The soft chime of the school bell echoed through the misty morning as Haruto Yamazaki stood in front of Sakura Ridge Middle School, his transfer papers folded neatly under his arm. The sky above Osaka was still gray, heavy with the clouds from last night's rain. A gust of humid wind brushed past him, carrying the scent of wet concrete and morning dew.
He took a deep breath. New school. New classmates. Fresh start… He told himself.
In class 2-2, Haruto found his assigned seat—second last row from the window. He silently cheered in satisfaction… It was a good seat.
The ringing of the bell signaled the start of the first period. Haruto secretly hoped for a very smooth introduction so he wouldn't embarrass himself.
"Today, we welcome a new student who transferred here—Yamazaki Haruto-san. Please introduce yourself," said the teacher.
"I am Yamazaki Haruto, please call me Haruto. I am pleased to be transferred to this school and I look forward to being friends with you all." A deep blush spread across Haruto's face as he realized his voice was too low, but the student's applause eventually calmed him down as he slid back into his chair.
Haruto sat quietly throughout the period. When the bell rang, he pulled out his favorite book, 'Wonder'. His love for English Books was like a middle schooler's love for video games.
A tap on his shoulder snapped Haruto out of his book.
"Yo," said the boy behind him as Haruto turned around. "I'm Fujimoto Souta. Just call me Souta. Nice to meet you."
Haruto stared at Souta, "…nice to meet you, Souta…" Haruto replied.
The conversation halted, stretching into an awkward silence between the two boys.
Haruto turned back and reopened his book, but the words blurred together—he couldn't focus at all. Souta's gaze remained fixated on him.
In what felt like a decade later, Souta tapped him again then said: "You look like the kind who memorizes the textbook cover—and is that an English book?"
Haruto replied with a nod. Not knowing what to say.
"You read that stuff? I thought English were only for tests, man." Souta stared in mild surprise.
Haruto continued to read.
A few moments later, Souta tapped him again, "you allergic to fun or something—and you got that sad look on your face." Said Souta, who looked concerned.
"I'm just trying to read," Haruto said plainly, lowering his voice, "I don't really fancy talking."
"So you are one of those guys, huh?" Souta said, tilting his head. "Avoid eye contact, quiet, mysterious… Do you not like making friends, or are you just naturally a loner?"
Haruto didn't respond. That hit a little too close.
Souta stood up and walked to his desk. "I think I get it, but guess what? You don't get to choose your seat neighbor. I'm gonna talk to you either way," He grinned, "looking forward to our friendship, Haruto!"
Haruto frowned slightly. He didn't dislike Souta… he just didn't know how to handle him.
"Likewise…"
Souta leaned forward. "You don't look too pleased… Do you really dislike making friends? Or—"
"No! I was just practicing my acting skills." Haruto interrupted hurriedly, "I always wanted to be an actor, that's why."
Souta blinked, then smiled widely. "Now that's cool. Weird, but cool. Maybe you're not afraid to make friends. You're just built different."
For the first time that day, Haruto grinned—just a little.
"Yeah…"