A WARM VOICE

There were only twenty-five students in the English class. It seemed like fewer than expected, given the fervent passion of Japanese youth for learning the language.

But, in this moment, all that mattered was her presence. Yes, Mitsui Tsuki was in the class.

The door creaked open and in walked a towering figure of six feet tall. Is this our English teacher?

"Good day, everyone. I am Adam Prince, your English teacher from England. I've lived in Japan for the past eight years and I'm looking forward to teaching you for the next three. Let's make the most of this time together," Adam spoke in fluent Japanese, capturing the attention of the entire class.

While everyone else was fixated on the foreign teacher, I couldn't help but gaze at Tsuki. My eyes were drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

"Before we begin, let's delve into the language of English. How did it become the global language? When was it first invented? These are some questions that may be on your mind. I will do my best to answer them," Adam explained, as he spoke with enthusiasm about the language.

He went on to say that knowledge of English is essential for the future, as it has become the language of commerce, culture, trade, and economy. And, he promised to impart fascinating insights into the language as the classes progressed.

With that, Adam divided the students into five groups of five, and announced that these would be the groups for the next three years. His teaching style was unique, as he stated that he would be assigning exciting and engaging tasks for the groups to compete against each other.

The groups were formed and my heart stopped as I realized that I was in the fifth group with Yozora, Tsuki, and two other girls.

Can you believe it? I was in the same group as Tsuki! My heart raced with excitement.

I smiled at Yozora, and in that glance, his silent plea urged me to approach Tsuki. When Tsuki caught my eye and returned the smile, it felt like this group might just pave the way for me to get closer to her.

Maybe, just maybe, there will be something special brewing between us.

But, just as quickly, my mood plummeted as Adam called out the names of those who were to switch groups.

"Kousei, apologies. There appears to be a mix-up. You'll be in the first group, not the fifth. Tsuki, my mistake won't be repeated. Keep this under wraps from your Father.. please," said Adam Pearce with a dismissive tone.

I found myself swapped with Daichi from the first group, leaving me wondering, 'Why me?'

Glancing at Yozora, I caught a glimpse of his infuriation, his lips tightly clenched, and his eyes shooting daggers at our teacher, Adam.

Just as I turned to leave, his eyes conveyed an apology.

I believe I understand why Adam made this switch. It's unsettling. I can't be certain about Yozora and the other girls, but being replaced by Daichi makes me think—I might be the odd one out in my group, not hailing from a wealthy background. Adam, it seems, didn't want someone like me, someone without privilege, anywhere near someone as elegant and wealthy as Tsuki.

It's frustrating, and I can't help but feel regretful about the situation.

Classism, I thought. It was just like everywhere else, people were judged based on their family's worth. I was filled with a sense of frustration and wanted nothing more than to run away from this place.

As my new group mates chatted amongst themselves, I was lost in my own thoughts, drowning in a sea of negativity.

But then, a gentle voice called out to me, burning away all the negativity like a warm fire on a cold winter's night.

A WARM VOICE

"Kousei," the voice whispered, like a soothing balm to my troubled mind.

I turned to see her, the one and only Mitsui Tsuki. Why was she talking to me? Did she remember me?

"Haha, Kousei-kun, this is the second time I've seen that surprised look on your face. Yozora told me that you wanted to talk to me." she said with a laugh.

I was at a loss for words, my mind a blank. I looked at Yozora, who was winking at me, making a playful gesture with his arms. I couldn't help but smile at his antics.

"What are you looking at Kousei?," asked Tsuki, and then she turned around. It was like the whole time stopped! Yozora didn't even moved a muscle when Tsuki looked at him.

"So, what was the thing you wanted to discuss?" She asked me

Normally, I would avoid eye contact while speaking, but when our gazes locked, I was enraptured by her eyes. They radiated a warmth that only the word "happiness" could begin to describe.

Her eyes imbued me with confidence and courage, and I felt a rush of excitement as I prepared to speak to her. But then, a voice interrupted.

"Mitsui Tsuki, you don't need to associate with these kinds of students. Please return to your group," said Adam Sensei, his tone authoritative.

And in an instant, the happiness in her eyes faded, replaced by a look of pain that tore at my heart.

Her entire demeanor shifted. Is she furious with Adam? Did she actually want to talk to me that much? Nah, no, no way.

Yozora had mentioned that Tsuki desired a normal life, could it be that the extra attention was overwhelming for her?

My chance to comfort her was lost as she returned to her group, and I felt a deep sense of regret for not finding the words to ease her suffering.

However, my intuition hit the mark. Adam confirmed it by labeling me as 'these kinds of students'.

But then, a voice from my own group caught my attention.

"LOVE"

"Love! That's what it is! Love is not pure; it's a mixture of pain, jealousy, happiness, and anger. What I just witnessed was love," they declared.

Ehh... why's he looking at me as he is saying this?

Who is this guy, and why does he seem so certain of what he saw? And why does it feel like every time I turn around, there's yet another new character entering the scene?