The sky was a little cloudy. Wind moved the leaves gently across the road.
Haru Tamada walked to school like always.
Headphones on.
Hands in his pockets.
Eyes looking down, lost in thought.
He stopped by the same vending machine and bought the same can of black coffee.
He didn't like sweet drinks. The bitter taste helped him stay calm.
His apartment was small and quiet. He lived alone.
His parents were working in another country. They sent money. They called once a week.
But most days… it was just Haru.
He cooked simple meals.
He did laundry alone.
He went to school. He came back.
He read books.
And repeated the same things, again and again.
Haru didn't hate this life.
But sometimes, when he looked out the window, he wondered
Was something missing?
The hallway was full of noise. Students laughed and walked in groups.
Haru walked quietly through them. No one stopped him. No one said his name.
He reached the classroom and sat near the window.
He opened his book. It was in German—an old novel. He liked the way the words felt. Cold, but honest.
Then…
She walked in.
Alisha Yukino.
The new student. The same girl he saw that morning when they helped a lost child find her sister.
She didn't notice him at first.
She talked to a few students nearby, smiling politely.
Her voice was calm.
She wasn't loud. She wasn't shy.
Just… soft and kind.
Haru didn't look up.
But part of him listened.
Her voice had the same warmth as before.
And the same quiet strength.
During break time, Haru went outside again with his book and coffee.
He sat on a bench under the trees.
The wind rustled above.
Leaves danced in the air.
He tried to focus on his novel—but his thoughts drifted.
Was that really her?
Does she remember me?
Should I talk to her?
But he stayed silent.
Then, from the corner of his eye—
He saw her.
Alisha passed by with her lunch and sat under another tree.
Not far. But not close either.
She took out a notebook.
Opened it.
And began to draw.
Small shapes. Soft lines.
A flower.
A leaf.
A cup.
She looked calm completely in her own world.
She didn't notice him.
And Haru… didn't say a word.
He lowered his eyes to his book again.
But the words no longer stayed in his mind.
> "A quiet life may seem lonely. But when a new presence enters that silence… even small moments begin to shine."
— Kael Aozora