Aranami Noeru stood at the entrance of the shrine, his breath visible in the crisp January air. It was New Year's Day in Minato-ku, and he was there to pray for luck on his upcoming high school entrance exam. The shrine was alive with activity as people flocked to celebrate the new year, their excited chatter blending with the sounds of bells and clapping hands.
Noeru pulled his beanie down over his ears, ensuring it covered his pointed ears completely. He had always been self-conscious about them, a unique trait that set him apart from others and made him wary of standing out in a crowd.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, weaving through the throng of visitors. The scent of incense filled the air, and he could hear the rhythmic chanting of prayers. As he reached the main hall, he joined the line of people waiting to make their offerings and say their prayers.
When it was finally his turn, he approached the shrine, bowing deeply before tossing a coin into the offering box. He clapped his hands together twice, closed his eyes, and silently wished for the courage and luck to pass his entrance exam.
As he opened his eyes, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. Glancing around, he saw nothing out of the ordinary—just families and friends enjoying the first day of the year. Still, he couldn't ignore the prickling sensation at the back of his neck. Pulling his beanie even lower, he decided to explore the shrine grounds a bit more before heading home, hoping the walk would calm his nerves.
He still had no idea which high school he was going to take the entrance exam for. It wasn't like he had anyone he could really consult on the issue. No parents or relatives to speak of. No friends. His time in middle school was a solo experience. To his peers, he was always just the weird kid who muttered aloud. He found himself apologizing...a lot...
But it didn't matter now. The damage was done.
It didn't help that with his pointed ears and prismatic eyes, he looked like an elf from a high fantasy RPG. In Minato-ku, the ridicule wasn't nearly as bad compared to his previous home out in the boonies. But he still had to prove to everyone that his eye color wasn't due to contact lenses and his ears weren't cosplay prosthetics.
He knew of his rambling habit and how it made others feel uncomfortable. Sometimes he could help it, but often his brain ran faster than he could comprehend, and his mouth simply acted as a cooling system. He had resolved to stay silent, hoping to avoid unwanted attention.
"Trouble, young man?" The voice of an older man pulled Noeru out of his funk.
The man looked to be around his 60s or 70s, with a kind face lined with the wrinkles of time and a gentle smile. He wore a traditional kimono and held a small broom, likely one of the shrine's caretakers. His eyes twinkled with curiosity and warmth as he regarded Noeru.
Noeru hesitated, unsure if he should respond. After a moment, he managed to nod slightly. "Just thinking about school," he said quietly.
The old man chuckled softly. "Ah, the worries of youth. Entrance exams, I presume?"
Noeru nodded again, more confidently this time. "Yes, but I don't even know which school to apply for," he admitted, the frustration evident in his voice.
The caretaker's smile widened. "Choosing the right path can indeed be daunting. But remember, it's not just about the destination. It's about the journey and what you learn along the way." He paused, looking at Noeru thoughtfully. "If you need guidance, sometimes it helps to seek wisdom from unexpected places."
Noeru's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean?"
The old man pointed towards a quiet corner of the shrine, where a small, ornate pavilion stood. "There's a legend that the spirit of this shrine offers guidance to those who seek it earnestly. Why not give it a try? You might find the answers you're looking for."
Noeru felt a flicker of hope. He bowed slightly to the caretaker. "Thank you. I'll try that."
Little did the old man know that when Noeru asked spirits for something, he'd actually get a response. For as long as he could remember, Noeru could see things most people couldn't—the supernatural. Yōkai, ghosts, and whatever else went bump in the night were as real to him as the physical world around him.
Approaching the pavilion for a second time, Noeru took a deep breath. The place had a serene yet mysterious aura, almost as if it were a gateway between the mortal realm and something beyond. He clasped his hands together and bowed, closing his eyes in earnest prayer.
"Please," he whispered, "I need guidance. Help me find my path."
Instead of a verbal response, Noeru was met with the wind picking up and a paper slapping onto his face. Removing it, he looked down at what it said.
The words on the flyer were clear and unmistakable: "Tokyo Katō Technical College." It was a name he hadn't considered before, yet here it was, seemingly presented to him as a response to his prayer for guidance.
His prismatic eyes widened as he read further down the flyer. There, in smaller text, was a peculiar message:
Flyer: If you're able to read this, congratulations, you have the second-sight. For any further inquiries, please dial the number listed on the back.
Noeru felt a mixture of astonishment and uncertainty. Could this be some kind of prank? Or was it a genuine message meant for him? He looked around, half-expecting to see the old man watching him from afar, but there was no one nearby paying him any attention.
Taking a deep breath, Noeru turned the flyer over. There, neatly printed, was a phone number. He hesitated for a moment, debating whether to call. After all, this could be the start of something new, something that might finally provide him with the answers and direction he sought.
With resolve, he pulled out his phone and dialed the number. After a few rings, a calm voice answered on the other end. "Hello?"
Noeru cleared his throat nervously. "Um, hi. I... I saw your flyer. The one about having the second-sight."
