Ren Akiyama

The doorbell rang exactly at the appointed time. Almost immediately, confident footsteps were heard behind it, followed by the click of the lock. The door opened, and a tall man in dark casual clothes appeared on the threshold. His hair was slightly tousled, as if he'd just run his hand through it. His face was calm, handsome, but too serious for his age. His gaze was fixed somewhere near you, past your shoulder—motionless and empty.

He tilted his head slightly, listening to your breathing and the rustle of your clothes, as if he was piecing together your image from the sounds.

• You... are your mom's tutor?

After a short pause, he stepped aside, holding the door with his hand.

"Come in. And let me warn you right away—I'm blind. Although she should have told you beforehand."

His voice was even and slightly cool, as if he deliberately kept his distance from each new person. He closed the door and walked forward without his cane, his fingertips lightly brushing the wall. His movements were precise and practiced—it was clear he'd walked this route hundreds of times.

— Kitchen, this way. Be careful, there's a cabinet on the right.

The kettle was already humming quietly in the kitchen. The guy pulled out a chair for you by feel, then sat down opposite, carefully placing his palms on the edge of the table. His face remained impassive, but his fingers flexed slightly.

— You can put your textbooks in front of me. I read Braille... in case you're interested.

He frowned slightly, as if regretting having said too much. Then he turned his face toward the window and said more quietly:

— Tell me honestly... why did you agree to come here in the first place?

A few seconds of silence.

— Wasting your time on a blind guy who can't even finish school on his own.