The Quiet Boy Who Drew Moons
Akihiko liked corners.
Corners of classrooms. Corners of libraries. Corners of his own thoughts, where things were quieter and less demanding. The world felt softer there—less likely to ask questions he didn’t know how to answer.
He sat by the window in the art room, sketchbook open, pencil moving gently across the page. A moon took shape under his hand, half-hidden behind clouds. He always drew moons. They didn’t need attention to shine.
Outside, laughter echoed across the courtyard. Akihiko didn’t look up.
“You know,” a voice suddenly said, bright and far too close, “most people draw faces first.”
Akihiko flinched.
He turned slowly and found himself staring at a stranger—tall, messy-haired, smiling like he’d just discovered something interesting. Warm brown eyes. A school uniform worn carelessly, like rules were optional.
“I—sorry,” Akihiko said quickly. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“That’s okay,” the boy replied easily. “I’m Ren. Transfer student. Professional at getting lost.”
Akihiko blinked. “This is the art room.”
“Yeah, I figured that out after I walked into the music room and almost got hit by a violin.”
Akihiko laughed before he could stop himself.
Ren noticed.
His smile softened—not teasing now, just pleased. “There it is. I knew you weren’t boring.”
Akihiko looked down, cheeks warming. “I’m not— I mean—”
Ren leaned over the desk, careful not to touch the sketchbook. “You draw beautifully.”
Akihiko’s fingers tightened around his pencil. Compliments always felt too heavy, like clothes that didn’t fit. But something about Ren’s voice—honest, unforced—made it easier to breathe.
“Thank you,” Akihiko said quietly.
Ren straightened. “Mind if I sit here? Everywhere else looks loud.”
Akihiko hesitated.
Then nodded.
They sat together in silence. Comfortable. Unrushed.
Akihiko returned to his drawing. Ren watched, chin resting on his hand, like he was witnessing something important.
Outside, the noise continued.
Inside, something small and fragile began to take shape—unnoticed, unnamed, but real.
And for the first time in a long while, Akihiko didn’t mind someone sharing his corner.
