shudo

Haruto Kirigami is a brilliant and handsome high school student who keeps his looks and real self behind unkempt hair, glasses, and an icy attitude. Haunted by a painful past, he has issues with trust and likes to be alone, keeping everyone at arm's length.

Nasaki Kitta, a lovely and smart girl, has secret feelings for Haruto but keeps them hidden behind a genial and calm surface. Even though she has such feelings, it is hard for her to approach him because he is antisocial.

With small, silent moments—such as brief conversations in the library, shared glimpses in the hallway, and small gestures of kindness—their bond slowly begins to develop. As Haruto's walls begin to break down, Nasaki becomes a beacon of warmth and compassion in his otherwise icy existence.

The narrative weaves through key high school moments: a school festival where Haruto comes out of his shell, a home visit that introduces Nasaki to his secret world, and a touching graduation where Haruto finally accepts the future with renewed hope.

Curtains of the heart

Haruto Kirigami sat at his desk, staring out the window as usual, hoping to get through another day unnoticed. The morning chatter of his classmates blurred into background noise—until the teacher's voice broke through.

"Alright, class, for this project, you'll be working in groups. You'll need to meet outside of school to complete it."

Haruto got a shiver down his spine. A group assignment?

When the teacher announced the assigned groups, Haruto paid little attention—until he heard his name.

"Kirigami, Kitta, Tanabe, and Ishida. You four are a group."

His grip on his pen grew tighter. Naturally.

Nasaki Kitta, who sat a few rows down, turned toward him slightly and gave him a little smile. "Guess we're paired together, huh?"

Haruto groaned. This was going to be frustrating.

When the lunch bell sounded, Haruto packed up at once, intending to make himself scarce before anyone had a chance to ask him anything about the project.

But before he could go, Nasaki stood in his path. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Not until we talk about the project," she said with a grin.

Tanabe, a pleasant but somewhat obnoxious classmate, sat with them. "Hey, Kirigami! We're getting together at a café after school to figure out the details. You coming?"

Haruto's mouth had already opened to tell her no, but Nasaki cut him off. "He's coming."

Haruto shot her a look of annoyance, but she just smiled innocently. "Right, Haruto?"

After school, Haruto found himself at a small café, sitting across from his three group members.

Tanabe and Ishida chatted casually, while Nasaki sat beside Haruto, occasionally glancing at him. He hadn't said a word since they arrived.

"So, let's divide the tasks," Ishida suggested. "We need research, presentation slides, and someone to speak in front of the class."

Tanabe grinned. "I'll do the speaking part."

"Guess I'll handle the slides," Nasaki said.

That left only research—Haruto's only option. He sighed. "I'll do the research."

Tanabe leaned back in his chair, grinning. "You know, Kirigami, you're not as scary as people say."

Haruto frowned. "I never asked to be scary."

Tanabe laughed. "Fair point. Maybe people just don't get you."

Haruto wasn't sure how to respond, but surprisingly, he didn't feel annoyed—just confused.

As they made their way home from the meeting, Nasaki playfully poked Haruto. "You actually spoke today."

"It needed to happen," he grumbled.

Nasaki smiled. "Yeah, yeah. But you weren't wretched, either."

Haruto rolled his eyes. "Don't press it."

But as they walked in quiet, Haruto couldn't help but think that—maybe—speaking with people wasn't so terrible after all.

Chapter 5: An Unexpected Invitation