One In A Million Stars

Chapter One - The Encounter

Mizuki P.O.V.

"Akane san, I'll see you tomorrow."

I say to the lady boss when I'm getting ready to step out from the café where I work as a part timer for the past 6 months.

"Okay, Mizuki chan. See you tomorrow. Thank you for the hard work today as well."

Akane san waves me goodbye when I bow slightly at her and walk off.

I moved into this neighborhood recently, after getting accepted in an elementary school that located in one of the area in Tokyo, as an English teacher. As the living expenses are far more prominent living in the city, I decided to take the part time job during the night. Thankfully one of my colleagues recommended me to Akane when she was looking for the new part timer to help her at her café shop as she was just finished giving birth during that time. That's how I ended working for her.

I'm walking back to my apartment building as usual tonight when I see a familiar figure walking together with an unknown man, across the street from where I am. I recognize her as one of my student. I take a glance at my phone, it's getting late at night. Although I hate the thought of minding other people business, but the fact she's still an elementary student is clearly making me think twice. Moreover, she's one of my student. While I'm still pondering whether I will be going there to ask her if she needs any help, that man suddenly slaps her face. My legs run on its own, dashing through the main road to reach them.

"Excuse me."

I call out to them when I get there while panting heavily.

"Sensei?"

The girl seems shock to see me there.

"What's going on, Suzuki chan?"

I ask her while grabbing her hand and pull her towards me.

She starts tearing up when I cover her, making her stand behind me. When she says nothing, I turn my attention to the man in front of us.

"Who are you?"

I ask him.

Turns out he seems not much older than I thought he would be.

"I'm Mina's boyfriend. I have things to say to Mina so don't interfere. Whoever you are."

He replies.

"I'm her teacher. So it's sensei for you too."

I say, hoping to emphasize that I'm a teacher.

But it seems that I'm making him angrier and agitated. I notice he wears some sort of uniform, maybe he belongs to some gangs that are commonly seen here in Japan.

"I need to talk to Mina. So move away while I'm still being nice, sensei."

He repeats himself, gritting his teeth.

"It's late now. You can do that tomorrow morning. Come to the school to find me. I'll let you meet Suzuki then."

I say in a firm tone, unable to back down now.

"Why are you all so good at making me mad?!"

He shouts at us, making me flinch.

"Don't you dare to come any closer. I'll report you to the police that you hit her earlier. I witnessed everything."

I glare at him when he takes few steps forward.

My mind goes blank when he keeps closer. So I reach out my hand and try to grab Suzuki hand to try to take her to run with me. That's when I realize I'm holding someone else's hand instead.