The Lost Archives

Day Spent Well

While lost in his thoughts the teacher called out to him. To Akira's surprise, the teacher gestured for Yumi to take the seat directly next to him. "Akira, please raise your seat and bring it closer to the one on your right. Yumi will be sitting with you for the remainder of the semester."

“Yes sir.” He got up and did what the teacher asked and then waited for her to approach him.

Akira's eyes widened as Yumi approached, offering him a warm smile that made his knees weak. "Hi, I'm Yumi. It's nice to meet you," she said, her voice like music to his ears.

"I-I'm Akira," he stammered, cursing himself for not being more composed. "It's great to have you here."

Yumi giggled, seemingly amused by his nervousness. "Well, I'm glad to be here. I hope we can become good friends."

Akira nodded, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts. This was his chance, his opportunity to get closer to Yumi and prevent the tragedy that had unfolded in the original timeline. Although that was way into the future he still had to find out about the attacker in advance and why he did that.

Sana leaned in, elbowing Akira playfully. "Ooh, looks like someone's got a crush," she whispered teasingly.

Akira felt his cheeks flush, and he shot Sana a warning glare. "Shut up, Sana. It's not like that. I’m just not used to sitting besides beautiful women"

Sana looked at him, raising her eyebrows, “Oi, I’ll hit you in the head.” Both of them then started laughing and then got told off by the teacher to maintain silence.

Sana grinned, undeterred. "Sure, sure. I see the way you're looking at her. And the way she's smiling back? Definitely a match made in heaven."

Akira rolled his eyes, but he couldn't deny the butterflies in his stomach every time Yumi's gaze met his. He had to be careful, to not let his emotions get the better of him. This was a delicate situation, and one wrong move could alter the course of events in unpredictable ways. But again it was quite difficult to not hold her in his arms.

As the bell rang, signalling the end of the school day, Yumi turned to Akira. "Akira, do you have a moment? I'd love to chat with you a bit more, if that's alright."

Sana immediately piped up, "Oh? Of course he does! In fact, I'll stay too, just to make sure you two don't get into any trouble. I’m Sana by the way, nice to meet you Yumi."

Akira shot Sana a grateful look, knowing that her presence would help keep him grounded and focused. This was his chance to get to know Yumi better, to understand her and build a genuine connection. And with Sana by his side, he felt a little more confident in navigating this delicate situation.

“Why yes of course, nice to meet you too Sana, I like what you have done with your nails, and your skin is so glowy too.” Yumi said while poking Sana’s face slightly.

Sana then looks at Akira and whispers, “Told you the moisturiser was good as hell.” Akira chuckled at that comment and then started packing his belongings too.

"So, Yumi," Akira began, trying to keep his voice steady. "What brings you to our school? I don't recall seeing you around before."

Yumi's eyes sparkled with warmth as she replied, "Well, my family just recently moved to the area, and I'm excited to start a new chapter here. I've heard great things about this school and the people, and I'm looking forward to making some new friends."

Sana chimed in, "Well, you've certainly come to the right place! Akira and I have been best buds since we were kids. I'm sure we'll all get along famously."

Akira chuckled, he definitely was at ease. Even though he was mentally older than her he still felt comfort. "So, Yumi, would you like me to give you a tour of the campus? Show you all the best spots?"

Yumi's eyes lit up. "That would be wonderful, Akira. I'd love to get to know the school better, and it would be great to have you and Sana as my guides. I take it we all are friends now? Hopefully I mean because I wouldn’t want to intrude too much."

Sana and I both gave each other the nod and welcomed Yumi with open arms. The trio made their way out of the classroom, Akira and Yumi falling into an easy conversation as Sana walked alongside them, occasionally chiming in with a joke or witty remark.

"Looks like someone's got a new friend," she whispered, a mischievous grin on her face.

Akira rolled his eyes, but he couldn't deny the flutter in his chest every time Yumi's gaze met his. "Shut up, Sana. I'm just trying to be a good boy here."

Sana chuckled. "Whatever you say, ‘lover’ boy. I'm just happy to see you making new friends." Sana pats his back in response to him acting all cutesy.

As they stepped out into the sunlit courtyard, Yumi's eyes widened with delight. "Wow, this place is so beautiful! I can already tell I'm going to love it here."

