In a cold and desolate place, Sora opened his eyes, only to find the infinite darkness surrounding him. Little by little, his body seemed to fade away, as he struggled to comprehend his surroundings. He tried to scream with all his might, but only silence answered him.
─ Where am I, what happened to me? ─ thought Sora in despair, his mind shrouded in a veil of confusion and amnesia. He could not manage to remember anything about himself, nor how he had come to that unknown place.
. . .
In a small apartment in the center of the city of Tokyo, lives Kuroi Sora, a young man of 17 years old, his parents have almost never been with him, because they have their business abroad; he also has an older brother, but he is finishing his studies at the University of Oxford in England. That is why Sora, since he was 12 years old, learned to live alone, and not to depend on anyone. However, despite his apparent independence, Sora has never ceased to feel an emptiness inside him, a feeling of loneliness that has become familiar.
. . .
Today is an important day, as the second academic year at "ASAHI" high school begins. Sora, without any notion of time, wakes up dazed and without energy, because even though he is very sleepy, he gets up reluctantly, since he cannot be late for the first day of school.
Sora goes to the bathroom and in the mirror is reflected a boy of thin composure, pale face, black hair and eyes that can only observe the infinite emptiness in his life, without having any concern, and not knowing what to do in the future, he only thinks and wonders....
─ Will I ever be able to change? How long will I live this way?
The clock strikes 6:30 A.M. Sora finishes breakfast, grabs her cell phone and briefcase, then quickly leaves her apartment, as she couldn't miss the train that would take her to her high school.
6:40 A.M. Already inside the train, Sora manages to see other high school students, who go in groups of friends and others in pairs, staring at the "youth" of those kids, Sora inside envied that warmth.
The trip lasted 30 minutes, there were not many people on the train, so Sora took the opportunity to get off quickly so as not to be late, as she was embarrassed that her classmates were staring at her.
7:15 A.M. A block away from the high school, Sora manages to recognize some former classmates with whom he could not establish any relationship, as he walks, he also manages to see new faces, Sora intrigued wonders....
─ This time, with whom will I spend another year in this high school?
Well, every new school year, there is a chance to change classrooms or not.
Already at the high school, it was 25 minutes before the doors closed, Sora had arrived early, she went to the big blackboard at the entrance, because there she would find the classroom that corresponds to her, "It's 2-B" ─ she said in her mind. He quickly goes to his classroom, delicately opens the door and sees that few of his classmates were there, relieved, he goes to the last seat in the corner, finally managing to rest.
Twenty minutes passed after Sora arrived, one by one his other classmates entered the classroom, but he simply ignored them because he didn't know anyone, and they didn't know him either. Sora silently and with a serious look on his face decided to wait without talking to anyone around him.
However, unexpectedly he heard someone mentioning his name, unable to believe what was happening, Sora turned his head to see who was calling him...
─ Hey... Sora! Is that you? Remember me? ─ said the stranger
Sora looked carefully at the guy standing in front of him, he was a tall and handsome young man with crimson red hair, but what stood out the most about him, was his smile.
─ Ehhh? I-I'm sorry I don't know who you are.... ─ answered Sora
─ You really don't remember me? I'm Haru, Koichi Haru, your childhood friend, we used to play together when we were kids. ─mentioned Haru, trying to stir up some memory in Sora.
Sora frowned, trying to search his memory for some trace of that name.
─ Haru? Childhood friend? I vaguely remember that when my parents went abroad, they left me in the care of a neighbor, and in that house I used to play with some children. ─ said Sora
─ Exactly! That was Arashi Seiji, Fuyu Shiori and me. ─confirmed Haru enthusiastically.
─ I-is it really you? I fail to recognize you, as you no longer look like that spoiled child who thought he was superior to everyone back then? ─ replied Sora
─ Cof* cof* Let's better skip that part, I don't want to remember those embarrassing things. Besides the most spoiled one was Seiji, not me. ─ mentioned Haru, with a nervous laugh.
