[From the Shadows – Part 3]
The bell rang through the school corridors, clear and metallic, announcing the start of the first class period. The classrooms soon quieted down. Teachers resumed their explanations, blackboards were filled with formulas and diagrams, and the scraping of chairs gradually ceased. Still, there was something different in the air.
The cultural festival was approaching.
Even during classes, many students couldn't help but let their thoughts wander to the presentations and activities that would take place later. Small whispers emerged here and there, and some glances turned toward the posters that were beginning to appear in the hallways.
In Li's classroom, the atmosphere wasn't much different. He sat at a desk in the back, near the windows. The morning light streamed in at an angle through the glass, partially illuminating the notebook where he was jotting down the teacher's explanations. Despite this, his focus wasn't perfect. A persistent ache throbbed at his right temple. It wasn't strong enough to make him stop, but it wasn't easy to ignore either. After a few minutes, he closed his eyes for a moment and discreetly massaged his forehead with his fingers.
Across the room, Himiko noticed. She always ended up looking at Li when he seemed distracted. It was almost automatic, something she herself couldn't quite explain. Normally, this came with that light, nervous flutter in the stomach, those famous butterflies she would never admit out loud.
But, at that moment, the feeling was different. Concern. She watched for a few seconds before returning her gaze to the board.
An hour and a half later, the bell rang again. The first period had ended. The following periods would be dedicated to preparing for the cultural festival, which meant relative freedom for the students to work on their activities. The corridors began to fill.
It wasn't exactly chaos, more a constant movement of footsteps, laughter, and doors opening and closing. Backpacks swayed on shoulders, chairs were dragged, voices echoed against the walls. Takeda, Shoto, and Himiko soon called Li to join them in the courtyard. When they arrived, the atmosphere was completely different from the quiet of the classrooms.
Tables were being carried from one side to the other. Makeshift stalls were beginning to appear. Some groups tested sound equipment while others rehearsed dances or musical performances. It was a noisy, lively, and slightly chaotic scene.
Takeda spoke, gesturing with exaggerated enthusiasm as always. Himiko rolled her eyes occasionally, though a small smile betrayed her amusement. Shoto, on the other hand, was taking notes in a notebook, trying to maintain some order amidst the confusion.
"Li?"
Himiko's voice brought him back to reality. She had approached. The smile she carried was soft, natural enough not to draw too much attention, yet still captivating. It was no surprise that many students considered her one of the most beautiful girls in school.
Perhaps that was also why there were so many curious comments about her group of friends. Some wondered why she hung out with Takeda, the clumsy, noisy one. Or with Shoto, the disciplined nerd. And especially with Li. Some said he seemed too distant, or that he thought he was superior to others, an unfair impression, but common among those who knew little of him.
Himiko, however, seemed completely at ease there. She spoke with Li naturally, laughing in a way she rarely did with others. Not far from them, some second-year students were watching. Among them was a boy who didn't hide his interest in Himiko. He had a reputation as a troublemaker, someone who liked to assert himself through presence and temperament. Seeing Himiko laugh like that with Li did not please him one bit.
"Li! Himiko!"
Takeda appeared again, interrupting the conversation with his contagious energy.
"What do you guys think about us doing a performance at the festival?" he asked, hands on his hips with enthusiasm. "It would be amazing, don't you think?"
Shoto appeared beside him, arms crossed.
"You would certainly make a great actor," he commented with dry seriousness. "As for the rest of us…"
Takeda opened a proud smile.
"Relax. I'll teach you. Since everyone thinks I'm that good…"
His chest puffed up slightly as he spoke. Himiko laughed.
"I'd even participate," she said, looking at Li. "What do you think?"
Li took a second to react. It was as if he had just come out of a distant thought. The ache in his head still throbbed.
"Ah… I…"
He blinked, trying to organize what they had said. He ended up apologizing. Said he needed to go to the bathroom. And as he walked away, the three friends watched. Himiko clearly concerned. Shoto calm but attentive. Takeda understanding. They knew of the sleepless nights, recurring nightmares, and the pills Li had been taking frequently.
Li walked down the corridor toward the bathroom. The fluorescent lighting reflected off the white-tiled walls, and for some reason, the light seemed stronger than usual. When he entered, the place was empty. He went straight to the sink. Leaning on the edge, he tilted his head, taking a deep breath. The pain was becoming too annoying. Maybe he really needed to talk to his parents about it and consider Ushio's suggestion.
He turned on the tap and splashed water on his face. The cold helped a little. When he lifted his head…
For a moment. Just a fraction of a second. The reflection wasn't his own. Li recoiled sharply. His hand hit the door of one of the stalls with a loud thud, and his heart raced in his chest.
"W-what the hell…"
The voice came out low and trembling. He breathed deeply several times. The bathroom remained empty. Only he, the soft echo of dripping water, and the silent walls. He looked at the mirror again. It was his face. Nothing else. He took a pill from his pocket and swallowed it without hesitation. Then he wiped his face. He needed to calm down. He left the bathroom, trying to appear normal.
"Li?"
The voice came from behind. He turned.
Ushio was there, saying goodbye to some older classmates who were already preparing to leave. The third-year students would have no more classes that day, but he still needed to help organize the festival. Part of that task included collaborating with Li's science booth.
"Studied well?" Ushio asked, observing his slightly pale face.
"I-I'm fine, yes."
Li smiled, trying to hide it. Ushio narrowed his eyes.
"Are you sure? I'll know if you're lying."
He approached. Li tried to joke.
"Becoming a detective now?"
Ushio pretended to think.
"I don't know… Ushio Holmes sounds good?"
Li made a face.
"Tsk. Terrible. Really terrible."
Ushio laughed and lightly tapped his brother's back.
"Let's go."
They walked down the corridor side by side. Li tried to ignore what had happened in the bathroom.
Soon they arrived at the science classroom. The teacher was already organizing materials on the tables while some students set up posters and sorted equipment. Test tubes, metal stands, beakers, and boxes of reagents were spread across the room. Li and Ushio began working together.
"So…" Ushio said, setting up a glass support. "Takeda really made all that drama in the corridor?"
Li let out a small laugh.
"Yes. And I'm sure the entire third year is already making jokes about it."
"It's impossible not to hear anything," Ushio shook his head. "He's like a walking alarm."
After a moment, his tone softened.
"I'm glad you have friends like that here."
Li continued adjusting some materials.
"Why?"
"Because back in Tōhoku, you barely spoke to anyone your age," he replied calmly. "Mom and Dad were worried."
Li smirked to the side.
"You can just say it. I was weird, lonely, and scary."
Before he could continue, Ushio ruffled his hair with a light tussle.
"Hey!" Ushio smiled. "I never thought of you that way, Li." His expression was calm, sincere. "You are who you are. People will like it… or not. And that's fine."
He rested a hand lightly on his brother's shoulder.
"The family is still your safe harbor, remember?"
Li was silent for a moment. Curiously, the ache in his head had disappeared. As if it had never existed. He lowered his gaze slightly, with a small smile.
"Yeah…" he murmured.
For a moment, everything seemed simple again. Even though, outside the school, someone was already preparing to change that.