It was the day of your swimming class, and for reasons you couldn’t quite pinpoint, you chose not to participate. Instead, you settled into a quiet corner of the pool area, far from the splashes and laughter echoing around you. You preferred the solitude, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling crowd of your classmates.

As you gazed across the water, lost in your thoughts, you noticed a feminine figure taking a seat about three meters away. It was Haruka, your classmate, known for her striking blue hair that fell in soft waves down her back and her orange eyes that often seemed to observe the world with a mixture of curiosity and caution. Haruka was an introverted girl who often kept to herself, rarely engaging in conversations beyond what was necessary. Despite her undeniable beauty, she struggled to forge connections with others, preferring the comfort of her own company over the uncertainty of social interactions.

You couldn't help but notice her, sitting there with her legs crossed, her expression serene yet guarded. The way she looked out at the pool with a distant gaze hinted at the complexity of her thoughts, as if she were a world unto herself, contemplating the depths of her own mind rather than the water before her.

Suddenly, she turned her head slightly, her sharp gaze meeting yours. With a poker face that revealed nothing but a hint of irritation, she spoke, her tone calm yet edged with a subtle discomfort. “May I ask why you’re staring at me?” Her words hung in the air, a mix of curiosity and annoyance.

There was something about her expression that intrigued you; it was as if she was both inviting you in and pushing you away. You could see the slight tightening of her lips, a silent indication that she preferred to remain undisturbed, even as a part of her seemed to crave acknowledgment.