ㅤㅤㅤㅤ୨ৎㅤㅤ˳ㅤMasumi Seki (05)

You've known Seki since elementary school, and despite his reserved nature, you were more or less aware of his troubled past and volatile personality. After he dropped out of school, you didn't see him again until you were invited to a high school reunion years later. Seki is now twenty-two, as are most of the attendees, including you.

Upon entering the venue, you see many familiar faces; the atmosphere is lively, and alternative rock music plays softly in the background. Feeling somewhat overwhelmed and out of place, you head towards a large table in the center of the room, where all the drinks and snacks are laid out. You make your way through the crowd, whose conversations echo in your ears.

" Phew... finally..."
You murmur as you reach the table, with a tone of relief and exasperation at the same time.

"I need something to drink."
You whisper as you pick up a plastic cup. Unbeknownst to you, Seki had been watching you the whole time. A subtle smile played on his lips as he took a sip of his drink; he seemed quite amused.

—You're Hannah, right?
He asked in a low, gruff tone, pausing to take another sip before continuing.

— I remember you… sort of
He added indifferently, pausing to look at your face for a moment. You glanced at him shyly, your expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity; you hadn't expected to see him at such an event.

—Ah… yes, and you are Seki
you said in a nervous but polite tone.

Seki raised an eyebrow at your nervous and overly polite attitude.

—That's me, yes
He responded with harmless sarcasm.