"As I sat there, savoring the flavors of the meal, my gaze drifted towards the glass wall, mesmerized by the city's dazzling display of twinkling lights. The breathtaking view transported me back to a poignant moment from my childhood, a memory I thought I had long buried. I remembered the excitement in my voice as I begged my mom, 'Please, let's go see the fireworks!' But that night, I never got to experience the magic of the fireworks. The memory lingered, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
I snapped back to reality, my eyes locking onto Kaito's, his expression curious and concerned. 'You know, oppa,' I began, my voice barely above a whisper, 'when I was six, my mom passed away.' The words felt like a weight on my tongue, a secret I had kept hidden for so long. 'I still remember our trip to the mountain villa before she fell ill. I had pleaded with her to take me to see the fireworks, but she was too weak, too tired.'
Kaito's eyes softened, his voice gentle as he asked, 'Why didn't you get to see them?' He leaned in, his interest genuine, and I felt a lump form in my throat.
I hesitated, the pain still raw, still festering. 'Because mom suddenly fainted and coughed up blood,' I replied, the words tumbling out like a confession. 'I was shocked, frozen in fear as I watched her collapse. After that, I never wanted to see fireworks again. I hate them, the bright lights and loud noises, they remind me of that terrible night.'
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as the memories came flooding back, the ache in my heart still palpable. I felt vulnerable, exposed, but Kaito's kind gaze reassured me, his presence a comforting embrace."
Next morning Mei walked into her classroom, greeting her friends with a smile. As she took her seat, she noticed the empty chair beside her. Suddenly, the teacher introduced a new transfer student, Taro Yamada. Mei's eyes widened as Taro strode in, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room with an air of intensity.
"Please, take a seat next to Mei," the teacher instructed, gesturing to the empty chair.
Taro's gaze swept over Mei, his expression unreadable. He sat down, his broad shoulders and sharp jawline commanding attention. The classroom fell silent, with all eyes on him.
Mei felt a shiver run down her spine as Taro's intense energy enveloped her. She noticed the other girls in the class couldn't take their eyes off him, whispering and giggling amongst themselves.
But Taro ignored them all, his focus fixed on some point ahead, his expression fierce and unyielding. Mei sensed a deep-seated anger within him, a fury that seemed to simmer just below the surface.
As the teacher began the lesson, Mei tried to concentrate, but her attention kept drifting back to Taro. She couldn't understand why he seemed so angry, or why she felt drawn to him despite his intimidating demeanor.
As the lesson ended and break time began, a flock of girls swarmed around Taro, their eyes shining with excitement and curiosity.
"Hey, Taro! Are your eye colors real, or are you wearing lenses?" one girl asked, her voice dripping with admiration.
Taro's gaze turned icy, his expression unyielding. He glared at them, his piercing blue eyes seeming to bore into their souls.
The girls giggled and whispered amongst themselves, undeterred by Taro's frosty demeanor. "What do your mom and dad do?" another inquired, her voice sugary sweet.
Taro's jaw clenched, his fists tightening. He put on his headphones, closing his eyes as if to shut out the world. The girls lingered, hoping for a response, but Taro's silence was deafening.
Mei watched the scene unfold, feeling a mix of fascination and unease. She sensed a deep-seated anger within Taro, a fury that seemed to simmer just below the surface.
As break time ended, Mei hesitantly reached out to tap Taro's shoulder. "Um, Taro, the teacher is coming. Break is over."
Taro's eyes snapped open, his furious gaze making Mei retract her hand. She felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, the air thick with tension.
"I-I was just trying to tell you that the break is over, and the teacher is coming. Headphones aren't allowed during class time," Mei explained, her voice barely above a whisper.
Taro slowly removed his headphones, his expression unchanging. "Is it good now?" he growled, his voice low and rough.
Mei nodded, still feeling intimidated. "Y-yes, thank you."
She added, trying to sound confident, "Actually, I'm the class president, so I need to make sure everyone follows the rules."
Taro raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "Class president, huh?"
The teacher walked into the classroom, scanning the room until his eyes landed on Taro. "You're the new student, right?"
Taro nodded curtly. "Yes, sir."
"Did you get a chance to see the school?" the teacher asked.
"No, sir," Taro replied, his expression neutral.
The teacher smiled. "Mei, stand up."
Mei rose from her seat, curious.
"Why don't you give Taro a tour of our school?" the teacher suggested.
"Ok, sir," Mei replied, trying to sound enthusiastic.
Taro stood up, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Mei. "Let's go," he said, his voice low and rough.
Mei led Taro out of the classroom, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. As they walked down the hallway, Mei pointed out various landmarks - the library, the cafeteria, the auditorium.
Taro listened intently, his gaze sweeping over each location. Mei sensed a sharp mind behind those piercing eye.