Even after the brief exchange in class, I couldn't stop thinking about him. Haruto Kurogane—the boy who never laughed, never joined in, and always seemed a little… untouchable. Sitting at the back, one shoulder against the window, silent as the world passed by him, yet always watching.
It wasn't fear that made me pause. Curiosity did. Pure, simple curiosity. I wanted him to have someone, anyone, to talk to. I wanted him to feel included, even if he didn't know it yet.
I glanced down at my notebook, but the words blurred. My pen hovered over the page while my eyes kept drifting to his corner of the room. He leaned back, head tilted slightly, dark eyes scanning the room, yet never landing fully on anyone. I could feel his awareness—sharp, calculating—but there was no warmth. No invitation.
Still, I smiled to myself. If he didn't want to speak, fine. But maybe… maybe I could just be there. Just a friendly presence.
When break time came, I moved my bag carefully past his desk. "Haruto kun," I said softly. My voice carried no judgment, no expectations—just friendliness.
His dark eyes flicked up at me, brief and unreadable. "Hi," he replied. Short. Polite. Neutral.
I let my smile linger. "I thought maybe we could work together on the assignment later. You don't have to, but it might be easier with two people."
He studied me for a moment, tilting his head. A shrug followed, almost imperceptible. "I'll think about it."
That was all. Nothing more. But even the smallest crack in his wall felt like a victory.
I walked back to my desk, pretending to focus on my notes, but inside I was quietly thrilled.
This was going to take patience. It was going to take persistence. But I had made a decision: Haruto Kurogane would not stay outside the world—not while I was around.