“I thought this place would’ve sealed itself by now...”
Catching himself speaking out loud, quickly he turned around and smiled as the rest of the class caught up.
“Come on everyone. The main hall’s just ahead.”Rena leaned closer to Haruki as they walked.“He knows something, he’s pretending not to but he does.”
At this point Rena was cuddling into Haruki’s arm, but not so much as cuddling as grasping tightly with her body. He could feel his arm squish into her chest as she was leaning against him. Once again he felt like he had no right to protest as she was probably feeling quite upset.
The trees opened up into a wide, mist-shrouded clearing. Before them stood the main hall of Inarizora Jinja Shrine. Old and worn out looking, it felt as if it was waiting for them to arrive.
Made entirely of unpainted wood. It was so old looking that the wood had turned cracked and grey. Roof tiles sagged and the stone lanterns next to the entrance were chipped and falling apart. Small stone fox statues rested silently on each side of the steps. Ready to come alive at any moment, they almost seemed real. The presence from the shrine was enough to quiet almost everyone down.
“Woah... if that isn’t creepy than I dunno what is.”
Daichi blurted out as he caught up to Haruki. The girl with the brown hair he sat next to on the bus stood beside him. She seemed just as intrigued by the sight. “It’s like something out of a movie.”
Mr. Yamada stopped at the front courtyard just before the entrance, and turned to address the students.
“This shrine was once dedicated to protecting the boundary between our realms. The original shinto priests believed spiritual balance could be maintained by housing relics, or fragments of energy from the other side.”
“Fragments?”
“Fragments of what?”
“What Realms?”
Everyone was confused and full of questions, it was the first time anyone had heard such a story.
“Just old stories, I wouldn’t worry to much about it.”
Mr Yamada said with an emotionless look, but it seemed like he almost believed the myth of the shrine himself.
“But it’s said that if those fragments ever got scattered... the boundary between human and yokai realms would begin to fray.”
Rena couldn’t help herself, after hearing the story that felt so close to home. Her head was full of questions.
“Excuse me, Mr teacher.”
“Yes, Miss Ayasaki...?”
“What would happen if the realms got connected again?”
“Like I said... it’s just old legend. Now go on take your notes everyone! Get some good sketches of the architecture, but please stay within the courtyard. No wandering off for any reason.”
Now dispersing outwards, the class started wandering off to explore. Most students headed toward the statues while others investigated the coin offering box. Few brave students tossed a coin inside and clapped their hands as if praying to the Gods.
Rena was to scared to go any further. Standing next to Haruki, she stared back at the torii gate leading into the main shrine.
“It feels wrong, Haruki... I don’t like this” Looking completely frantic, she buried her face in his chest, trying to hide from whatever it was she was afraid of.
“This place, It’s too quiet... And it shouldn’t feel this way.”
Noticing things were off, Haruki could feel the tension building. Looking around trying to figure out what was happening, he noticed things had become quiet. No sounds of birds playing, leaves that were rustling from the breeze became silent and areas where the sun was glowing now became grey.
Hmmmm, what is happening...?
Unsure if it was his imagination, Haruki thought he could see a faint red glow coming from deep within the shrine. Not wanting to go any further, he remained still standing next to Rena.Just as he thought he saw something move...
“OHHH LOVER BOY!”
Daichi jumped out in front of them. Scaring them more than anything about the shrine.
“Nyaaaaaaaaa!!!!!”
“Ahhh!”
Both Haruki and Rena screamed from being caught off guard. Rena almost jumped into the air before Haruki held her down.
“Daichi, can you stop!”
“Ha! didn’t mean to scare you two love birds....”
All of a sudden the fog around the shrine appeared to increase, making it look like it was a scene from a horror movie.
Then out of nowhere—
“CRAAAACK!”
A loud noise echoed from deep inside the shrine.
Everyone startled and turned toward the sound. Pigeons scattered into the air in a flutter. It seemed the sound came from up in the rafters of the building.
“Oh, haha it must have just been an animal.”
Daichi jokingly reassured everyone, while trying to act brave to the girl next to him Just when everyone started to calm down, a low sounding hum started to resonate from within the halls.
“What the hell is that noise?”
Haruki squinted his eyes as he tried to look a little closer. Trying to investigate what was going on. Forgetting he was supposed to hold on to Rena hand, he let go while he moved forward. Rena’s eyes were widened with fear as her body tensed up. Something familiar was flooding her senses, but not something she wanted to remember.
“That’s not human.”
Rena said as she stepped forward trying to grab his hand.
“What do you mean?” “Something that shouldn’t even be here...”
As she regained her hold on his hand, the offering box next to them began to violently vibrate. Prayer papers tied to the shrine beams instantly burst into ash. As if that wasn’t enough to freak everyone out, the large courtyard bell started to ring by itself.
