Autumn Whispers

Hey guys, welcome to this novel!^^ Since my english is not the best, I initially wrote this in German and then translated it. I hope you like it anyway! I always wanted to try writing a popular guy - shy girl thing, since I usually do it the other way around or both shy beings. xD

The hallway buzzed with students, their voices blending into a dull hum. Aki walked cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest. It was her first day at this new school, and the overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity made her stomach churn. "I hope I can make a good impression.", she thought to herself.

As she passed by a large window, a small bird perched on the sill caught her attention. She smiled slightly, its presence offering a brief moment of comfort. Lost in thought, she barely noticed the figure that had come to stand beside her.

Haru had observed her from a distance, intrigued by her nervous demeanor. She seemed lost, unsure of herself, and yet there was something about the way she focused on the bird that caught his attention. He smirked, finding her distraction rather endearing. Without a second thought, he stepped beside her and followed her gaze.

Sensing a presence beside her, Aki turned her head slightly, only to find herself staring directly into a pair of deep, captivating eyes. Her breath hitched, and her cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. He was handsome, his cool demeanor making him seem somewhat unapproachable. What did he want? Did he know she was lost?

Haru met her gaze with ease, his expression unreadable. He could tell she was flustered, and that realization amused him. He decided to put her at ease. "Hey." he greeted casually. "Are you looking for something?"

Aki hesitated before answering, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sorry, um… well, I’m kind of lost since it's my first day here. I don't really know what to do."

Haru nodded, already expecting her response. "No worries, I can help you out." He offered a small, reassuring smile, hoping to ease her nerves. "First days can be tough. What’s your name?"

"I’m Aki… nice to meet you." She fidgeted slightly, still unsure of how to act around him.

"Aki, huh? That’s a nice name." He said it with such ease that it made her blush deepen. "I’m Haru. And it’s nice to meet you too."

Aki’s fingers tightened around the strap of her bag. There was a certain coldness in his aura, but she could tell he wasn’t unkind. "Thank you," she murmured, unsure of what else to say.

Haru studied her for a moment before making a decision. "I could show you around if you want. I mean, since it’s your first day and all."

Aki’s eyes widened slightly. "That would be great!" A wave of relief washed over her. Maybe this day wouldn’t be as terrifying as she had anticipated.

He nodded, a small smirk playing at his lips. "Great, let’s go then." He began leading the way toward the main entrance. "So, which class are you in?"

"B-12," she answered, though her voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

Kou glanced at her in mild surprise. "B-12? Got it. B-12 is just up ahead."

Aki tilted her head slightly. "How did you know that so fast? Could it be possible that you are in the same class?" She asked, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

He chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Actually, yeah. I’m in B-12 as well."

Aki exhaled softly, relieved. "I’m glad that I already know someone in my class, so I don’t feel like an outsider."

Haru nodded. "I’m glad too. It’s always better to know someone on your first day. Makes the whole experience less intimidating."

The morning passed in a blur, but Aki couldn’t help but steal glances at Haru during class. He seemed so composed, so effortlessly cool. She envied how at ease he looked. When the bell rang, signaling break time, she closed her notebook and sighed.

"Breaktime. Are you hungry?" Haru asked, already standing in front of her desk.

"Yeah, I really am, though…"

"Well then, let’s head to the cafeteria and grab a bite." He gestured for her to follow him.

Aki trailed after him, still feeling nervous. As they neared the cafeteria, a girl suddenly appeared in front of them. She eyed Aki before smirking at Haru. "Hey, who’s that girl you’re with? Don’t tell me you have a girlfriend?"

Haru rolled his eyes at her teasing. "Nuri, shut up," he retorted, clearly unimpressed.

The girl laughed. "Just kidding!" But as she glanced at Aki, there was a flicker of jealousy in her gaze.

Aki frowned slightly, confused by the girl’s attitude. "She seemed nice…" she murmured.

Haru sighed. "No, that girl may seem nice, but she’s just being possessive. She has a thing for me, but I’m not interested in her."

Aki hesitated before asking, "So… she’s not your type, is she?" Her voice was soft, almost uncertain. That girl didn't look too different from her. Her hair was slightly shorter and she was a bit taller than Aki.

Haru studied her expression before answering. "No, she’s not my type at all. Looks aren’t everything, you know."

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to be too curious."

"No, no, it’s fine." His tone softened. "Don’t apologize. You’re just curious, and I don’t mind answering your questions."

Aki felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. He was far more considerate than she had initially thought.

As they reached the cafeteria, Aki reached for her purse, only to realize something alarming—she had forgotten her bag in the classroom. Embarrassment flooded her, and she immediately tried to cover it up. "I… I figured I’m not hungry after all."

Haru raised an eyebrow, immediately seeing through her lie. "Wait, you forgot your bag, didn’t you?"

Aki’s face burned as she looked down. "No! I… didn’t."

He smirked, shaking his head. "Nice try, but I can tell you’re lying." His amusement was evident. "You really forgot your bag, didn’t you?"

"I’m sorry. I’ll go get it. Wait here." Something deep inside of her was hoping he would come with her. Maybe she was being delusional, but she was hoping there was a slight chance someone like him could be interested in a girl like her.

Just as Aki turned to leave, she felt a firm grip on her wrist. Her breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. Could it be… Haru stopping her?

"Where do you think you’re going?" His voice was teasing, but there was an underlying concern in his tone.

Aki’s eyes widened. "I… I am getting my bag." She could barely form a coherent thought, especially with his hand still on her wrist. No boy had ever held her hand before.

Haru held onto her just a moment longer, enjoying the way her face turned crimson. "I know that, but I can’t let you go alone. Come on, let’s go together."

Aki, realizing what was happening, yanked her hand back. "W-Wait… what are you doing?"

Haru chuckled. "What do you mean? I’m just trying to help."

"You don’t have to pull me by the wrist like that!" she huffed.

He smirked. "You are right. I am sorry. I was just making sure you didn’t wander off."

Aki grumbled under her breath, but she followed him back to the classroom. Maybe… just maybe, this new school wouldn’t be so bad after all.