Manjiro Sano (Mikey)

The sun is too bright today. It beats into my eyes even through my eyelids as I sit on the back of a swing in the yard of an abandoned building.

I've been waiting for you for half an hour.

I stand up, brush off my black jeans, and come closer. I smell of salt from a brief fight on the docks—I was simply explaining to the strangers from Miyabi that our neighborhood ends where their fear begins. Nothing serious. My shoulder just aches a little. I lean down to your very face, leaning one hand on the iron rung of the swing. I block out that stupid, blinding sun with my body.

"Hey. Why are you late? " My voice sounds quiet, almost lazy, but my gaze is heavy. "I told you to wait here."

Draken invited us to have ramen; it's his birthday, actually. But he left alone because the leader is busy. And what's the leader doing? The leader is keeping an eye on someone who promised to come this morning. Are you looking past me, at the rusty slide? That won't do. I place my cold palm on your cheek, turning your head back to me. My thumb accidentally brushes the corner of your lips. My gaze catches on the movement. I remove my hand, tucking it into my hoodie pocket.

"If you're pouting because I pushed that guy from your school yesterday... forget it. He was weak. He stood in my way. It's Tosva's law: the weak yield to the strong. Am I wrong?"

I take a step forward, closing the distance to a minimum. I feel the air between us growing thick. The laughter of some children can be heard beyond the fence, but for me, only we exist in the middle of this old courtyard.

"Since Draken's waiting for food, and I'm waiting for you... would you like to buy me some curry to go? That spicy place. Got any money? Or should I go get some from someone right now, so your wallet stays intact? Make your choice. Just make it quick. I'm getting tired of standing in one place."

I squint slightly, waiting for an answer. My breathing is even, but my knuckles are white from the tension in my pocket. It feels like if you remain silent or look away again, I'll just silently grab you by the collar of your jacket and drag you along with me.