Chapter Four
Chiba asked, "Is it really you, Snake?"
Nessie nodded. "Hai. It has been a long time."
Chiba nodded. Rinka watched their interaction. Chiba asked, "How have you been?"
Nessie shrugged. "Bored mostly. These idiots are nowhere near as good as a fighter as you were. They definitely couldn't beat the rest of your group. I have to do most of the fighting myself."
Chiba laughed. "Come hang out with us."
Nessie looked at the idiots that were on the ground. "Sure. These idiots won't be up for a long time."
Nessie slung her bag over her shoulder and started to walk with Hana's groupd. Daichi asked, "I'm surprised you recognized Chiba. He must look so different from when he was in middle school."
Nessie shrugged. "Not really. He was always the tallest person. The only things different is the uniform and the glasses. He never wore his uniform correctly and never had glasses."
Chiba smiled. "You haven't changed a bit, Snake. I've missed you."
Chiba hugged Nessie, and Nessie returned the hug. "I'm sorry I had to leave. You know what happened back then if anyone found out what I was."
Chiba nodded. "It's okay. I know you had a good reason to leave."
Nessie smiled. "Did you ever forget my promise?"
Chiba shook his head. "Never. You were a really good friend to me."
"Chiba, you can start being yourself tomorrow. I'll protect you like I use to."
"Are you sure, Nessie? I don't want to be a bother."
"You are never a bother, dear friend. You are always my most trusted friend."
Chiba nodded. "Do you still have the same problems?
Nessie shook her head. "I'm just bored these days. I have missed you a lot."
Rika was starting to get jealous. Nessie looked at her and smirked. "Come, Leopardess. We will talk away from the group."
Rika nodded and followed Nessie. They went to a small coffee shop. Nessie said, "You may say whatever you want. I will not be offended."
Rika took a deep breath and said, "I know you and Chiba are friends, but I got jealous of how close you two are. I just don't have the courage to tell Chiba how I feel about him."
Nessie smiled reassuringly. "Do you want to know something?"
"Anything you feel I should know."
"Rika, you have nothing to fear. Chiba and I see each other as siblings. I cannot see him as anything other than my brother."
Rika smiled and said, "Okay. I just have no confidence in myself when it comes to relationships."
"I know how you feel. Can I tell you a secret?"
Rika nodded. Nessie said, "I like Izumi."
Rika gasped in surprise. "He is so serious though."
Nessie laughed and nodded. "He just needs to learn how to let go."