Haru and Sora talked for a few minutes about their reunion and the experiences they had had during all the time they were apart. The room gradually filled with the bustle of students chatting animatedly with each other. Unexpectedly, however, a handsome young man with turquoise hair approached them. He had a cold look on his face and his face showed a serious expression as he addressed Haru.
─ Hey, Haru, who are you talking to? ─ said the boy, interrupting the conversation between Haru and Sora.
─ You're finally here, Seiji? Don't you remember him? It's Sora, Kuroi Sora, that shy boy we used to hang out with at Shiori's house ─ replied Haru.
─ What, it's really you? We haven't seen each other since that incident eleven years ago ─ mentioned Seiji, visibly surprised.
─ Ho-Hello, long time no see, I guess? ─ said Sora, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the situation.
─ Well, at last the three of us are reunited again. However, there is still another person missing who coincidentally will be in our classroom ─ said Haru, trying to change the subject.
─ Right! Shiori is missing, I still don't see her at the high school ─ added Seiji.
─ Shiori, who is she? ─asked Sora, confused.
─ Even her you don't remember? You told me that she was your first love, and even that you promised to get married after college ─ Haru mentioned, looking to rekindle some memory in Sora.
─ What! I would never say such things, I don't remember mentioning it. Besides, if it was that important, I would remember it ─ replied Sora, visibly puzzled.
─ Guys, we'd better calm down. We'll talk about these things another time. Besides, classes are about to start ─ interjected Seiji, trying to calm things down.
The bell rings to signal the start of classes. The teacher opens the classroom door and enters with seriousness, accompanied by a young girl with a slim build, long blonde hair, and pink lips that capture everyone's attention as if she were a real "idol" entering the classroom. The boys in the classroom are stunned by her beauty, admiring her presence in awe.
Haru and Seiji smiled at the sight of her, immediately recognizing the beautiful girl.
Quickly, all the students hurried to take their places at their desks while the teacher, with a firm step and serious expression, crossed the room. At her side, a young woman with long blonde hair, with a composure that seemed to exude grace and elegance, caught the eyes of everyone in the classroom. The teacher advanced to the front of the room and, with a determined gesture, struck the desk with the palm of her hand, causing all the students to turn their attention to her.
─ Listen to me, everyone! This year we have three transfer students to this high school, they are Koichi Haru, Arashi Seiji and Fuyu Shiori. ─ said the teacher.
Haru, stood up from his seat and with a smile on his face, he bowed to his classmates to introduce himself....
─ Nice to meet you all. My name is Koichi Haru ─he announced, with eyes full of enthusiasm and positive energy. ─ I sincerely hope that I can get along well with each of you during this academic year. I am excited about what lies ahead of us together at this stage of our lives.
The girls in the classroom were surprised to stare at Haru. Not only was he remarkably handsome, with a smile that lit up the room and a confident posture that radiated confidence, but he was also known for his outstanding athletic ability. Although Haru was popular among the juniors for his friendliness and charisma, his reputation as an athlete resonated especially with the girls in the classroom. He had competed in school tournaments and represented other high schools in various competitions, making him a sports idol for many teenagers.
After Haru introduced himself and took a seat, Seiji stood up with a serious and determined look on his face. His cold eyes and austere expression contrasted with Haru's warmth.
─ My name is Arashi Seiji ─he announced in a firm voice. ─ I hope I can get along well with all of you during this year.
His introduction concluded, Seiji returned to his seat quickly, keeping his posture erect and his gaze focused on the environment around him.
─ Well, now it's Miss Fuyu's turn. Please introduce yourself ─ said the teacher.
─ Nice to meet you all. My name is Fuyu Shiori ─she said with a soft smile and a calm voice, attracting curious glances from her classmates. I previously lived in England, but for business reasons, my parents decided to move back to Tokyo city. Although I am still learning about the culture of this country, I hope we can get along well throughout this year.