Akira felt happy seeing her all excited all over again for little things. "Just wait until you see the rest. We have some amazing hidden spots on campus."

He led the way, Yumi and Sana falling into step beside him. As they walked, Yumi kept glancing over at Akira, Sana noticing that could only feel happy.

"So, Yumi, tell us a bit about yourself," Sana prompted. "What are you into? Any hobbies or hidden talents we should know about?"

Yumi tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Well, I've always loved music and dancing. Back at my old school, I was part of the drama club and the dance team."

Akira perked up. "That's amazing! We have a really talented performing arts program here. I'm sure you'd fit right in." She couldn’t get to participate much last time because all the clubs were full after a few days into the announcement. Maybe this time I can do something about it.

Yumi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'd love that! Do you guys participate in any of the school's performances?"

Sana laughed. "Oh, you bet we do. Akira's actually a pretty talented actor himself. He's in the school drama club."

Akira felt his cheeks warm under Yumi's admiring gaze. "It's nothing too special, but I do enjoy it. Maybe I could show you sometime, if you'd like."

It is true that I used to perform a lot during this time, but I don't know these feelings died down as I grew older, maybe it will bring me to feel something again.

"I'd be honoured to see you play," Yumi said, while hiding her gaze from him.

Eventually, they made their way up to the rooftop, where they were greeted with a breathtaking view of the entire school grounds. Yumi gasped in awe, taking it all in.

"Wow, Akira, this is incredible! I can see why you said this was one of the hidden gems." She turned to him, her expression sincere. "Thank you for sharing this with me."

Akira felt his heart swell with her words. "It's my pleasure, Yumi. I'm glad you're enjoying the tour." He paused, then added, "And please, feel free to come up here anytime you need a quiet moment. It's a great place to just...breathe."

Yumi nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I'll be sure to remember that."

As they made their way back down to the ground level, Akira noticed a group of students gathered around, all vying for Yumi's attention. Some were even approaching her, asking for her autograph or a photo.

Akira stepped in front of Yumi protectively. "Excuse me, but Yumi is here as a new student, not a celebrity. Please give her some space to explore the campus in peace."

Sana quickly joined Akira, her voice firm. "Yeah, back off, you meatballs. Can't you see you're making her uncomfortable? Jeez, give a girl some space.”

But before the situation could escalate further, Yumi placed a gentle hand on Akira's arm. "It's alright, you two. I've got this." She turned to the crowd, her expression warm yet resolute.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm, but as Akira said, I'm here as a student, not a trainee. If you'd like to get to know me, I'd be happy to chat with you all another time. For now, I'd love to continue exploring the campus with my new friends." She flashed them a dazzling smile and waved her hand.

The crowd seemed taken aback by Yumi's graceful handling of the situation, and they quickly dispersed, muttering apologies. Akira and Sana stared at Yumi in awe, impressed by her poise and confidence.

"Wow, Yumi, that was amazing," Sana said, her eyes wide. "You really know how to handle a crowd."

Yumi chuckled. "Well, I've had a bit of practice, let's just say." She turned to Akira, her expression softening. "And thank you, both of you, for standing up for me. I really appreciate it."

Akira felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. "Of course, Yumi. You're our friend, and we'll always have your back."

The trio then made their way to the playground, where they spent the rest of the afternoon laughing and chatting, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. As the sun began to set, Yumi turned to Akira and Sana, a warm smile on her face.

"I have to say, this has been one of the best days I've had in a long time. Thank you both for making me feel so welcome." She reached into her bag and pulled out a small card, handing it to Akira. "Here's my ID and phone number. Please, feel free to call or text me anytime, as friends, okay guys?"

Sana grinned, accepting the card from Yumi. "Awesome, we'll definitely be in touch. And you better believe we're going to hang out again very soon."

With a final wave, Yumi headed towards the front of the school, where a sleek car was waiting to pick her up. Akira and Sana watched as she slid into the backseat, her eyes meeting Akira's one last time before the car pulled away.

***

Akira bid farewell to Sana and made his way home. When he stepped through the front door, he was immediately greeted by the warm embrace of his mother, Maki. "Welcome home, Akira! How was your day?"

