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The school’s bell rang through your ears, and you breathed in relieve. Now that the time for lunch break, you stood up from your sit and stretched your limbs. Your mind already imagining the delicious smell of your favourite hot and fluffy curry bread, which made your stomach growled. You cleaned your desk a little bit when you felt a tug on your shirt.
“It was booooring.” Luffy, one of your close friends who sat right behind you, tugged your clothes while yawning. He wasn’t exactly a smart student, but his joyous and chirpy attitude makes him popular with the teachers and students.
You chuckled, and playfully stroke his hair. “Indeed. Now should we go to the cafeteria?” Luffy instantly stood up and gave you a wide smile that flashed his teeth. He grabbed your hand and excitedly led you to the cafeteria. The picture of delicious hamburger steak already fogged his mind.
“Hey, slow down. Should we wait for Nami and the others?” You asked, trying to match his speed.
“Huh, no need. They’re slow. Me already hungry.” He didn’t slow down his steps one bit. You just sigh and let Luffy led your body.
The delicious, mouth-watering smell fill your senses when you step to the cafeteria. Luffy let go of your hand and immediately ran in speed-light to grab his favourite food, which made you chuckle. The boy could beat even the fastest man alive in a running competition if there’s food and meat involved. You went to the booth that sell any kind of breads, and bought some curry bread, meat sandwich, and some sweet red bean-filled anpan bread. Yeah, you love bread. Then, you bought a strawberry milk and began to look for empty seat.
You eventually found a dining bench large enough for eight people in the corner of cafeteria and sat there, waiting for Luffy, Nami, and your other classmates. The soft, fluffy, and warm curry bread makes you moan when you bite it, munching it slowly to savour its deliciousness. You were too focused on your meal when suddenly a hand placed big bowl of chicken teriyaki right beside you, make you stop the chewing and look up to the owner.
“Sitting by yourself, pretty?” You blushed upon hearing the teasing. This person sat in your right and begin eating his own food.
“How’s the training, Ace?” This boy, Ace, was one of your friends. He was a school jock and participated in many sport tournaments around the country. Given his good-looking appearance, friendly attitude, and his talent at sport, it came with no surprise that Ace is extremely popular in school, especially with the ladies. Like Luffy, he was a foodie and also befriended all of the teachers. Because of his busy schedule and him being in a different class, it was obvious you rarely met him during school hours.
“Meh, it was child’s play.” He answered, chewing on his meal, aggressively. He must be very hungry from the training.
A beautifully-decorated bento suddenly came to your view, and you looked up with smile. “Hey, Nami. I’m sorry I left you and the others.” Nami sat on your left. Vivi, Usopp, and Chopper then sat in front of you with their own foods – Vivi with a plate of curry rice and Usopp with grilled fish – and you smiled at them. Chopper looked merrily eating his sweets and cotton candy; his body was smaller than any of you and has thick, flowy brown hair. He really was a cute boy.
“No worries. I know Luffy wouldn’t wait for anyone whenever he hungry.” Nami started eating her nutritious bento.
“Oh hey, Ace! I heard you was chosen as a strong candidate for our school’s football’s captain.” Usopp casually dropped the information, making you and the other squeal in excitement. The boy just shrugged his shoulder and cleared his throat, clearly trying to hide his embarrassment.
“It was actu-“
“Hey! Why is the table so crowded?” Luffy, holding a tray of hamburger steak and a glass of orange juice, making a loud appearance as he shouted at the table, clearly looking annoyed.
“Shut up, pissy. There’s a spot beside Chopper.”
“You shut up, Ace! Switch the place with me now!” Luffy demanded, which easily ignored by the other boy who continue emptying his bowl. You just sighed. Luffy and Ace were close like brothers, but they always bicker every now and then and always make you dizzy.
You tried to calm him down. “Luf-“ your words cut off when someone lightly smack the back of Luffy’s head, making the boy looked even more pissed.
