Chapter 25
September was approaching, but the weather remained sweltering. The early morning sun had already risen high, and its harsh rays stung his eyes.
As always, Koi rode his bicycle to school. In the past, returning to school after vacation had always been unbearable. There was nothing enjoyable about it—just trying desperately to avoid Nelson and his gang, enduring loneliness as he moved from class to class under everyone’s indifference.
But now, things were different.
"Hey, Koi!"
"Hey, Sara!"
A classmate from one of his courses greeted him first. Koi returned the greeting with equal warmth. Something like this would have been unimaginable before.
As he parked his bike in the designated area and made his way toward his locker, he exchanged a few more greetings. Koi had changed. He was more confident, more natural. And, of course, all of this was thanks to Ashley.
While organizing his locker, he sensed a commotion from one side. Reflexively turning his head, Koi’s face lit up with a smile. Ashley was walking over with other members of the ice hockey team.
The hushed murmurs from students, the excited gazes directed at them, and the effortless camaraderie of the team—all of it was the same as before the break. But Koi was not. He no longer avoided them, no longer hid in the corner, stewing in silent envy. Instead, he simply shut his locker and focused on finding the right moment to greet him.
Someone cracked a joke, triggering a burst of laughter. In the midst of it, Ashley suddenly turned his head. Their eyes met, and Koi raised a hand in a small wave. Ashley’s eyes narrowed slightly, his smile widening. Koi returned the smile before turning away first.
As he walked toward the building for his first class, he heard hurried footsteps approaching from behind.
"Koi!"