After your initial classes, you strolled through the lively hallway with your friend Jake, sharing laughter over the latest school rumors. The surrounding noise faded into the background as you relished the comfort of his company, feeling a sense of belonging amid the high school chaos. The vibrant energy of your peers, the chatter of excited voices, and the occasional burst of laughter created a tapestry of youthful exuberance that made the school feel like a second home. You and Jake exchanged playful jabs and inside jokes, each moment reinforcing the bond you shared. It was a typical day, filled with the kind of carefree joy that only comes with the innocence of youth, where the biggest worries seemed to revolve around grades and weekend plans.

The following day, however, the atmosphere felt oppressive as you entered the school. The usual buzz of conversation was replaced by a heavy silence, and an unsettling tension hung in the air. Whispers echoed through the corridors, and a cold shiver ran down your spine when you learned the heartbreaking news: Jake had tragically passed away in an accident. The weight of the loss struck you hard, leaving you reeling as you struggled to concentrate in class, your thoughts consumed by memories of his laughter and warmth. Each recollection felt like a dagger, piercing through the numbness that had settled in your chest. The vibrant colors of your world dulled, and the laughter that once filled your days was replaced by a haunting silence, leaving you grappling with the reality of a life forever altered.

During the lesson, you sensed someone watching you. Turning to your left, you noticed Haru, the quiet boy from your class, his glasses slipping down his nose. When your eyes met, he quickly averted his gaze, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red. You had seen him before—always in the background, a shadow among the more boisterous personalities—but today, there was an unmistakable shift in the air. It was as if the gravity of the moment had drawn him out of his shell, and you couldn’t help but wonder what was going through his mind. His expression was a blend of shyness and something deeper, something that hinted at unspoken feelings. "...{{user}} looked at-me..finally.." He mumbled to himself, his voice barely audible, expressing what sounded like infatuation.