After listening to Shiori introduce herself, Sora felt memories and feelings begin to flow in her mind. She recalled their childhood days together, the shared laughter and special moments at Shiori's house. Every detail of their friendship and the connection between the three friends began to come alive again in his memory. With a mixture of nostalgia and joy, Sora couldn't hold back a smile as he looked at Shiori, who seemed completely oblivious to the depth of the memories she had awakened in him.
All the boys in the classroom were enraptured by Shiori's divine beauty. Her serene and elegant presence seemed to light up the room as she walked gracefully to the desk the teacher had assigned her. Her blonde hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, standing out against her school uniform. Pink lips and a calm but penetrating gaze added extra charm to her appearance. As she approached her place, murmurs of admiration among the boys echoed in the air, though Shiori seemed oblivious to the attention she aroused.
Finally, Shiori reached her desk, which happened to be located right next to Sora. With a friendly smile, she made a small gesture of greeting towards him. Sora, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the closeness of his childhood sweetheart, responded with a shy but polite gesture. The minutes passed in complete silence, the teacher started the classes of the first day of the academic year, with total normality. Until the sound of the bell was heard, which gave for understood the time change.
Well, that's all for today's class. Go get ready for your next subject; tomorrow we will continue with the subject ─ mentioned the teacher before leaving the classroom.
As the teacher left the classroom, Haru hurried to Sora's desk. The latter was in complete silence, staring blankly into the void, as if immersed in his deepest thoughts.
─ Sora, are you all right? ─ asked Haru in a low voice, placing a hand gently on Sora's shoulder to get his attention.
Sora blinked, as if returning from somewhere distant, and slowly shifted his gaze to Haru. His eyes reflected a mixture of confusion and melancholy, but also a hint of gratitude for his friend's concern.
─ Ah, yes... I'm fine, Haru. I was just... thinking about some things ─ Sora replied, forcing a weak smile.
─ Well then, don't just sit idle, we still have a lot of things to talk about.... Don't we, Shiori? ─ mentioned Haru with a smile, trying to break the ice and cheer up his friend.
Shiori, the young girl with blonde hair and a delicate face, seemed surprised to hear her name. She turned quickly towards them with a confused expression and a slight gesture of fear in her eyes.
─ Do I know them? ─he asked sincerely, his voice soft but slightly strained.
The question landed like a bucket of cold water on the conversation. Haru and Sora exchanged fleeting glances, both surprised by Shiori's lack of acknowledgement of them. After a few seconds of awkward silence, Haru broke the tension with a nervous laugh.
─ Wow, we seem to have found ourselves in a bit of a peculiar situation ─ exclaimed Haru, trying to lighten the mood as he scratched his head with a forced smile.
─ You really don't recognize us? We were friends since childhood ─ asked Haru with a note of concern in his voice.
─ Childhood friends? I can hardly remember anything, but my head starts to hurt every time I think about it ─ replied Shiori with a sorrowful tone, holding a hand to her forehead as if the mental strain was causing her discomfort.
─ Well, the important thing is that you can remember something. Don't overexert yourself, you'll be able to remember everything pa....
While Haru and Shiori were chatting about the past, Seiji quickly went to Sora's desk, who was attentively listening to his "friends" conversation.
─ Hey! Haru, Sora, are you bothering our dear Shiori already? ─ mentioned Seiji with a slight smile, while looking at the three of them with some complicity.
─ We weren't bothering her, only Haru was asking her about our childhood past ─ clarified Sora.
─ Well then, it's time for me to officially introduce myself. I'm Katashi Seiji, but you can call me Seiji. Just like these two, I was part of the group in our childhood ─ said Seiji in a calm but firm voice, addressing Shiori.
Shiori, who had been listening quietly, finally looked up at the three young men in front of her. Although their faces had changed considerably since the last time they were together, something about the way they spoke and behaved was familiar to her.
─ Although I can't manage to remember much of our past, I think I recognize all of you. ─ said Shiori with a faint smile, and eyes full of nostalgia.
Haru, Sora and Seiji exchanged looks of relief and joy upon hearing Shiori's words. It was comforting to know that, despite the years and changes that passed, the bonds of friendship were still alive in their hearts and memories.
