The two main protagonists introduce themselves to one another. 

 

After about fifteen minutes we decided to get out of the bin. Cautiously I first peeked out of the bin while the boy beside me jumped out without a care, startling me. Once outside I could finally see him properly.

Tall, lean muscles, brown hair with golden streaks that almost looked orange in the setting sun, blue eyes and a look that subtly told the world ‘to go to hell’. Well in short I thought he looked cool. From the perspective of someone like me who was trying his best to fit into the society while trying to cause as less friction as possible, this boy looked like a rebel. Someone who was proud to be wrong.

How could I decipher so much from just looking at him you ask? Well that is what I am good at actually. I am an observer.

“Hey” the boy’s crisp, hoarse voice pulled me out of my string of thoughts.

“Y-yes?”

He had been looking at the main road outside the alley till now. Turning his head towards me with a concerned look he spoke slowly. “How long do you intend to stay there?” he pointed at the trash can with a disgusted face. I had been so engrossed in assessing this guy that I forgot to get out of the bin!

“Waah! Sorry” I got out as fast as I could and started brushing off the dust from my clothes.

“Want to get something to eat?”

“Eh? Are you inviting me?” What was with him? He seemed too unpredictable. Normally you wouldn’t ask strangers such things.

“Yeah. Wanna go? There is a noodle shop close by.” He looked at me as if he were asking a friend.

“B-But I need to get back home soon. I am not allowed to stay out late.” I have always been a bit defensive when it comes to such situations. Not to forget I am one of those who are afraid to go wrong.

“It’s ok! We are of the same age I guess so it’s fine. Let’s go!” he put his arm around my neck and dragged me along without listening to any complaints of mine. The pain from my previous activities had not subsided yet so I wasn’t able to resist forcefully; in the end I ended up a noodle shop!

“Two bowls of GachaGacha super with steam buns pops!” the boy ordered cheerfully.

“Oh long time no see Leib! What’s up?” the person at the counter turned around and faced us. It was one of those shops that looked like stalls but had a sturdy counter for sitting.

“Are you a regular here?” I whispered to the boy, Leib, I guess if I had heard right.

“Kind off” he looked at me smiling

“He is! Definitely” the old man at the counter said shrugging of Leib’s opinions. “Just wait a bit it’ll be done soon” he said pointing towards his son who was busy cooking. Well he had to be his son, they looked alike.

“So…” I started hesitantly

“I am Leib. What’s your name?” he had extended his hand towards me for a handshake.

“My name is Kota. Nice to meet you.” I said shaking hands, “Btw… why have you brought me here with you?”

“Here’s your order kids! Dig in!”  The food appeared just in time like a sign.

“Isn’t that obvious now?” Leib replied while stuffing the hot bun in his mouth, “It’s going to be your treat!” he said with an evil grin. He started chomping down on the food giggling till he noticed that I had been sitting with my face down, really quietly. “H-hey what happened? Are you not going to eat?” he asked in a tense voice.

I couldn’t respond. I didn’t know why but the moment he mentioned money, my memory of being bullied came back to me. Today was worse than the rest; they were more violent, I had more money in my wallet today than the rest of the days so the loss was big, I was already late for home and I was heavily disappointed in myself. I could feel Leib’s gaze on me. He was waiting for me to reply or at least react, but I didn’t feel like it anymore. I was sick of trying to look ‘fine’.

“Was it something that I said?”

“I…” I sighed once before speaking again, “I don’t have any money left. Even for myself”

I looked at Leib with a serious expression and he seemed like he was trying to comprehend the situation.

“Is this linked to the ones who were following you?” I nodded and placed my hands on the counter.

“It started a week ago…” I myself didn’t understand why I was being so honest with this guy. Probably because he seemed too cool to me. He looked and talked like one of those fictional characters on whom the whole world can depend on and so I told him everything.

“That is a serious situation kid! You ought to tell your parents!” the old man on the other side of the counter suddenly spoke startling us.

“You were listening?!” Leib accused him “That’s not fair pops!” the old man made a scared looked and smiled at me apologetically. “But he is right Kota. You should tell someone about it.”

“I have tried”

“Whom did you tell?”

“I told my class teacher but gym teachers I told you about covered it up. They didn’t let me speak and threatened me afterwards. My parents don’t know about it… I don’t think they’d care even if I did tell them.”

“The situation looks pretty bad I guess…” Leib concluded gravely.

“Well that’s all of me. Now it’s your turn.”  I nudges him slightly making him laugh.

“You really want to know?” he sat facing me looking me straight in my eyes. The way he asked was almost dandy. It got me excited.

“Yeah” I replied grinning back.

“Well then” he got from his seat stood straight and said-

“I am Leib a core member of one of the most vicious criminal gangs in the area, I won’t tell you the name just yet. And the ones following me in the morning were police officers. Nice to meet ya” and he bowed his head.

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