“Now, don’t make a scene, Luffy. Everyone here is hungry and just wanna eat food in peace.” A blonde boy reprimanded Luffy. He then looked at you and flashed a charming smile, then lightly pushed Luffy – who was too hungry to argue further – to the available seat beside Chopper, then he himself sat beside Nami.
“You’re now busy preparing for student council election this year, are you, Sabo?” Nami asked, and the boy – Sabo – just smiled. Just like Ace, the boy belonged to different class yet he’s close with all of your classmates.
“Yes. I didn’t intent to but my senior, Robin, encouraged me to apply for the president seat.” He flashed another charming smile. The current secretary of Student Council sure smiles a lot.
Chatter and laughter filled the table as everyone enjoying their food and each other’s company, even Luffy smiled and joking around.
As the lunch break nearly end, everyone started leaving the table and went back to their class. Well, everyone but you, Luffy, Ace, and Sabo. Earlier, when you wanted to join Nami and the others walking back to class, Ace held your wrist, silently asking you to stay.
Luffy’s smile begun to fade and his annoyed face start to resurface. He still couldn’t forgive what his brothers did to him earlier. You sensed his anger, and quickly move to sat beside him.
“Here.” You handed him a meat sandwich that you intentionally bought for Luffy earlier. His eyes immediately sparkled again, made him dropped his attitude and grabbed the sandwich from your hand.
“Someone just hand you a food because you were being so annoying for no reason, and you didn’t even say thank you, Luffy.” Sabo’s words made Luffy stop chewing the sandwich, and looked at him with an anger. Why is Sabo acting high and mighty?!
“Hey, it’s okay. Luffy was just really hungry earlier and it messed up his mood. The sandwich was meant for him, anyway.” You said softly, and smiled to Luffy, whose eyes immediately soften back.
“Tch, you’re babying him too much, girlie. He needed to learn some respect and manner or he won’t get anywhere else.” Ace scolded, hand on the chin, eyes pining on Luffy.
The boy swallowed the sandwich, and let out a deep breath. Deep down, he knew that he was in the wrong here. Everyone was hungry back then, yet he was the one who let his hunger controlled his mood, causing an unnecessary stir for everyone. Luffy wasn’t a mean person, no, he was a very kind and thoughtful boy. But sometimes, his emotion got him acting unwise and intrusively. However, Luffy was never a boastful, egoistical person. He would immediately apologize if he knew he do something wrong, the keyword here being knew. As kind as he was, his naïve and simple nature made him unaware of whether he had done good or bad things. It was the job of his two brothers, Ace dan Sabo, to make him aware of his actions, which Luffy actually very grateful for.
“… he’s right. Thank you for this sandwich, and I apologise for being angry earlier. I will also apologise to the other later.” Luffy flashed a genuine smile to you and his brothers, which instantly brighten the mood. You smiled and stroke his hair softly, which makes the boy blushed.
… which went unnoticed by you, but his brothers certainly noticed the change in Luffy’s attitude whenever he’s around you.
“So,” Ace cleared his throat to bring the table’s attention to him. He then looked at you. “I held you down earlier because I want to say sorry. I can’t walk you home today.” He grabbed your hand that looked so tiny compared to his, and stroked it softly.
“Eh? Why do you apologize, Ace? I told you, I don’t mind if any of you can’t walk me home.” You giggled, but the boys frowned at your words.
It was a tradition for the fours of you as childhood friends. From being in a kindergarten, elementary school, junior school, and now in high school, all four of you have been together, inseparable. Naturally, you spent all of your time playing with them all the time as a kid and teen. There was this tradition of walking home together after school since you guys came from the same neighbourhood. The formation was always complete until in high school, the three boys became so busy with school life and they always have some afterschool activities. And you, being a daughter of two bakers, has no time and energy left for school clubs as you have to help your parents managing the store; making the bread, cleaning the table, be on cashier’s duty, assessing the customer, and many more. Such a tiring work, buy you loved it. You love smiling at the customer, excitedly answering their questions, making the dough with love, and most importantly; you get to eat and smell the delicious bread. The bakery has grown your obsession with bread.