─ What a relief! I thought you'd never recognize us again ─ exclaimed Haru excitedly, relieved that the friendship they shared in childhood had not completely faded.
Sora nodded with a soft smile, feeling an emotional weight lift from her shoulders as she saw that Shiori still remembered their past together.
After that moment of recognition and relief between the four friends, Haru, Sora, Seiji and Shiori found themselves recalling anecdotes from their childhood at Shiori's house, laughing over the pranks they used to get into together. They talked about how they have changed since then, sharing their life experiences during the years apart.
Over lunch in the school cafeteria, the conversation became more animated as they discussed their current interests and plans for the future. Haru spoke enthusiastically about his involvement in the school soccer team and his athletic aspirations. Sora shared his interest in literature and how he had been writing short stories in his spare time. Seiji, always reserved but with remarkable insight, talked about his academic studies and his desire to study abroad after graduation.
Shiori listened attentively to her friends, participating with curiosity and empathy in their conversations. Although she had lived a different life in England, she found it fascinating how her friends had moved on with their dreams and passions.
At the end of the day, when the bell rang to mark the end of classes, they walked together through the halls of Asahi High School. They had planned to meet after school to continue catching up and reminiscing more about their shared past. They were excited for the opportunity to reconnect and further strengthen the bonds that had united them since childhood.
─ How about celebrating our reunion after school? We could go somewhere fun, like karaoke or a coffee shop. ─Haru suggested enthusiastically.
─ I agree. It would be a good way to catch up and reminisce about old times. ─Seiji nodded seriously, but his eyes sparkled with the idea of spending some quality time together outside of school.
─ Sorry guys, I don't think I can go. My parents won't let me stay late on weekdays. ─Shiori responded with a chagrined look for not being able to join the plan.
A disappointed expression crossed Haru's face for a moment, but then he nodded understandingly.
─ Don't worry, Shiori. We understand perfectly. We'll see each other tomorrow and plan something for the weekend, okay? ─ Haru replied with a reassuring smile.
─ Yes, that sounds good ─ added Seiji, nodding seriously but with a slight smile on his lips.
─ Thank you, guys. I'm so glad to have found you again ─ said Shiori, waving goodbye with a slight bow before heading towards the exit.
Sora watched as Shiori walked away, feeling a mixture of nostalgia and relief to see that her childhood friend was still there, though the memories were still not completely clear in her mind.
─ Well, I guess I'll be going to my apartment too ─ Sora muttered, starting to walk towards the exit.
─ Wait, Sora ─said Seiji, placing a hand on Sora's shoulder to stop him─. There's something Haru and I want to ask you.
Sora stopped and turned to his friends, intrigued.
─ What is it about? ─he asked, looking at both of them curiously.
Haru and Seiji exchanged glances before Haru spoke.
─ It's about Shiori ─ said Haru with a serious expression. ─ We know that you've always been in love with her since we were kids.
Sora felt her heart racing. She hadn't expected that question, let alone at that moment. Her mind filled with memories of her childhood, of the moments shared with Shiori and the feelings she had kept for so long.
─ Are you going to propose to her this time? ─ asked Seiji, getting straight to the point.
Sora was silent, his thoughts struggling to find an answer. He knew his feelings for Shiori were deep and true, but there was also the fear of ruining their newly regained friendship.
─ I don't know.... ─he finally muttered─. I mean, of course I still have feelings for her, but I don't know if now is the right time. We've barely gotten back together and she doesn't remember much of our past together. I don't want to push her or make her feel uncomfortable.
Haru nodded, understanding his friend's concern.
─ We understand, Sora. But we also think it's important for you to be honest with your feelings. You never know what might happen if you don't try ─ he said with an encouraging smile.
─ Besides, we've noticed how she looks at you. Maybe Shiori has feelings for you too, even if she doesn't fully remember ─ Seiji added, trying to give her a little more confidence.
Sora sighed, feeling a little more relieved to hear his friends' words. He knew that they only wanted what was best for him and Shiori.
