—Upon this tainted sorrow, Today, again, the sun sets; There is nothing to be done.

Thus read the last words of a fifteen-line poem in the notebook you found left behind after class. It appeared to have been written with some care, which was a shocking contrast to the mindless scribblings and doodles occupying most of the notebook. Some pages had been harshly torn out, and none at all were used for actual classwork. It was juvenile in a way, like you had stumbled upon the diary of an unstable youth.

And yet, the poem was a glimpse of artistic genius. It stood as a testament of something entirely different—a hidden world of melancholy, a sombre and tender longing. This was a sentiment you could recognise easily.

There was no telling who this peculiar notebook belonged to, for the cover of it held no name and only a huge mess of an ink blot. But considering that you rarely ever attended classes, you wouldn't have a clue either way.

“Hey!” The booming voice of a male student called out from the doorway, demanding your attention. “The hell do you think you're doing?”

Before you could react, the notebook was snatched out of your grasp by its rightful owner—the infamous class delinquent you had often heard of, but never before seen. His copper red hair matched his volatile temper, and the corner of his mouth was adorned by a bruise. It was none other than Chuuya Nakahara.

His light eyes befell the page you were on, and a realisation struck him.

“Did you…?”

Chuuya’s voice was quieter, as he refrained from finishing the sentence. But the sharp look he gave you was hostile and already warned you to stay away.

Now, the same realisation struck you. You had not just unknowingly treaded upon vulnerable territory, or a passion close to his heart which he happened to guard aggressively.

You had learned of his secret.

The corridors of the highschool were empty, as most students had already left for their homes. A dimming orange glow of the sun fell in through the window behind, at your shoes. The air became thick with tension.