Chapter 2: The Silent Morning

Haruto Kirigami sat at the side of the classroom window, his gaze drifting in the gray sky. The hum of morning chatter floated through the room, but he was an oasis of silence. His tousled hair and chunky glasses still concealed him from prying eyes, a deliberate disguise to hide from the hurricane of notice.

Despite the commotion, Haruto's reality felt drab. Last night's dream taunted his mind—the faceless girl running away, her rejection etched in the farthest corners of his mind. He rubbed his eyes, fatigue pulling at him.

"Another pointless dream." he sighed, resting his chin on his hand. "It doesn't count. It never does."

The bell rang out, and children ran to their desks. Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Saito, entered with a handful of papers clutched in his arm.

"Alright, class, settle down," said Mr. Saito in a smooth, placid tone. "Just a brief announcement before we begin. We'll be having volunteers for the school festival that's upcoming. If you're willing to volunteer, sign up after class."

The festival was spoken and a ripple of enthusiasm swept across the room. Haruto was not affected. Festivals meant crowds, noise, and compulsory social interaction—things that did not interest him.

Sitting several rows in front, Nasaki Kitta rotated slightly in her chair. Her eyes scanned the room, as if looking for something. When she spotted Haruto, they lingered for only a fraction of a second longer than usual.

He feels so distant. Nasaki thought to herself, her lips curling into a bitter line. She quickly turned about, a fine flush creeping across her cheeks.

As class went on, Haruto drifted. His papers were still empty in front of him, and the teacher's words slipped through the cracks of his focus. His mind was on the idea of being normal—to laughing with friends, to someone sitting next to him without feeling the chill of the wall he had put up around himself.

For lunch, Haruto chose his usual rooftop spot. The breeze was cool, and the view of the sports ground below was a calming distraction. He unwrapped his bento, a hasty meal he had made that morning.

The door at the top creaked open, and Haruto stood firm. Few students ventured up here. He glanced around and saw Nasaki step out into the sun, her hair whipping in the wind. She hadn't noticed him yet.

Haruto considered walking away for an instant. His hold on his bento tightened, but his feet were stuck.

Nasaki spun about and stood rigid at the glimpse of him. "Oh. sorry. I didn't figure anyone would be here."

Haruto turned to leave. "It's all right."

She hesitated outside the door, as if to decide whether she should go back or not. She took one step forward timidly instead. "Do you. mind me sitting here?"

Haruto remained silent. It wasn't a yes, but neither was it a no. Clutching for permission, Nasaki sat on the other side of the bench.

There was a weighty but not uncomfortable silence between them. They ate in silence, two shadows beneath the same sun.

"You're always sitting here alone," Nasaki said softly.

Haruto didn't reply immediately. "I like the quiet."

She nodded, respecting his space. "It's beautiful up here. Peaceful."

A gust of wind ruffled the leaves, carrying away the weight of words unsaid. Haruto had been uncomfortable for a very long time, but now for the first time in a while, he was relaxed—not from isolation, but from the company of someone who did not ask for more than he was capable of giving.

When lunchtime was over, Nasaki stood up. "Thanks for letting me occupy this seat. I'll be running into you around, Kirigami-kun."

She flashed him a small, genuine smile before disappearing through the doorway.

Haruto stared at the spot where she had been sitting, the warmth of her being still lingering despite her departure.

"See you around." he said again, his voice a little shaky.

For the first time, the silence was not empty but full of possibilities.