There was a brief pause before the voice responded, sounding intrigued. "Ah, I see. So you're one of the few who can perceive the unseen."
"Y-Yes," Noeru confirmed, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation.
"Excellent," the voice replied warmly. "My name is Hiroto. I'm a counselor here at Tokyo Katō Technical College. We specialize in nurturing talents like yours—those who have a unique perspective on the world. Would you be interested in visiting our campus and learning more?"
Noeru hesitated for only a moment before nodding to himself. This could be the opportunity he had been waiting for, a chance to embrace his abilities and find a place where he truly belonged.
"Yes," he said firmly into the phone. "I would like that very much."
After hanging up the phone and slipping it back into his pocket, Noeru turned to leave the shrine grounds, only to bump into another person, sending them both tumbling to the ground.
Some in the crowd noticed the situation and quickly came to help the two back to their feet. Noeru was flustered and extremely apologetic to the person.
The person he bumped into was a guy around the same age as him, with short raven hair and cobalt eyes.
Upon looking at the guy, Noeru found himself shocked to see that it was his classmate, Tsukino Haruto.
As Haruto's cobalt eyes met Noeru's prismatic eyes, both teens blushed and looked away from each other's gaze, a small grin forming on their faces.
"Uh, hey... Tsukino-kun," Noeru stammered, addressing him formally as they weren't close.
"How are you, Aranami-kun?" Haruto stuttered out in return. He stood up first and then reached down to offer Noeru a helping hand. "I hope your holiday break was okay..."
Noeru obliged and took Haruto's hand, getting back on his feet. "Y-yeah, I did, thanks. How a-about you?" Noeru returned the question.
"It was a bit crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way," Haruto exclaimed. As he went into further details about his break, Noeru listened closely, feeling a little bit jealous but doing his best not to let it show.
Noeru apologized again for bumping into Haruto and offered to take him out to lunch to make it up to him.
"You don't have to, Aranami-kun, but... I'd like that. Thank you," Haruto acquiesced.
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They ended up leaving the shrine grounds and headed towards a nearby ramen shop.
Upon entering the shop, they were met with a cheerful "Welcome! Sit anywhere you'd like!"
Noeru and Haruto chose a booth by the window. As they settled in, Noeru felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He wasn't used to spending time with classmates outside of school, especially not with someone like Haruto, who was usually surrounded by friends.
After they placed their orders, an awkward silence settled between them for a moment. Noeru fidgeted with his chopsticks, unsure of what to say. Haruto, noticing his unease, decided to break the silence.
"So, Aranami-kun, what were you praying for at the shrine?"
"Oh, uh, I was praying for success on high school entrance exams. Were you there for the same thing?"
Before Haruto could answer, he realized he didn't get to pray and said as much.
"I'm so sorry, Tsukino-kun. I didn't mean to stop you from praying."
"W-Why are you apologizing?" Haruto gave him a confused look. "It's not your fault. I should have gone earlier."
Noeru smiled awkwardly, relieved but still feeling a bit guilty. "Well, if you still want to pray, we can go back after lunch."
Haruto chuckled. "Thanks, Aranami-kun. But since I'm hanging out with you, I think that's a good luck charm on its own." This made Noeru blush hard.
"D-Did he just call me his lucky charm?" he thought to himself.
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Noeru and Haruto hadn't been well acquainted before this day. Despite having a few mutual classes, their interactions had been limited to Haruto occasionally defending Noeru from bullies.
This accidental meeting at the shrine was their first real conversation.
Noeru, still blushing from Haruto's comment, tried to compose himself. "So, Tsukino-kun, do you know which high school you're aiming for?" he asked, hoping to steer the conversation to safer ground.
Haruto leaned back, thinking. "Well, I'm considering a few options, but I'm not entirely sure yet. My parents have their preferences, but I haven't decided."
Noeru nodded. "I understand. It's a big decision." He paused, then added, "I just found out about a school called Katō Technical College. Have you heard of it?"
Haruto's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Katō? No, I don't think so. If it had a decent-enough sports program, I'd probably know of it."
Noeru tried to explain it without giving away the fact that he could see the supernatural. "It's more focused on specialized programs, like technical skills and unique talents. It seems like a place that nurtures individual strengths."
Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. How did you come across it?"
Noeru hesitated, not wanting to reveal the whole truth. "I found a flyer at the shrine. It seemed like a sign, you know?"
Haruto nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "I get that. Sometimes, things just fall into place when you least expect it." He smiled, making Noeru's heart skip a beat.
Their food arrived, and they both dug in, the warm, savory aroma of the ramen filling the air. The conversation flowed more easily now, the initial awkwardness fading away.
"So, Aranami-kun," Haruto said between bites, "what kind of technical skills or talents do you have?"
