CHAPTER 4 - “School Life”
Maki Edogawa, 17 years old, an average student of Okan High School, Class 1-3, is friends with Nania Teru. She is just a normal high school student… well, she was normal until she discovered her life had something more than just anything normal. She found that out by meeting a robot from the future, who had experienced the end of the world. The robot wanted to protect her until her old age, then protect somebody else, and then repeat this cycle until he reached the day when the world met its end. “Osaka, huh…” repeated Maki. “Um, do you have any luggage?” she asked. “Ah, yes, just one suitcase, that’s it,” said Makato. “Okay… and also, if you’re going to protect me until I… die of old age… that means you’re also going to stay with… me?” Maki asked again. “Yes, I will be staying with you. I hope that wouldn’t bother you,” answered Makato. “U-umm… I’m okay with that…” Maki answered. “And I also wanted you to do a favor for me,” said Makato. “Yes, what is it?” Maki asked. “Promise me you will never tell anyone about me being a robot or that I am going to protect you until you die.” “What!? I can’t do that! My parents won’t let you stay here if I don’t tell them the truth!” said Maki. “No, you can’t tell this to ‘anyone,’ okay?” Makato shot back. “Why not?” Maki whined. “Humans are greedy, and they might try to kidnap me or something. Any human would like to have an advanced robot from the future to protect them, so I think the safer option is to keep it a secret.” “But… my family isn’t greedy, but I will listen to you anyway. But, if you’re going to stay with me in my house, you will need my parents’ permission,” said Maki. “I have an idea. Just say that I am your friend and I had to move in here for a few months because my parents went on a tour. That should be enough of an excuse,” replied Makato. “Yeah, that sounds convincing,” said Maki. About an hour later, they managed to convince Maki’s parents. Maki’s father’s name is Nakada Edogawa, and her mother’s is Yumi Edogawa. The next day was Monday. Maki was going to school, and Makato was going with her to learn more about her. They were walking through the fields. “So…” Maki started. “You said you’re a student at my school. But obviously, you’re not going to come to my school. So, what are you going to do?” “Absolutely nothing…” replied Makato. “Nothing? You’re going to do nothing, Mako?” “No.” “Okay… I guess.” After that small talk, both of them finally reached the school. But suddenly, Maki froze as she saw some people standing at the gate, all of them close to a bike and each other. It was like they were all part of one gang. There was one boy sitting on the bike, wearing sunglasses and eating chocolate. It looked like he was the leader. “What is it, Maki?” Makato asked her. “M-Mako…” stuttered Maki. “Yes, what is it?” “I-it’s them…” “Them?” “Those people there… they’re the biggest bully gang in my school. They bully everyone, even other bullies,” Maki said. “Oh… so you think they would bully you or something like that?” Makato asked. “Y-y-yes…” Suddenly, the gang’s leader glared at both of them but said nothing. Maki’s face turned pale, but Makato’s didn’t change. What he did was shoot back a glare at him. “Maki, I will come with you to the gate, okay?” said Makato. Maki nodded in agreement. Both of them started walking toward the gate of the school and walked past the gang. Maki felt her heart pounding harder and harder until she reached her class. Makato’s heart was pounding as well until she walked past them. After Maki was gone, Makato looked behind to see the same gang giving him a cold glare, and of course, he shot a glare back. Makato thought to himself, “These people don’t seem like much trouble, but I should not underestimate them… What if they affect Maki’s school life?”
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END/ CHAPTER 4 - “School Life”
NEXT/CHAPTER 5 - “FIRST ENCOUNTER OF DEATH” (18 January 2025)