I decided to head to the supermarket to pick up some groceries. Our fridge was almost empty, and I didn't feel like eating instant noodles again.
As I walked to the supermarket, I enjoyed the warm sun on my face and the fresh air. It was a nice day to be out and about.
But my pleasant stroll was interrupted by a disturbing scene. A little girl, no more than 10 years old, was being bullied by a group of kids. They were teasing her, pushing her around, and making her cry.
I was hesitant to intervene at first. I didn't want to get involved in someone else's business. But as I watched the scene unfold, I realized I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Hey, what do you think you're doing?" I asked the bullies, trying to sound firm but calm.
The group turned to face me, their eyes flashing with anger and defiance. But as they took in my tall and lanky frame, they seemed to falter.
"Mind your own business," one of them sneered, but I could see the fear lurking behind his eyes.
I took a step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. "I am minding my own business," I said, my voice firm but calm. "And my business is telling you to leave her alone."
The little girl, who had been cowering in fear, looked up at me with wide eyes. "T-thank you," she stuttered.
I smiled and offered her my hand. "Are you okay?" I asked, helping her to her feet.
The bullies, realizing they were outnumbered, slunk away with their tails between their legs. I watched them go, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
As I turned back to the little girl, I saw that she was staring up at me with a look of admiration. "You're really brave," she said, her voice full of wonder.
I chuckled and ruffled her hair. "I'm not brave," I said. "I just didn't want to see you get hurt."
The little girl smiled and took my hand. "My name is Natsumi," she said. "What's yours?"
I smiled back at her. "I'm Takeru," I said. "Nice to meet you, Natsumi."
As we walked together, I realized that I had forgotten all about my trip to the supermarket. But somehow, I didn't mind.
"Is this your house?" I asked Natsumi.
She nodded, smiling. "Yes, thank you for helping me earlier."
I smiled back. "You're welcome."
Natsumi's smile faltered for a moment, and then she asked, "Do you want to come inside?"
I hesitated, unsure of what to do. But then I remembered my original plan. "No, I have to go. I need to buy some things at the supermarket."
Natsumi nodded understandingly. "Okay, thank you again!"
Natsumi's sister, Rui, rushed to her side, concern etched on her face. "Natsumi, I was so worried about you! You got lost, and Mom was frantic. And what happened to your face? You've been crying."
Natsumi looked down, tears welling up in her eyes again. "I-I got lost, and some kids bullied me," she stammered.
Rui's expression turned angry. "Those jerks! I'm so sorry, Natsumi. I should have been watching you more closely."
Natsumi shook her head. "It's not your fault, Rui. But then... Takeru helped me. He chased the bullies away."
Rui's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of my name. "Takeru, huh? I'll have to thank him for helping you out, Natsumi."
Achoo,feeling a shiver run down my spine. I couldn't shake off the feeling that someone had been talking about me.
I paid for my groceries and headed home, my mind wandering back to the encounter with Natsumi. I wondered if I'd see her again around town.
As I walked home, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. At least I had been able to help Natsumi, and she seemed like a sweet kid.
I arrived home and began to cook myself a simple meal. As I waited for my food to cook, I couldn't help but think about Natsumi and how brave she had been.
Little did I know, my life was about to get a lot more complicated.