Noeru froze for a moment, then smiled sheepishly. "I...I'm an over-thinker..." He began to mutter, words spilling out in a nervous rush. "I mean, I tend to overanalyze things a lot, and sometimes I get caught up in details that others might miss, which can be both a blessing and a curse. And I guess I have a knack for noticing things that others don't, which is probably why I'm interested in a school that focuses on unique talents, because I feel like I might actually fit in there, even though I don't always fit in elsewhere, and—"
Haruto chuckled, interrupting Noeru's rambling gently. "Hey, it's okay, Aranami-kun. I get it. We all have our quirks. It sounds like Katō Technical College might be a great fit for you."
Noeru blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "Thanks, Tsukino-kun. I appreciate that."
Haruto smiled warmly. "No problem. And hey, if you end up going there, maybe you'll find a whole bunch of people who overthink just like you. It could be pretty cool."
Noeru laughed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Yeah, maybe."
As they continued their meal, the conversation became more relaxed, and Noeru found himself enjoying Haruto's company more and more. By the time they finished their ramen, the initial awkwardness had completely dissipated, replaced by a budding friendship.
Noeru felt a mixture of emotions—relief, excitement, and a tinge of disbelief. As he walked out of the ramen shop with Haruto, he felt an unfamiliar lightness in his chest. The thought of having made his first friend overwhelmed him. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, revealing a sense of hope he hadn't felt in a long time.
"I-I made my first fr-friend…" he thought to himself, struggling to keep his composure. The realization hit him like a wave, making it difficult to breathe. His heart raced with an intense mix of happiness and anxiety. It felt surreal to him, like a dream he might wake up from any moment.
The cool winter air was crisp and refreshing as they stepped onto the sidewalk. Haruto walked beside him, seemingly at ease, but Noeru could barely keep up with his own racing thoughts. His mind kept replaying the moments from lunch—Haruto's laughter, his warm smile, and the ease with which their conversation had flowed once they got past the initial awkwardness.
Noeru's hands trembled slightly as he fumbled with his phone, trying to distract himself from the storm of feelings inside. Haruto noticed and gave him a concerned look. "Hey, Aranami-kun, are you okay? You seem a bit… off."
Noeru's face flushed with embarrassment. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just a little… overwhelmed, I guess," he managed to say, his voice faltering.
Haruto nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I get it. It's a lot to take in, especially when you're not used to hanging out with people outside of school. But don't worry, you're doing great."
Noeru nodded, trying to steady his breathing. "Thanks, Tsukino-kun. I really appreciate you being so understanding. I've just… I've never had a friend before."
Haruto's expression softened. "Really? I didn't know that. Well, if it means anything, I'm glad we're friends now. It's nice to have someone to talk to."
As they walked down the street, Noeru couldn't help but let his mind wander to the day's events. The conversation with Haruto had been a turning point for him. It wasn't just about making a new friend; it was about breaking out of the isolation he had built around himself. He had spent so long on the outskirts of social interactions, afraid of being judged or misunderstood, that he had forgotten how good it felt to connect with someone on a genuine level.
The two continued chatting casually as they made their way towards the shrine. Noeru, still feeling a bit jittery, found himself rambling more than usual. "I-I mean, it's just that I've been thinking about the entrance exams a lot lately, and, well, it's been kind of stressful. But talking to you today, it's like, I don't know, it makes things feel a little less daunting."
Haruto listened attentively, his cobalt eyes reflecting a genuine interest. "Yeah, exams can be pretty nerve-wracking. But you're not alone in this. We all have our challenges. It's good to have someone to share them with."
Noeru smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Yeah, it really is. I've always kept things to myself, but today felt different. Like I could actually talk about what's on my mind without feeling judged."
As they approached the shrine again, Haruto turned to him with a grin. "So, are we going to make up for missing your prayers earlier?"
Noeru nodded, his nervousness replaced by a new sense of determination. "Yeah, let's do that. It feels like the right thing to do."
They walked back into the shrine grounds, the crowd having thinned out a bit since their earlier visit. The serene atmosphere was calming, and Noeru felt a renewed sense of peace as they approached the offering box.
Noeru clapped his hands together, closed his eyes, and whispered a silent prayer, this time feeling a deeper sense of connection and hope. Haruto stood beside him, also taking a moment for his own thoughts.
When they finished, they walked out of the shrine, the evening sky beginning to darken. Noeru felt a sense of accomplishment and contentment. The day had been full of unexpected turns, but it had led him to a place of new beginnings.
"Thanks for coming back with me, Tsukino-kun," Noeru said, turning to Haruto with a sincere smile.
Haruto's grin widened. "No problem, Aranami-kun. It was nice to share the day with you. And who knows? Maybe we'll make this a tradition."
Noeru's heart swelled at the thought. The idea of having someone to share moments like this with was both comforting and exhilarating. As they parted ways, Noeru felt a newfound sense of confidence. The world seemed a little less intimidating, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing he wasn't alone.
As he walked home, Noeru found himself mumbling softly to himself, unable to contain his excitement. "I made my first friend… I really did…"
The words tumbled out in a mix of disbelief and joy, each repetition making the reality sink in deeper. It felt like a turning point in his life, one that would mark the beginning of many more connections and experiences to come.