The only thing on my mind was to run away… let the big guy do his business with the girl. I really was a loser. The guy was only steps away from me, his footsteps pounding in my ears, his tall, huge frame looming over me. Damn, he's massive… cough, cough.
Out of panic, I launched myself at him, fists clenched, ready to strike.
"R-Run away!!" the girl cried, her voice cracking with desperation. But I was already moving, swinging my punch.
My legs, hands, even my head trembled. I felt like I might pee myself, but I held it. I tried to brace for what was coming.
Then… I hit the ground. Hard.
I slowly opened my eyes. He was standing over me. My back ached from the impact. I couldn't move a single part of my body. Fear and pain paralyzed me. He was about to throw a punch when—
A plank of wood slammed into him. He collapsed, groaning, a red mark spreading across his face. Behind him, the girl stood, clutching the plank tightly.
I was in shock. She had just… hit him?
"Let's run, Reui-san!" she said suddenly, grabbing my hand. Her voice was soft, timid, but there was strength in it. Did she just call me by my first name? I was still trying to process everything, but I didn't care—I was alive.
She pulled me toward the rooftop exit. My eyes stayed on the floor. She was only in socks.
"W-wait, your shoes!" I blurted. I knew it wasn't the time to think about shoes, but my mind refused to behave.
She glanced back, her grip tightening on mine, almost aggressive.
"I'll just buy another one. Let's just get out…" she said, her voice low and timid. We hurried back into the building and rushed down the stairs.
We ran as fast as we could, trying to put distance between us and the rooftop. It didn't seem like he was following.
Finally, we ended up in an empty classroom. Our hands slipped apart as we entered. Both of us gasped, our chests rising and falling as we tried to catch our breath.
"Can I ask… your name?" I said. My voice was shaky as I glanced at her. She was… actually pretty cute.
Short, layered black bob, long lashes, almond brown eyes, big black oval glasses. Her uniform hugged her curves, and her skin glowed in the sunlight.
"Seya… Seya Aranami," she said, still breathless. She tugged at her collar slightly, revealing just a hint of skin. I couldn't help but blush.
Aranami Seya… that name sounded familiar. Where had I heard it?
"U-uhm… you? What's your name?" she asked shyly, her gaze locking with mine. Her pupils were clear, her face beautiful. I found it hard to meet her eyes directly.
"Reui Kuziya," I said casually, though something felt… off. "Did we meet before?"
She looked surprised, then brushed it off. "N-no…" Her timid tone never wavered.
Maybe I was imagining it.
She stepped closer, her hand reaching mine. "T-thank you so much for s-saving me, Reui-kun…" There it was again—my first name. She smiled, a teardrop in her eyes.
"It's nothing, Aranami-san. I did what anyone would do…" I said, lowering my tone. She shook her head, refusing to accept that answer.
"N-no… not everyone would do the same in that situation," she insisted softly.
"You also saved me," I said. My mind flashed back to the rooftop. If she hadn't hit him with the plank, she'd be bruised or worse. "If you hadn't acted, I'd probably be covered in welts by now. So… I guess we're even, right?"
"T-that's because you helped me first. At least let me repay you, Reui-kun!" She squeezed my hand. Her grip was strong… almost hurting, but it felt comforting too.
Then—the door suddenly opened.