“It’s cursed!”
“We’re all gonna die!”
“Was that a spirit?! I saw something move!” Everyone started screaming, and running opposite directions. All sense of order disappeared as the entire class ran for their life.
“Everyone stay calm!” Mr. Yamada shouted, stepping forward. “Let’s all back away from the shrine. Sometimes the wind blowing through the building can cause this. Lots of animals live here as well.”
His calm facade cracked just slightly, but he still seemed oddly calm and composed.
The abnormal occurrences at the shrine were enough to get the students moving without having to be asked, but as they all stepped back, Haruki noticed Rena was no longer standing next to him. Quickly looking around, he noticed she was still staring.
Rena's eyes locked on the sky directly above the shrine. Haruki promptly went back and stood next to her. Grabbing her hand hoping to get her attention, Rena continued staring silently.
“What is it?”
“...There’s a crack in the sky, But only I can see it.”
Part 2
“Okay, but for real, that had to be some kind of prank right ?”
Daichi spoke out loud trying to convince himself but ended up just disturbing everyone's quiet.
“But the bell rope moved by itself... and what about the papers that lit on fire?” The girl sitting next to him didn’t sound to convinced of his explanation as she mindlessly played on her phone.
“Yeah, well maybe it was a drone that drops matches.”
Daichi jokingly tried to reassure her.
Rena had been unusually quiet since they left the shrine. She walked the rest of the way back to the bus holding Haruki’s hand. On the ride back she gazed out the window at the passing city lights at night. Even her usual curiosity wasn’t enough to break her silence.
Finally reaching the school gate, the bus came to a stop. Mr. Yamada turned around to address the class.
“Okay... Field trip complete. No one got hurt. Don’t spread ghost rumours on social media. That’s all.”
He started to get up and walk off the bus, but before he reached the doors he looked back at everyone.
“...And don’t go back there. Not without your parents.”
Mr. Yamada’s eyes briefly met Haruki’s, with a look of recognition. Continuing on in his usual calm manner, he got off the bus and disappeared. Daichi noticed the peculiar exchange. On their way out of the bus themselves, he patted his friend on the back. “Why does he always seem like he knows something?”
It was already super dark outside and no one had eaten. Everyone was too frightened from the earlier events of the day. No one felt comfortable stopping to eat at a haunted shrine. Clapping his hands together to get everyone’s attention, Daichi rose his hand in the air like he had a question.
“Hey, why don’t we all get something to eat?” Looking up from her phone after hearing His suggestion, the brown haired girl who had been next to Daichi, also had a suggestion.
“My parents own a good Ramen place, why don’t we all head over? Since we all survived the haunted shrine, the meals on the house.”
The majority nodded their heads in agreement as they all started to head off in groups. Rena however, was still quiet in thought.
“Rena, are you coming to eat?”
Haruki grabbed her hand trying to get her attention. He knew if anything were to fix her mood, it would be a delicious meal.
“Nyaa~...Food!?”
Perking up like something magical had just be chanted, he could see her ears rustle under her hair. Holding on to her hand, Haruki confidently led her the direction of everyone else. There was no point in trying to hide anything now. The whole class had seen how close they had been the entire time. He would be lucky if their weren’t already rumours of them being a couple.
Inside the shop was loud, and packed with people. The restaurant didn’t look too fancy, but more like one of those random finds that turned out to be really good. Steam drifted from the kitchen as sounds of food sizzled on the grill.
Everyone instantly knew this was the right place, from the amazing smell floating through air. While they all patiently waited and took in the amazing senses, a smiling man at the back started welcoming everyone in and waving his hand to the tables in the corner. They all pushed and shuffled into the seats.
Rena plopped herself down next to Haruki with a bounce. Grabbing his hands under the table, he could feel her skin was warmer now.
“This place smells... like heaven.” Eyes gleaming with excitement, she was absorbed in all the sights and sounds. LED signs, delicious meals being delivered, and the overall energy of the location. Rena felt like this was the exact kind of place she wanted to be.
Flipping through the menu like it was a brand new Manga series, Rena was overly excited at all the choices in front of her.
“Look at all these flavours! Oooo Haruki! What’s Dragonfire Hellbroth? That sounds amazing!”
“That’ll probably melt your organs, I don’t think you want that”
Even though he wasn’t sure if something like that would even affect her.
“I can handle it!”
Rena declared loudly while slamming her fist on the table.
“Lets try something with a little more flavour...”
“Fine... I’ll have this then!” Pointing at the shio ramen that came with Naruto fish cakes. “And I want extra fish cakes!”