For this reason, you have to get home on exact time. The school ended on 3 p.m., and you must present at the bakery by 4.30 p.m., or else your poor parents will be exhausted by the overflowing customers who want some light afternoon snack. In such a short time, you have to go back to your home, clean yourself, and then went straight to the bakery.
For this reason also, the boys made an agreement; at least one of them has to walk you home, no matter how tight their schedule is. If Ace couldn’t do it today, then Luffy or Sabo must do it, and vice versa. Usually, it was mainly Luffy who walked you home because he also didn’t join any clubs, because Sabo and Ace were always busy. You thought this agreement was crazy and unnecessary, as you can walk home by yourself now you are a high-schooler. You even told Luffy that he can join any clubs or activities he wanted, and that he shouldn’t worry about you. They immediately rejected your complain, since they wanted you to always be protected and safe. You tried reasoning with them every single time, but the boys, however different their whole personality are, have one exactly same thought regarding one thing; you. They refused to let you alone, unguarded. Your safety was their highest priority, and they just loved spending time alone with you.
So, now, when Ace said he couldn’t walk you home, Luffy immediately scolded him.
“What?! You told me yesterday you would take her home. I can’t do it right now because Ms. Hancock wanted me to help with her club project.
“And I have to attend a preparation meeting for the upcoming election with my team.” Sabo added, sounded calm, yet Ace didn’t miss the disappointed undertone.
“I know, and I apologized, okay? It was entirely my fault. The coach suddenly told me I have to do a qualifier test for the captain position today.” Ace looked at you with apologetic smile, you smiled back.
“It’s okay.” You chuckled. “It’s really okay. Our neighbourhood isn’t that far from school, anyway. I also always wanted to try walking home on my own. So, please, don’t fight?” You looked at the boys.
“I promise, I’ll be okay. It’s just for a day, anyway. I can protect myself, too, you know?” You giggled. “I’ve taken jiujitsu classes several times on weekend. So, no worries, yeah? I promise I’ll text you guys right after I get home.” You give your softest smile to them, which makes the boys’ heart melted. Ace kissed your hand.
School’s bell rang, indicating the end of lunch break. The boys stood up and sighed in defeat as there was entirely no way out, they couldn’t come up with any solution. You, on the other hand, smiled widely as you get to experience walking home alone for the very first time.
As you guys walked down the hallways, you slowed down and letting them walk side-by-side in front of you. Looking at their wide back, you ;smiled proudly. They were no longer stinky, small, dirty boys who chase kites around the block anymore. Or the always-hungry boys who messily chowed down a whole batch of bread whenever they visit your home. Or the stupid, reckless boys who swam on the small river even though it’s forbidden.
Only a year ago, your height was still the same as them. Now, they grew taller and taller. Their body gained lots of muscle and became bigger. You almost teared up, realising you probably looking at the back of successful people in the future. Sabo would be a smart politician or a businessman, Ace probably will pursuit his career as an athlete, and Luffy would be a person who quick to climb any ladder to success. And you? Oh, you, just a baker from a small bakery. You wonder, will your name be remembered later in the future where all four of you has going down different paths?
School time was over. The sound of the bell ringing felt heavenly in the students’ ears, as they prepared to go back home or doing afterschool activities. You felt a hand pat on your sholder and see Luffy smiling at you.
“Hey, I will go now. You be careful, yeah? Text us when you get home.” Luffy kissed your cheeks and walked off. You smiled and waved at him.
After you say goodbye to your classmates and prepared to go walk home, your phone buzzed, revealing a message from your dad.
Our store is not really crowded today. Me and your mom can handle it. You go play and take some time off, okay? Tell the boys I say hello
You smiled at the text. You probably still going to visit the bakery anyway. But first, there was one thing you always want to do.
