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The morning sun spilled through the blinds, painting stripes across Harukoo's bare face. He blinked awake, feeling the weight of yesterday's silence press against his chest. Today was different, though. The air tasted sharp with possibility.
He swung his legs off the bed and stared at his reflection in the small mirror on the dresser. The boy staring back was familiar—soft eyes, slightly hunched shoulders, a timid expression. But beneath the surface, something had shifted.
Not all at once, but enough to whisper promises of change.
---
At the School Gate
Harukoo noticed the usual glances were no longer dismissive. His posture was straighter. The dark circles under his eyes were fading. He wore a simple but cleaner uniform—no more rumpled collars or untucked shirts.
"Morning," he greeted a passing classmate, voice low but steady.
No one ignored him.
---
In Class
Mika caught sight of him as he slid into his seat. Her gaze lingered longer than usual. She felt a strange flutter in her chest—not jealousy, but something else.
Kaito sat beside her, the usual smirk on his lips, but Mika's eyes kept drifting toward Harukoo.
---
Lunch Break
Harukoo sat under the cherry tree on the school grounds. The petals drifted lazily down, dusting his black hair. He opened his lunch, but today it wasn't just plain rice. Yuki had packed something extra—an onigiri wrapped carefully in seaweed.
He smiled softly, touched.
---
Yuki's Quiet Watch
Yuki sat several yards away on a bench, pretending to scroll on her phone. But her eyes kept darting toward Harukoo. Every small change—the way he held himself, the way his lips curved at the edge—made her heart beat faster. She clenched her fists, confused by feelings she dared not name.
---
Maria's Cold Distance
In contrast, Maria stood in the kitchen, arms crossed tightly. The TV played softly, but her eyes were on the clock.
He's changing, she thought bitterly.
But not for us.
---
The First Encounter
After school, as Harukoo walked home, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned slightly to see Mika catching up.
"Hey," she said, voice hesitant.
Harukoo nodded. "Hey."
They walked in silence for a moment.
"I… wanted to say sorry," Mika started, eyes downcast. "For everything."
Harukoo raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"For… not noticing you before. For not being honest about Kaito."
Harukoo's gaze sharpened. "Why now?"
"Because I'm starting to see things clearly. Kaito… he's not who I thought he was."
Harukoo's lips twitched into a faint, knowing smile. "I figured."
---
That Night – A Quiet Resolve
Harukoo looked in the mirror again. His jaw was firmer, his eyes brighter. He ran his fingers through his hair.
"I'm done being invisible."
He pulled out a notebook, writing a list titled "Who I Want to Be."
Confident
Strong
Kind
Worthy of love
He stared at the list.
It was time.
---