Daichi leaned over towards Rena from the other side of the table.
“Yo, Rena. You ever use chopsticks?”
“Of course!” Holding her head up with a sense of pride, she picked them up and pointed them like daggers directly at Daichi. Whether accidental or not, she looked very comical.
“No! Haha you’re holding them like kunai!” Daichi tried to explain in all seriousness.
“Then train me, weak mortal!” Swishing the chopsticks around like they were knives, she looked like an evil cat villain. Arriving amidst the chaos, the server gave them both an odd look.
“...Uhmm is everyone ready?”
“One Dragonfire Hellbroth!”
Interjecting before anyone else could order, Rena had a mischievous grin. Underneath the table Haruki felt her hand teasingly poking him in the side. “No... She’ll take the mild shio with extra naruto.”
“Hey, no fair!”
Narrowing her eyes, she crossed her arms in front to pout.
Everyone who heard the exchange laughed at them both.
Not wanting her to feel too upset, Haruki patted her on the head, which seemed to instantly make her happy again.
Once all the orders were placed, the server took their menus and returned to the kitchen. What felt like a very short time, she returned with a tray of drinks. Rena had ordered a melon flavoured soft drink. It came in a large glass and was very colourful with cream on top.
“Wow what kind of amazing beverage is this!?”
“It’s a melon soda.”
“Haruki we need to get this at home!”
Hoping no one caught on to the fact she mentioned they were living together, Haruki quickly gave her a sip of his ice oolong tea.
“We also need to get this too!”
Her face was full of joy as she sat their with both drinks in her hands drinking them simultaneously.
Haruki wasn’t sure if there was anything he could do at this point to hide the fact they were together outside of school. A few of the other girls who were paying attention just laughed like it was a funny prank. Whether they knew it or not, Rena was actually serious.
As the food came and bowls clattered onto the table, everyone felt relieved at the sight of food. Since it had been hours since they had eaten, they were all more than starved.
When Rena’s bowl landed in front of her, she looked stunned. Never before had she seen a steaming, delicate arrangement of food. Fish cakes, egg, and seaweed. She was having trouble trying to figure out where to begin.
“It’s so... beautiful nyaa~”
Leaning in close as she whispered at the food, she took a big whiff of scent from the rising steam. Her nose twitched from the overwhelming fragrance.
“It’s always food, with you. If I couldn’t cook you probably wouldn’t even like me.”
Haruki said this not sure if he should be jealous of the food making her happy, or relived that her mood was better.
Maybe I need to keep more snacks around the house for whenever she gets upset...
By now Rena should have known how to use chopsticks, since she used them at home everyday. But despite how many lessons she was given, she still couldn’t grasp the technique. For example, if the item was too big she would just stab it. This is exactly what she started doing when the gyoza arrived.
“You’re not supposed to impale the gyoza...”
“But it’s so fun! Nyaa~”
Haruki noticed that the distant look she had from the shrine was fading. The usual sparkle in her eyes finally returned. It brought a warm feeling to his spirit.
“You look like you are doing better now.” Stopping what she was doing for a moment, she looked at Haruki for a long moment as she thought.“I don’t like that place, it felt like something was waiting.”
“Waiting for what?”
“...Me, maybe.”
Poking at her ramen with the chopsticks, she twirled some of the noodles around the stick and placed them in her mouth. “But this is really good, so I feel more stable for now.”
Laughter erupted from across the table causing them both to remember they weren’t alone. All the girls were making fun of Daichi guzzling multiple glasses of water. Trying to be a show off and eat the Dragon-fire Hellbroth Ramen, he was now paying the price.
“Please.... everyone... give me more water.”
Shaking his head, Haruki turned his sights back on Rena to continue their conversation.
“Why am I friends with him...?”
The night continued on, everyone laughed and ate together while enjoying each other's company. After awhile it started to get past being late, so they all got up and paid for the food. Gathering outside, everyone went their own ways and dispersed into the night.
Daichi was trying to flirt with the same cute dark haired girl from earlier. He left together with her trying to walk her home. Looking somewhat annoyed, she agreed out of politeness.
Walking home together, Rena and Haruki were holding hands almost like they were a couple on a quiet nighttime walk. Rena clung a little closer to Haruki than normal. This time she was holding on because she wanted to be close to him, and not out of fear.
Rena reached up to pull the ribbon that was keeping her hair tied up, it fell loose as her ears bounced free. Quivering on top of her head they tickled his neck as she rested on his shoulder.
He could hear a faint vibration almost like a cats purr sound. Letting go of his hand and wrapping her arms around him, she let out a satisfied—
“Nyaa~”
Haruki wasn’t sure what exactly their relationship was at this moment, but once again, he wasn’t going to complain.
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