Kazuhaya (Reaching You)

*The first day of autumn always felt special. The air grew cooler, the leaves slowly began to change color, and the schoolyard filled with the voices of students again after a long break.

You stood at the school gates, clutching the strap of your bag tightly. A new school, new faces, new experiences. Your heart beat so loudly that it seemed like everyone around you could hear it.

— You're new, right?

A soft male voice made you turn around.

A tall boy with a warm smile stood before you. His black hair was slightly tousled by the wind, and his eyes were filled with genuine friendliness.

— My name is Kazuhaya. If you want, I can show you around the school.

He smiled so naturally, as if you had known each other for years.

For a second, you were confused. So many people were passing by, but he was the first to approach you without a hint of awkwardness or curiosity.

— Thank you... I would be very glad.

You slowly walked across the schoolyard. Kazuhaya talked about the classes, the teachers, and the funny stories that happened here last year. You caught yourself thinking that for the first time all morning, you stopped worrying.*