Chapter 11: Shadows of the Empire

The soft hum of the ceiling fans and the quiet rustling of papers filled the classroom. Sora sat by the window, his eyes on the chalkboard but his mind far away. Mr. Takeda, the history teacher, was talking about the fall of the Roman Empire.

"The Roman Empire didn't fall in one big crash," Mr. Takeda said. "It broke down slowly—problems inside, money troubles, attacks from outsiders. It was like a lot of small cuts that made it bleed out."

Sora tightened his grip on his pen. His thoughts drifted, and the history lesson started to feel like his own life. The way the empire crumbled bit by bit reminded him of how his own hope had faded—through whispers, looks, and hurtful words he couldn't forget.

"Those outside attacks were only the final push," Mr. Takeda went on. "The real trouble came from inside. Sometimes, what breaks us isn't what others do but what grows dark inside us."

Sora took a shaky breath. He felt a light tap on his arm. Turning, he saw Nanako looking at him with worry. She didn't say anything, but the small touch of her shoulder against his was enough to bring him back.

On his other side, Akio wrote something on a piece of paper and slid it to him.

Are you okay? the note said in her round, neat handwriting.

Sora paused, then gave a small nod. He wrote back, Yeah. Just... thinking.

Akio smiled. Her cheerful energy felt warm, like sunlight breaking through clouds. It was a bit too bright, but still nice.

The bell rang, breaking the quiet.

"All right, everyone. Read pages 142 to 150 for homework," Mr. Takeda said. "And remember, history isn't just about the past—it helps us learn not to make the same mistakes."

Students stood up, chatting and packing their bags. Nanako got up too, slipping her bag over her shoulder. "Shall we go?" she asked softly.

Sora stood slowly, and Akio bounced up beside him. "Finally! I thought I'd turn into a Roman statue if that went on any longer," she joked, stretching her arms above her head.

A small smile touched Sora's lips. "You'd make a bad statue. You move too much."

Akio pretended to be shocked. "Excuse me? I'd be the best statue ever! Full of life!"

Nanako laughed, a soft and lovely sound. "If you were a statue, you'd probably topple over from moving too much."

They moved through the crowded hallways, walking past groups of students. Sora stayed close to Nanako. Her quiet presence helped keep the noise and rush of people from feeling too much.

"Are you guys hungry?" Akio asked when they reached the school gate. "There's a new takoyaki stand near the station. I heard it's good."

Nanako's eyes lit up. "That sounds nice. What do you think, Sora?"

He hesitated. The idea of being out in public still made him nervous. But with Nanako and Akio, things felt a little safer.

"Yeah," he said softly. "Let's go."

The walk to the station was filled with Akio's stories and jokes. She told them how she nearly bought cat food instead of tuna rice balls at the convenience store.

Nanako listened, her smile gentle, and she often glanced at Sora. He returned her look with a small nod, showing her he was okay.

At the takoyaki stand, the smell of fresh-cooked food filled the air. Akio rushed ahead to order while Nanako and Sora found a bench nearby.

"You did well today," Nanako said quietly.

Sora looked down, his fingers brushing the edge of the wooden bench. "It's still... hard."

"I know. But you're here. That's a big step."

Her words were soft but strong. They made him feel seen, like his small steps mattered.

Akio returned with a tray of hot takoyaki. "Careful! They're super hot."

She handed them each a skewer, and they sat under the open sky, surrounded by the gentle buzz of the city.

Sora took a bite. The warmth of the food spread through him. Sitting there, sharing food and quiet moments, felt important. He wasn't just watching life from his bedroom window—he was in it, even if just a little.

Their talk was light and easy, touching on schoolwork, Akio's funny stories, and weekend plans. And for a while, with laughter and a soft breeze around them, Sora felt like he was slowly building something new.

Piece by piece, like finding his way out of the shadows.