A breeze of afternoon wind, accompanied by the beautiful orange hue of the sunset filled your senses. With eyes closed, you let the wind blow your hair and took a heavy, relaxing breath. The chirping of birds and faint sound of people playing sports on the field enter your ears. This was a thing you always wished for; a moment alone in a calm place.
Alone in the rooftop, you hummed softly. Foot walked mindlessly around this place. You loved a moment of peace, always give you time to appreciate the life you’ve lived and many good things that had happened. Yet, it sometimes makes you emotional because your stupid brain likes to overthink about things in the future. Unfortunately, due to your thought about the boys earlier, your body decides; yeah, it’s CRYING time. So you shed a tear, thinking about the very possible future where the boys leave you to create their own journey. The future when you finally get to walk home alone because they already gone. The future where they will soar higher yet you will just stay in the same level. Even as for now, you think the boys were out of your league. They were infamous and important around school, befriended many students and teachers. And there you are, an ordinary student, with ordinary brain. Had you and the boys aren’t childhood friends, there was no reality where you can get in-between them.
Suddenly, when you turned your body around, you froze. You were not alone. There was a person, and not just a person, it’s him.
“Are you okay?” He asked, tone calm and confident. You just silent still, totally didn’t expect you’d met the President of the Student Council here, during your breakdown moment.
In front of you, stood Trafalgar Law. You heard about him, of course, everyone in the school knew him. He was brilliant third-year student with both academics and arts achievements lining up his back, the biology Olympiad gold medalist, the pride of this school. He served as the President for two consecutive years, making him the only president candidate in this school’s history to won the election with more than 95% vote. The Council also gets a much more positive feedback and reaction from the students during his reign. His popularity also got highly boosted by his very attractive looks.
“I-I, eh, it-it’s….” You panicked. “I-it’s nothing, President.”
Law sighed. “Drop the formality, won’t you? I’ll retire soon, anyway. This is too tiring.” He then squinted his eyes, examined you sharply, making your breath hitched.
“Have we ever been met before?”
“No!” You squealed, making Law surprised.
“I-I mean that, that there is no way w-we could meet before, Prez.” You tried to explain but ended up stuttering and talking to fast. He didn’t budge and keep eyeing you.
“Ah, right.” He snapped his fingers then stepped closer to you. “It’s the bakery. I often saw you on that one bakery not far from our school.” Your eyes widen. How could he recognise her not-so-famous face?
“That’s my bakery.” You blushed, “I mean, my parents are bakers and owned that bakery, but I love to help them.” You explained and he just nodded. Somehow, the important student standing in front of you didn’t seem to intimidating anymore. Maybe it’s the mention of your beloved bakery that makes you relaxed. And you totally didn’t expect the infamous President would be this humble.
“Um… since you know that bakery, do you like bread, Prez?” You suddenly, very bravely, asked.
“No, I hate bread.” His sharp answer makes your bravery instantly vaporised away. “But my sister loves the melon bread your bakery sells, that’s why she keeps nagging me to buy that for her. And that there’s you.”
“Melon bread! It’s our bestseller!” You chirped happily, and the soft smile on Law’s face goes unnoticed by you.
“Yeah, it sold out quickly, huh? My sister would cry if she didn’t get the bread.”
“My, that’s a pity… I can personally make them for her, Prez. Just tell me the time you want to visit the next time, and I’ll make sure the bread is freshly baked.” You smiled widely. Law smiled even wider.
“Appreciate it, thank you.” He said, then added, “You’re not going home?”
“Eh.. I was going to, but decided to go here first to take some relaxing time.” You answered and started to overthink. Did you disturb him? Did you were being too friendly?
“Relaxing time, huh? So relaxing it made you teared up?” He teased, and you blushed.
“I’m joking, but if it made you calm, you can tell me about your worry.” Oh, wow. You totally didn’t expect this kind of event. “You will go to the bakery, I assume?”
You nodded. Law shrugged and grab his own bag that -- you just realised – lying on the floor.
“Lead me the way, then. Perhaps today I will rethink my opinion about bread.”