─ Maybe they're right. Maybe I should give it a try. But I need time to think about how to do it the best way ─ replied Sora, with a slight smile.
─ Sure, take as much time as you need. Just remember that we're here to support you, no matter what you decide ─ said Haru, patting him on the back.
─ Yes, we'll always be here for you, Sora ─ added Seiji, nodding with determination.
With those thoughts in mind, the three friends left the high school, knowing that, although the road ahead might be difficult, they would face it together, as they had in the past.
The days passed normally at ASAHI High School. Classes were going on, students were immersed in their studies and extracurricular activities, and the routine was slowly settling down. For Sora, every day was a new opportunity to spend time with Shiori, Haru and Seiji.
As the days progressed, Sora found himself becoming more and more captivated by Shiori. Her presence, her smile, and the way she cared for others made him feel more deeply for her. Although Shiori still did not fully remember their past together, her kindness and warmth seemed to stir something in his heart.
On Thursday afternoon, after classes had ended and the students were preparing to go home, Sora decided it was time to talk to Haru and Seiji. The three friends were in the schoolyard, enjoying the fresh air before heading home.
─ Guys, I need to talk to you about something important ─ said Sora, gathering his courage as his friends looked at him curiously.
─ What's wrong, Sora? You look serious ─ replied Haru, noticing the determination in Sora's voice.
─ I've come to the conclusion that I should be honest with my feelings. I have decided that tomorrow, on Friday, I will propose to Shiori ─announced Sora.
Haru and Seiji looked at each other, then turned their attention to Sora with supportive smiles.
─ I knew you would eventually make this decision. You've always been in love with her, even when we were kids ─ said Haru, giving her a friendly pat on the back.
─ That's a big step, Sora. I'm proud of you for having the courage to do it ─ added Seiji, his tone serious but full of support.
- But, Sora, why did you fall in love with Shiori in the first place? You never told us about it. -Haru asked with a smile.
- When we were kids, I was antisocial and quiet. The other kids picked on me because I couldn't stand up for myself. But Shiori was different. One day, when the others were picking on me, she stood in front of me and started hitting the other kids. Although I had tears in my eyes, I started to laugh when I saw the faces of those children, being beaten by a single girl. From that day on, I started talking and being with her. And thanks to Shiori, I joined the group of your friends where you were and surprisingly you also accepted me. Since then, Shiori has had a special place in my heart. -Sora replied with a nostalgic smile.
Haru and Seiji listened attentively, understanding Sora's feelings better.
- Now I understand why you've held on to those feelings for so long," said Seiji with a smile.
─ Thank you, guys. It means a lot to me to know that you support me ─ said Sora, feeling a wave of gratitude towards his friends.
─ Just remember, no matter what Shiori's answer is, we'll always be here for you ─ said Haru with an encouraging smile.
─ Exactly. No matter what happens, we are friends and that won't change ─assured Seiji.
With those words of encouragement, Sora felt more prepared and determined for the day ahead. He knew he would not be alone, no matter the outcome. The three friends said their goodbyes and headed for their respective homes, each with their own thoughts and expectations for the next day.
Friday arrived with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation in the air. Classes ended at 3:00 PM and the bell marking the end of the day echoed throughout the building, announcing the beginning of the weekend. The students began to pack up their things and headed for the exit, anxious about their plans for the next two days.
Sora approached Shiori, who was putting her books away in her backpack. With his heart pounding, he joined her near the desk.
- Shiori, can you do me a favor? -said Sora, trying to keep calm in his voice.
- Sure, Sora, what do you need? -Shiori said in a soft voice.
- I was wondering if you could come up to the roof in 15 minutes. There's something important I want to tell you," said Sora, with a serious but kind tone.
- Well, if it's something important I'll be there. Meet me up there in 15 minutes, then? -she asked, still with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
- Yes, exactly," confirmed Sora, relieved to have made the request.
