Work Text:
Judai,
Hello. I hope you’ve been well.
Truthfully, I don’t know how to start these things.
It’s been three years since we’ve graduated—and subsequently three years since any of us last saw you. I hope you still carry the last letter we gave you.
Selfishly, I hope you’ve gotten better at saying goodbye since then, too.
If you haven’t though, I don’t think I could blame you for that. No one could.
I don’t know if you’re keeping with the times wherever you are, but I’m writing this as an update to the last letter. It seems silly,
but it makes me feel less lonely
but it’s something that helps clear my mind and keep me productive.
Duel Academia has been relatively peaceful, not including the shenanigans done by the student body and faculty alike.
Teaching has been both more exciting and more boring than I could’ve thought. I was always really worried that I wouldn’t be a good teacher, but I’ve been thoroughly supported not only by my peers, but by my students too.
Professor Chronos actually has a picture of our graduating class in his office, though he often hides it in fear of getting too emotional, even though he’s always emotional. That being said, now that I’m in a similar position as him, I understand where he’s coming from—at least during our graduation.
We had some wild school years, didn’t we?
If you ever happen to be around, I think my students would love to duel you, or even talk to you, or see you—
A lot of people miss you, Judai.
I miss you
. We all do.
Sho’s league has been gaining traction over the years. Even Edo Phoenix participated in it this year. Ryo actually dueled against him, too, and his presence was as powerful and unbending as it usually is. Just having those two duel again was enough to fill the entire arena with electricity. It was a rematch for the ages. You should watch it, if you ever get the chance.
If you ever visit, we can watch it together
. I believe it was recorded and put online.
Manjoume has also been making waves for himself, but that isn’t too surprising. He had that chant while we were still students. He still uses it, but now it fills entire stadiums. Watching him duel is a lot of fun. I’ve actually joined in with the cheer a few times. Don’t tell him though, it’ll be our secret.
Fubuki’s idol career has taken off, surprisingly. He’s still as annoying as ever, and he wants me to join him so we can be a tag team, but he’s far more suited for the limelight than I am. I might tell him to try to recruit Manjoume or something, though we all know while Thunder is loud, he definitely can’t sing. At least he can duel!
Jim and I talk on the phone every now and then. He still calls me ‘Tomorrow Girl’. Some things never change, and that’s something I didn’t realize I had taken for granted. Did you know Kenzan became an archaeologist too? They’re something of coworkers now, though they don’t often get to work at the same site. Jim’s more fun to talk to than I thought he would be, especially with how he and the other exchange students left after we left that world things went back to normal. I still don’t know or even remember everything, but I can’t find it in me to blame him.
[The following sentence is crossed out multiple times, the paper warped by tears.]
Did you let me die, Judai?
You know, it was actually Fubuki of all people that suggested I write you this letter. At first I thought it was his usual theatrics but it’s been really helpful in an odd way (like how he himself often is.) That’ll be another secret between us, though.
I’ve been reminiscing a lot as of late. I still think about our first duel. Who would’ve thought that would’ve led to the bond between us during our time at Duel Academy? You always surprised people, and you especially surprised me. You always subvert expectations, with your big heart and easy-going nature. It was no wonder that you made so many people follow your lead. It felt natural to be at your side. Sometimes, your smile felt like the sun on a clear day.
And thank you for rejecting me that day. I needed that.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who felt that way, either.
I don’t know if I have anything else to update you on. I haven’t heard from Austin or Johan, but apparently they keep in touch with Jim and are well. Junko and Momoe and I get coffee now and then.
If you’re ever in town, maybe we could get coffee too?
There are some other changes here and there, but I think you would want to be spared from any tale of romance that has occurred over the past few years.
Thank you for always being there for us, Judai. I’m sorry that we weren’t able to do the same.
See you.
Your Friend Forever,
Tenjouin Asuka