Ichinose Honami

April in Japan is a month of transformation and celebration, marked by stunning natural phenomena, cultural renewals, and pleasant weather. One of the most iconic aspects of this month is the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura). Across the country, these delicate pink and white flowers burst into bloom, creating breathtaking landscapes.

This seasonal phenomenon inspires the tradition of hanami—flower viewing parties where families, friends, and coworkers gather in parks for picnics under the blossoms. The ephemeral nature of the blossoms also resonates deeply with the Japanese aesthetic concept of mono no aware, reflecting the beauty and transience of life.

The April sun was strong, and sunlight shone through the gaps between the dense branches and leaves of the cherry blossoms, casting patterns of broken, golden light on an elderly man who was intently searching through the bag of a young boy. The young boy was of average height and build, with short, unruly taupe-brown hair and bangs that reached just below his emerald-green eyes. He had a drowsy, uninterested expression. Yes, he is our protagonist, Nakamura Haruto.

[A/n : Think of him as Houtarou Oreki from Hyouka]

Nakamura POV

"Here, your bag." He tossed the checked cross-body bag to me, then took a cigarette from his suit pocket, quietly lit it, and exhaled a thick puff of smoke in front of me.

"The school's official website specifically states that a luggage inspection will be conducted before admission. If that's the case, why bother with that?" I took the backpack as if nothing had happened, holding it in my hand.

"That's right. I don't completely trust you. I won't feel reassured unless I check it myself. And it seems like you didn't bring anything interesting this time."

"Did I bring anything before?"

"You know it well enough."

"Then can I leave now?" I wasn't interested in his rambling—I just wanted to get away from him as soon as possible.

"Okay... wait, there's one thing I forgot to mention."

"What?"

"Didn't I mention the class assignment to you before? Not long ago, I received a notice that you had been transferred from Class D to Class B."

"...How long ago did it happen?"

"Hmm, let me think... maybe soon after the entrance exam."

"Is there any deeper meaning in this?"

"There's no deep meaning. It's just a temporary insertion of a new student. That's it."

'Why didn't I get assigned to Class B right away? I guess there is some sort of balance in the distribution of classes.'

"I have nothing to add other than this." The man stubbed out his cigarette and casually tossed it on the ground, kicking it a few times.

"You'll be fined." I delivered a painless blow.

"I'll take care of it myself later. Finally, I wish you a safe journey."

"You should say that to yourself. After all, you are the one who caused this trouble."

"How heartless! I even came all the way here to give you a ride."

'You just wanted to check on me one last time.'

Human beings are creatures that act with purpose. No matter how small the action, it is filled with deeper meaning.

I ignored his final goodbye and left my residence.

Although the old man did not reveal the deeper details of the school, he still explained its relevant aspects.

Advanced Nurturing High School (ANHS), also known as Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, is a school established by the Japanese government to nurture young graduates who will support the country. It boasts a 100% employment and college entry rate, and with its thorough, state-directed teaching methods, it spares no effort in pursuing the nation's desired future.

The system at this school is somewhat unique-in fact, it is a system that no ordinary school can offer.

'I have heard of boarding high schools, but most of them require students to stay in school from Monday to Friday to study and then go home on weekends to play games.'

'I have never considered this type of boarding system, where students are not allowed to contact the outside world for three years. Moreover, except in special circumstances, all external contact is prohibited, even with family.'

In short, I was going to stay there for three years, completely cut off from the outside world—as if I were in prison. I wasn't alarmed by this; after all, I had already spent more than three years in a special environment.

It's just a change of place.

Additionally, this school only allows new students to bring items that comply with its regulations.

There was nothing in my backpack except some necessary stationery, a few books of little importance, and a set of school uniforms required by the school.

There are no bedding, daily necessities, etc. It would be great if the school could provide these.

I walked to the bus stop. It was early in the morning, and the bus I needed to take had not yet arrived. The surrounding area was deserted. It was clearly spring, yet the street remained lifeless.

There was no sign of anyone, but three cameras were installed at the corners.

'Hmm, let's see... If there were any blind spots, they would be right here.'

I pretended to be bored and annoyed—like an ordinary person waiting for the bus—and paced back and forth in the blind spots and surveillance areas while discreetly retrieving the two objects hidden under my tongue.

They were a micro eavesdropping device and a micro monitor, respectively.

Unlike the "mini" versions on the market, the miniature I refer to is truly miniature; its size is not even as big as a little finger—indeed, not even as big as a fingernail.

I wiped it clean and taped it to the underside of the metal zipper on my messenger bag. I didn't think the school would allow me to use it, but it was wise to take precautions.

The old man had almost begun to doubt my identity because of my behavior over the past year. However, he was merely suspicious, and he would never know the truth anyway. After all, the person who knew the truth...

"Squeak—"

My thoughts were interrupted when I saw a bus arriving at my stop. The air compressor hissed and the door swung open, I shook my head and climbed aboard .

There were no other passengers except the regulars, as my stop was the first. Looking at the empty seats, I thought for a moment and finally chose a window seat in the third row from the back.

I chose this position because the escape hammer was right next to me. No one can predict what kind of accident might occur while driving.

After a rumble, the bus started. I looked out the window at the scenery. If I remembered correctly, this stop was far away. Instead of waiting like this, I might as well take a nap.

I fell asleep on the bumpy road with a peaceful mind.

Just kidding.

The sleep did not last long, and my vigilant consciousness urged me to wake up quickly.