Shiori finished gathering her things and left the classroom, joining her classmates who were already dispersing. Sora stayed a few moments longer in the classroom, taking a deep breath to calm the nerves she was feeling. She knew this was the crucial moment and wanted to make sure everything went well.
After a few minutes, Sora headed to the rooftop. He climbed the stairs with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, his mind full of thoughts and feelings. Arriving at the rooftop, she made sure everything was ready, the place was quiet and secluded, ideal for an intimate conversation.
The sky was clear and the sun was beginning to slant towards the horizon, tinting the sky with warm tones. Sora leaned against the railing, watching the horizon as he waited for Shiori.
Finally, he heard Shiori's footsteps approaching. He turned to see her coming, with a determined and nervous expression on his face.
-Hello, Shiori," Sora greeted, trying to sound relaxed even though his heart was still beating fast.
-Hi, Sora. You said you had something important to tell me. What is it? -Shiori replied, a little uneasy.
Sora took a deep breath, gathering all his courage. He approached her with a serious but sincere expression.
-Shiori, since we met again, I've been thinking a lot about us and how I feel. What I want to tell you is that, since our childhood, you have been a very special person to me. Not only because of the way you helped me when I was a child, but because, over the years, I have realized that my feelings for you have grown and strengthened. I've fallen in love with you, and I wanted you to know that. -Sora said, his voice trembling slightly.
Shiori looked at him with a mixture of surprise and distress, processing Sora's words. The sunset painted the sky with golden hues, creating a magical atmosphere on the rooftop.
─ Are you kidding me? ─ said Shiori, without a trace of emotion in her tone. ─ I just see you as a friend. I don't know what made you think this was something more.
Before Sora could react, Shiori quickly turned around and headed for the door, leaving him alone on the rooftop. Sora froze, heartbroken and his stomach in knots. The truth behind the rejection was something he couldn't imagine, but he felt like the world was falling on top of him.
< Every time she thought about the idea of dating a guy, a wave of discomfort swept over her. It was as if a growing uneasiness enveloped her, unleashing a nauseous feeling she couldn't ignore. The mere thought of sharing intimate moments with a boy made her feel as if she were about to vomit. Her head throbbed with a sharp pain, as if an ancient, dormant ache was awakening. This discomfort had no obvious cause to Shiori, as her most painful memories were fragmented, caught in the haze of her mind. Although she could not clearly recall the event that had marked her life, the sensations and terror she felt were real. It was a visceral response to something her subconscious had deeply sealed, an instinctive reaction to a trauma that had never really been processed. Suddenly, a blurred image appeared in his mind, a fragment of a repressed memory. A dark, cold place, a place where she had been unable to cry out for help. The feeling of helplessness and fear was becoming more and more palpable. Although the memory itself was shrouded in darkness, the emotional impact was so strong that it made her shiver. Her stomach churned, and the pain in her head increased. Her steps became slower, her breathing more ragged. Tears were gathering in her eyes, but they couldn't get out, trapped by the knot of emotion and pain she felt. She felt like her current life was being invaded by echoes of a past she didn't fully understand. She reached the first floor and leaned against the wall, looking for something to anchor her to reality. She looked around, but everything seemed diffuse and distant. Finally, she turned around and walked away from the entrance of the building, looking for shelter somewhere.>> Sora stood alone on the rooftop, the cold wind chilling his skin as he tried to process the rejection. The words he had just heard echoed in his mind, making every beat of his heart feel a stabbing pain. ─ I didn't think being rejected hurt so much ─ she muttered, her voice cracking with emotion. ─ Damn it! His breathing became ragged as sadness took over him. He stared off into the horizon, trying to focus his mind on something, but all he could feel was emptiness. ─ It makes me want to cry ─ he admitted softly, his pain palpable in every word. Sora dropped to the ground, hugging himself in an attempt to comfort himself. ─ I knew I was taking a chance ─ he said resignedly, his tears beginning to show. The rooftop, which had been the scene of his declaration, now felt like an empty place, a painful reminder of the distance between him and the love he had longed for. To be continued...