You finally breathed in relieve when both of you reached the school gate. The walk from the rooftop to the gate was crazy. Everyone kept staring at you and the calm, confident President you’re walking with. Gasps and whispers accompanied every single step you took. No doubt they were judging; who the hell is this girl? Why is she walking with the President? All you can do is lowered your head, making your existence as small as possible. Law, on the other hand, did not seem to care about the shocked attention he received. In the corner of your eyes, you see some student taking pictures of you and him. Oh boy, someone certainly going to be a hot topic for tomorrow.
So when you finally on the gate, your body relaxed and you looked at Law, who just nodded, signaling for you to continue walking. Just when you about to took a single step outside, you heard shouts from your left, right, and back direction.
“Wait!”
Not even finished to turn back, you feel something hard bumped into you. Your body certainly would fall back had an arm didn’t hold it tight. Then you realise, somebody was hugging you. Was it somebody? But why was it felt so heavy and tight? All you see is dark until this someone pulled out the hug, and then your eyes widen.
Ace, Sabo, and Luffy standing in front of you, they were sweating and panting because of the run earlier.
“I’ll walk you home!” The three of them said in unison.
“Huh?” Said them, looking at each other confusingly.
“Why are you here?”
“I could ask you the same. You should’ve been in your meeting now, Sabo!”
“And what about your test, huh? And you, Luffy, what about Ms. Hancock’s project?”
“I don’t care, it’s not mandatory. But why are the two of you here?”
The picture was comical; the three of them staring at each other with confusion, shooting each other with you’re not supposed to be here look. Each of them had hoped that they would be the one to walk you home. They started to bickering again, but this time, you giggled. You took steps behind, wanted to apologise to Law for this sudden disruption, but the President was mysteriously gone, leaving you confused.
“Hey.” Sabo grabbed your hand softly. “Seems like we can walk together.” he smiled. You looked at the three boys who blushed when you held eye contect with them.
“Let’s go then.” You said, giving them your widest smile.
You laughed at their why didn’t they do their duties stories. It was truly dumb.
Sabo felt like he was too distant from you due to his busy schedule. Compared to Luffy and Ace, he was the rarest to walk you home, and was afraid you would hate him for that. So today, he asked Koala, the current Council’s treasurer and his Vice-President partner candidate, to lead the meeting. Sabo had apologised to his team over and over again, but they didn’t seem to mind. Sabo always worked very hard his team had no problem giving him a break. So he rushed to you, hoping that he was the one who would walk you home today.
Ace’s guilt got the best of him during the test. He talked to Coach Rayleigh to postpone the test, which the coach immediately rejected. Ace then threatened to withdraw his name from the football’s captain candidate and left the coach cornered. After all, he is the Ace. His great skill and tactic had led the school’s team to won numerous prestige tournaments. Heck, his powerful presence alone was enough to boost the team’s morale. Because of this, no one would be more suitable to be the captain than Ace and it would be a massive damage if Ace quit the club. After minutes of hard thinking, the coach finally agreed to postpone the test, which made the boy bowed in gratitude and bolted as fast as he can to catch up to you.
Intelligence was not of Luffy’s great feature, but he was sure act cunning today. He already planned to ditch the project and walked you home instead. So, he invited Zoro, his close friend, to do the project together. Luffy waited until Ms. Hancock, Zoro, and the other student were too consumed by the project, and then hurriedly escaped the club room. He laughed while running because he used Zoro as his replacement and the boy didn’t notice. He would apologise to him and Ms. Hancock tomorrow, as now all he thinks about is you.
Now, all four of you were walking home together, just like old time. Such a rare picture these days, and you planned to enjoy every single bit of it. A wide smile never left your face, which makes the three boys smile also. The walk, witnessed by the beautiful horizon of the orange sky, was filled with heart-warming chatter, laughter, Luffy’s singing, and of course, the boys’ bickers. Amidst the growing pains of teenage life, you are reminded of the unbreakable connection you share with your friends—one filled with loyalty, warmth, and a bit of chaos that makes every day feel special.