shudo

Summary:

Sora Nagi, a boy with black hair and eyes, lives a life of isolation, burdened by depression, social anxiety, and trust issues due to painful past experiences. He stays at home most days, only leaving for school and returning to his secluded world. Trusting no one, he keeps his emotions locked away, navigating his days with little connection to anyone.

Everything changes the day he accidentally bumps into Nanako Shimuya at school. Nanako, with her own struggles related to her parents, doesn’t fit the mold of Sora’s usual interactions. At first, their meeting is unremarkable, but as their paths cross more, they begin to form an unexpected bond.

From strangers to friends, then to something more, Sora and Nanako help each other confront their personal demons. Together, they explore the complexities of healing, trust, and love, slowly discovering that maybe, just maybe, they don’t have to face their battles alone.

Will their deepening connection be enough to overcome the struggles in their lives, or will their pasts pull them apart?

A World Beyond My Window

The lunchtime chatter in the cafeteria filled the air as Sora sat across from Nanako. It had been a few days since his accidental meeting with Akio Sanagi in the hallway, but the encounter still lingered in his mind. He hadn't expected someone like her—so open, so cheerful—to talk to him so casually.

Nanako noticed the way Sora seemed lost in thought, poking at his food absentmindedly.

"You seem distracted," she said, resting her chin on her hand.

Sora blinked and looked up. "Huh?"

Nanako tilted her head. "You're quieter than usual. Did something happen?"

For a moment, Sora hesitated. He wasn't sure if he should bring it up, but Nanako was the only person he felt comfortable enough to talk to.

"...I met your friend," he muttered.

Nanako raised an eyebrow. "My friend?"

"Akio," he clarified, shifting slightly in his seat.

A knowing smile formed on Nanako's lips. "Oh, so you finally met her. I was wondering when that would happen."

Sora frowned slightly. "You knew she'd talk to me?"

Nanako nodded. "Akio's like that. She likes meeting new people, especially ones she finds interesting."

Sora let out a quiet sigh. "I wouldn't call myself interesting..."

Nanako chuckled. "She probably would."

There was a short pause before Nanako leaned forward slightly, her voice softer. "So? What did you think of her?"

Sora hesitated again. He wasn't sure how to describe it. Akio had been... overwhelming. Not in a bad way, but in a way that unsettled him. She was the opposite of him—open, expressive, unafraid to speak.

"...She's different," he finally said.

Nanako smiled. "Yeah, she is. But she's also a really good person."

Sora didn't doubt that. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that Akio saw something in him that he wasn't sure he wanted people to see.

Nanako watched his expression carefully before speaking again. "You know, you don't have to overthink it. Akio's just being Akio."

Sora glanced at her, then gave a small nod. "Yeah... I guess."

Nanako grinned. "Who knows? Maybe you'll get along with her someday."

Sora didn't respond. He wasn't sure if that was something he wanted.

As they continued eating, the conversation shifted to something else, but the thought of Akio still lingered in Sora's mind.

She was a presence he hadn't expected in his life.

And he had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time he crossed paths with her.

Chapter 8: A Conversation That Lingers