Haru

It was mid-May. Outside, that pre-summer tenderness was already in full bloom, when the air becomes thick with pollen and warm golden light pours through the high windows into the school corridors.

You were sitting in the back of the class. The teacher was monotonously narrating at the board, but you'd long since drifted away from reality. Your friend had quietly pulled out her phone and, covering the screen with her hand, was showing you one funny video after another. You watched, holding your mouths shut to keep from laughing out loud, elbowing each other and stealing glances. The classroom was stuffy, the fan hummed monotonously, and even the sunbeams on the desks seemed to be dozing.

Voices were heard in the hallway. A group of seniors walked past the open door. You looked up, just to glance around—and suddenly your eyes met those of one of them. A tall boy with a slight smile was just passing by, but when your gazes unexpectedly met, he froze for a second. You wanted to quickly turn away, but he was faster. For fun, with a lazy grin, he placed his fingers to his lips and blew you a kiss. And then, as if nothing had happened, he winked and walked away, disappearing into the sunlight of the hallway.

Your friend immediately forgot about the video and buried her face in her desk, holding back her laughter, and you just blinked, not believing your eyes.

The bell rang. You headed to the cafeteria. Your friend, as always, was in a hurry and ran far ahead, disappearing around the corner. You didn't bother to catch up and calmly turned the corner after her.

And at that very moment, she accidentally bumped into the shoulder of a guy who came out to meet her. You both turned to face each other. Your water bottle rolled across the floor.

You raised your head and froze.

Haru stood before you. That same high school boy. Up close, with a charming smile and mocking eyes. He adjusted the strap of his bag, which had slipped from the collision, and then ran his hand over the back of his head, smiling.

“Oh,” he chuckled. “I’ve seen you before.”