Shiroi Academy
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The day began with the soft glow of dawn filtering through the curtains of Haruto's room. The tranquil sound of birds outside his window made it seem as though the world was suspended in a moment of calm before the storm.
Haruto Akiyama stirred in his bed, a faint smile on his face as the images from his dream lingered in his mind. His body felt light, as if he were still in another place, in another time, completely detached from the present. In a corner of his room, the dim light of the lamp cast shifting shadows on the walls.
In his dream, everything was simple. There was no cruelty, no darkness, just a clear sky and an endless field. He played with Renji Kudo, his childhood best friend, laughing as they ran through the flowers, the fresh air filled with joy. They were free, unburdened, and although reality would soon separate them, those moments remained a fleeting refuge.
"Haruto, catch me if you can!" Renji said with a childish laugh, darting forward as Haruto chased him eagerly.
The sound of the wind and their laughter filled his ears, but then, slowly, the images began to dissolve. A distant echo called him back to reality.
The room became more tangible, less ethereal. The childhood laughter faded into whispers, replaced by the familiar sound of his alarm clock blaring insistently on the nightstand.
"Time to get up," Haruto murmured, yawning as the remnants of his dream dissipated. Even so, he could recall every little detail, every smile from his friend, as if it were an unbroken memory resisting the erosion of time.
He swung his legs off the bed, still feeling the weight of melancholy for what was about to come.
Today wasn't just any day. It wasn't just another ordinary Monday, nor was it his first week in elementary school. Today was different. Today marked the beginning of something new.
After putting on his school uniform, Haruto glanced out the window. The sky was clear, but there was an unease in the air. His father had secured a new job in another city, and as a result, Haruto was transferring to a new school, a new chapter in his life.
"I hope everything goes well," he thought as he adjusted his tie.
A whisper of anticipation and nerves crossed his chest. He had heard rumors about the new school: Shiroi Academy, an institution reputed for being rigorous and strict. People spoke of its rigid discipline, intensive studies, and students excelling, each with their own stories to tell.
Images swirled in his mind—a fresh start, yes, but also the fear of the unknown. Haruto didn't have many friends in his life so far, and the thought of starting over left him with a strange feeling.
"What kind of people will I meet?" he wondered as he descended the stairs to the kitchen, where his mother was already preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, Haruto," Mikako Akiyama greeted him with a soft smile. She was a strict, traditional woman but always caring in her reserved way.
"Good morning, Mom," he replied, though his tone betrayed slight apprehension.
"Haruto, I want you to be strong. I know this will be a new challenge, but I'm sure you'll adapt quickly," his mother said as she served him a plate of hot rice and vegetables.
Takeshi Akiyama, his father, was reviewing some documents at the table. When he looked up and saw his son, he nodded with a serious yet encouraging expression.
"Believe in yourself. This is an opportunity to overcome any fear," his father said.
Breakfast passed in silence after that. Haruto was lost in thought, seeking some kind of reassurance from his parents, but only one persistent question remained in his mind: Would he truly be alone in this new beginning?
Once breakfast was over, his mother cleared the table while Takeshi picked up his briefcase, ready to leave for his new job in the neighboring city. The Akiyama family was stepping into a new phase, one that Haruto couldn't help but feel a little afraid of.
"Come on, Haruto. It's time to go," his father said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, Dad," he replied, his voice trembling.
He clutched his backpack tightly, containing everything he would need for his first day at Shiroi Academy. Not knowing what awaited him, he could only think of how to stay composed.
As they arrived at the school, Haruto felt the weight of each step as he crossed the entrance gate. The building was imposing, tall and majestic, as though everything about it demanded respect and discipline. Students moved around in small groups, talking seriously or absorbed in their books.
"This is different…" Haruto thought, glancing around.
It was a place that exuded a mix of respect and detachment, where the students all seemed to follow a strict pattern. But he had come here to adapt, to learn.
"Haruto Akiyama, right?" a voice called from behind him. He turned to see a young woman, probably a few years older, with her hair tied in a neat bun. She wore the school uniform impeccably and had a calm yet curious expression.
"Yes, that's me," Haruto replied, hesitating for a moment.
"I'm Kaede Yoshino. I'll be your mentor at this school," she said with a slight smile, almost as if she anticipated his reaction. "Come with me. I'll show you around."
Haruto followed Kaede through the hallways. Each step brought him closer to an unknown destination. His first impression was a whirlwind of emotions: fear, excitement, and a touch of despair. Yet he also knew there was no turning back. He had resolved to face it all.
As he followed his mentor, memories of his dream surfaced—those days when he was just a carefree boy playing with Renji. It felt as though a vast chasm had opened between that time and the present.
Kaede Yoshino stopped in front of a door, turning the handle slowly. As they entered, Haruto saw it was a classroom, different from what he had imagined: more serious, more structured. But it was the beginning of something new.
A new chapter in his story was about to be written, one that would no longer be as light as before.