Akira felt a lump form in his throat as he returned the hug, his emotions suddenly bubbling to the surface. "It was...it was really good, Mom. I met someone new today."

This was his first time meeting his mother in such a long time, to him she has been dead for years, yet she’s standing in front of him all fit and fine.

Maki pulled back, her brow furrowed with concern. "Someone new? That's wonderful, dear. But what's wrong? You seem a bit...overwhelmed."

Just then, Akira's little sister, Ami, came bounding into the room, her eyes shining with excitement. "Big brother! You're home!" She paused, noticing the look on his face. "Are you okay?"

There she was the little angel, she too was caught up in an accident alongside mother. I think it was around this year that the accident took place. I won’t let them be taken away from me again. Not this time.

Akira couldn't help but pull Ami into a tight hug, his voice trembling slightly. "I'm okay, Ami. I just...had a really great but long day, that's all."

Maki watched the exchange with a mixture of surprise and tenderness. Akira had always been the more reserved one, so seeing him open up like this was a rare and heartwarming sight. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Well, why don't you tell us all about it over dinner? I’m sure you’re tired so come in.”

As the family gathered around the table, Akira recounted the events of the day, from meeting Yumi in his class to the encounter with her adoring fans. Ami's eyes grew wide with wonder. "Wow, Akira! That sounds so exciting. And Yumi, the idol? I'm such a big fan of hers!"

Maki chuckled. "It certainly sounds like you've had quite the eventful day. This Yumi sounds like a lovely girl. I'd love to meet her someday."

Akira felt a surge of warmth at his family's genuine interest and support. "Maybe you will, Mom. Yumi and I exchanged numbers, and she said she'd love to hang out again soon. Of course though she’s still a trainee so she may be busy most of the time."

Ami practically bounced in her seat. "Oh, can I come too? I'd be so excited to meet her in person!"

Akira reached over and playfully ruffled Ami's hair. "We'll see, little sis. For now, let's just focus on getting to know her better."

After dinner, Akira retreated to his room, his mind still buzzing with the events of the day. As he settled into the bathtub, his phone suddenly chimed with a new message. To his surprise, it was from an unknown number.

"Hi, Akira! It's Yumi. Sana gave me your number and said it would be okay if I reached out. I hope you don't mind. I was just wondering what you're up to?"

Akira felt a flush of heat creep up his neck as he realised the coincidence of him thinking about her and her texting him at the same moment. "Actually, I'm just relaxing in the bath right now. How funny, I was just thinking about yo-" I pause before completing the sentence and realise what I was gonna say and simply delete it and replace it with an emoji.

Yumi's response came quickly. "Oh my gosh, me too! What a crazy coincidence. I hope you're enjoying your time there. I have to say, it's quite the pleasant surprise to be chatting with you right now."

Akira couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Likewise, Yumi. I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit...flustered, to be honest."

"Haha, me too!" Yumi replied. "But it's kind of nice, isn't it? Getting to know each other in this casual, unexpected way."

The two continued their lighthearted banter, sharing stories and laughing at the weird and random nature of their conversation.

-Yumi’s Pov-

As Yumi settled into the warm, soothing bathwater, she glanced at her phone and decided to send Akira a message.

“Oh my god! What if he thinks I’m being an annoyance, it’s not like me to send someone a message let alone a boy. You just met him today you dumb girl how can you be so stupid, Especially not while you’re taking a relaxing bath.”

Her phone rings right after and she sees that he had given a reply almost immediately, she felt a flutter of excitement when he texted back.

Yumi couldn't help but smile at Akira's polite and considerate message. To use emojis while typing she didn’t think he would be the type to use those. She quickly typed out a response, her heart racing.

“Oh he’s taking a bath too- oh no- I messaged him at the wrong time didn’t I? How will I face him tomorrow? What if he thinks weirdly of me.”

She talks about the coincidence of both of them taking a bath and talking and after his reply of being flustered she starts to feel shy too.

As they continued their lighthearted exchange, Yumi couldn't help but feel a growing sense of comfort and connection with Akira.

Yumi had always been cautious when it came to making new friends, especially after moving into a whole new place far away from home. But with Akira, she felt weirdly safe, like they have known each other for that long.

“It was nice talking to you Akira, hope you have a goodnight.” Both of them left the bathroom a short while after and went to sleep.