Chapter 1: "First Day, Silent Glance"
A warm ray of sunlight filtered through the window of Rei’s room. Her eyelids slowly fluttered open, meeting the gentle glow that filled the space. She sat up, rubbing her eyes awake, then was greeted by a soft yawn.
“Oh—right. It’s enrollment week.”
She murmured to herself as she climbed down from her bed. Indeed, it was enrollment week — the second week of April, when students all across Japan prepared to register for the new academic year. For Rei, it marked the beginning of her journey as a first-year high school student.
Rei carefully descended the stairs, greeted by the enticing aroma of a delicious breakfast, likely prepared by her mother. Eventually, she reached the kitchen and saw her mother busy preparing the meal.
“Ah, you’re awake. Good. Have breakfast.”
Her mother spoke softly with a warm smile.
“Thank you for the meal..!”
Rei mumbled as she took a seat and prepared to eat. Her mother sat across from her, watching her eat with a contemplative expression.
“Your father and I have made a decision about your enrollment at Seishō Academy. What do you think?”
Her mother asked gently, prompting a surprised expression from Rei. She swallowed her food before responding.
“Seishō? Isn’t that in Tokyo? I’ve heard it’s quite prestigious.”
Rei replied. Her mother sighed and continued.
“I know, but your father insisted since he has connections there. He said it’s an old friend, so it would be easier for you to get in without an entrance exam. We’ve weighed our options and decided you’ll accompany your father to Tokyo.”
Rei nearly choked on her food, her eyes widening as she slowly looked up at her mother. Her father was a businessman based in Tokyo; he usually returned home every holiday and weekend in Kita.
“I’m going to live with Dad? Are you sure? I don’t mind, but… living in Tokyo is a whole new experience.”
Her mother nodded. Rei and her siblings had never been to Tokyo, even as children.
“It’s your father’s decision, and besides, it’s a good opportunity for you.”
Her mother urged softly.
“Alright, I guess I don’t have much choice, do I? When do I leave?”
Rei asked reluctantly. Her mother smiled.
“In three days, so you’d better start packing your things, alright?”
A few days passed quickly. Rei arrived in Tokyo two days ago and was now arranging her room in her father’s apartment. She noticed her new Seishō uniform neatly hung in the closet, most likely put there by her father. The first day of high school was a week away, giving her some time to mentally prepare for the new environment. Getting into Seishō wasn’t a challenge, thanks to her father’s old friend working there, but the nervousness still lingered.
The week flew by in a blur, and today marked the first day of her new life in high school. Her eyes fluttered open, startled awake by the sudden alarm. She yawned and sat up before turning off the alarm. Quickly, she got up and grabbed a towel, heading for the shower. A few minutes after showering, she dashed out to the kitchen, where her father sat drinking coffee in his business suit.
“Hm? You already ironed your uniform?”
Her father inquired.
“Yeah,” Rei replied.
“Shoes polished?”
Rei sighed, then answered.
“Yes, Dad. No need to worry, I can take care of myself. Remember, I’m not seven anymore.”
She said reassuringly with a smile. Her father was the pushy type, always asking questions.
After finishing her preparations, Rei got into her father’s car. She fixed her bangs using the side mirror before taking a deep breath. The car ride to school was filled with her father’s reassuring words until they arrived. He parked along the side street near Seishō’s gate.
“Thanks for the ride, Dad. I’ll take the bus home after school. Bye, take care!”
She waved as her father rolled down the window and drove off to work. Rei sighed and faced the school gate. As expected, numerous students were walking toward the academy. She steadied herself with a confident thought before stepping onto the campus. Her eyes scanned the surroundings; the academy was filled with intelligent, sharp, and well-mannered students. Of course, it was to be expected from such a prestigious institution.
Rei made her way to her assigned building. It was dazzling at first, but with the help of friendly seniors, she found her way. She checked her student ID badge from the counter — “Class 2-B,” her classroom. She looked around and sighed, guessing the classroom was on the second floor. After wandering the halls for a few minutes, she finally located it. She was greeted by a quiet group of classmates — typical for the first day of high school, though some already chatted with friends. She searched for a seat and settled at the back, knowing that the front rows were often targeted during recitations, making the back a safer haven. Her observations were interrupted when a boy sat beside her. She was initially surprised but shrugged it off.
She glanced at the boy beside her, studying his features. He had black, slightly messy yet stylishly tousled medium-length hair, deep dark brown eyes, and fair, smooth, lightly tanned skin. The boy noticed her gaze and looked at her with slight discomfort.
“Um, I can choose another seat if you don’t want to sit next to me.” He said calmly.
“Eh? Oh! No no no, it’s fine. I was just—well, I was... Um...”
Rei struggled to find the right explanation. She certainly couldn’t say, “Oh, I was checking you out.” No! That would be utterly weird!
“I was just observing you, hehe. I’m not a creep or a weirdo, I promise!” Rei assured him.
“...okay.” The boy replied flatly, turning back to his own business.
Rei was slightly taken aback by his cold demeanor. Did he just brush me off? she wondered. She decided to brush him off as well and returned her attention to her own matters.
Thirty minutes passed, and their tannin (homeroom teacher) arrived. Everyone straightened their posture, ready to listen.
“You must be my advisory class, I assume? Well, this class looks... well-mannered. Let’s begin with introductions. I’m Tanaka Daiki, your homeroom teacher.”
Minutes later, students took turns standing up to introduce themselves. Eventually, it was the boy beside Rei’s turn. Curious to know his name, she listened attentively.
As he stood before the class, he carried himself with poise.
“Good morning, everyone. I’m Kurogawa Ryota. I’m 16 years old.”
Then — silence. Everyone expected him to say more but was met with quiet. Their tannin looked at Ryota expectantly and asked,
“Is that all you want to share, Ryota?”
Ryota nodded before returning to his seat. Rei was surprised by his minimal introduction; something about Ryota intrigued her, stirring a curiosity to learn more about this quiet, enigmatic boy.
