That night, Banri immersed himself in Norwegian Wood. Every page felt like a challenge, but he remained determined. He wanted to discuss every part with Alya, understand why she loved the book, and uncover a deeper side of her.
The next day, Banri arrived at school early, with the book—already half-read—tucked in his bag. As he entered the classroom, he saw Alya sitting at her desk, as if waiting for something, or perhaps just busy with her books. Heart pounding, Banri walked toward his seat.
Shun, noticing Banri's arrival, wasted no time teasing him. "What's up, Banri? Already halfway through Murakami's book?"
Banri smirked and replied confidently, "Yeah, more than halfway. I'm ready for the discussion later."
Hearing their conversation, Alya turned slightly and gave a faint smile. "So, you really did read it?" she asked, sounding a bit surprised, though there was a hint of admiration in her voice.
Banri nodded enthusiastically. "Yep. I didn't want to be the kind of guy who says, 'Oh, I've heard of that book,' but hasn't actually read it. I'm serious about this."
Alya raised an eyebrow, looking mildly impressed. "Well then, we can talk about it later. But don't expect me to explain everything. I prefer discussing the parts I like the most."
"Deal!" Banri responded with a grin.
That day, they exchanged a few words about the book. It was a brief conversation, limited to just a few sentences. Yet for Banri, it was enough. Alya had opened up a bit more than usual, and that was a significant step forward for him.
---
From that point on, Banri made an effort to find opportunities to talk to Alya. Sometimes they talked about books; other times, they discussed simple things around school. Although Alya still kept some distance and maintained her tsundere demeanor, Banri noticed small changes in her attitude. She no longer avoided him or gave cold replies, though there was still a touch of awkwardness.
One afternoon, after classes ended, Banri approached Alya at the classroom door. "Alya, I've finished Norwegian Wood. Can we discuss it now?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.
Alya looked surprised but smiled slightly. "Wow, you finished it so quickly."
Banri scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, I couldn't wait too long. The book's really intriguing."
They sat outside the classroom, away from the crowd. Banri began sharing his favorite parts of the book, and Alya listened attentively, though she still spoke in her usual reserved manner. Despite that, there was a sense of comfort in their conversation. For Banri, this was no longer just an ordinary chat.
"Alya, I… I'm really happy I get to talk with you," Banri finally said, his voice slightly nervous.
Alya looked at him for a moment before nodding slowly. "I'm happy to talk more, too," she replied softly, her voice gentler than usual.
Banri smiled nervously. "Then maybe we can talk more often?"
Alya nodded again, and though her words were few, Banri could sense something different.
After their brief conversation, they walked out of the school together. The crimson evening sky enveloped the moment, casting a warmth that words couldn't describe. Banri held back from talking too much, afraid of ruining the atmosphere.
But to his surprise, Alya, who was usually quiet, suddenly spoke. "You really do enjoy reading, don't you?"
Caught off guard, Banri quickly answered, "Not really. But after reading Norwegian Wood, I can see why you like it so much."
Alya glanced at him, a faint smile playing at the corner of her lips. "Which part did you like the most?"
"The part where Watashi is so confused about his own feelings. It made me think… sometimes life doesn't always have clear answers, does it?" Banri replied honestly, rubbing the back of his head.
Alya was silent for a moment, then lowered her gaze slightly. "Yeah… life isn't always that simple."
Banri felt there was something deeper behind Alya's words, but he chose not to press further. They continued walking in silence until they reached the school gate.
"Banri," Alya called softly before parting ways, "thank you for talking about that book with me."
Banri looked at her, surprised yet happy to hear her sincere words. "You're welcome, Alya. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'll always be here."
Alya gave a small nod before turning to leave. Banri stood there, watching Alya's figure slowly fade into the distance. His heart felt warm, as though the small step they took that day marked the beginning of something bigger.
---
In the days that followed, Banri and Alya's relationship gradually began to change. They met more often in the library or exchanged brief conversations during class breaks. Their talks weren't always lengthy, but to Banri, every word from Alya felt special.
One afternoon during lunch break, Banri sat on a school bench with Shun, recounting the progress he'd made with Alya. As usual, Shun couldn't pass up the chance to tease him.
