A few days had passed since Mizuha and others had eaten together on the rooftop.
Mizuha was growing used to her new school environment and felt closer to her friends, especially Shimizu, Hikaru, and Zul, through their shared lunch breaks.
As usual, the four of them were eating together on the rooftop. Zul, however, kept glancing toward the rooftop door.
"Zul, what’s wrong? You seem a bit off today," Shimizu asked, looking at him.
Zul looked up from his lunch, trying to brush it off.
"Don’t worry, it’s nothing."
Hikaru wasn’t convinced, putting down his chopsticks and leaning in.
"Is it about Eri? Are you worried about her?"
Mizuha turned to Hikaru. "Eri? You mean Sakamoto-san? Do you know her too, Takamiya-kun?"
"Yeah, Zul, Eri, and I all went to the same middle school."
"Zul and Eri are also childhood friends," Hikaru said. "They are so close. To Zul, Eri is like his little sister who needs to be protected."
Zul blushed and said, "Wait, you don't need to mention that last part."
"Eri can speak normally with Zul, but she's nervous to talk to anyone else, including me." He gave a small laugh.
"You're both childhood friends? I never knew that," Mizuha said, looking at Zul.
"Yeah, we grew up together in the same neighborhood," Zul said.
Hikaru turned back to Zul. "So, what's worrying you about her?"
Zul sighed. "You see, recently she’s been disappearing during our lunchtime and avoiding me."
"Oh, I remember! A few days ago, Shimizu and I saw Sakamoto-san—her uniform was soaked when she returned to our class. Right, Shimizu?" Mizuha turned to Shimizu.
Shimizu nodded. "Yeah, you're right. I tried to ask her what happened too, but she was too scared to talk to me, like usual."
Zul found this suspicious, his expression turning serious. Wait, did that really happen to her? Why didn't I notice it? Was she being bullied? Damn it…
The bell rang, and they began heading back to class, Mizuha and Shimizu following Hikaru and Zul.
Shimizu stopped. "You guys go ahead; I need to use the restroom."
"Wait, Shimizu, I’ll go with you," Mizuha said. "Takamiya-kun, see you later."
The boys continued on to class while Mizuha followed Shimizu.
As they entered the restroom, they overheard an argument.
"Huh, is this all you have? I ask you for more every day," said an angry voice.
"I-I'm sorry... this is all I have for today..."
Mizuha and Shimizu looked at each other.
They walked in—and were shocked to see Eri surrounded by a group of second-years.
"Wait, is that Sakamoto-san?" Mizuha said.
The second-year in front continued. "Empty again? Then today you get the bucket, first-year."
"Do it," she told the others. Two of them brought out buckets of dirty water.
Eri was scared. "No, please, don’t do this."
"That’s terrible. We must stop them now," Shimizu said.
"Shimizu, wait. We need to get Sakamoto-san out first," Mizuha said.
"Ready, girls? Splash it on her now!"
But as they counted down, Mizuha and Shimizu rushed forward, taking the splashes meant for her.
Eri was shocked to see the water miss her and hit Mizuha and Shimizu instead.
"Huh, what happened?" Eri said.
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"I'm glad we made it in time," Mizuha said.
"Y-Yuki-san... Shimizu-san... what are you doing here? Wait, your uniforms... I'm so sorry... are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, thanks. I'm just glad it didn't hit you," Mizuha said.
"It's just a uniform; it can be cleaned later," Shimizu said.
"Tch, this thing's in my way." Shimizu kicked one of the buckets toward the second-years.
"Who are you two? This doesn't concern you," one of the second-years said.
Shimizu smiled. "Oh me? I’m Shimizu, a first-year. Nice to meet you, senpai." Her expression turned fierce.
One of the second-years muttered, "Wait, I've heard of her. She's that first-year delinquent, Red Dog Shimizu."
Red Dog? Seriously? Do people call me that? I didn't know that rumor made me famous.
Beside her, Mizuha tried to hold back her laughter.
"Hey, Mizuha, don't laugh at me," Shimizu muttered, shooting her a glare.
Then she grinned. "Red Dog, huh? It's fine, I like it. It sounds like a Navy Admiral or something."
"Hmph, don't be cocky. That's just a name. Get her now, girls," the leader said.
"Oh, you're challenging me, huh?"
"Mizuha, protect Sakamoto-san. Let me handle them." Shimizu cracked her neck and stepped forward.
