[Scene 1: School Morning]
As soon as the bell of Sakura High School rang, the classroom became noisy. Some boys were laughing loudly, some girls were sitting in groups busy in conversations. The soft sunlight was coming inside through the window, and there was a strange kind of fresh feeling in the air.
Aya Kawashima was sitting on her seat, her smile was, as always, charming. Almost all the boys in the class looked at her, and even the girls were influenced by her. Her softness and good manners had made her the "Fragrant Flower" of the class.
But in Aya's heart, a question often echoed:
"Do people like me because of my real personality, or only because of the smile that I always keep on my face?"
[Scene 2: Entrance of the New Student]
At that moment, the door opened and a new boy entered. His tall figure, scattered black hair, and cold eyes surprised everyone. His hands were in his pockets, and on his face there was such an expression as if nothing in the world mattered to him.
The teacher said:
"This is Ryu Haruto. From today, he is in our class."
Whispers started in the class:
"Isn't he the boy who was infamous in the last school because of fights?"
"How arrogant he looks."
Ryu did not reply to anyone. He silently went and sat on the back seat.
[Scene 3: First Impression]
Aya unintentionally looked towards him. Ryu was looking outside the window as if the classroom did not even exist for him. Aya felt a strange curiosity.
"Why does this boy look so different?" she thought.
Miko, Aya's best friend, immediately whispered:
"Aya, be careful! Don't go near him. Such people only bring trouble."
Aya gave a light smile, but deep in her heart, she could not stop the desire to understand this boy more.
[Scene 4: The First Glimpse]
In the afternoon, Aya was passing near the library when suddenly she heard a faint sound. She opened the door and saw that Ryu was sitting alone. In front of him, a notebook was open, and he was drawing something.
Aya was astonished.
In front of her was a beautiful painting, in which a setting sun and a lonely bird were shown. The colors were so deep and full of emotions that Aya's steps stopped automatically.
Ryu suddenly felt her presence and turned towards the door.
"What are you looking at?" he said in a cold tone.
Aya got nervous.
"Sorry… I just… I thought no one would be here."
She immediately left from there, but her heartbeat was fast.
[Scene 5: The First Whisper in the Heart]
At night, Aya was sitting near the window thinking.
"Ryu Haruto… people call him arrogant, but he doesn't seem that much. In his eyes, it's as if some incomplete sorrow is hidden…"
She smiled and thought:
"Maybe this is the first time I have so much interest in knowing someone's real personality."
End of Chapter 1