(Anime intro)
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"Hey Shun… Do you think that we could alter our fates?"
What exactly did she mean by that? Everything else that happened that afternoon was washed out from his mind. But that moment was imprinted in his brain like an unforgettable memory.
Those eyes… that determined smile… the hair flowing behind her back… he had never witnessed such an astonishing view. Subconsciously he had been trying to resemble the image on paper. When he witnessed the result of his making a shade of pink marked his cheeks.
- Wow…
- Shun! Dinner is ready!
He was called back to reality when his mom shouted at him to come downstairs to eat dinner. Knowing that his younger brother had a tendency to sneak around in his room occasionally he hid the sketch book in one of his drawers which he locked with a key.
The interactions around the dining table were stale as usual. His parents led the conversations while he obediently nodded without uttering much at all. He ate his fill and then he went back into his room to study. He needed to set a good example as an older brother. There was no room for silly hobbies, stuff like that you out-grow as a kid. If their parents went away they would always order him to be the babysitter. Next year he would have to apply for a job as well, leaving him with even less free time than the already next to none apparent amount he already had. Life was so dull,
all the obligations he had were suffocating his freedom. He felt like a trapped prisoner.
Even his supposed talent was a curse thrown upon him. He had never been interested in making art, but now all of a sudden he was handed some sort of… it almost felt like a gift?
And now he was thrust upon even more expectations… to attend art school, to become an artist, why couldn't he get to decide over his own fate? It was useless, since everything was so overbearing he stopped caring about things. That way he could at least protect himself and his heart, after all, duty is doing the things your heart may well regret.
Falling asleep at a reasonable time, since he knew that his parents would make a fuss if he stayed up later than they expected him to, keeping his room tidy clean, washing his own clothes…
the only thing he could be thankful for was the discipline this life gave him, and the independence. When he eventually moved out he wouldn't have any problems with handling chores.
Once he reached 18 he would start looking for a new place. But then what…?
This boring life, with a lack of interests, lack of hobbies… would leave him goalless.
He didn't really have any friends either… except for that girl who kept insisting that she wanted to hang out with him… maybe he did have some redeeming qualities after all?
Just that he couldn't see it himself? Maybe he should try to talk a bit more with her?
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- Is that-... HEY SHUN!
As soon as he rounded the corner of the school building she immediately raised an arm to wave at him. Her friend suddenly became second priority as she ran up to him to greet him.
- Hey you! I almost thought that you weren't gonna show up today? It's unlike you to be late!
His body language clearly showed that he was uncomfortable with the situation.
Not only had she brought attention to him by yelling so loudly once she laid eyes on him,
but he was also outmatched by her chipper companionship. Even though he should be used to it by now he never quite knew what to say without sounding awkward.
- Let's go, class is about to start!
She grabbed him by the arm as she forcefully escorted him to the locker room where they changed from their outside footwear into their indoor slippers. She seemed unusually hyped up today,
*he didn't know if he should mention it or not. About to head upstairs to the classroom hall she suddenly stopped him in his tracks. Scanning the area as if to make sure that no one else was around her smile turned into a tint of worry. By observing her he could tell that something must have been on her mind.
- Hey Shun… there is something that I want to talk to you about…
She seemed a bit anxious even. Her concern rubbed off on him as he hesitantly asked her what was wrong. When she noticed that her frown turned into a surprised glance.
- You're… actually worried about me? I thought I'd never see that expression in your eyes…
It even caused laughter to slip through her lips.
- Hey… I appreciate your concern. Thanks. So… what I wanted to talk to you about was-...
There was that twinkle again. He couldn't tear his sight away from her. That captivating view,
it admittedly wasn't as impressive as last time he saw it, where the sun's warm beams gently brightened up the scenery she was taking center stage in, where it almost felt like she was part of a movie scene, but still, there was something special about her appearance.
- Actually it's… a little bit embarrassing… maybe it's better if you don't know… and besides,
I don't wanna bug you again like I… usually do…
Making up her mind she turned her back towards him. The sparkle disappeared.
She left him hanging.
- Come on, let's go, we don't wanna be late for class…!...?
This time, it was him who was preventing her from proceeding. By all means it wasn't a determined hindrance, he was just pinching her shirt, but the action itself surprised even him.
Collecting his thoughts a moment of consideration delayed his utterance, but finally he managed to tell her that he was indeed interested and that it wasn't a bother at all.
She realized that he must have been serious since he never acted this way usually.
- Alright, then…
She was blushing. Why was she blushing? Why was she embarrassed? Her heated expression made him feel even more insecure…
- Close your eyes.
He hesitantly did as he was told while swallowing a gulp in his throat. She pulled out something from her bag which she placed in his hand. It was a note. When he attempted to open it her confidence flickered.
- This… isn't the right time…
…
- I'm sorry Shun… I think I better go…
He was determined to read the note so even though she tried to prevent him he convinced her to trust him.
"I know that this is sudden, and I'm aware that you probably aren't feeling the same way about me, but… I kind of… have a crush on you… would you like to… go out with me?"
At this point all her courage shattered. Her face became red and she tried to hide it from him.
- You know… that actually sounds… quite nice…
Only she made him feel this way. She made him express himself in ways he thought he was unable to… but the question still remained… Why was she interested in him?
In his eyes he was such a boring person. No aspirations, no future… it couldn't have been fun for her to hang out with him, right? Was there anything other than his talent that caught her eye?
- But… Why do you like me? You initiate most of the conversations we have, you know that I'm a loner without any other friends… so… why?
Choosing her words carefully for once they met on an even playing field. Her recklessness and open-mindness took a backseat.
- I guess… it all just feels so natural to me when you're around. It's comforting and it feels safe,
I enjoy your company.
She enjoyed… his company… He made her feel "secure"... was that the only reassurance he needed? Was that the only reassurance she needed?
- I think I want to do something… that I've never done before…
He grabbed her by the hand and led her outside of the school building.
- Let's skip class… together…
This was as far from his character as he could get. Him skipping class? Were they suddenly becoming delinquents?
- Are you sure about this? What are your parents gonna say?
- I've been an obedient kid for 15 years… I guess that should at the very least grant me one day of disobedience?
They escaped to an empty park on the outskirts of town where they sat down on a park bench together.
- I thought I'd never get to see this side of you, Shun…
- To be honest… me neither…
Bringing up the stated fact brought back concern to his sight. But she found a way to cheer him up… with a kiss. He could never even imagine that he'd find someone to share his first kiss with.
But it seems like he did.
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