Bhadrak's streets hadn't changed much over the years, but Tabu certainly had. Now fourteen years old and in class 8, he strode toward Saraswati Sisu Vidyamandira with quiet confidence that masked years of struggle and effort. Gone was the round, shiny head of childhood; in its place was thick, wolf-cut hair framing a sharp, handsome face. His eyes, deep and striking like Gunter, drew attention without him realizing it. His body, toned and strong from years of training, farming, and play, hinted at the discipline he had poured into every day.
Girls noticed him. Always. A simple glance could make them stop, blush, or whisper to friends. But Tabu never noticed — or rather, he never admitted it. Shy to the core, he couldn't bring himself to talk to any girl. Even if one tried, he would stumble over words, mumble an excuse, and flee. "My bag… I forgot my homework," he'd say, or "I… have to see the teacher," before escaping any interaction. Unintentionally, his quiet nature made him seem even more mysterious.
Life had hardened him in other ways. From an early age, he had seen his family struggle and learned to carry responsibility on small shoulders. Festivals were not just celebrations; they were opportunities. He had mastered the art of selling ice cream, toys, and snacks, learning negotiation, timing, and patience. He could cook almost anything his mother taught him, from curries to breads, and often experimented in the kitchen, turning small meals into lessons of precision and creativity. Music became another avenue for discipline: he practiced piano and violin diligently on Sundays, following neighbours' guidance and slowly mastering the art.
Mornings often began with trips with his father, riding along in the truck to observe and learn. But his father didn't allow him to drive — at least, not yet. Tabu didn't give up; instead, he took to the family bike, learning to ride a bike with careful attention, mastering balance, speed, and control. Even when plans shifted or doors closed, he found another way to learn, turning every obstacle into opportunity.
His days were packed. Schoolwork, homework, music practice, farm work, cooking, selling — each activity honed his mind and body. Friends had found him too, a small circle that admired his cleverness, skill, and quiet charm. Yet he remained introverted, much like Miyamura-kun from Horimiya: approachable yet private, friendly yet guarded.
Family anchored him. His six-year-old sister looked up to him, and he took his role seriously, teaching her small lessons, watching over her, and sometimes letting her help with cooking or farming. She reminded him why he worked so hard: not just for himself, but for a future where they could both thrive.
And somewhere along the way, in all the struggle and discipline, Tabu had become strikingly handsome. He didn't even know when it happened. One morning, he caught his reflection and blinked, astonished. "Since when…?" he muttered, unsure if he should be proud or embarrassed. But the thought faded quickly; there were bigger things to focus on: skills to master, lessons to learn, and goals to achieve.
The boy who had once been called a "potato" at a temple was no longer just clever or hardworking. He was a young man of determination, skill, and quiet power, unaware of the effect he had on those around him. And though he avoided attention, destiny had plans to test him soon — a reunion, a challenge, and a spark that would change everything because he doesn't have and beard now he is almost looks like a Indian Korean handsome after seeing him once you can't ignore him ,he doesn't show his six packs to no one and when he goes to school not he remove his mask it's like they are part of his life if he remove them he is can bet every k drama or BTS actors with his handsomeness it's not that the reason he wear mask it's because he can't tolerate smokes or dust that's why he wore them.
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