Chapter 5
Katsuragi Kokoro slid open the classroom door with a soft shhk. The quiet noise barely registered beneath the rising chatter inside the room.
The classroom was already alive.
Clusters of students had formed around desks pushed together. Laughter rang out in short bursts, interrupted by the digital pings of games and group chats. Two boys sat in the middle row, hunched over their phones, yelling in sync—clearly playing the same online match. Nearby, a trio of girls were already exchanging contact info and snacks, laughing like they’d known each other for months instead of minutes.
Already in groups, Kokoro noted quietly.
He stood near the door for a second too long, eyes scanning the room, his hand still lightly gripping the strap of his bag. The warmth of the morning sunlight filtered through the windows, but it didn’t reach him.
A tight feeling bloomed in his chest. Not unfamiliar.
Just like middle school.
Everyone else seemed to slip into groups so easily—like they’d been waiting for each other. Meanwhile, Kokoro had always been on the outside, trailing behind conversations or watching from his seat while others laughed and connected.
He exhaled silently and moved forward, his footsteps lost under the classroom buzz.
Then his eyes were drawn to her.
Seated at the center of the room, by the window, was a girl who seemed untouched by the chaos. Her white hair shimmered like moonlight, barely grazing her shoulders. Her eyes, pale and deep, were fixed on the cherry blossoms fluttering outside.