"So, you guys talk a lot now? Wow, impressive, Banri. Who would've thought you'd get this far?" Shun said, laughing.
"Cut it out. We're just talking; it's nothing special," Banri replied, trying to downplay it. But his face couldn't hide the pride he felt.
Shun gave him a knowing look. "You're underestimating yourself. Alya wouldn't talk to you if she didn't feel comfortable. Trust me, that's already a big step."
Banri fell silent, reflecting on Shun's words. Maybe he was right. Alya wasn't the type to open up easily, yet now they could even sit together in the library without awkwardness. That wasn't a small feat, especially for someone like Alya.
---
One evening, Banri decided to try something different. He brought a light novel he thought Alya might like, and with newfound confidence, he approached her in class after lessons.
"Alya," he called softly.
Alya turned to him, slightly surprised. "What is it, Banri?"
Banri pulled the book out of his bag and handed it to her. "I found this at a bookstore and thought you might like it. If you don't, that's okay too."
Alya hesitated before taking the book, reading the title briefly, then looking back at Banri. Her expression remained neutral, though there was a slight hint of reluctance. "Thanks," she said simply. "I'll check it out later."
Banri smiled, relieved, even though Alya's response wasn't as warm as he'd hoped. "No pressure. I just wanted you to know I care."
Alya shrugged slightly and replied in a flat tone, "Yeah, I get it. But, Banri… I hope you don't go out of your way for me."
Her words felt like a blow, but Banri tried to brush it off. "I don't see it as a burden. I just… I just want to make you happy."
Alya sighed, looking slightly uneasy. "I appreciate that, but I'm not someone who likes too much attention. Honestly, I don't need anything, Banri."
Banri stood silent for a moment, searching for the right words. "I understand, Alya. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
Alya gave a small nod but didn't meet his gaze. "Thanks for the book. I'll try reading it later," she said before walking away with little else to say.
Banri could only watch as she left. His heart felt heavy, but he knew Alya would never see him the way he wanted. Even so, he tried convincing himself that his small gesture of kindness might leave a subtle imprint in Alya's heart, even if not in the way he wished.
---
After that encounter, Banri felt awkward whenever he was near Alya. He tried to act normal, joking with his friends as usual, but deep down, there was an emptiness he couldn't ignore.
Shun, his best friend, quickly noticed the change in Banri's demeanor. "So, how's it going with Alya?" he asked as they sat in the cafeteria.
Banri gave a faint smile, trying to appear nonchalant. "Nothing's happening. She's just… not interested."
Shun nodded slowly, trying to gauge the situation without making things worse. "Sometimes, Banri, no matter how hard we try, the outcome isn't always what we want."
Banri let out a dry chuckle, lacking energy. "Yeah, I know. But it still hurts."
"At least you tried," Shun said, patting his shoulder. "A lot of people don't even have the courage to do what you did."
Those words lightened Banri's burden slightly, but he knew he wasn't ready to completely let go of his feelings for Alya.
---
In the days that followed, Banri tried to go about his usual routines. He remained his cheerful, jokester self in class, though a sense of awkwardness lingered whenever Alya was around. He tried not to dwell on her, but every time he saw her sitting in the corner of the classroom, engrossed in her book, those feelings resurfaced.
Shun, always observant, couldn't help but comment. "You still haven't moved on, Banri," he said one afternoon on the school field.
Banri sighed deeply. "It's not about moving on, Shun. I just… I can't stop caring. I know she doesn't feel the same, but I still want her to be happy."
"Sometimes, you're too kind, Banri," Shun replied, shaking his head slightly. "But remember, there's a limit to caring. Don't end up hurting yourself just because someone can't return what you give."
Banri gave a small nod, knowing Shun's words were true, even if they were hard to accept.
One afternoon, Banri decided to take a walk alone in the park near the school. He wanted to clear his mind from the emotional chaos he was experiencing. He found a seat under a tree and opened his notebook. Without realizing it, he began writing, pouring out feelings he had never shared with anyone.