"But, Shimizu... you don't need to fight back," Mizuha said.
"Don’t worry. It won’t take long," Shimizu said.
"Huh, what do you mean by that…?" Mizuha said, confused.
Shimizu walked slowly toward them, cracking her knuckles. "How dare you do that to Sakamoto-san! That's unforgivable!"
"Tch, don’t get cocky! Get her, girls." The leader stepped forward and told her gang to charge at Shimizu.
"Come, show me what you have. This Red Dog will proudly take you down in the name of justice." Shimizu prepared herself.
Mizuha hugged Eri protectively as Shimizu faced the bullies.
Shimizu struck, knocking them down one by one.
"Damn, she’s so strong," one of the second-years muttered.
"What? Is that all you guys had? So boring," Shimizu said, wiping her hands and smirking.
"What did you say?" the leader snapped.
"Geez, you guys are useless."
"Oh, you're approaching me, huh? Instead of running away, you're coming right to me," Shimizu taunted.
"Shut up, take this!" The leader charged toward Shimizu.
Shimizu grinned and muttered, "Then come as close as you like."
She caught the leader’s fist immediately, gripping it tight.
"It hurts! Please stop, enough, you win!" the leader begged for her hand to be released.
"Hmph, too easy, so boring, here," Shimizu said before she released the leader's grip and pushed the leader backward, making her fall to the floor.
Shimizu approached them while cracking her knuckles.
"Hey, you guys, listen properly. I don't care if you all are my seniors, but…"
Shimizu glared. "If you touch Sakamoto-san again, you're dead. Understand?"
"Okay, understood. We won’t do it again. Please forgive us," the leader said.
They ran out of the restroom.
Shimizu laughed at them. "Take that! Don’t mess with me, haha."
"So, Mizuha, how did I look earlier? I looked cool, right?" She turned to Mizuha, grinning.
Mizuha sighed. "Nah, you looked like a real delinquent, I guess."
"Wait, what? Delinquent? That’s so mean, Mizuha." Shimizu stepped back, mock-offended.
"Enough with that already. More importantly, are you okay?" Mizuha stepped closer.
"Yup, I’m fine. How about Sakamoto-san?"
"She’s okay. Nothing bad happened to her." Mizuha smiled.
"Damn those guys; they made our uniforms really dirty. Good thing we have PE next. We can change into our gym clothes," Shimizu said.
Eri approached them. "Yuki-san, Shimizu-san..."
"I’m so sorry. It’s my fault you two got dirty." Eri dropped her head, tears falling.
"It’s nothing." Shimizu patted her shoulder. "It’s just a small thing."
"That’s right. We’re just glad you’re okay." Mizuha smiled softly.
"Sakamoto-san, don’t worry about it. They won’t bully you anymore after this." Shimizu placed a comforting hand on Eri’s head.
"Let's clean up and return to our class before break time ends," Mizuha said.
"Oh, you’re right, let’s go," Shimizu said.
Eri wiped her tears. "Yuki-san, Shimizu-san, thank you so much."
Mizuha and Shimizu looked at each other and smiled warmly.
"No problem. Here, let’s get back to our classroom," Mizuha said.
They each offered Eri a hand. Eri took their hands and smiled gratefully, and the three of them made their way to their classroom.
Mizuha turned to Eri. "Sakamoto-san, you should really tell Zul about what happened. He’s been worried about you."
"But I don’t want to trouble him," Eri said.
"Don’t worry, I’m sure that he’ll understand," Mizuha said.
They ran into Zul just outside the classroom. He was about to go look for Eri. He stared at their dirty uniforms.
"What happened to you guys? Why are your uniforms so dirty?"
Mizuha turned to him. "Something happened earlier, but we already took care of it. Don’t worry about that."
"I see. Then please be careful, okay?" Zul said.
"By the way, did you see Eri? She hasn’t returned to our classroom yet, and I’m worried about her right now," Zul asked.
Mizuha and Shimizu stepped aside, revealing Eri behind them.
"Actually, Zul, she was with us earlier," Mizuha said.
"Eri!? What are you doing with Yuki and Shimizu?" Zul said.
Shimizu leaned in. "Actually, earlier, she was..."
"Wait, Shimizu-san, let me explain to him," Eri said.
