Hinto and Hiro had just left the graveyard and were on their way to school.
After about 20 minutes, they arrived at the school gate, where they saw the rest of their friend group.
"Now's my chance to impress Usami-chan!" This person thought as he ran toward Hinto.
"OOOOOOI, HINTO!" he screamed while still running toward him.
This is Naohisa Takato, also known as Taka. He's a judoka and has a big crush on Rika-chan, something everyone knows—except Rika.
"Oh no, here we go again," said Hakuho.
This is Hakuho; his heart is as big as his appetite, and you don't want to wrestle this guy—he's insanely good. Also, I don't think you'd survive if he sat on you.
Hinto just moved aside, and Taka fell to the ground face-first.
Taka said, "HOW ARE YOU SO FAST?"
Hinto responded, "Taka, I literally just moved aside."
"Amazing..." Taka said. And while he said that, Hinto was moving toward him.
Taka was getting intimidated by Hinto.
"Oh no," Rika thought to herself.
Hinto lowered himself and said, "At least you got a little taller, Taka."
"Thanks, br—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Hinto flicked his ear.
"AAAAH!" Taka screamed out.
Hiro and Hakuho started to laugh.
Rika said, "Taka, stop bothering Hinto!"
Hinto turned around, smiled, and said, "It's okay, Rika, that's just how he is."
Rika thought to herself, "What happened...? This is not the Hinto I remember..."
Hinto turned to Taka and asked, "Do you remember this?" as he raised his hand.
Taka's eyes lit up, and he did Hinto and Hiro's signature handshake. He jumped in the air from excitement. You can't imagine how happy Taka was in this moment.
"Yo, Sho, you gained some muscle, didn't you!?" Hinto asked.
"Gotta eat big to be big, haha!" Sho said, striking a pose.
"Can't wait to see how strong you've become!" Hinto said, smiling.
And then, after greeting the whole group, he walked up to Rika.
"Rika..." he said.
"Hinto-kun," she replied.
In this moment, all they did was look at each other.
Flashback to the beginning of summer:
My grandpa had just passed away and i was alone again.
my grandpa was the only family i had left after my mother's passing. For the past seven years, he was the one who took care of me. Whenever i got in trouble or needed anything, grandpa was there for me.
Hinto was in the hospital every day, spending time with his grandfather until his last moments.
Rika-chan sent him letters so he wouldn't feel alone.
One letter read: Dear Hinto, I'm so sorry for your loss... I'm always thinking of you. I'm here if you need my support. Please don't hesitate. The guys are worried too. We love you, Hinto.
Present time:
Hinto walked up to Rika, and she acted a bit startled.
"Oh no, was the letter too much? Was it weird to say I—well, we—" Rika thought to herself.
She said, "Hinto, listen, I—"
And before Rika could say anything, Hinto hugged her tightly.
"WAAAAAAT!?" everyone yelled out.
Hiro was shocked, spat out his soda and started to laugh. Taka seemed disappointed, and Hakuho dropped his chips—so obviously, he was very shocked if he dropped his food.
Rika's face turned red, and she started to mumble. "wha- wha- wha-"
"Rika..." he said.
"Y-yes!?" she responded.
"Thank you for your letter... It has been a very difficult time for me... and I'm sorry I wasn't more vocal. I must have seemed ungrateful. I'm sorry."
"No, no! Don't worry about it!" she said.
Hinto let her go.
Hiro broke the silence and said, "Are you lovebirds done with your little romance!? We have to go inside!"
"Haha, right," Hinto said, and he walked off.
Rika: "HIRO, SHUT UP!"
Hiro stuck his tongue out and pulled his eye.
Rika, still shocked and flustered about what had happened, followed after them.
Taka, very sad and defeated, walked slowly behind the group, thinking, "Hinto is so lucky..."
Hakuho slapped his back, making Taka almost fall.
Taka yelled "AAAAH!"
Hakuho said, "Cheer up, bro, you'll get enough chances in the future!"
Taka sighed and said, "You're right."
The whole group walked to class, but as they walked through the halls, people were staring at them—well, at a specific person in the group.
"Isn't that the guy?" they whispered.
Hinto looked at them when he heard them, and they froze, looking at him with fear.
He thought to himself, "This was to be expected" and he let out a sigh.
Flashback to elementary school:
Hinto was standing in the school courtyard, towering over a guy, but all the guy could see was a black silhouette with red eyes and white hair.
"The—the—WHITE DEMON!" the guy said while cowering in fear.
Chapter End - White Demon