Finally, I could only open my eyes blearily.

There were more and more passengers on the bus, and it was as crowded as it usually is during work hours. The seat next to me was occupied by someone, and I must admit, she was one of the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Looking to the side, I noticed that she had long pink hair fluttering in the wind, and a pair of big breasts that could ignite any man's fantasies. It was truly a beautiful sight.

"Oh, sorry, did I wake you up?" the girl asked as she hurriedly stopped what she was doing. She stuffed the book into her bag, and I observed it carefully.

War and Peace

This book is quite interesting; it primarily expresses the spirit of humanitarianism and fraternity. But now is not the time to think about that...

"No, I should have woken up naturally. I didn't get enough sleep last night; otherwise, I wouldn't have fallen into a long sleep," I explained to her.

"That's good. Come to think of it, I was so excited last night that I didn't sleep very well." 

For students, the start of school is indeed exciting. For instance, some may not have finished the homework assigned by their teacher before the holiday, or they may begin a new chapter in their lives and even reinvent themselves.

"Do you have any thoughts about our school?" she asked, turning her head as she continued the conversation.

"Hmm, what do you mean?" I replied, pausing for a moment as if I had forgotten something.

"Aren't you a freshman this year at Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, just like me?"

"How did you know?"

"Because you're wearing the same uniform as me " she said, pointing at the clothes I was wearing. I looked over.

'Damn I am a fool'

"By the way, I am also a freshman, and I will be studying there for three years."

"Sorry, I asked a stupid question. Maybe it's because I just woke up." I pinched my temples as if trying to cover up my embarrassment and become more alert.

"Yeah, I also feel a little groggy when I wake up," she said. She didn't mock me but was rather understanding.

For a moment, I felt a sense of tenderness.

"As for my feelings, I don't seem to have many. It's just a very ordinary matter," I said, returning to the previous question.

"Is that normal? Then it seems that I'm overreacting."

"This kind of thing varies from person to person. Maybe it's just me."

"That's right… Since we're all freshmen, let me introduce myself first. My name is Ichinose Honami, and I'm a freshman in Class B, first year. Please give me your guidance."

At that moment, I saw her face clearly. Her pupils were as clear as the blue sky and seemed to reject any trace of impurity. At the same time, I began to retreat. It wasn't that I despised purity; I simply hated seeing my reflection in her clear eyes.

That sin can never be erased.

But, come to think of it, I seemed to have seen Ichinose somewhere before...

My inner thoughts were constantly churning, but of course, I didn't reveal any of them on my face.

"I'm Nakamura Haruto; thank you for your guidance," I said, nodding in response to her greeting.

"Nakamura-kun, may I know which class you're in?" Ichinose placed the index finger of her right hand on her tempting lips and asked.

Ahhh, I felt my heart melting. It was so cute.

"It's Class B, Grade 1," I replied, recalling the old man's reminder before I left.

"Are you also in Class B? That's great! I didn't expect to meet the classmate I'd be spending the next three years with on the bus."

She had a happy expression on her face as she gently grasped my forearm. I was startled by this sudden movement; the moment she stretched out her hand, I wanted to back off—but I forced myself to stay.

She seemed very sociable. However, to be honest, what she just said was a bit misleading. With her lovely expression and the tender words she spoke, it always felt as though she were confessing something to me.

Even though I knew it was absolutely impossible, I couldn't help but fantasize about it. If that were to happen, would I truly be happy? That question came from deep within my heart.

"I didn't expect that either," I echoed, hoping to avoid an abrupt end to the conversation and leave a good impression.

"Hey, which middle school did Nakamura-kun attend before?"

"Well…" I scratched the back of my head in embarrassment.

"Is there any inconvenience? If so, don't force it." She seemed to realize that she had crossed an unspoken boundary, and her eyes clearly expressed regret.

Ah, so gentle—just like an angel.

In that moment, I only needed to follow her lead to resolve the situation smoothly.

"It's not inconvenient…" I blurted subconsciously as I met her gaze.

"What's that?"

"That's it. Actually, I don't even know the name of the school where I study…" I had no choice but to continue.

"Huh? Don't you know the name of your middle school?"

"I know it sounds a bit strange, but I really don't. We rarely mention the name of our school, so while I might have remembered it initially, I've forgotten it over time. It's just like the piano and the tea ceremony."

"Is that so?" she asked, looking at me strangely.

"Yeah, that's it. Even though I don't remember the name of my middle school, if I were in that area, I'd still know my way around."

"Yeah," she replied with a somewhat confused nod, and I sighed in relief.

Although Ichinose doubted the truth of my explanation, she fortunately didn't dwell on it and instead turned to the topic I'd used as a shield.

"Nakamura-kun has practiced the piano and tea ceremony, right?"

"Well, I have learned a little bit," I answered with a nod, without denying it.

In today's society, both children and adults are expected to acquire additional skills; those who don't are often seen as abnormal or inferior. I'm not sure how society developed this way, but it seems that only those who conform to the mainstream are considered normal.

When I realized this, I no longer felt happy about our society.

"I wanted to learn piano before, but for some reason, I wasn't successful." After she said this, I noticed a trace of loneliness in her eyes.

"If Ichinose-san wants to learn, high school should offer that chance. After all, there are clubs for it."

"Well, maybe there will be a chance." Kindness softened her face as she nodded at me.

That gentle look seemed capable of melting anyone's heart.