"Um, Zul, actually I..." Eri looked down, hands clenched, and explained that both Mizuha and Shimizu had saved her from the bullies.
Zul stepped in front of Eri, his face serious.
"Eri, are you hurt?" Zul asked.
Eri spoke quietly. "No... Yuki-san and Shimizu-san protected me..."
Zul sighed. "Thank goodness nothing bad happened to you."
"I knew something was wrong," Zul said. "Why didn't you tell me you were being bullied? If Yuki-san and Shimizu-san hadn't stopped them, what were you going to do? If you get hurt, what am I supposed to tell your mother? I told you before—if you run into any trouble, tell me immediately."
"I’m sorry. I don’t want to burden you at all," Eri said.
Suddenly, Zul put his hand on Eri’s head. "Well, it’s not your fault; it was my fault. I should have paid more attention to you, and I’m sorry."
"From now on, if you have any problems, please tell me, Yuki, or Shimizu, okay? Also, we need to talk after this," Zul said.
"Thank you both for saving her." Zul turned to Mizuha and Shimizu.
"Well, Zul, don’t worry about it. Everything is already solved. They won’t have the guts to bully Sakamoto-san anymore," Mizuha said.
"That’s right. I already gave them a warning that they will never forget, haha." Shimizu laughed.
What kind of warning did you give, Shimizu? Zul thought.
As Mizuha, Shimizu, and Eri stood in the hallway with Zul, the surrounding classmates stared at Eri's tear-stained face and Zul's serious expression.
"Look at Sakamoto-san... Did something happen between her and Zul-kun?" a classmate whispered. "Shhh, keep it down. Don't stare..."
Shimizu stepped in front of them and glared at the crowd. "What are you staring at? Get lost."
"Oh no, she’s mad. Let’s go." The classmates instantly looked away and scattered back into their seats.
The bell rang, marking the end of break and the start of PE class. Zul asked Eri to stay with Mizuha and Shimizu.
The school day ended as usual. Mizuha gathered her things and headed to the school gate. As she stepped outside, she noticed Hikaru waiting for her there.
"Huh, Takamiya-kun, you haven’t gone home yet?"
"Well, I was actually waiting for you, so let’s go home together," Hikaru said.
"Sure, let’s go."
"You look happy. What happened earlier?" Hikaru asked.
"Umm, well... earlier..." Mizuha recounted how they saved Eri, happy to have gained another friend.
"Oh, I see. So, she was being targeted after all. I’m glad both of you were there to help her. That was really brave. How is Eri now? Is she okay?"
"She’s doing better now. She was really shaken up, but she’s grateful for the support."
"That's good to hear. Zul must feel relieved that she's not alone anymore. You did a wonderful thing today, Yuki-san. I’m proud of you and Shimizu."
"Thanks, Takamiya-kun," Mizuha said, smiling. "I just did what felt right. I’m glad we could help her."
Both of them walked and chatted until they reached Mizuha’s house. "See you tomorrow, Takamiya-kun."
"See you tomorrow," said Hikaru, waving to Mizuha before making his way to his house.
"I’m home!!"
"Welcome home, my dear," her mother said.
"Oh, Mama! You’re back early today."
"Well, my work finished sooner than usual, so I came home early."
As Mizuha entered the living room, a sudden vision hit her.
"Please don’t do that to me. I’m begging you—please stop."
"Someone... help me."
"Why is no one helping me?"
She touched her head. A headache throbbed.
What was that? What were these visions? My body felt weak.
"Mizuha, are you okay?" Her mother rushed over when she saw her almost collapse.
"I’m fine, Mama. Maybe I’m just too tired."
Wait, don’t tell me, she… her mother thought.
"Did you happen to get involved in or witness some bullying at school earlier?"
"Yeah, something like that… But how did you know? I didn't tell you anything about that."
"Ah, don't worry about that. It was just my assumption, and I wanted to ask you. Just forget about it, okay?" her mother said. Mizuha was confused by that.
"For now, just go back to your room and get some rest, honey. Let me know if your condition gets worse, okay?"
"Okay, Mama, I’d better clean up and rest for today." Mizuha returned to her room upstairs, then went to sleep.
As she closed the door, her mother looked at the stairs with a worried expression.
I knew it, so that happened again, this time, huh? Just watching something like that triggered it, her mother thought. I hope nothing bad happened to her at her new school1049Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONzvMSJteA
and then Add to home screen.