Looking out the window from my chemistry class, I wasn't expecting anything unusual. But then… our eyes met. From a distance, through the crowd and the glass, I saw them those beautiful blue eyes.
They were mesmerizing. Still. Deep. Like they could see right through me. I couldn't stop thinking about them. I didn't want to.
But my moment was cut short.
"Horisama, do you have something more important than chemistry? I certainly hope not."
My heart jumped. "No, sorry," I mumbled.
I took one last, quick glance out the window but he was gone. All that was left was the weight in my chest and the memory of those eyes. They seemed cold at first, emotionless even but when I looked deeper, they sparkled. Like stars trapped behind glass. Unreachable, yet impossible to ignore.
"Horu, are we going to the basketball court today?" Miyo asked as we left class.
"Nah. Pass."
"What? But you're our best scorer!"
"Sorry. I've got something to do."
Miyo's the only person I can call a friend in this school. Maybe in my whole life. He's a bit much sometimes okay, all the time but he's kinder than most people I've known.
Life hasn't been easy. Not since I was a kid. We struggled to eat, to live, to be seen. Other children avoided me. I learned how to live alone. Getting into this elite high school on scholarship was my one ticket out. I don't blame them for looking down on me but I also don't care. As long as my grades stay up, I don't need anyone.
Or at least, I didn't. Not until I met Miyo.
Now, as I leaned over the railing of the old bridge, staring at the river below, I swore I saw those blue eyes again. But no it was just my imagination. Again.
I just wanted to see them. One more time. I didn't know why… but I had to.
"Horu!"
"Miyo." He always came out of nowhere. Sometimes I think calling him 'nice' was an understatement.
"Where did you go?"
"Just looking for a part-time job."
The other students around us went quiet. I saw their stares. I knew what they were thinking. Figures. He's that poor. But I didn't care what they thought. I turned back to the window, hoping the day would pass quietly.
"Class," the teacher said. "We have a new student joining us today. Please welcome him warmly."
I looked away from the window and froze.
Those eyes.
There he was. The boy from before, now standing right in front of the class.
"My name is Isagi Sakamuro. Thank you for having me."
My heart skipped. I couldn't look away. He was tall, with silver hair, flawless skin, and piercing blue eyes. A small silver stud shimmered on his right ear. He looked like he belonged on a magazine cover.
He was perfect.
And he was definitely out of my league.
As he sat down, all the girls crowded around him like moths to a flame. I looked away. I knew better than to dream. I was from the slums. People like him don't see people like me.
"Horu, what are you doing after school?"
"Nothing much."
"Then let's get hotpot. My treat."
"I'm not really in the mood today…"
"Who said you're paying?" Miyo laughed, grabbing my bag and dragging me toward the door.
"Okay, okay!"
Even as we left for our usual place, my mind wasn't on food. It was still spinning with thoughts of him. How can someone like that even exist? He wasn't just beautiful he felt unreachable, like a star I had no business wishing for.
The next day, I took my seat early, hoping for a quiet morning. Staring out the window again, I sighed softly when a smooth voice spoke beside me, catching me completely off guard.
"Hello, Haru. Mind if I sit next to you?"
Wait what?
I turned, blinking in shock.
Isagi stood there, a soft smile playing on his lips. His voice was calm, smooth. He smelled... expensive. Like a dream made real.
"What?"
He chuckled slightly. "I asked if you mind if I sit here."
"I no. Not at all."
I stood up so fast I nearly knocked my chair over. My face was burning red.
He sat down, still smiling, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I sat stiffly, trying not to stare, trying not to panic. Why me? Of all people… why me? I didn't have any answers. Only questions.And the boy with the blue eyes sitting next to me.