"Alya," he wrote, "you may never know, but I've always been watching you. I know I'm a nobody, and I don't deserve to hope for anything, but I just want you to know there's someone who always supports you, even from afar."
He paused, staring at the words with a mix of relief and sadness. Banri knew that writing down his feelings was the best way to release some of the weight in his heart, even though he also knew the words would never reach Alya.
As he closed his notebook, the evening breeze blew gently, as if trying to comfort him. Banri took a deep breath, then smiled faintly to himself. "Maybe this is for the best," he murmured softly.
He realized that even though Alya didn't share the same feelings, those emotions didn't make him any lesser. He just needed to accept reality and continue with his life, even with a slightly heavier heart.
---
A few days later, Banri began to feel a bit better. Although his feelings for Alya remained, he no longer let them dominate him. He focused more on enjoyable activities, such as joining school clubs, joking around with his friends, and spending time with Shun.
However, there were times when the feelings resurfaced, like when he saw Alya sitting alone in the library, deeply engrossed in a book. Banri often glanced at her from afar, wishing to approach but always hesitating, knowing she didn't need extra attention from him.
One day, after class, Banri happened to see Alya walking toward the school gate alone. Without thinking twice, he decided to follow her. He just wanted to ensure she was okay, even though he knew it was a foolish thing to do.
"Alya," Banri called softly as he caught up behind her.
Alya stopped and turned, slightly surprised by his presence. "Oh, Banri. What is it?"
Feeling a bit awkward, Banri tried to act normal. "I just... wanted to make sure you're okay. Lately, I've noticed you've been alone a lot."
Alya looked at Banri briefly, then gave a faint smile. "I'm fine, Banri. Thanks for caring."
Banri felt a little relieved, even though her short smile didn't mean much. "Well, I just wanted to say, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here," he said cheerfully.
Alya nodded slightly. "Thanks, but I don't need too many people around me."
Banri fell silent, realizing her words were true. Alya was naturally distant, and although he wanted to get closer, he knew he couldn't force those feelings.
"I understand," Banri finally said, though his heart felt a bit bruised. "Take care on your way home."
Alya merely nodded before continuing her steps, leaving Banri standing still. He watched her back as she walked away, feeling a mix of emotions. He knew his actions wouldn't change anything, but he also knew he had done his best.
---
That night, Banri sat in his room with his notebook in hand. He began writing again, this time not about his feelings for Alya but more about himself.
"Sometimes, you have to learn to let go," he wrote, "even though it's hard, even though you want to keep fighting. But what matters is that you don't regret trying."
Banri closed his notebook and placed it on his desk. He gazed at the night sky through his window, searching for peace amid his complicated feelings. He knew this journey might still be long, but at least he had started learning to accept reality and move forward.
---
The next morning, as Banri entered the classroom, the atmosphere was a bit different. There was a small commotion at the front door, with some students gathering curiously. Banri furrowed his brows and walked closer to see what was happening.
"Who is that?" one of his classmates asked.
Following their gaze, Banri saw a new student entering. The boy was tall, with neatly styled black hair, wearing a school uniform that fit his athletic figure. He exuded a strong aura of confidence, immediately drawing all eyes in the classroom.
"He's a transfer student," Shun suddenly appeared beside Banri. "His name is Arata Ryuu. I heard he transferred from an international school. People say he's cool."
Banri looked at the new student curiously. Arata Ryuu—his name alone sounded like a character from an action movie. His expression was calm, but there was something mysterious about him that made him so captivating. Even Alya, who rarely paid attention to others, was glancing at him with a different look.
"Interesting," Banri muttered, feeling slightly sidelined amidst the crowd of students now focused on Arata.
Arata then stepped forward to the front of the class and introduced himself with a calm yet confident voice. "Arata Ryuu. Nice to meet you all," he said, with a slight smile that left several students in awe.
Banri felt the tension in the air, but he also sensed something different about Arata. This transfer student seemed to bring a significant change, not just in the classroom atmosphere but perhaps also in his life and the dynamics between him and Alya.
With mixed feelings, Banri returned to his seat, wondering if this encounter was just a minor change in their school life. Sometimes, a newcomer could change everything—and Banri wasn't sure if he was ready for what might come next.